must say a huge thanks to Step…
must say a huge thanks to Steph, Stuart, Mark and Chantal for todays interview filming exploits! Hurrah 4 http://www.maniacfilms.com/
Add comment August 27th, 2009
Archive for August, 2009
News Flash!
Arugam Bay Surfer, Krishantha, has been released from hospital following a freak, life threatening, surfing accident. The 21 year old, one of Sri lanka’s top sixteen surfers, and Project manager for Paddle4Relief, was thought to have broken his neck after being drilled into the sand at his local break. Fortunately two quick acting, travelling surfers from Israel, pulled Krish from the water, and so preventing him from drowning. Krish was then taken to a hospital two hours away, in Monaragala, by his elder brother Thusantha, where following numerous tests and X-rays, was seen by a specialist from Colombo, and given a favourable prognosis.
Krish is now at home, frustrated at having to wear a neck brace in searing heat and not being allowed to surf or do any work. Just to rest.
If it were not for Krish’s youth, strength and fitness, and the rapid response of the two Israel Surfers, we would most possibly be mourning the death of a very talented, caring and conscientious young man, who devotes his life to his family, friends and community.
Krishantha’s accident again highlights the need for qualified Surf Life Savers and a Medical Centre in Arugam Bay.
Please help us to raise enough money to make this possible.
Now with the Civil War over, and with the prospect of more tourists and surfers visiting the area, the need for such resources is vital.
Paddle4relief are committed to making this happen, and in making it a viable, sustainable project that will see some of the local watermen gain vital knowledge, qualifications and employment.
So, if you can help in any way, please contact tim@paddle4relief.co.uk.
Donations of money or equipment would be extremely beneficial, and gratefully received.
Krishantha malee, may you have a speedy recovery, and may we be blessed with your presence in the line-up @ ABay once more.
Add comment August 24th, 2009
has had a surf . . . . . and n…
has had a surf . . . . . and now going to his niece’s wedding! Suited n booted . . . . tails n all that!
Add comment August 22nd, 2009
is exhausted! But we did raise…
is exhausted! But we did raise enough money for another Well Project at tonights gig! Thank you to everyone who did their bit tonight
Add comment August 22nd, 2009
ABay Invasion - Article
A light hearted note!
My beloved Abay!
An invasion of the surfing pre-madonnas from the UK into my adoptive village in Sri Lanka. Oh how they brought carnage to the line up!! Scared off all the travelling surfers - some of which just bolted to their cabanas and only surfaced once the sponsored surfers and their entourage had left! Oh how i received such verbal onslaught from these travelling surfers.
Having travelled on the Thursday, as part of the first group, I made my escape at the Bandaranaike Airport on the Friday afternoon. I left the exclusive group to wallow in living the high life at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo, for a night. I knew where my high life would be! In Abay with my adopted family, eating rice n curry. I frantically travelled through the monsoon rainstorms to my home, our final destination, Arugam Bay, reaching there long before my driver intended! Now Sri Lankans drive fast and chaotically, but I was on a mission! When the driver went to get water, I grabbed my opportunity and jumped into the drivers seat, informing him on his return that he was in the back, I was driving! Three hours and numerous security checks later we were in Abay.
My planned quiet surf a few hours later, was not as quiet as intended! The verbal onslaught from the travelling surfers a constant reminder of the week to come! They were somewhat aggrieved! Apparently it was my fault that they wouldn’t be getting waves, as I had the audacity to encourage the UK Pro Surf Tour to come to Arugam Bay for a surfing competition! Me!!
Me at Abay, my home! (Photograph copyright Alex Williams)
I smiled the Sri Lankan smile and replied ‘it’s not about you and your wants’, ‘it’s about the needs of the community, and how they may benefit from it, and be able to feed their families as a result of the circus coming to town!!’
Arugam Bay is my home now, I am Sri Lankan! And I have been determined to help the community get back on it’s feet since the 2004 Asian Tsunami and the devastating affects of the civil war.
So I won’t get as many waves for a week! So I surf a 9′ 5” Gulf Stream log! So I am a long boarder! Somebody has to be, don’t they? But Abay is my home break! It doesn’t mean I won’t surf the Main Point! I’ll compete with the pro boys for a wave, seek sympathy, smile, complain of old age, and hopefully snag a wave or three! I’ll enjoy what they and the tour bring to the village and especially what they bring to the local surf boys. I have watched Asanka, Krishantha, Milan, Santa. Praneeth, Siril, Ata, Babu grow up, from boys to men. They had a ball and learnt a lot. And perhaps, the pro boys learnt a thing or two as well!
It was fun having the opportunity to show off my adopted home, to show so many that it was safe to travel to Arugam Bay and that the waves are consistent, fun and world class! The community needs surfers to return, to bring their friends and families, and to embrace an area so devastated by both the tsunami and the affects of the civil war.
And on a special note! It allowed me to make so many new and talented friends with huge caring hearts. Who showed empathy towards my beloved community.
Special memories will be of Potti Point one evening. Having a chill surf with the sun going down. Josh loving the rock on the take off! Foolish youth! Tony snapping away at surfers jumping off rocks! Lloydy ‘have you seen my picture in the paper’ Lloyd and Aaron snagging a few waves, and me, well, just loving it – sharing my home with new friends.
And I was blessed! Truly blessed! It allowed me to venture off to other point breaks with my good friend and fellow North Devon surfer, Nick ‘Lloydy’ Lloyd.
Lloydy in ABay (Photograph copyright Aiya Surf Photography)
A surfer who has as big a heart as me, although a somewhat larger belly than me! A man who has fallen in love with Pineapple curry and Tapioca Chips! A real surfing gent and who scored some fun waves whilst experiencing the real Sri Lanka! War torn and Tsunami destroyed areas further north, security blocked areas further south, but true Sri Lankan style. On a mission for waves with our joking, dancing Tuk Tuk driver Tissa.
Tissa and Lloydy (Photograph copyright Aiya Surf Photography)
Tuk Tuk! (Photograph copyright Aiya Surf Photography)
2010 – bring it on!
Tim Tanton
6 comments August 20th, 2009
has returned from a cracking s…
has returned from a cracking surf at Puts and . . . . met Mr Bob McTavish! How nice a guy is he! An absolute gent of a man. Total respect!
Add comment August 19th, 2009
and on friday night we have a …
and on friday night we have a newby band playing for us - http://www.myspace.com/tiedloose Check em out!
Add comment August 19th, 2009
suggests a listen - www.myspac…
suggests a listen - http://www.myspace.com/fallingapartpunkband hopefully performing in 2010 for paddle4relief
Add comment August 19th, 2009
is on a work fest! Working tow…
is on a work fest! Working towards the next trip to sunny SL!
Add comment August 18th, 2009
Get well soon Krishantha malee…
Get well soon Krishantha malee. Our thoughts are with you. Will be seeing you soon bro
Add comment August 17th, 2009
