Arugam Bay Surfing

Add comment November 2nd, 2011

ISA training for Sri Lanka Surfers!

ARUGAM BAY SURFERS WITH ISA OFFICIAL ADRIAN SORATI (Photo courtesy/copyright of AiyaSurfPhotography)

Ten of Sri Lanka’s top surfers and members of Arugam Bay Surf Club received formal ISA (International Surfing Association) Training following the Sri Lankan Airlines Pro 2011 Surf Event in Arugam Bay.
The young talented surfers were trained by the ISA’s Coaching & Instructing Program Official Presenter for Sri Lanka, Adrian Sorati, from Australia.

ADRIAN GIVING INSTRUCTION TO ABSC MEMBERS (Photo courtesy/copyright AiyaSurfPhotography)

The programme was sponsored by ASP Australasia, Arugam Bay Beach Wear, ISA, Paddle4Relief (UK) and the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.
Adrian, an ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) Australasia Contest Official, is well known to the young surfers following the 2010 Sri Lankan Airlines Pro. Adrian, along with Tim Tanton from the UK based charity P4R, are at the forefront of developing surfing in Sri Lanka. Tim and Adrian have been close friends since their collaboration in promoting Sri Lankan Surfing since 2010 with ASP Australasia General Manager and World Tour Director, Dane Jordan.

ADRIAN WITH JANITH, KRISH & FRANCIS (Photo courtesy/copyright AiyaSurfPhotography)

Tim approached Adrian following a meeting with Arugam Bay Surf Club (ABSC) Secretary, Krishantha Ariyasena and ABSC main sponsor and advisor, Ajaiy Virr Singh, Founder and Chief Executive of Arugam Bay Beach Wear.
Ajaiy of Arugam Bay Beach Wear recognises the importance of surfing to not only Sri Lanka’s economy, but also to the coastal communities like those in Arugam Bay. He realises the importance of the ABSC development in providing opportunities to the local surfers, possibly world wide opportunites!
Ajaiy, Tim, Adrian and Dane, are amazed at the potential both Arugam Bay surfers, and those from other areas of Sri Lanka have. They acknowledge the enthusiasm and dedication that a number of the surfers have for their chosen sport.

ABSC ISA TRAINEES WITH STUDENTS SALLY & NATASHA (Photo courtesy/copyright AiyaSurfPhotography)

Those participating were : Krishantha Ariyasena, Lafeer Fawas, T.Janith, A.H.Sril Praneeth, A.H.Roshantha, A.H.Milan, P.Francis, R.Aravin, K.H.Lesitha Prabath, P.B.Praneeth Sadaruwan.
All ten of the trainees passed the initial 2 day Level 1 Instructor Program and are now in the process of completing the 20 Hours of Instructor Training Practical Assessment that is required before a final examination in 2012.
They were fortunate to have two enthusiastic student volunteers on the day in Sally and Natasha from Australia, who enjoyed the whole experience.

INSTRUCTORS JANITH & LESITHA WITH STUDENTS SALLY & NATASHA (Photo courtesy/copyright AiyaSurfPhotography)

Special mention to Tiki Surf International and Sunset Surfboards for their support in providing equipment thro P4R and to Fred of SiamView, Arugam Bay, for providing the local surf club with a base to work from.

Article provided by :

Tim Tanton – Overseas Fundraising Manager of SFSL and Founder/Chairman of P4R

Add comment September 20th, 2011

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

Touching new photos on the website

I have just uploaded the latest batch of photos to a new gallery 13.
Please use the gallery link on the menu bar, or just click the photo in the P4R Info section.
The photos contain some touching shots and great fun ones of the Cricket Club!
Glorious sunset on the beach in Sri Lanka.
Have a look and enjoy.
Don’t forget, the big day - Paddle 2009 - is only a few days away!
Good luck Tim and Paul and everyone else involved in the big day.

Add comment June 7th, 2009

CRYSTAL WATER ON THE WAY FOR LOCAL CHARITY

Braunton based charity Paddle4Relief are launching their biggest fundraising year since their birth in 2005!
P4R’s first event will be ‘The Usual Suspects’ music gig at The Aggi, Braunton, on Saturday 28th March.

Paddle4Relief has it nailed when it comes to putting a show together, and “The Usual Suspects” promises to be no exception. Back by popular demand, an exciting line up has been announced including headliner Peter Bruntnell, Jim Jones, Douglas E Powell & the Readers, and Robin Courtnage in Brixton Pieces- the best of Devon based talent.

For four years now, Paddle4Relief have been helping the forgotten victims of the 2004 Asian Tsunami, raising over £16,000 to help provide safe drinking water and numerous community projects in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, and this vital work must continue!

In 2008 P4R provided more than forty families with safe drinking water following the completion of nine Well Projects. A further four have been completed already this year. Help us to raise the £1500 to complete a firther ten Well Projects in 2009.

This famously well-supported event kicks of at 8.00pm, entry price £3.50.

Add comment March 17th, 2009

Updated info on the forthcoming Aggi Gig on 28th March

Paddle4Relief presents ‘The Usual Suspects!’ . . . . . these are massively talented musicians who have supported Paddle4Relief from the very beginning!

at The Aggi, Braunton on Saturday 28th March 2009. From 8.00pm - 11.30pm.

Peter Bruntnell headlining!

Douglas E Powell and The Readers

The Devil Delta Blues Band

Jim Jones

Peter Bruntnell

An absolutely awesome line up.

Entry on the door - £3.50

All proceeds go to Charity.

2 comments February 25th, 2009

Massive thanks; Huge Loss!

Guys and gals,

it is with regret that i have to inform you that our media officer, Chantal Denham, has resigned from the Paddle4Relief Team. Chantal has gone to follow her dreams.

Chantal was only with us for a short time but managed to make a huge impact in raising awareness and funds for this small Devon based charity. She has a gift that draws in people; informative and compelling; magnetising and electric; an extremely valuable individual.

Chantal’s energy, motivation, enthusiasm and fun loving outlook on life, combined with her excellent communication skills inspired the children in Sri Lanka  immensely. As i have said in previous blogs; the children of Arugam Bay miss her dearly. It was heart tearing, and an enormous emotional burden to keep trying to explain to them that Chantal had returned to the UK. In spite of my explainations they continued to ask every day ‘Chantal coming?’ Not just one child, but many! It was like a stack of dominoes falling as i walked through the village, coming across child after child.

Chantal went out to Arugam Bay in September 2008. The first member of the team to join me in one of many aid trips i have taken to this tropical island over the past four years. Chantal focused her energies on teaching at the Montessori School that P4R renovated and extended in 2006. She had the vision to make improvements in the facilities and teaching methods, and increased the number of activity sessions with the young local children; so improving social interaction and development.

I, and the rest of the P4R Team, wish Chantal the very best for the future. I am sure she will achieve her dreams in completing her TEFL course, and working abroad with children.

Thank you Chantal. You will be sorely missed. Be safe in all you do. Enjoy lifes rich tapestry and hopefully we will be blessed with your presence in the future.

Suba Dawasak

Timothy

1 comment January 13th, 2009

A New Year!

Happy New Year to all. I hope that everyone has a fun filled and prosperous 2009.

I know it is a week or more into the year but i feel it’s better late than never to let others know of ones’ thoughts and wishes.

I must admit that personal issues, renovating my house and panicing over my TEFL course have been the reasons for not passing on my New Year wishes. Sorry.

It looks like it will be a tough year with the economic crisis but the Paddle4Relief Team are determined to put a smile on your face with some awesome fund raising events.

The festive period was a time of reflection for me. A time to remember 4yrs ago, of that horrific day! A day that the people of Sri Lanka, and elsewhere in the world that were affected by the tsunami try to forget. It was the day their lives were turned upside down and inside out. Nothing is really the same and nothing will be. Their memories are so painful. They carry on because they have to, but in their hearts the grief remains, the memories, the pain, the dispair. I see it so often when i am there. I hear it. “Why did it have to happen?”. “Why us?”. It tears me apart, brings me to tears. I know there is so much suffering in the world. I’ve seen so much through my travels. I dearly wish i had a magic wand to make everything alright. To take away the pain, the hunger, the thirst, and the distressing memories.

We can make a difference! We can put a smile on a childs face, food in their mouth, and fresh water to drink. We can organise activities, swimming, cricket, face painting and plant potting! We can help them to laugh and enjoy life. We can show them that others care about them.

By doing what we do, we put a smile on our own faces! So please, support us again in 2009. Enjoy the social fund raising experiences. Remember that when we have a beer, or glass of wine, there are others who are struggling to find safe drinking water for their children. P4R have been doing that. We have so far helped around 50 families gain access to safe drinking water. Let’s not stop the good work. We may be small, but we make a difference.

Join us, help us, have fun with us, come to Sri Lanka with us and experience the beautiful island with its beautiful people.

I’m now off my soap box and heading for a surf!

Thank you for reading my wittering on!

Stay positive, live life every day, and love your family and friends.

Tim

Add comment January 9th, 2009

Merry Christmas

May i take this opportunity to wish all the Paddle4relief team and the p4r supporters a very merry Christmas and an extremely prosperous New Year. Thank you to all of you for your support throughout 2008. May you all be blessed with good health and happiness. I look forward to catching up with you all at the 2009 events.

Hopefully there will soon be pictures of our latest trip to Sri Lanka on the website. Apologies for the delay but out of our control as sometimes technology does go kapput!

Be safe in all you do. Enjoy, and live for the day. May laughter and happiness be all around you all.

Thank you.

Tim

ps - massive thanks to Matt and John for this awesome website.

1 comment December 24th, 2008

Tim’s Diary - Goodbyes!

The kids are destroying me at present, have been for the past two days. They are upset that i am leaving. Their tears are tearing me apart. I am back to wearing the sunnies to hide my tears. Don’t want them to see me shedding tears. I have to be strong, keep smiling and laughing for them. Giving them reassurance that i will be back, yet not knowing if i will be! It hurts, hurts more every time i come out. The bond becomes stronger on every visit. I wish i had more time. More time to spend with them. It takes so little to give them so much. And them to make my life so much richer.

I know that it is hard to understand for those of you who have not experienced what i have. To realise the difference one can make. I know i have critics back home, but fortunately not here. Here they see what i do. They share the experience with me. They don’t understand what i do in the UK but that is not important. What is important is the time i spend here with the community, building the trust and relationships. For the parents to allow me to take their children to the sea to swim. For them to trust me after such losses four years ago.

This is my last few hours here. I have 10hrs in a van before arriving at the airport. The journey is tiring but the experience allows me to spend that time reflecting. It is emotional but i’ll not change it for anything. I am prepared to sacrifice a huge amount of my life and opportunities just so that i can give a little to those that have suffered so much, and will never have the opportunities that i have had.

I thank my parents for my life being so rich. My true friends for allowing me to be me, supporting me, and accepting that i am human and that i am not perfect, and i make mistakes, and hopefully i learn from them. And i thank all of you who have supported me in allowing me to achieve so much. Be safe in all you. Be happy. Thank you.

See you in the UK.

Tim

2 comments December 13th, 2008