প্ৰকাশিত: 19.04.2019
For the last week in the south of Sri Lanka, only one thing counted: surfing, surfing, and even more surfing.
A bit secluded, about 10 minutes away from Matara, lies the Infinity Surfcamp. Here, surfing enthusiasts Jan and Leo have fulfilled their dream. A beautiful property as a surfhouse right on a wonderful beach break. With a breathtaking view of the beach of Meddawatta, you can not only relax, unwind, or raise a toast to the last wave with a beer or two - but you already have a view of the waves when you wake up in the morning and can quickly decide whether it's worth paddling out.
The vibe of the camp is pleasantly relaxed. With only 16 guests and a team of surf instructors, a yoga teacher, and a photographer, it feels more like a big family than a typical camp as you know it. Breakfast is served together and for dinner, Jan's delicious dishes are served on large plates, so everyone can take as much as they want, depending on their hunger, which is usually quite large after a surf session.
Thus, the Infinity Surfcamp is far from the typical party camps. The focus is on qualified surf coaching, so you can really improve your surf technique here.
So what can I tell you?
Together with Tom, we mainly focused on wave reading this time. The motto should be, the more waves, the more you can learn. And that's exactly what happened. Wave reading - especially on a rough day at the beach break - is still not quite easy for me. But after a few wipeouts, we all got some really good waves.
On the second day, we went to a point break about 1 hour away. Unfortunately, it was painfully shown to us that if you don't really follow the rules, some things can happen. Not only did I have a crash where my board got two new dings. For non-surfers: when we talk about a ding, it means that the surfboard has sustained damage.
But also, some other surfers had some unpleasant encounters with each other. Fortunately, no one got hurt. Well, Kamikaze Lena (that's what I call myself now) got her foot stuck on the reef. This cost me a few evening surf sessions, as the wound had to heal. But the time was used to practice yoga, read, or have interesting conversations.
In the afternoon of the last day, I went to Ahangama by train with the girls from the camp to enjoy the beach at Dreamsea. It was a new experience to travel by train in Sri Lanka.
With some delay and all sweaty (the train was packed), we returned to the camp and the whole group ended the last evening with a shared dinner and afterwards played Beer Pong. The hangover was inevitable.
With some scrapes and scratches, but also wonderful waves and great days, I have to pack my bag again. Thanks to the team of Infinity Surfcamps, it felt like being part of the family! Hopefully, we'll meet again somewhere in the world for some more surfing.
But luckily, the post-travel blues doesn't set in! Now I can look forward to wonderful weeks Down Under. Cowabunga Dudes!