From May to November 2024, we embarked on our off-season journey. While it may sound like a time of rest, it was quite the opposite! We were active and committed, advancing our mission to empower Sri Lankan women through our Swim & Surf Academy, awareness-building initiatives and community events. We were also featured in an exhibition, extended our networks globally, and even won an award. Here's look back at what we achieved.
The Next Generation of Instructors: Our Swim & Surf Academy
Working in Nature’s Rhythm
Before we dive into our off-season highlights, we want to share more about how our seasons work - something that might be unfamiliar to those who aren’t from Sri Lanka. At SeaSisters, our activities flow with the rhythm of nature. Our year is divided into two distinct seasons:
Season (December to April): This is when the surf season in southern Sri Lanka peaks, with ideal waves and weather. We dedicate this time to running most of our Swim & Surf programs. It also coincides with the peak tourist season, during which we facilitate educational workshops and experiences for tourists.
Off-Season (May to November): Marked by the monsoon rains, these "quieter" months are reserved for organisational development, educational initiatives, specialized swim and surf training, and community outreach. November is a “transition” month, as the waves gradually return, and we prepare to kick off the next season.
Waves of Change: Our Off-Season Programs
During the off-season, we continued our Swim & Surf Academy, a year-long initiative supporting nine dedicated Sri Lankan women - Himaya, Ishi, Nethmi, Omaya, Prathibha, Rashmi, Sashika, Tharundya and Udani - with advanced coaching to improve their skills, and eventually become swim and surf instructors.
Did you know that there are hardly any female swim instructors in rural areas? Our Academy girls are on a mission to change this!
We hosted 26 sessions that included exploring new surf spots, swim lessons at the community pool in Matara and online theory classes when the ocean was too stormy. One major achievement is that our Academy girls are already stepping up into instructors' roles, actively assisting our international coaches during lessons and events. A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers - Ani, Jazmin, Lucy and Sabrina - and to our partners at Yaka Surf Club in Weligama Main Point for providing essential support!
Left: Head instructor Ani shows the Academy girls how to do it.
Right: Sashika is taking over!
Furthermore, we hosted our first “Discover Your Inner Surfer” event, welcoming 20 local women from different parts of Sri Lanka, to explore the joy of surfing for the first time! Some even travelled over three hours to join us. Their overwhelmingly positive feedback encouraged us to continue this program. Thank you to Green Rooms Weligama for hosting us and making this event such a success.
“When I joined SeaSisters, I realised it’s not just a place for local girls to learn swimming and surfing, it’s also a supportive and empowering community. It takes me around six hours to travel back and forth to Weligama, but I am happy to make the journey because SeaSisters offers a truly special experience.” (Imashi, from Elpitiya)
“There are several reasons why girls from my community aren’t involved in water sports like surfing. Cultural expectations sometimes discourage girls from taking up activities that are seen as unconventional. Surfing was such an empowering experience for me! It felt incredible to try something new, step outside my comfort zone, and connect with the ocean.” (Shanaz, from Colombo)
Growing our Community & Inspiring the Next Generation
We’re incredibly proud to see our movement continue to grow, welcoming women from all across Sri Lanka. This off-season, our community blossomed to over 90 members! To foster connection, empowerment, and fun, we hosted a series of enriching community events, such as a yoga and mental health session, a field trip to the mangroves at Revaka Lagoon, a beach clean-up in Weligama and recently, an invigorating ice bath session.
Special thanks to Hangtime and Ice Weligama for hosting these events, and our tour guides from Ocean University for showing us the unique mangrove ecosystem.
Some Impressions from our Community Events
Furthermore, we inspired the next generation of ocean lovers by launching our SeaSisters Ocean School Program. Over 120 schoolgirls from the local village in Weligama participated, learning about the importance of swimming, surfing, ocean conservation, and environmental awareness.
A key focus was highlighting the growing opportunities in surf tourism and how it can empower women in coastal communities, while also fostering a sense of ocean stewardship. Hearing their stories and aspirations for personal transformation has been truly heartwarming. We aim to expand this program on a larger scale, empowering students across Sri Lanka.
Back to School - Our Team Teaching about the Ocean (Swipe)
From Sri Lanka to the World: SeaSisters Shine in International Exhibition
A major highlight of this off-season has been our partnership with the Alliance Française de Colombo to host a SeaSisters exhibition in Colombo. The event was part of ‘Sport Friendly’, an international photography project by French-Argentinian artist Emilien Buffard, celebrating sports teams promoting diversity and inclusion.
SeaSisters proudly represented Sri Lanka as one of 16 featured teams worldwide. The exhibition showcased our work breaking barriers, with stunning pictures by Sri Lankan photographer Munira Mutaher.
Watch the video for highlights of the opening event!
While our Colombo exhibition highlighted individual SeaSisters and team portraits, our ‘main picture,’ featuring Himaya Hewamadduma, toured 16 exhibitions globally, including in Argentina, Spain, France, Mexico, and the United States.
The Colombo exhibition opened on Saturday, June 29th, with a thought-provoking panel discussion on inclusivity in sports. Moderated by Widya Kumarasinghe, co-founder of Everystory Sri Lanka, speakers included photographer Munira Mutaher, women's right activist and mountainer Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala and SeaSisters Kalpa Gandhari and Udani Hewamadduma.
Panel discussion - Swipe to see more!
The exhibition opening was a great success, attracting visitors from Colombo and across Sri Lanka. Our SeaSisters participants made the journey from the South coast, accompanied by several proud mothers, which made the day even more special. It was a proud moment for everyone involved, seeing the photographs displayed in "real life", and our work being featured in several national newspapers.
Kalpa Gandhari Recognized as a Top Female Changemaker in Sri Lanka's Shine 50 List
Our local co-director Kalpa Gandhari has been recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s top female changemakers, earning a spot on the prestigious Shine 50 list. This initiative, launched by Echelon Magazine and Neon Media LK in partnership with USAID, aims to spotlight young women who are redefining leadership, driving change in fields such as entrepreneurship, environmental advocacy, and technology.
Congratulations Kalpa - we're so proud of you!
Kalpa’s inspiring journey took her to Shine 50 Regional Events in Colombo, Galle, and Jaffna, where she shared valuable insights and inspired women across the country. We also extend our congratulations to all the incredible women who made it onto the Shine 50 list and whose work is making a real difference in Sri Lanka.
SeaSisters on the Global Stage: From WSL Pure's Takeover to AWID Forum in Bangkok
We’re thrilled to have extended our reach even further, making waves beyond Sri Lanka. A highlight was our collaboration with the World Surf League (WSL), where we took over WSL Pure’s Instagram account for a day during International Surfing Day, giving us the chance to share our mission with a wider audience and to redefine the 'typical' image of the surfer girl.
We also began exchanging insights and strengthening our collective efforts with like-minded organizations such as Ocean Folx (Indonesia), Brown Buddies (India and Maldives), and SOMA (Sao Tome, Africa). Co-founder and executive director Martina Burtscher joined the inaugural cohort of Undercurrent, an online program and platform for ocean activists focused on capacity building, leadership, and nature connection.
So exciting - Kalpa and Udani fly for the first time in their lives!
SeaSisters also became a proud member of AWID (Association for Women's Rights in Development), a global network that supports feminist movements for gender justice and women’s human rights. The momentum continues as Kalpa and Udani have just arrived in Thailand for their first international trip to represent SeaSisters at the 15th AWID International Forum in Bangkok, building alliances with other movements around the world.
Becoming a Member of 1% for the Planet
Last but not least, we joined another incredible network: we’ve officially become an environmental partner of 1% for the Planet, a renowned global network that connects businesses with environmental organisations. As a partner, we have the opportunity to receive funding from businesses that commit at least 1% of their annual sales to impactful initiatives like ours. We’re incredibly grateful for our first supporters: Sundream Travel, Future Eco Surf School, and Soul & Surf Sri Lanka!
Are you a 1% for the Planet business member? You can support us here.
Discover Sri Lanka’s Stunning Diversity with SeaSisters and Sundream Travels in 2025
And finally, another dream come true! Together with Sundream Travels, an ethical tour operator, we’re hosting an all-women’s group trip around Sri Lanka from February 8th to 20th, 2025.
Alongside fellow female travelers from around the world, you will explore the incredible diversity of Sri Lanka - discovering stunning natural landscapes, marveling at ancient traditions, and connecting meaningfully with the local culture and Sri Lankan women. By joining this tour, you’ll travel ethically and sustainably while giving back to the local community. All profits of this tour support our work to empower more Sri Lankan women.
Want to join this unique and empowering journey?
The Team Behind the Scenes
Our off-season success was made possible by a small but dedicated team: A big thank you to co-director Kalpa and program manager Udani for running all programs on the ground, and to co-founder and executive director Martina for overseeing everything behind the scenes. Special thanks also goes to our swim and surf instructors Ani, Jazmin, Lucy and Sabrina, to our community facilitator Prathibha and the Academy Girls, who are stepping up into instructor roles. We also extend our thanks to our advisors, co-founder Amanda Prifti and Mahishaa Balraj.
As we prepare for the next season, we're excited to expand our team. We welcome Sashika Lakshani, who joins us part-time as program and event coordinator. Additionally, we'll be supported by professional volunteers Isis Coddington Wiratunga and Ema Rizo Patron, who will assist in scaling our social media and fundraising efforts. We're confident that, with this amazing team, our upcoming season will be a complete success!
“I feel very lucky to join the SeaSisters team. Now, I feel like I'm finally doing what I want. SeaSisters is the biggest turning point in my life.” (Sashika, Event Coordinator)
Next Steps: Support Our Biggest Season Ever!
Our 7th season is almost here, and we’re thrilled to share - it’s going to be our biggest one yet! We’re launching new swim & surf programs, expanding our impact, and bringing some exciting surprises for tourists. Want to learn more and support us? Visit our GoFundMe campaign, where we’re unveiling all our exciting plans!
A big thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey so far - we truly couldn’t have made it this far without you. We hope you’ll continue to follow and support us as we move forward!
With gratitude,
Your SeaSisters
Contribute to Our GoFundMe and Help Make Season 7 the Most Impactful Ever!
Written by Martina Burtscher
Photos by Jana Otte - Mood Studio Agency
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