SeaSisters Season 8: New Shores, Local Leadership, and a Growing Movement
- SeaSisters
- Aug 17
- 10 min read
From November 2025 to April 2026, SeaSisters entered one of the most meaningful chapters of our journey so far. Season 8 was a season of transformation, growth, and new beginnings - marking two major milestones for our movement: the transition to a fully Sri Lankan-led leadership team and the expansion of our surf programmes beyond Weligama for the first time.
From the familiar waves of Weligama to the new shores of Kabalana and Hiriketiya, we continued to create opportunities for women and girls to build confidence, connect with the ocean, and discover new possibilities.
This season reminded us that growth is measured not only by how many waves we catch, but also by how many barriers we break, how many voices we amplify, and how many women step forward to lead.
With swimming and surfing programmes, community events, workshops, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, Season 8 brought together our SeaSisters community in new and exciting ways.
Moments we will cherish forever!
New Shores: Bringing SeaSisters Beyond Weligama
Since our beginning, Weligama has been the heart of SeaSisters. It is where many women and girls first stepped into the ocean, learned to swim, caught their first waves, and discovered a new sense of confidence.
But Season 8 brought a new milestone: for the first time, SeaSisters expanded our surf programmes beyond Weligama.
This season, we brought our ocean empowerment programmes to new coastal communities in Kabalana and Hiriketiya, creating opportunities for more local girls to experience surfing and ocean education.
A Day by the Ocean
Through our collaboration with Parley Sri Lanka, SeaSisters joined the “ A Day by the Ocean: Surf and Education” programme at Kabalana Beach, where we guided children from Child Action Lanka through ocean activities and surfing experiences.
A total of 16 SeaSisters members, together with volunteers and local partners, helped create a day filled with curiosity, connection, and joy.
Hiriketiya Surf Pop-Up
Later in the season, we partnered with Tropicsurf for our Hiriketiya Surf Pop-Up Event, bringing SeaSisters’ ocean empowerment approach to a new coastal community.
The event welcomed 14 girls - 12 students from Ocean University in Tangalle, aspiring future marine scientists, and 2 local girls from the Hiriketiya area - who caught their first waves.
A big shoutout to the Tropicsurf Sri Lanka team for their in-person support, guidance, and energy in making this surf experience possible.
Expanding beyond Weligama is an important step in our vision to make surfing and ocean access more inclusive across Sri Lanka. What started as a small initiative on one beach is now reaching new shores, new communities, and new generations of ocean-loving women and girls.
A Movement Led From Within
Season 8 was also a historic moment for SeaSisters as we completed an important leadership transition.
This process has been years in the making, with a continued focus on strengthening local leadership season by season.
Leadership Transition Celebration
After years of dedication and commitment, Martina Burtscher, co-founder of SeaSisters, transitioned from her role as Executive Director of SeaSisters Lanka to become a Board Member & Advisor.
Following this transition, Kalpa Gandhari and Udani Hewamadduma - who have both held leadership roles within SeaSisters for several years - stepped into shared responsibility for executive leadership.
SeaSisters is now fully led by a Sri Lankan leadership team.
This milestone represents more than a change in roles. It reflects the vision behind SeaSisters from the beginning: creating a movement that is rooted in local knowledge, local leadership, and the lived experiences of the women and girls we work with.
Today, SeaSisters is shaped and led by women who are from the communities we serve and who continue to build a future where more women can take space - in the ocean, in leadership, and in society.
Operational Team
A heartfelt thank you to Martina for her contribution, leadership, and belief in this movement and congratulations to Kalpa, Udani, and the entire team for carrying SeaSisters into this exciting new chapter.
We would also like to take a moment to recognize the rest of our SeaSisters Lanka Board members, Co-Founder and Advisor Amanda Prifti, and Financial & Legal Advisor, Mahishaa Balraj, for their continued support, guidance, and belief in this journey.
Board of Directors
Their encouragement and commitment have played an important role in helping SeaSisters grow into the movement it is today.
We are especially proud to celebrate Mahishaa as she completed her LLM at Stanford University, USA. Congratulations, Mahishaa - we are very proud of you and excited to see all the impact you will continue to create.
Riding Waves, Building Confidence
At the centre of everything we do are our Swim & Surf Programmes.
During Season 8, women and girls continued their journeys from first steps in the water to confident ocean exploration.
This season, we conducted:
Swimming Lessons
Basic Swimming: 12 lessons
Junior Swimming: 13 lessons
Surf Lessons
Basic Surfing: 14 lessons
Junior Surfing: 15 lessons
We also hosted a surf theory session at Solid Surf House in Weligama, helping participants develop a deeper understanding of surfing, ocean conditions, and surf safety.
Swim & Surf Program
Across our Junior and Basic programmes, we welcomed 54 participants who brought their own stories, challenges, and dreams into the water.
For some, it was the first time they entered the ocean confidently. For others, it was a continuation of a journey that began years earlier.
But every lesson had something in common: women supporting women.
Swim & Surf Academy:
SeaSisters Swim & Surf Academy continues to grow, turning our vision of creating more women leaders into reality.
Our Swim Academy reached an exciting new chapter as our local swim instructor, Himaya - who became a certified swimming teacher through SeaSisters last season- stepped forward to lead the programme. Taking full responsibility for delivering swim lessons, with the support and guidance of our Head Swim Coach, she represents the change we have always dreamed of seeing: local women gaining the skills, confidence, and opportunities to become leaders themselves.
Swim Instructor: Himaya Hewamadduma
Our Surf Instructor Training also continued throughout the season, with training sessions taking place across different surf spots along Sri Lanka’s South Coast. We are incredibly proud to have five young women continuing their journey through the programme, building the skills and experience needed to become future surf instructors.
SeaSisters Local Surf Instructors
A big thank you to Ticket to Ride Surf Camp for providing our Academy girls with valuable opportunities to join surf instructor training sessions and surf weeks, gaining hands-on experience, learning from experienced coaches, and continuing to grow as future leaders in the surf community.
Surf Theory Session at Ticket to Ride Surf Camp
This season, SeaSisters Academy also welcomed male surf instructor support for the first time. As a women-led organisation, we believe building a more inclusive and empowering surf culture is a shared responsibility, and we are grateful for the support of allies who contribute their knowledge and experience.
Our instructor training is now supported by both local and international surf professionals who help guide the next generation of surf leaders.
Male Surf Instructors at Work
Stories from the Ocean
The true impact of SeaSisters cannot be measured by the number of waves caught or swimming strokes learned. It is reflected in the confidence gained, friendships formed, and new possibilities that participants discover for themselves through their connection with the ocean.
Throughout the season, we witnessed women and girls challenge fears, step outside their comfort zones, and grow into stronger, more confident versions of themselves. For many, this was their first time learning to swim or surf, while others continued their journey through our Academy program, developing skills they once thought were beyond their reach.
"I feel that surfing is exciting and enjoyable because it gives me a sense of adventure and helps me relax while having fun in the water." (Dilumi Nethsala)
Beyond the skills learned in the water, participants spoke about increased self-confidence, a stronger sense of belonging, and the encouragement they found within a supportive community of women. The friendships built during lessons often extended far beyond the beach, creating lasting connections and a network of support.
"I've made new friends and overcome many of the fears I used to have. I was always scared to go out on my own, but now I feel much more confident. SeaSisters is a place where I can have fun, relax, and be myself. I honestly don't want to miss a single day."
"Before, I was afraid of the ocean, but I also loved it. Now, that love has grown even stronger. The ocean is my family's main source of income, and we depend on it for our livelihood. I feel like some of my fear has gone away too." (Nethmi Sansala)
This season, more than 50 women and girls participated in our Swim & Surf Programs, while many more joined our community events, workshops, and ocean education activities.
Together, they became part of a growing movement that is changing perceptions, creating opportunities, and empowering women and girls to claim their space in and around the ocean.
Every lesson, every shared wave, and every new friendship contributes to a larger story - one of courage, community, and transformation.
Growing Together Through Community Events
SeaSisters has always been about more than lessons. Throughout Season 8, we created spaces for women to connect, learn, and celebrate together.
Impressions from our community events
Caring for Our Coastline
On 6 November 2025, SeaSisters joined La Point Surf Camp for a beach cleanup near Kabalana Beach. Ten SeaSisters members participated in the activity, coming together to protect the coastline that connects our community.
Wellness and Personal Growth
In January, 23 participants joined a yoga session led by Prathibha at Rila Yoga, Kumbalgama.
The session created a space to slow down, reconnect, and care for ourselves beyond the waves.
Learning Financial Independence
In March, Nazia led a Money Fundamentals Workshop for SeaSisters participants. The session covered budgeting, mindful spending, and an introduction to investing - helping women build confidence around financial decision-making.
Celebrating Achievements
Season 8 brought many proud moments for our community.
In January, the SeaSisters team joined the National Surf Competition in Hikkaduwa to support Amzi (Ishi Mosha), who achieved 3rd place in the Sri Lankan Women’s Category.
Her achievement represents the growing presence of women surfers in Sri Lanka and inspires more girls to believe that they belong in the surf community.
National Surf Competition- Hikkaduwa Series 2026
Our season ended with a joyful Certificate Ceremony at Weligambay Villa in Mirissa.
Around 83 people gathered to celebrate the achievements of our community.
A total of 41 participants received certificates:
17 adults
24 juniors
We also proudly celebrated four local girls who completed the Assistant Surf Instructor Course - an important step toward creating future opportunities within the surf industry.
Certificate Ceremony- Season 8
Raising Voices and Representing SeaSisters
Season 8 also gave us opportunities to share our mission on wider platforms.
In November 2025, Kalpa Gandhari represented SeaSisters at the AWID South Asia Feminist Skill Share Programme in Colombo. The seven-day programme brought together activists and organisations from across the region for learning, exchange, and connection
In February 2026, SeaSisters was invited to present at Soul & Surf’s annual Surf Jam, where Kalpa shared our story and impact with international visitors and surf community members.
Later that month, Udani represented SeaSisters at the Matara Festival for the Arts, joining a panel discussion on “Blue-Green Values in Matara” alongside Kaley Tea and Camp Coconut.
Our story also reached new audiences through a feature in Mellow Magazine and an upcoming German travel documentary highlighting women, surfing, and community in Sri Lanka.
Discussions about SeaSisters
Celebrating Women Through Fundraising and Connection
International Women’s Day once again became an important moment for SeaSisters.
Through fundraising campaigns and community events, we brought people together to celebrate women and support our programmes.
This season included:
Online fundraising campaign “Give to Ripple: One Splash, Endless Gain"
International Women’s Day Fundraiser at Dots Bay House, Hiriketiya
Ceylon Sliders Women’s Day DJ Fundraiser Nights
The Dots Bay House event featured a DJ session, women’s yoga session, swimming lesson for local women and a community market, creating a joyful space where people came together to support women’s empowerment.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, participated, donated, and helped spread our message.
IWD Dots Bay House Market and Swim Lesson
Creating Connections Through Responsible Tourism
Season 8 also continued exploring ways to connect locals and visitors through meaningful experiences.
We hosted SeaSisters Markets at:
Dots Bay House Hiriketiya
Mellow Hostel Kabalana
We also facilitated SeaSisters Experience Days at the Sisterhood Surf Retreat, delivering two sessions where visitors could learn more about our mission and connect with our community.
Through these experiences, we continue working toward a more inclusive and responsible tourism culture.
Experience Day: Sisterhood Surf Retreat
Support Behind Season 8
Season 8 was made possible because of a village of people who believe in this movement. Our team, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and donors. Without them, none of this would have been possible!
A big shoutout to The Surfer Weligama for the continued support since day one and for generously providing your swimming pool for our Swim & Surf Programs throughout the season.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all our sponsors whose partnership and generosity have helped make this season possible. Together, we are growing the SeaSisters movement and creating meaningful change in our communities.
🏆 Gold Sponsor
🥈 Silver Sponsors
Solid Surf House
🥉 Bronze Sponsors
We also want to say a special Thank You to:
Yaka Surf Club for training our Academy Girls
Cafe Ceylon for offering their swimming pool
Ticket to Ride Surf House for supporting us with surf coaching
Solid Surf House, Hangtime Hostel, Rila Yoga for offering their spaces for our community events.
To our grant partner FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund - thank you for your continued support and trust. And to all those who helped raise funds, hosted donation-based events, donated to our GoFundMe, or contributed in any way - thank you for being part of this ripple effect!
To our online and offline community - thank you for riding this wave with us, helping spread awareness, and showing what collective change can look like.
So once again - Thank you, ස්තූතියි, and நன்றி!
Looking Ahead
Season 8 showed us what happens when a community grows with purpose.
From new shores to new leaders, from first waves to future instructors, this season was a reminder that change happens step by step and wave by wave.
As we continue forward, our dream remains the same: a world where every woman and girl feels confident, included, and free to explore the ocean.
The next wave is coming. And we cannot wait to ride it together.
With love,
Your SeaSisters
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Written by Udani Hewamadduma
Photos by Jana Otte - Mood Studio Agency. Flora- in the flow photography by Flora.
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