Riding the Waves of Serenity: SurfnYoga Mirissa Unveiled
Embark on a Journey of Surf, Yoga, and Authentic Connection in Sri Lanka's Coastal Gem
Photo by StreetLife Stories
Priyal was 18 when he first encountered surfing, and was instantly drawn to it. By combining his passion with his business management education SurfnYoga Mirissa was born, the original of the sub retreats, which sits highly on Google ratings, and for good reason.
As the name suggests, the family-vibe hostel organised a timetable of both surf and yoga classes.
Each day, 3 sets of yoga and surf sessions were offered, allowing you to alternate times and days depending on personal preference.
My first stroll down the inviting slope towards the dorm, surrounded by greenery and a guiding Ganesh statue, I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility. The dorm, which hosts 8 guests, is spacious and consists of several charging points, small individual safes, and a semi-outdoor shower, all conveniently next to the pool.
I opted to start my days with a 7.30am surf session. My surf instructor, Ale would be there by the surfboards to greet us and take us on the 20 min Tuk Tuk drive to Weligama, the area known for surfing, which was particularly great for beginners as the waves are smaller and more consistent. Only a short swim out from here were the larger waves for the improvers and advanced surfers.
Ale has been surfing for 15 years and is self-taught, having spent every day after school practicing, which comes across in his patient and encouraging nature. We celebrated every fall and every balance, regardless of how long I stayed on the board! Ale has a way of noticing all the intricacies which will help you tweak your surfing game.
Surfing allowed me to feel a connection to nature I have not felt before. I took a moment on the sand in Tadasana (mountain pose), echoing its teaching of stillness and patience before allowing the Indian Ocean to humble me. Surfing reminded me to not only accept but embrace life’s unpredictable waves. Despite our lack of control, we can remain relaxed and balanced, much like on the board, enabling us to navigate life’s chaos. Various forms of lessons have come my way since leaving SurfnYoga which, coincidently, is the last time I surfed.
Without knowing, Ale helped me to recall the childlike self where there was no expectation, only excitement that I may/may not get on the board. Even the times I lay on the board to the shore gave me a sense of being in the present moment. None of it mattered. It just was how it was and every time I went back to try again with a giggle and even a new hole in the crotch of my shorts, it was all, in itself, perfect.
With all the attempted pushups and bent standing, a yoga class was the perfect accompaniment.
My roomie Alex was my teacher. She reminded me of what I enjoyed from a yoga practice. She seamlessly blended Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin practices, tailoring each class to the collective needs while offering individual adjustments. Her synchronisation with the class’ pace created an environment where the beginner and regular yogis were in sync.
For breakfast, the team offered fruit and coffee with a standard sweet and savoury menu that could be catered to various dietary requirements. Dinner, on the other hand, was what everyone looked forward to. It was when we all came together to find out what surprise was being served. Each night would be different and would be as epic as the last. Our chef Hussy noted everyone’s preferences and incorporated them during our stay where he could. It was obvious to the group that it was made with love.
After dinner, we joined the team in learning to play Carrom, a popular Indian board game. Bindu and Hussy took the time to teach us - it was definitely fun and got quite competitive at times!
My forfeit for losing a game was to help with dinner. I’m pleased to say my hoppers and coconut roti turned out pretty well - thank you Hussy!
Another team member who deserves a shout-out is Mahy. The hitchhiking king and definitely the cheeky monkey of the SurfnYoga family. It was beautiful to witness how the team embraced him as one of their own. As Mahy teaches the team English, he is on his way to adding Sri Lanken to his fluently spoken languages.
The retreat staff, with their genuine warmth and hospitality, added a layer of authenticity that made every interaction feel like a home away from home. SurfnYoga offer karma exchanges which is great for new teachers like Alex and Mahy who volunteer.
The inclusion of a Tuk Tuk ride to Weligama, complete with board transportation, showcased not only convenience but a commitment to the surf community. In addition, SurfnYoga includes a 1 hour massage at a local spa which did not disappoint. For a stress-free retreat that requires minimal decision-making, SurfnYoga stands out as an ideal choice.
https://surfnyogasrilanka.com/
For private surfs, Ale: +94770208748
Alex is a travelling yogi:
to find her current location: +48608079172 or follow her @_heyimalex