It looks like I’m still on the bench with regards to surf coaching here in Sri Lanka and whilst I’ve led a few yoga classes, I think I’m looking at retirement…
This is great news for anyone joining us this upcoming season, as we pride ourselves in being the best in the business and each year our coaching team step it up, led by the Queen of the Waves herself, Nikita Robb.
This season, our focus has been on in-house training and the personal development of our team, especially supporting the talented local boys.
So, if you’re wondering who’ll be guiding you in the water and helping you level up your surfing, meet the Sri Lanka Surf House Team for the 2025/26 season:
Nikita Robb
Nikita has stepped up into a new role as the Director of Surf Coaching & Development for Ticket to Ride across all locations. She is still based in Sri Lanka at the Surf House and may be in the water with you, but her focus is on the management, delivery, and development of surf coaching program.
Anna Wotton
Remember that article in Wavelength magazine ‘from Devonshire dairy farmer to surf coach’? well Anna’s really honed in on this zero to hero vibe and has been promoted to Head Surf Coach.
“When the work is as fun as ours, it doesn’t feel like work at all. Teaching people the best sport in the world, what more could I ask for”
Robbie Burke
There’s something beautiful about a thick northern accent muffling encouraging surf words through a girthy mustache. Robbie is still here, he has progressed his surfing, progressed as a surf coach and excelled in social hosting activities.
““Sunrise surfs, afternoon naps, sunset beers and laughs with the guests who become your mates. Happy days.”
Magnus Dru Knudson
Maggie is back for his fourth season and whilst initially it looked like we had torn him away from his studies forever, he’s made a smart move to study online whilst working with us here in Sri Lanka.
““The vibes in the surf house are the best. Watching all the guests improve so much is satisfying stuff.”
Ima Dinuka
Ima is an OG now in his 4th season with us. He’s grown massively in confidence in and out of the water and has earned the respect of the whole team.
“What I love the most about Sri Lanka is the nature. The beautiful seas. Beaches and paddy lands. I love the lifestyle and most importantly being able to do what I love in the most beautiful country in the world
I have been working at Ticket To Ride for 4 years now. I love how much exposure it has given me to different cultures. The team is basically family at this point. So big love for the team. Also working under Nikita’s guidance is very valuable.”
Yasiru Parte
Parte, pronounced ‘Party’ is another Ahangama local who we trained up last season and are proud to welcome to the team full time. Living up to the name he’s the loud one, who is extremely talented at working hard and playing hard and when asked how he feels about his job he said:
“I love it, I wake up every day to good people, good food and good vibes. The best thing about my job is the team I work with – we feel like a family and I feel like there’s a lot of opportunity for growth learning from very experienced and professional people like my boss Nikita even though I’m shit scared of her.”
Si Prabath
Si is the quiet one out of the trifecta of Ahangama local coaches. A family man who is as loyal as a Lion and as dependable as a diesel Toyota. He’s always on it and will greet you with a massive smile at 6am ready to hit the waves.
“The sense of community and culture in Sri Lanka is amazing and I love how I can keep close family ties whilst maintaining a work life balance. Compared to my previous places of work there’s an amazing bond between everyone in the team as well as the customers.”
Special guest: Leo Ostroff
To ensure the coaching team are focused on delivering the best possible surf coaching we’ve recruited a young buck from The States to handle all social activities – serious stuff! Leo Ostroff joined us for 13 weeks in South Africa and Mozambique and naturally became the social host on that trip, so we formalised it. He seems to be settling into the role nice, when asked about his day he answered:
“My day starts with a surf, followed by a social breakfast with the guests. I’ve built so many amazing relationships here — it’s definitely been a highlight of the job. There are some incredible people around and as cliche as it sounds we’ve really become like a family.”
For more information on the courses we run that will get you qualified as a surf coach enabling you to work anywhere in the World, click here.