The Big Dawg (s)
Y’all know me, still the same O.G. but a bit low key. Nah jokes. But chances are if you’re reading this we will have surfed together.
Whilst I did spend a good decade running trips and tours across several continents, I’m on the bench now with a killer crew running the show…
The Champ
Nikita Robb needs no introduction. She’s a Director and the Head Surf Coach at our Sri Lanka Surf House, she is also a multiple national champion in multiple countries, so she’s more than earned her nickname as The Champ.
It’s not just Nikita who’s bossing things in Sri Lanka though, here’s some of her team.
Anna Wotton
Anna started off as a customer on the 10 Week Surf Academy and after a couple of seasons under The Champ’s wing, she’s going to start the upcoming season as Senior Surf Coach. Read more about her journey in Wavelength Surf Magazine.
Molly Hanburger
Molly also made that transition from customer to coach. Get to know Molly a bit more in the clip below:
Sadly Molly won’t physically be with us for the start of this season due to a surfing injury, but she is always here in spirit!
Holly Benham
Holly is the newest recruit to go from Customer to Coach. After completing our 10 Week Surf Academy in May 2024, she cut her teeth so to speak (and feet countless times on the reefs) in Bali and is now here with us as Social Host and Coach for the 24/25 season.
That’s some girl power right there, but we do also have some solid fellas on the ground looking after you.
Magnus Drue Knudsen
Firstly to Magnus’s parents, we apologise. Magnus joined us on his Gap Year learning to surf and gaining his ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Award. He spent the whole season working for us as a Junior Surf Coach, then differed his Maths Degree for another year to join us for a full season. Now he’s put the degree on hold again and is coming back under a role we have created for him ‘Community & Stoke Facilitator’. Deffo Uni next year…
Robbie Burke
Robbie also graduated from the 10 Week Surf Academy and instead of leaving Sri Lanka in search for a surf coaching job, he stuck around, we gave him work when we could and his commitment has paid off as he’s now coming back to work as a full time surf coach.
Cooper Kirpatrick
Cooper’s the new kid on the block, he shined during the 23/24 Surf Academy and he also shreds, so we had to ask him to become a part of the team. Loads of energy and charisma, but if you see him at the party after 9pm, get him a tuk tuk home…
Ashoka Gamage
Ashoka is one of the most patient surf coaches in the game. Softly spoken but will quietly get you into loads of waves.
Ima Dinuka
Ima is the yin to Ashoka’s yang. He holds a lineup with dominance and will ensure you hit your target wave count for the session.
Rosie Jordan
Rosie is an enigma. She has only just got a phone, no socials, no bullshit this is probably the only photo of her online. Whilst she’s isn’t a surf instructor, Rosie has setup and leads our surf specific training program, which is just as important to ensure smooth progress of your surfing.
So there you have it, a highly qualified killer crew, all stoked to look after you and take your surfing to the next level.
If you’re looking to push your surfing with these legends in 2024/25, check the Surf House website for availability.
Sign me up!
“I spent just over a week at the Sri Lanka surf house and saw a huge improvement in the short time I spent there. The coaches are supportive, knowledgeable and a good laugh. The theory sets it apart from other surf camps. I learnt just as much out of the water (if not more) as in the water. My confidence grew massively. I managed to downsize boards. The yoga and surf fit was a huge added bonus. And I made amazing friends with lots of other solo travellers.”
Gabriella Old, Sri Lanka Surf House, 2024
#1 Guest House in Ahangama on Trip Advisor. Read our reviews here.