FAQs

Find quick answers to your questions about Surfyogi Surf Coaching Clinics

Planning and booking your Surf Coaching sessions

  • Book online to secure your spot for both private surf coaching sessions and small group surf clinics.

    To book private sessions for multiple attendees, use the online booking for groups of up to 4 people. Or use the website Contact form providing information such as the number of people, preferred dates, and surfing level of the applicants.

  • When you book online, we accept credit/debit cards via a payment link. There will be an 2% additional fee for card payments to help cover fees.

    You have the option to pay a deposit at time of booking with the payment due between 2-7 days before the commencement of your first session. Balance payments can be made via card or bank transfer.

  • Our Cancellation Policy is as follows:

    If you need to cancel more than 14 days before the commencement of your surf coaching, we will refund monies paid minus a £100 admin fee per person on the booking which may be waived at my discretion.

    If you cancel less than 14 days before your surf coaching start date, we will refund you 50% of monies paid less a £100 admin fee per person which may be waived at my discretion. Things can happen resulting in the cancellation of planned travel, so it is recommended that you have adequate travel insurance to cover this.

    Check out my full Terms & Conditions for more information.

  • Yes, subject to availability. For individuals or for pre-arranged groups of 3 or 4, we can offer private surf coaching for you and your mates. Book your private surf coaching online.

  • Yes, subject to availability. We offer multiple options for surf coaching but we leave the accommodation to you. That way your stay is to your taste and budget.

  • The scheduled Surf Clinics are generally for adults 18+ years of age, however we may allow exceptions. Anyone attending who is under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian.

    If you are booking private surf coaching, then we can accommodate any age of surfer providing those under 18 years of age are accompanied by a legal parent/ guardian.

  • It is advised to leave around 3 hours of travel time to/from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Transfers can be booked with reputable businesses providing these services.

  • It is advisable that you have valid and relevant insurance. Surfing is a dangerous sport and the equipment is expensive. Jacob Mellish and his associated companies can not be held liable for any losses or additional expenditure.

About the Surf Coaching

  • The waves in Sri Lanka are generally more forgiving and playful than some other destinations. They have a diverse variety of waves from playful beach breaks, barreling beach breaks, reef breaks, heavy reefs, really fun reefs, lefts, rights that are suitable for all levels. The swell is consistent with warm, clean, clear water and secluded beaches.

    You will probably see turtles and other sea life while in the water.

    With the right coach you will find uncrowded playful waves perfect for progressing your surfing.

  • The multi-day clinics are designed as a short-term intensive clinic in order to progress your surfing skills. So we aim to use the opportunities to surf as much as possible. There will be surf coaching every morning and maybe even some yoga after the surf session.

  • For the scheduled surf clinics, to keep our customers safe and to make the most of the daily sessions, each clinic is formulated with a particular skill level in mind. You must minimally meet the requirements for the specified level of surfing as shown on our website. If your skills are at a higher level, you are welcome to join the sessions on the understanding that the spots will be selected for the stated level.

    For private surf coaching we can work a little more flexibly. Let us know if you have a group with differing levels and we will see what we can do.

  • Our scheduled surf clinics are designed for intermediate to advanced surfers who are looking to progress onto the next level. So unfortunately the scheduled surf coaching clinics are not suitable for beginners. However we might be able to provide private surf coaching for skilled beginners. Get in touch to apply.

  • It is recommended that you bring your own board/s. There is a limited selection of boards to hire from a couple of local businesses. Get in touch for more specific board questions.

    Also, check your airline carrier’s rules for sporting equipment as these can differ wildly amongst airlines.

  • Sri Lanka has some of the best warm water surfing around but the sun can be very strong. With its location close to the equator, air and water temperatures are consistently between 28-32 degrees Celsius, so protection is not needed against the cold. However, you will require protection against the sun’s rays even if the weather is overcast. Follow these principles for the best protection:

    • Slip on a shirt and possibly even leggings, and slap on a waterproof cap

    • Slop on waterproof SPF 50+ sunscreen on your body and zinc sun cream for your face

    • Don’t forget your sunglasses for when you’re out of the water to protect your eyes

  • Time in the surf is the best preparation for the surf coaching even if all you’re doing is increasing paddle fitness. Surfing requires cardiovascular, strength and flexibility fitness so if you can’t get in the water, try to get a couple of sessions a week in the gym to prepare. Swimming is also a good exercise for this.

    Yoga is another great way to improve strength and flexibility. Everyone who books onto our coaching will have unlimited access to Jacob’s online yoga classes until the beginning of the coaching. These are available to stream at home on-demand.

About your stay in Sri Lanka

  • Sri Lanka generally uses the same 3 pin sockets as the UK and is 220 volts. Adaptors are widely available if you forget to bring one.

  • Sri Lankan Rupees are the local currency. US dollars/Euros/Pound Sterling can easily be exchanged at banks and private exchange businesses. Local cash is handy to pay for tuktuks and smaller cafes/restaurants. There are ATMs at the airport and in the bigger towns where you can get Rupees. Most restaurants and food outlets accept card payments.

    You can get a local meal for as little as $2 USD or up to $25 USD in the more up-market tourist restaurants. We encourage you to experience the real Sri Lanka and get out in the local area and support local businesses.

  • WiFi is often available in local hotels, businesses and remote working cafes. If you need to stay connected during your time in Sri Lanka, then our recommendation is to pick up a data SIM package at the airport or download an e-SIM. The cost depends on how much data you require, and 4G is widely available across Sri Lanka.

  • Through the day there aren’t many around except for some sand flies here and there. In the evenings they can be a bit more prevalent so bring insect repellent.

    Avon’s Skin So Soft comes highly recommended as an effective insect repellent.