What were you doing in Sri Lanka?
We were in Sri Lanka to experience the culture and explore the country. We are also filming a stand up paddle movie and Sri Lanka was the first of many locations around the world we will be filming. We of course surfed a lot and found beautiful rivers and lakes to paddle in.
With so many places to explore around the world why did you decide on Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has always been on my "hit list" of places to surf and explore. Most Americans including myself know very little about Sri Lanka other than the long civil war that ended in 2009 and the devastating tsunami of 2004. I wanted to go and see the real Sri Lanka and share the experience on film and photographs.
Culturally, What stood out the most to you about the people and way of life in Sri Lanka?
Everything in Sri Lanka is based around religion. Buddhism rules the country with about 75% of the population and the rest being Hindu and Muslim. We spent a lot of time in ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples sometimes even participating in their ceremonies. That was a dream come true for me.
What impressed you the most about Sri Lanka?
I was impressed by how happy and friendly the people were. Sri Lanka is a very poor country and that doesn't seem to get the people down.
What didn't you like about Sri Lanka?
It took us over 30 hours from LAX to get there so that was no fun but if I had to pick one thing I would say it was the way people drive in Sri Lanka. It's a game of chicken on the roads and I don't recommend ever trying to drive there on your own. For filming purposes the crazy driving will be a big part of the film so I guess in a way it was also kind of fun.
What were some highlights from the trip we can look forward to seeing in your film?
So many highlights! We came across a bunch of elephants on a beautiful inland river and paddled with them. Got it all on film. The whole trip was a highlight so you will have to watch the film to see the rest!
How were the waves over there?
Fun surf everyday. The waves were very consistent and it was never flat. We had overhead surf many days and the biggest issue was afternoon wind and the sharp corral reefs. I wouldn't say Sri Lanka has world class waves but with the paddle boards it's always fun. The SUP board takes an average day and turns it in to the best day ever!
What do you love about the ocean and why do you feel it's important we protect it?
The ocean makes me happy and brings me peace. I want my kids and their kids to always be able to enjoy it, surf in it, swim in it without worries of man made pollution. There is no way around that but every little thing we can do to help protect it now will pay off huge for future generations.
What do you love about stand up paddling?
I grew up surfing in Santa Barbara and spent a lot of time looking at the flat ocean. When SUP came around that changed everything. Now I don't care about the conditions or the size of the waves. I just drive to the beach and give it a look. If it's flat Ill go for a long paddle up the coast. If there's waves Ill surf. There's a lot to love about SUP.
Whats next for you and the Blueline team?
Lots going on. Right now we are working on our SUP travel/adventure film so we will continue to travel to remote and exotic locations around the world to film and photograph our adventures.
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