How to Look (and Surf) Like a Local Legend in Sri Lanka

FEATURE

You’ve heard the saying: Dress not for the job you have, but the job you want. Well, same goes for surfing—ride not like the surfer you are, but the surfer you want to be.

Lucky for us (and you), we caught up with Sri Lankan surf icon Thillina Mayuranga to get the lowdown on looking, living, and surfing like someone who calls the ocean home. As the founder of Cruise Culture, one of our favourite homegrown surf brands, Mayuranga doesn’t just shred—he’s got top-tier taste, too.

Here’s his must-have gear list for every surfer in Sri Lanka, straight from someone who knows.

1.⁠ ⁠Cruise Culture Tee

No Sri Lankan surfer’s kit is complete without one. Whether you’re on your board or kicking back post-surf, this tee says you get it.

2.⁠ ⁠Ceylon Sliders Surfboard

Leave your Thunderbolts and Pyzels at home—it’s time to embrace a board built for Sri Lankan waves. Handcrafted, stylish, and designed for local conditions, this is the sled you need under your feet.

3.⁠ ⁠Surf Zinc by Ceylon Surf Ware

“The best surf zinc,” says Mayuranga. Sri Lankan-made, plastic-free, and built for tropical sun protection—what more do you need?

4.⁠ ⁠Sunnies, Tropical Essentials

Sun in your eyes? Not a chance. A solid pair of sunnies from Tropical Essentials keeps the glare down and the style up. Whether you're checking the surf or cruising post-session, these are a must-have.

5.⁠ ⁠Sithmal, Walliwala, Weligama

Every surf session deserves a solid post-surf feed, and Sithmal is Mayuranga’s go-to. Nothing beats a local curry after a long session in the water.

There you have it—your Sri Lankan surf survival kit, curated by a legend. Now, all that’s left to do is get wet.