Sachin Tharaka rules waves at Hikkaduwa

Sachin Tharaka made Sri Lanka proud when he won the ‘King’ title at the fifth Red Bull Ride My Wave’ Surfing Championship worked off in the Southern tourist hot spot Hikkaduwa seas recently. The ‘Queen’ title was won by Nikita Robb of South Africa.

Four surfers namely Sachin Tharaka, Suranga Pradeep, Tom Leray and Praneeth Sandaruwan were qualified for the men’s final round and after a superb performance, Sachin won the title.

It is remarkable to have the women’s surfing category see the participation of over 12 participants and also seeing our first Sri Lankan lady in the water for Red Bull Ride My Wave. We are glad to support the community of surfers in Sri Lanka to definitely prove that Big Girls Can, and take on the sport in the true spirit of competing. Nikita is a regular surfer at the Red Bull Ride My Wave competition and has won the title in two previous occasions.

Red Bull Ride My wave is the pinnacle of open Surfing Competitions in Sri Lanka with top seeded athletes taking part for the title of King or Queen of the wave. The event running for the 5th consecutive year, is now poised to take on the larger task of bringing together surfers from around the island and the world, to surf in the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. This professional competition is managed and judged by the Association of Surfing Professionals in Sri Lanka.

Red Bull has been actively involved in surfing events for several years, hosting competitions on every continent around the world. The event’s main objective is to inspire young generation to take up the sport professionally and make it a lifestyle sport to any sport enthusiasts around the island. Aligning with local tourism initiative Red Bull Ride My Wave is the only surfing competition which allows both locals and foreigners to compete together.

Overall 77 participants registered for the event and the main highlight was that 26 participants are from 13 different countries (Australia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Spain, France, The United Kingdom, Latvia, French Polynesia, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, The United States, South Africa).