Help SeaSisters run our Off-Season Programs (June-Oct)

Co-organized

SeaSisters Sri Lanka and Ema Rizo Patron are organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Update (May 29th, 2025): New Fundraising Goal 11,000 EUR! To support our impactful Off-Season Programs!

Thanks to your incredible support, we raised nearly 6,000 EUR to run our most impactful season yet! That funding has already been fully used to empower over 100 Sri Lankan women and girls through surfing, swimming, and community engagement.

Now, we’re fundraising for the off-season - to keep the momentum going and launch exciting new programs! Our updated goal reflects an additional 5,000 EUR needed to sustain and grow our mission during this next phase.

What We’re Raising Funds For - Off-Season (June-Oct 2025):

Surf Academy: Continue surf training for young women to grow as surfers and instructors
Ocean Hero Program: Launch a new immersive journey for young ocean protectors
SeaSisters Ocean School: Introduce more schoolgirls to the magic of the sea
Community Events: Inspire and connect women through empowering gatherings
Staff Support: Pay fair salaries & hire more amazing Sri Lankan women as we keep growing as an organisation

Why It Matters

The off-season in Southern Sri Lanka may bring rainy days and quieter vibes - but our mission is louder than ever. Local women still face deep barriers to ocean access and leadership. SeaSisters is changing that by creating inclusive ocean spaces year-round!

Updated Goal: 11,000 EUR

We're now aiming to raise an additional 5,000 EUR to fund our off-season programs. Your donation will directly support local women, expand ocean education, and sustain the heart of SeaSisters.

Every bit counts. Thank you for helping us ride this next wave!

With gratitude,

The SeaSisters Team

*** More about SeaSisters***

Our Story: Empowering Women to Enjoy the Ocean & Follow Their Dreams!

Why did we start SeaSisters? In Sri Lanka, local women and girls are hardly seen in the ocean. While tourists come to enjoy the beautiful beaches, for many Sri Lankan women, the ocean is a place of fear and exclusion.

This stems from traditional gender norms, cultural expectations and safety concerns, which have prevented the ocean from becoming a safe and accepted space for Sri Lankan women.

Sri Lanka has one of the highest drowning rates in the world: Every day, one Sri Lankan woman dies from drowning! Despite growing up on an island, most women and girls have never learned how to swim and lack vital life skills.

Furthermore, Sri Lanka has a thriving surf tourism industry, but most women are excluded from surfing’s recreational and economic benefits.

We estimate that local women make up only 1% of surfers in Sri Lanka. Especially in rural areas, women are often confined to their homes, not being encouraged to go out and explore the sea.

We believe that the ocean is for everybody - and that swimming and surfing can serve as powerful tools for social change.

SURF. INSPIRE. EMPOWER.

Since 2018, SeaSisters has empowered over 400 Sri Lankan women and girls through free swim and surf lessons, community events, and educational programs. We work with women and girls from underprivileged communities, creating access to the ocean while challenging gender norms and promoting environmental awareness.

Our Swim & Surf Programs transform lives far beyond the water. In a supportive, all-female space, women overcome fears, address trauma, and gain new skills while building lasting friendships and support networks. These experiences foster resilience, sisterhood, and the confidence to pursue their dreams - both in and out of the ocean.

Despite challenges like COVID-19 and the ongoing economic crisis, we’ve come back stronger. In December 2024, we launched our 7th season, expanding our swim and surf programs and creating new job opportunities.

Beyond swim and surf lessons, we host year-round community events and workshops that educate women on health, mental well-being, and environmental sustainability.

The urgency has never been greater - the economic crisis has intensified hardships for Sri Lankan women and their families, making our programs a place of hope and joy for many.

Our activities flow with the rhythm of nature, divided into two distinct seasons:

Season (Dec- April): This is when the surf season in southern Sri Lanka peaks, with ideal waves and weather. We dedicate this time to running most of our Swim & Surf programs.
Off-Season (May-Nov): Marked by the monsoon rains, these "quieter" months are reserved for organisational development, educational initiatives, specialized swim and surf training, and community outreach.

Today, SeaSisters is proudly run by young Sri Lankan women who are leading the next generation of empowered women in their communities. With your support, we can ensure fair wages, create more livelihood opportunities, and expand our impact.

Every donation to SeaSisters creates a ripple effect, helping women to gain independence, fostering local leadership, and empowering Sri Lanka’s future leaders.

Behind SeaSisters

Founded in November 2018, SeaSisters is a growing movement of ocean lovers from all over the world, stepping up for a more inclusive and responsible surf community! Our programs are proudly led by our local team and supported by an all-female team of international and local volunteers. Registered as a non-profit in Sri Lanka and Austria, SeaSisters is dedicated to creating lasting change for women and their communities.

Spread the Word!

Help us reach more people by sharing our campaign. Every share makes a difference!

THANK YOU!

Share the campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sea-sisters

More about us: www.seasisterslk.com

Follow our journey:

Instagram : www.instagram.com/sea_sisters_lk

Facebook : www.facebook.com/seasisterslk