Meet Hilmy, the spirited founder behind the SALTY Surf camp, where passion meets purpose on the shores of Arugam Bay. From the moment he first felt the rush of riding a wave, Hilmy knew he had discovered his true calling. Picture a young Hilmy, just 19 years old, clutching his first surfboard, dinged and weathered but bursting with potential. With the help of a local fisherman, he lovingly restored it to its former glory and thus began his lifelong love affair with the ocean. For Hilmy, surfing wasn't just a hobby but a calling. In 2019, fueled by a desire to give back to his community and put Arugam Bay on the global surf map, he co-founded the Surf Club. Together, they secured a donation of 50 surfboards from Paddle for Relief, spreading the joy of surfing to every corner of Sri Lanka. But Hilmy's journey was just beginning. With determination and grit, he earned his certification from the International Surfing Association (ISA). He honed his teaching skills, starting with tourists on the beach and later establishing his own surf shop in Arugam Bay. Driven by his deep connection to the waves and his unwavering love for his hometown, Hilmy knew it was time to take the next step. Teaming up with a friend at Sand Dune Beach Hotel, SALTY Surf camp was born—a sanctuary where surfers worldwide could come together to share stories, experiences, and, of course, waves. For Hilmy, being in the water is more than just a pastime; it's his happy place, where he feels most alive and free. Through SALTY, he invites you to experience the magic of surfing and discover the transformative power of the ocean.