Layback caught up with one of our favorite filmmakers Oscar Stubbs - the man behind the short film of the Layback groms. Oscar is currently back in South Africa, but during our chat he remembers his month in Sri Lanka fondly.

Why do you like Weligama?

For a number of reasons! It’s one of the places on the south coast that I don’t feel overrun by hooligan tourists (that’s Mirissa & Hikkaduwa haha). Weligama feels more welcoming and warm. The people, food, surf and overall atmosphere is why I love the place!

Why Layback?

Thilina, Linda, Arosh, Sameera & Chuti, the location, local knowledge and the vibe. The rooms are always clean, and the guests are first priority. I met numerous travelers that extended their stay at Layback. Sometimes for over a month! 

Favorite thing to do in Weligama and Sri Lanka?

 Surf, coffee and coconut pancakes. 

What surprised you the most with the Sri Lankan south coast?

 The friendliness of the locals.  

Best place to watch the sunset?

In the water, floating on your board.

Favorite surf spot? (and why)

Well, I actually only learnt how to surf in Sri Lanka, so I was not able to try some of the more fun looking spots, like Rams or Coconut. I think if I were to go back now though, the best would be Rams. It looks fast, steep and fun! Not to mention the razor sharp reef right below you! Would be a good rush!

What camera do you use? Favorite lens?

I use a Sony a7R III. It’s the best pro camera for traveling. It may not look the biggest and flashiest, but performs like a Canon 1DX Mark II. Favorite lens I’ve ever used is the G master 85mm from Sony. Currently saving up to buy it! For most things though, my 16-35mm Zeiss has been an absolute work horse, it really has been a great lens!

Why do you work with photography? What drives you?

As cliché as it sounds, I love being able to freeze moments. I look back on all my Sri Lanka photos, and it takes me back there. What else can do that?  Memory fades, but photos age well! 

Any projects coming up?

Yes, many ! Can’t giveaway too much information just yet, but soon! Currently starting a business and working on multiple videos at a time, getting kind of crazy.  It’s helping me save up for my next trip! (And the 85mm hahah).

Photos & video by Oscar Stubbs

By Maria Lundin Osvalds

I’m Maria, a freelance journalist, photographer, and content creator from Sweden currently living in Cornwall, UK. I cover stories about socio- and economical issues and have worked from South Africa, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, UK, and Sweden.

I recently spent three months in Sri Lanka and ended up staying a month at Layback, working (and surfing…) with an awesome team. Thilina’s idea to create a boutique surf camp as well as digital visual exploration of the Sri Lankan culture inspired me, and I’m happy to have been part of the project as a contributing writer.

Email: marialundinosvalds@gmail.com/ Instagram @osvaldsphotos