India’s coastline has long been a hub for various water sports, but one activity that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years is surfing. Traditionally confined to international surfing hotspots, this thrilling sport is now making waves across India’s coastal regions, attracting both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The rise of surfing in India can be attributed to a few key factors. Firstly, the country’s diverse coastline, spanning over 7,500 kilometers, offers a wide range of surf breaks and conditions suitable for surfers of all skill levels. From the consistent and powerful waves of Kovalam in Kerala to the idyllic beach breaks of Gokarna in Karnataka, India’s coasts provide ample opportunities for surfers to hone their skills and explore new frontiers.

Secondly, the establishment of surfing schools and clubs has played a pivotal role in introducing the sport to the masses. Organizations like the Surfing Federation of India and local community initiatives have been instrumental in providing professional training, equipment, and access to surf spots, making the sport more accessible to the general public.

One such success story is the Kovalam Surf Club, located in the picturesque town of Kovalam, Kerala. Founded in 2010, the club has been at the forefront of the surfing revolution in India, nurturing a growing community of surf enthusiasts and hosting numerous surfing competitions and events that have put Indian surfing on the global map.

“When we started the Kovalam Surf Club, we had a handful of local surfers and a few curious onlookers,” says Praveen Kumar, the club’s founder. “But over the years, we’ve seen an exponential growth in interest, with people from all over the country and even international visitors coming to experience the thrill of riding the waves.”

The rise of surfing has also had a positive impact on the local economies of these coastal regions, with the sport attracting tourists and generating employment opportunities in the form of surf schools, rental shops, and related businesses.

As the surfing community in India continues to expand, the future looks bright for the sport’s continued growth and development. With the support of government initiatives, private investments, and a growing pool of talented surfers, India’s coastal regions are poised to become a new frontier for the global surfing community.