India's Rising Tide: How Surfing In India Is Expanding
We all know that many people do not immediately acknowledge Surfing as a mainstream sport in India. But do you know why this happens? Well, that's because Surfing in India is not something common!
In earlier days, People used to believe that this water sport was unbelievably difficult to learn, but the truth is: In today's era, people are fascinated by the fact of riding on the adventurous waves and therefore want to try it at least once in a lifetime!
Well, are you a surf lover who wants to learn surfing in India or already a surf enthusiast who's willing to know the history and current state of surfing in India?
In any case, you're at the right place as here you'll read about the popularity of surfing in India!!!!!
Table of Contents
The History Of Surfing In India
Did you know Surfing began first in Hawaii? So, Hawaii don't just have beautiful beaches but also perfect waves as well😍
People riding on waves was depicted in a cave painting from the 12th century.
So Polynesians brought surfing to Hawaii during their seafaring, and the sport quickly became popular.
In India, it all started with "Surfing Swami", that is Jack Hebner.
Jack Hebner is responsible for the discovery of India's surf spots and surfing in India.
Do you know who he is? What? You are a surfing enthusiast and you don't know about him? It's fine as it happens sometimes! Even if you don't know about him, you have the chance now!
He is widely regarded as the "Surfing Swami" and is credited with popularizing surfing in India.
He came to India in the 1970s to seek spiritual refuge when he discovered some incredible surf spots in the unexplored blue expanses of Indian waters.
He was also the founder of India's first surf club, Mantra Surf Club, also known as the "Surf Ashram".
After him, his surf disciples carried forward this fun water sport to the forefront! Moreover, it was Jack Hebner who helped many people in opening the best surfing schools in India. You can read more about the history of Surfing in India here.
Now that you know about the history of surfing in India, let's talk about the present! So what's the current scenario concerning surfing in India? Let's discuss it!
Current Surfing Scene In India
There is no question India has emerged as a viable surf choice, with a remarkable 7,500 km of coastline and widespread islands with reefs facing directly into the brunt of southern Indian Ocean swells.
Huge, isn't it? Of course, it is!
And the past few years have seen an expansion of surf tourism and a wave of young Indians taking up the sport, thanks to technological advancements, visitor influx, infrastructure, and a new generation eager for adventure!
For many surf lovers in India, Surfing is more than just getting in the water and capturing a few waves; it's a profoundly spiritual experience.
This quest for "higher spirituality" is only a small part of a belief system and heritage that has been an all-encompassing way of life for hundreds of years for many surfers.
According to Indian legends, the Oceans are supposed to be "spiritual sparks of aware light floating forever in the Cosmic Ocean".
The Growth Of The Surfing Industry In India
India was overlooked as a Surf destination for decades. However, around 2000, surfing began to make its mark on India's vast coastline. Recently, many more surf spots have been discovered in northern India, including Orissa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. Read about the top surf spots in India here.
Furthermore, there are multiple surfing institutes in India, as the industry is rapidly expanding.
Do you know that famous cricketer "Jonty Rhodes" is the international ambassador of Surfing Federation of India?
Woah! Now isn't this enough to highlight the craze for surfing in India? Of course, it is!
Well, here are top 3 schools where you can learn to surf in India:
Website: Shaka Surf Club
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TwnzBQtdcPcrEPz36
Mobile number: +91-9986742710
Cost: ₹1,800 for 90 min session
This surf club in Kodi, Karnataka is a great place to learn surfing in India. Moreover, it provides free surfing sessions to underprivileged youth in India.
2. Soul & Surf
Website: Soul And Surf
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CEdBKLTDMCAHCQBa8
Mobile number: +91-9895842538
Cost: ₹1,900 for 90 min session
If you want to enjoy the serenity of nature and the mind-blowing beach view, this surf school in Kerala is the one for you.
3. Surf Wala
Website: Surf Wala
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/yDZpXKWG6sX6WU1c6
Mobile number: +91-9146118015
Cost: ₹3,000 for 90 min session
This surfing school in Goa is a fantastic place to learn surfing. It offers 1.5 hours of training sessions daily to the learners.
There's no denying that in recent times, India has provided outstanding service to visiting surfers, right? Well, of course, yes! In fact, surfing in India has been explored and experienced by several pro surfers, surfing magazines, filmmakers, and surf brands, which has further contributed to its growth in our country!
Challenges Faced by Surfing Community in India
It's quite evident that Surfing in India is gaining a lot of popularity but surfers are still facing challenges in Indian water!
Wanna know what are the challenges we are talking about?
What? Yes? Then what are we waiting for? Let's just have a look at some of the biggest challenges that the surfing community in India face.
Despite the country's 7,000 km of coastline, not all shores provide ideal surfing conditions.
During most of the year, the waves in India are modest and average. (It can, however, turn on, especially during the pre-monsoon season, which runs from April to September along India's East and West coasts).
We don't have beaches everywhere, right? Duh! Of course! And, because of this, many surfers have to travel a lot to learn surfing.
Surfers find it difficult to travel for training under different wave conditions due to a lack of sponsorship.
Are you wondering how India can come up and fight all these challenges?
Well, experts say that to compete with the global surfing community, Indians must train in all-wave conditions and travel on the global surfing circuit! Moreover, we believe that some schools can offer scholarships or free sessions to some underprivileged people to train future surfers.
Future of Surfing in India
Past and present done, now it's time that we talk about the future of surfing! So, shall we? Let's go then!
Surfing was possibly the last thing that came to mind when you thought of India in the past.
However, this may not be the scenario in the future, as surfing is rising in India, with thousands of new enthusiasts expected to take up the sport!!!!!
According to reports, India has never had a professional surfer, but given the recent growth in surfing, there may be potential for the next generation!
The bulk of the population has ignored entering the water for the longest time; only the fishing community is not worried about the ocean.
Only recently has there appeared to be a cultural shift among new generation Indians and youth who are more adventurous and open to beach culture and water.
So, to put it simply, the future of Surfing in India is bright!
Bottom Line
Overall, India has always been a country that loves to embrace newness and adventure and it'll continue to do so!
Moreover, the Surfing Federation of India has already been established in 2012 which will eventually help Indian surfers to come to the forefront. The organization will surely play a crucial role in the growth of this water sports in India.
The constantly rising craze for surfing among the youth in India is evidence enough to show that the surfing industry is expanding exponentially, isn't it? Of course, it is! So, if you are also fascinated by surfing, then what are you doing sitting idle at home? Ugh. Do we have to tell you everything? Just get up, find a suitable surfing school for yourself and get your surfboard ready!
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