A Look into the History of Surfing in India
Updated: Feb 12, 2023
Gone are the days when Indians were only interested in Cricket/Hockey for sports and Shimla/Manali for vacations. Now we are exploring new things that excite us and a new name getting a lot of traction is "Surfing".
Surfing is a popular sport that has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. While it is often associated with tropical beaches and warm climates, the sport has also made its way to the shores of India.
The history of surfing in India is a unique and interesting story that has been shaped by the country's culture, geography, and changing economic and social conditions.
Get ready to ride the wave of nostalgia as we take you on a journey through time to uncover the hidden history of surfing in India.
What is Surfing?
Surfing is a popular water sport in which a person rides a board on the crest, face, or tube of a wave. The wave is typically generated by the wind or the tide and can vary in size and power.
The surfer uses their body weight and the movement of the wave to maneuver the board and stay on top of the wave. Surfing can be done in both saltwater and freshwater and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
It is considered a challenging and physically demanding sport that requires a combination of strength, balance, and coordination. In addition to the physical aspect, it also requires a deep understanding of the ocean, weather, and wave conditions.
History of Surfing
Hawaii has a rich surfing history, dating back to ancient times when the sport was a sacred activity reserved for Hawaiian royalty. In these early days, the surfboards were much larger and made of wood, and the sport was known as "he'e nalu" or "wave sliding."
In the 19th century, surfing was introduced to foreigners by Hawaiian princes and it quickly spread to other parts of the world. Today, Hawaii is considered the birthplace of modern surfing and is home to some of the most iconic surf spots in the world.
The sport continues to be an important part of Hawaiian culture and is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. Read more about the history of surfing in Hawaii.
Early beginnings in India
Surfing in India has its roots in the 1960s when a small group of Western expats and Indian surfers began to experiment with the sport on the country's beaches.
Jack Hebner, also known as the "Surfing Swami," is credited with discovering India's surf spots. In the 1970s, while seeking spiritual refuge, he stumbled upon the untapped potential of India's ocean waves. He went on to establish the country's first surf club, the Mantra Surf Club also referred to as the "Surf Ashram.
In the 1990s, a few surfers from the United States and Australia came to India and introduced the sport to a larger audience. They brought with them surfboards and equipment and began to teach local people how to surf. This helped to popularize the sport and increase awareness about it.
The present state
Rammohan Paranjape and Kishore Kumar were among the first generation of surfers in India, starting the sport as teenagers about 17 years ago. Their passion for surfing helped to spark the growth of the Indian surfing scene and eventually led to the establishment of the Surfing Federation of India.
The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) founded in 2011 serves as the recognized governing body for surfing in the country. They accredit surfing schools, conduct events, and provide surfing certifications.
Goa, Mahabalipuram, and Mulki are the most popular surf spots in India, with a number of surf schools and shops catering to surfers of all skill levels. The surf culture in these areas is also growing, with a number of surf competitions and events being held throughout the year. The surfing schools are commonly situated around the fishing communities.
Surfing has had a significant impact on India's fishing community, as many of the top surfers in the country are also fishermen with a deep connection to the ocean. Surfing has become a vital source of income in the growing coastal surf industry, bringing together rural fishermen and urban professionals united by their shared passion for the ocean.
As the popularity of surfing continues to grow in India, more and more corporations are partnering with surf schools, which has led to an increase in surf competitions and festivals.
In 2014 alone, there were eight surfing competitions held in the country, along with several workshops. Today, there are around 40 surf schools and 120 professional surfers in India. However, the majority of surfers in India are weekend enthusiasts who take occasional lessons and surf for leisure.
India's surfing scene has attracted champion surfers from around the world, such as Jonty Rhodes, Craig Anderson, Chippa Wilson, Daniel Jones, Kalani Robb, Warren Smith, and Trevor Gordon, among others.
But there are also plenty of opportunities for casual surf enthusiasts to enjoy the sport. Many surf schools offer tourists a combination of surf lessons, accommodation, and yoga classes, such as Surf & Soul in Kerala's Varkala, which offers lessons on a secluded beach and sunset yoga classes.
Surfwala in Arambol, Goa is another popular surf school that offers lessons on one of Goa's most beautiful non-commercial beaches.
Surfing festivals have also become a staple in the Indian surf scene, such as the annual Covelong point festival in Covelong, the India Surf Festival in Konark, the Summer Swell Challenge in Pondicherry, the Spice Coast Open in Kovalam, and the Indian Open of Surfing in Mangalore.
These festivals offer a mix of water sports, live music, food stalls, and beach parties, making them appealing to both surfers and non-surfers.
The rising popularity of Surfing in India
The rise in the popularity of surfing in India can be attributed to a combination of factors.
Social Media: One of the main drivers has been the increasing exposure and awareness of the sport through social media. This has helped to make people more aware of the sport and the potential for surfing in India.
New surfing schools: These businesses have made it easier for people to access equipment and instruction, which has helped to remove barriers to entry for the sport.
Surfing events: The growing number of surf competitions and events in India has also helped to raise the profile of the sport. This has led to an increase in the visits of professional surfers, further increasing the visibility of the sport.
Eco-tourism and sustainable travel: It has become more popular in India in recent years, and surfing is well suited to this type of tourism.
Problems for surfers in India
Despite the growth, surfing is still in its infancy in India, and it faces a number of challenges.
Infrastructure and Facilities: Lack of infrastructure and facilities for surfers, such as proper surf spots, coast guards, and the limited availability of surf equipment. This makes it difficult for surfers to access the sport and for surf schools to operate.
Government support: Another challenge facing the sport in India is the lack of recognition and support from the government. Surfing is not yet considered a mainstream sport in India, and as a result, it receives little in the way of government funding or support.
Instructors availability: Despite the growing popularity of surfing in India, there is a lack of qualified instructors to teach and train new surfers. This is partly due to the lack of formal training programs for surfing instructors in India, which makes it difficult for aspiring instructors to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to teach others.
Despite these challenges, the sport is continuing to grow and develop in India, with more and more people taking an interest in it. The surf community in India is also becoming more organized and vocal, which is helping to raise the profile of the sport and attract more people to it.
Future of surfing in India
The future of surfing in India looks bright as the sport continues to grow in popularity. With more and more people discovering the joys of surfing, the demand for surf schools, equipment, and other surf-related services is likely to increase.
The government and private sector have also started to recognize the potential of surfing as a sport and an industry, and are investing in infrastructure, events, and programs to promote and develop the sport.
Boasting 7,500km of coastline along the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal, India is home to numerous world-class reef breaks, many of which remain unexplored by surfers to this day.
However, recent advancements in technology, increased tourism, improved infrastructure, and a growing interest in adventure among young Indians, have led to a surge in the popularity of the sport over the last decade.
