Surfing in India is a relatively new phenomenon, despite the country having over 7,500 km of coastline. The country’s first surf school only opened in 2004 when American Jack Hebner launched Mantra Surf Club near Mangaluru.

　　Once the preserve of fisherfolk who lived along the sea, surf culture has slowly spread along the east and west coast, and today, the activity has become widely popular, particularly among middle-class Indians with disposable income. There are also dozens of surf schools dotted all along the coastline that teach beginners the basics and conduct surfing retreats, indicating the growing livelihood opportunities the sport presents for coastal Indians. The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) is the national governing body for surfing in India and was established in 2012. It is recognised by the International Surfing Association (ISA).

　　Social media has also been instrumental in documenting India’s surf culture. The Instagram page @surfersofindia has over 2,000 followers. It is run by Vaibhav Gupta, an adventure photographer and videographer who profiles some of the best surfers living along the country’s coastline.

　　Best Time For Waves

　　For most of the year, India’s beaches see gentle, mellow waves that rise between two and five feet. The season runs from November until March on the west coast, and June to August on the east coast. September, October, November, February, March, and April offer consistent surf, bright skies, and morning off-shores, with typically medium-sized surf.

　　Surfing festivals are held in Kovalam, Mangaluru, and parts of Odisha, drawing attention to the sport, attracting sponsors, and helping professional surfers meet and compare notes. One of the most well-known among them is the Covelong Point Surf, Music, and Yoga Festival.

　　Covelong is a bustling village on the Tamil Nadu coast that is widely known for its active fishing industry. At Covelong Beach, water sports like swimming, water skiing, and mid-sea floating are incredibly popular. This annual festival is held during August to celebrate surfing and attracts numerous visitors from around the globe.

　　Surfing Institutes in India

　　The Shaka Surf Club in Udupi, Karnataka; Soul and Surf in Varkala, Kerala; Kovalam Surf Club in Kerala; Vaayu Surf School and Surf Wala in Goa; Mumu Surf School in Mahabalipuram; Cocopelli Surf School in Gokarna, Karnataka; and the Kallialay Surf School in Puducherry are some of the best places to take packaged lessons and rent surfboards.

　　Best Places To Surf In India

　　Mahabalipuram

　　Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu has right-hand point breaks near the iconic Shore Temple. They are created by a pile of boulders placed around the temple that jut into the Bay of Bengal to keep it from toppling into the ocean. The waves depend on the positioning of the sand and they usually fall flat in October and November. There's no point break until May when most of the sand gets washed away from the beach and forms a sandbank. June and July produce perfect waves, and they last quite well until the end of September.

　　Kovalam

　　One of India's most well-known surf spots is Kovalam Beach in Kerala. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of April and September. The rains are winding down then so there’s a chance you’ll be able to sunbathe and swim.

　　An instructor teaching a beginner how to paddle on a surfboardMulki

　　Mulki in Karnataka is probably India’s original surf hub. This beachside gem, conveniently close to Udupi and Manipal, boasts some of the safest waters in the country. Its consistent surf conditions reign supreme for learners. Expect gentle two-to-three-foot waves, perfect for starting your surfing journey. Morning sessions with calm winds, great waves, and mild sun amplify the experience.

　　Puducherry

　　The surfing season in Puducherry is long, with waves of up to 12 feet from June to January. Much of the action takes place at Serenity Beach, where surf breaks were created by two long piers that were built to protect the beach following the 2004 tsunami.

　　Varkala

　　The peak time to chase waves in Varkala, Kerala, depends on your skill level. The wet season is ripe for the biggest sets that come between June and August. However, keep in mind that you’re going to be dealing with heavy rains and storms in between sessions. The shoulder seasons of October and March are good for those who prefer it cleaner and more consistent but on the larger size (intermediate). Beginners should come between November and February.