There’s a belief amongst serious waters sports buffs that surfing is one of the unique and rare experiences in life in which man and nature become as one. This ability to ‘walk on water’ —take that as a fitting metaphor for the surfer riding the waves on just that slim surfboard— requires a certain abandonment to the elements. Trust is the binding force that makes this truly an otherworldly, spiritual connection. The aftermath of the rush one gets in this soul-stirring act is a feeling of inexpressible exhilaration and spiritual rebirth.

India was never really on the horizon for the world’s global surfing community, but for over a decade now there’s been a growing interest in dipping their paddles and exploring the adventures in store off the subcontinent’s coastal regions. 

What has stoked India’s potential as a surfing hub greater impetus is the availability of professional outfitters who have set up operations here in the leading destinations.

With over 7,000 km of coastline with at least 200 surfable river mouths, still largely unsurfed, the Indian subcontinent unleashes a whole new aqua world to explore and conquer by extreme sports buffs. 

Its time liberate yourself from the shackles of fear and self-doubt and let your body move with the motion of the waves on those shimmering seas…It’s time to give rein to your restless spirit to plumb the depths of your daredevilry to overcome decay and dissatisfaction and chart a new course in your life’s journey.

From Karnataka to Kerala to Goa on the western coast alongside the Arabian Sea… from Tamil Nadu to Odisha, nestled by the Bay of Bengal on the eastern coast, compelling surfing experiences await the fearless aqua adventurers.

All year round there are waves averaging 3 to 5 feet to keep the momentum going, but the big ones (8ft+) happen from May to September, on what is the pre-monsoon curve— creating conditions providing transient, but also often, precious moments of world-class surfable waves.

It was an American surfer called Jack Hebner who introduced this exciting water sports adventure to India back in 1976. Often referred to as the Surfing Swami, Hebner pioneered surfing in India in the most serious way by setting up, in 2004, the country’s first surfing club in Mulki, in South Canara on the Karnataka coast. Today you know it as the Mantra Surf Club.

Mulki

The irresistible splendour of the silken waves at Mulki, the safest of beaches, is something surfing addicts are unlikely to forget for a long, long time. Just 25km away from the coastal hub of Mangalore, this surfing village, with its three professional outfitters now,  is ‘paradise found’ for the adrenaline-pumping water sport which is tempting new aficionados to put it on their bucket list of seaside activities.

What makes Mulki so attractive is that its friendly waves, which rise to about 2-3 feet for most of the year, are idyllic for beginners who don’t need to panic about a wipe-out that will scare them off the sport. What adds to its allure is that the waters here are both rock and coral free—so even if you take a tumble riding the waves you won’t get hurt. February to October is a good time to learn to wet your paddle as a newbie. The big swells start out from October through December, with the waves climbing up to 6 and 7 feet, before sliding back again to their normal height of 2-3 feet as the weather turns.

The Mantra Surfing Club (surfingindia.net/mantra-surf-club; Email: surfsup@surfingin - dia.ne) is who you need to connect with to get all the info you need on surfing conditions. To extend the fun and games you can stay here at the Ashram Surf Retreat. Mantra also has schools in Udupi and Goa.

Sasihithlu Beach

Take a turn off NH 66 as you get closer to the coast and wind your way to the pristine white expanses of Sasihithlu Beach nestling by the sunny waters of the Arabian Sea. This lovely spot is marked by the confluence of the Shambhavi and Nandini rivers which merge joyfully with the sea. Surfers absolutely love this beach for its idyllic surfing conditions. Little wonder it's also the site of the Karnataka Surfing Festival and the Indian Open of Surfing event attended by surfers from home and abroad. Hire a taxi for the day from Mangalore and bring your own board to have the time of your life.

Panambur Beach 

Just 5km away from Mangalore it’s a lovely place for beginners to start a romance with surfing at Kodi Bengre near Panambur beach. Professionals at the Mangalore Surf Club at Tannirbhavi Beach, will take you through the ropes on terra firma, before you wet your feet in the sea.

Maravanthe 

This is another much-treasured surfing spot. Unmissable experiences await at the spot known as ‘Ten Thousand Peaks’. The 6km stretch of beach here offers all kinds of complexities when it comes to battling the waves here.

Murudeshwar 

A popular water sports hub, it’s also embracing the surfing culture. The sheltered bays offer perfect surfing conditions. The waves you encounter are from 1ft to 10ft on the scale, subject to weather conditions and the time of the year.

Other spots in India where you can explore surfing conditions in India are Puri, Gokarna, Varkala, Mahabalipuram, Serenity Beach at Puducherry, Udupi and Dapoli. Goa is good pre-monsoon— not so in the winter when it's the high season time for tourists.