Top Five Surfing Spots in India

To Surf is to fly on water. One can write books about what is so mesmerizing and amazing about this marvelous water sport. Across the planet, there are a lot of breathtakingly beautiful Surfing spots. But what many people do not know is that there are some really good Surfing spots in India as well. Yes, you read that right. With a coastline of 7517 kilometers, there are plenty of Surf spots in India. Many more will be discovered over the next five years, for sure.

Did you know that the word - Surf - has come from India? Yes, in the 17th century, when the Portuguese came to India, they picked up the term 'Suffe', which means coastline. Interesting as it may sound, India, which is probably the last non-landlocked countries in the world to pick up Surfing, actually game it its name.

Every year, thousands of foreigners visit India to Surf. Thanks to the pristine beaches coupled with decent waves, India is gradually evolving in the field of this adventure sport.

So, I have curated a list of five of the most amazing Surfing spots in the country:

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Jonty Rhodes, a former South African Cricketer, surfing at Kerala’s Varkala Beach.

Varkala

It is located in Kerala, God's own country. Varkala is known for its scenic beauty, its enchanting backwaters, and Surfing. It is the home to some exotic beaches in this part of the world. Varkala is one of the best beaches in India to learn how to Surf. The waves, sandy beaches, and the coastline are apt for amateur and beginner level Surfers. The risk of injury is very little. The best time to Surf in Varkala is from November to March. The rainy season is the off-season in Varkala.

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A professional Surfer Surfing at Paradip Beach.

Paradip

Paradip is a less popular Surfing spot in India, and is located in Orissa. Strictly speaking, Paradip is sort of Indian paradise for Surfers. Professional Surfers can travel as long as 1 kilometer on really high waves. And that is a delight for any Surfer. However, it is not safe for amateur Surfers. The best time to Surf at Paradip is from November to April, as summer brings a lot of humidity, and monsoon brings heavy rainfalls.

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Surfers enjoying their time riding the high waves in Tamil Nadu.

Manapad Point

Manapad Point is located in Tamil Nadu. The coastline at Manapad was formed by the layers of lava that had piled on together over more than a thousand years. At Manapad point, one can Surf throughout the year, and expect good wave formation. A good Surfer can ride a surfboard for at least 350 meters at this magnificent Surf spot. The best time to visit Manapad Point for Surfing is between November and March. However, it is advisable for amateur Surfers to avoid Surfing at Manapad Point during the monsoon seasons.

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A woman learning how to surf at the Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach is another popular Indian beach that is located in Kerala. Albeit it is close to Varkala, Surfing at Kovalam is not as safe as Surfing in Varkala. Kovalam Beach offers a beach break surf point, and it has a rocky sea bed. Hence, it is suitable only for intermediate level and pro level Surfers. The best time to surf at the Kovalam Beach is from October to February.

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Surf master of Cocopelli Surf School catching the waves at the Gokarna Beach.

Gokarna Beach

Gokarna is a beautiful, small town located in the Western coast of Karnataka, just south of Goa. Gokarna beach provides a serene view of nature - blue sky, small hills, clear and relatively clean water, and the ever shining sun. If you want to learn how to Surf, this is one of the best places in the country. The waves here are not really challenging, and is more predictable. It is perfect place for amateur and intermediate level Surfers. The best time to Surf here is from October to March. Surfing during the summer and monsoon seasons is not fun at Gokarna beach.

So before this season ends, pack your bags and go to at least one of the aforementioned Surf spots, before they become overly crowded during the forthcoming season. As mentioned above, Surfing in India is becoming more popular.

Photo: thehindubusinessline.com