Surfing in India is rapidly gaining popularity, especially along the coastal states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. While India has a long and expansive coastline, surfing as a sport remained relatively unknown until recently. The Indian Open of Surfing 2024, held at Kovalam Beach, attracted surfers from all over the country and even international participants, marking a major milestone for the sport in India.
One of the stars of the event was local surfer Ishita Malaviya, who has become a household name in Indian surfing. She has been promoting the sport through her organization, Surfing Yogis, which teaches young children and women about surfing and ocean safety. Ishita’s story, from starting as a novice surfer to becoming one of India’s top professionals, is an inspiring example of how the sport is growing in the country.
Surfing has also found a place in international competitions, with Indian surfers like Ramesh Budihal and Sanjay Selvamani participating in the World Surfing League. Organizations like the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) are helping the sport gain structure, setting up training programs, and organizing competitions across the nation. With improved media coverage and more accessible surf schools, surfing is steadily becoming a mainstream sport in India, with hopes of representing the country at the Olympics in the future.