Surfing in India

What it is

India has a young but real surf scene on both coasts, with established surf schools, board rentals and consistent beginner-friendly beach breaks.

When to go

The biggest swell arrives with the May to September monsoon and suits experienced surfers. Beginners get friendlier waist-high waves from October to March.

First time?

Take a lesson rather than just renting a board: schools run 90-minute beginner sessions on soft-top boards in whitewater, and most people stand up on day one.

Where to do it

• Varkala and Kovalam, Kerala

  the most established surf schools in the country

• Mulki, Karnataka

  river-mouth breaks near Mangalore, home of the Mantra Surf Club

• Covelong, Tamil Nadu

  east coast point break with an annual surf festival

• Gokarna, Karnataka

  quieter beaches, gentle waves for learning