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Surfing for the First Time in India. What Should You Know?

As a complete beginner trying to surf for the first time? Here’s what you need to know especially if you are surfing in India in places like Mulki, Varkala, Pondicherry or anywhere else.


1. You Will Fall A Lot – and That’s Okay

Everyone wipes out (Get familiar with this word, it's a surf synonym for falling and tumbling in the water). It’s part of the process. Your first few sessions are about learning how to paddle, pop up, and just feel the rhythm of the ocean(maybe try not to fall). Falling in water is much better than falling in the ocean.


Wipeouts are as much a part of surfing as catching a wave
Wipeouts are as much a part of surfing as catching a wave

2. Book a Lesson

Going solo sounds fun, but a trained instructor will fast-track your learning and keep you safe. They’ll teach you wave timing, ocean safety, and how to catch whitewater. Do not go without an instructor if you are a beginner.

Learning the surfing basics and ocean safety set up a good foundation for your surfing journey
Learning the surfing basics and ocean safety set up a good foundation for your surfing journey

3. Start in Soft Waves

Beginner spots with sandy bottoms and gentle whitewater are ideal. Most of the places in India have these sandy bottom surf breaks. Avoid reefs or powerful waves until you gain more confidence.

Get confident riding gentle waves before moving to the bigger powerful waves
Get confident riding gentle waves before moving to the bigger powerful waves

4. Use a Foam Board

Bigger, foam boards are stable, safe, and beginner-friendly. Don’t worry about looking cool – everyone starts here. It's easier to get up and stand on a foam board (foamie). It's also safer to surf on a foam board. Hard boards might result injuries to yourself or people around you in the water.


Foam boards provide stability, safety and are very beginner-friendly
Foam boards provide stability, safety and are very beginner-friendly

5. Respect the Ocean

Listen to your instructor. Never turn your back on waves. Watch the current. Ocean awareness is a key part of being a surfer. Learn treading water, this will help you stay calm in the ocean.

Listening to your instructor is the key to a safe and fun surfing session
Listening to your instructor is the key to a safe and fun surfing session

Surfing is humbling, joyful, and addictive. Approach it with curiosity, not ego.

Sharing waves with friends is one of the most fun experiences
Sharing waves with friends is one of the most fun experiences

 
 
 

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