Surfing in India: Riding the Waves of Change

Surfing is a relatively new sport in India, but its popularity has grown exponentially in coastal regions like Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Karnataka. The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) has been instrumental in promoting the sport, organizing national competitions, and providing training opportunities for aspiring surfers.

The 2024 Indian National Surfing Championship, held in Covelong, Tamil Nadu, was a landmark event, attracting top surfers from across the country. Ramesh Budhial from Karnataka emerged as the men’s champion, while Ishita Malaviya, India’s first professional female surfer, won the women’s title. The event showcased the growing talent pool in Indian surfing and highlighted the country’s potential to compete internationally.

India’s surfers have also begun making a mark on the global stage. In 2023, Ramesh Budhial became the first Indian surfer to compete in the World Surf League (WSL), marking a significant milestone for the sport in India. With surfing set to make its second appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Indian surfers are hopeful of qualifying and representing their country on the world’s biggest stage.

Looking ahead, the SFI is focusing on developing more training centers along India’s vast coastline and partnering with international organizations to provide better training and equipment. With the right support, Indian surfing is poised for significant growth in the coming years.