I had often equated surfing culture with American movies, specifically those that speak of life on the coast - LA, Florida and so on, or ripped Australian folks. However, the first time I encountered surfing as an activity in real life was when I attended the renowned Covelong Point Surf/Music/Yoga Festival in Kovalam, Chennai, back in 2017. There was so much thrill to the way the surfers rode the wave, and I was keen to learn more about this strange sense of calm that I saw on their faces. But until recently, I had never really met people who were surfers. But as Varkala, a choice vacation spot for us Malayalis, became more renowned for being a surfing hub, I was curious to learn more.
I don’t think I have the sheer guts and taste for thrill and salt water that the surfers I have met over the years possess. But what I was also told by many of them was that they never saw themselves as surfers either, until they found their way to it. Suffice it to say, my curiosity about surfing - the sport, the past-time, the calling - has steadily grown over the past few years. As luck would have it, I found a way to learn about the culture without actually having to brave the rough waves, atleast for now.
The page for Surfers of India was shared with me, by our editor. Its founder, Vaibhav Gupta is an adventure photographer/videographer documenting the growing buzz around India’s surfing scene. As the founder of the Instagram page Surfers of India, he’s been documenting some of the best surfers living along the country’s coastline and has been turning the spotlight onto their stories since 2022.
The page is a mix of stunning surf shots, community narratives, and glimpses of how surfing is becoming much more than a niche hobby in India. Thanks to his page, chances are that the next generation of Indians will think of the surfers of Mahabalipuram, Varkala or Goa before they think of SoCal or Bondi Beach in Australia like I did, until 2017.
Vaibhav's work is important because he isn’t just behind the lens; he’s part of a bigger ecosystem fueling India’s surfing culture. His work highlights everyone from seasoned surfers to young talent carving their space on the waves. One of them, Shivaraj from Tamil Nadu, has made waves literally - by earning a spot on India’s first-ever national surfing team. It’s a massive moment for the country, and Vaibhav has been there to capture and amplify these moments.
Through the Surfers of India page, he collaborates with surf schools, event organizers, and the larger community to celebrate the sport’s grassroots growth. His Instagram feed and YouTube playlists are also a visual dedication to the sport, featuring dynamic shots of surfers in their element, peaceful coastal vistas juxtaposed with crashing waves, and the general thrill and thrall of competitions. Vaibhav, through his page, is creating a sense of belonging for a community that’s still evolving and finding its place amongst the homegrown sub-cultural zeitgeist.
Vaibhav’s unique journey as a surf photographer and videographer, who is immersed in the sport has also been pivotal in connecting Indian surfers to each other and to a broader audience. He’s covered surf competitions, helped emerging talent gain visibility, and contributed to shaping a narrative that sees surfing in India not just as an activity, but as a lifestyle. His page also curates worthwhile surfing-related photos, features and more —all for the collective growth of the community.
Whether it’s documenting a kid’s first time riding a wave or a seasoned surfer like Shivaraj prepping for the international stage, Vaibhav’s lens and the community he has built through this page are documenting how India’s surfing community is riding its biggest wave yet.
Follow the page here.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
4 Days In Varkala — A Local’s Guide To The Unexplored Surfer’s Paradise Down South
The Indian Surfing Team Qualifying For The 2026 Asian Games Is History In The Making
Girls Make Waves: How An Arugam Bay Surf Club Is Helping Sri Lankan Women Soar