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Over the past two decades, Indian surf culture has blossomed. When we think of surf destinations, places like Hawaii, Bali, or California typically come to mind. But with India’s gorgeous coastlines, particularly in the South, it was just a matter of time before the surfing bug bit us too. Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is at the centre of this homegrown surfing movement. The beach town has become a top surfing destination for locals, Indian tourists, and international surfers alike.
It’s no surprise, then, that the Surfing Federation of India is hosting the International Surfing Festival in Varkala this April. From April 10 through April 13, Varkala’s beaches will host competitions, workshops, surfing lessons, and more. The International Surfing Festival is open to everyone, from professional surfers to amateurs and enthusiasts. Organised by the Kerala Department of Tourism, the festival is an opportunity for surfers to appreciate the gorgeous waves at Varkala, highlighting it as a budding premier global surf destination.
This year marks India’s second time hosting the International Surfing Festival. The first festival, hosted in 2024, brought 65 surfers from within India and abroad to Varkala’s beaches to shred waves, compete, and learn from a skilled set of instructors. The 2024 festival also hosted surf competitions, broken down into three categories: Under 16s, Surfing Open (men's), and Surfing Open (women’s). Winners of the competition were awarded by actor and surf enthusiast Sudev Nair.
Whether you’re into surfing or prefer to just lounge on the beach, there’s no denying that the rise of homegrown surf culture is exciting to watch. The International Surfing Festival serves as an opportunity to appreciate Kerala’s beautiful beaches while nurturing a slowly blossoming subculture, giving us a glimpse at an exciting new future for Indian surfers.
