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Mumbai is known for many things — its dilapidated but efficient local trains, the ever-growing media industry, beautiful sunsets by the sea, and traffic. But being a surfer’s paradise is definitely not one of them. If you’ve visited Chowpatty or Juhu beach, you know what I am talking about. Surfing, as a sport, is still lesser-known in India. And for something that niche to flourish in the murky waters and overcrowded beaches of Mumbai seems like a far-fetched reality. Except that it’s not. In fact, the metropolitan region of Mumbai now has its own surf school called the Mumbai Surf Club.
The brainchild of 32-year-old Suyash Rawat and 19-year-old Krishna Lamani, Mumbai Surf Club emerged out of a serendipitous encounter in Kerala when they found themselves bonding over the one thing that interested them both – the possibility of surfing in India. For Suyash, a medical practitioner born and brought up in India, the idea of surfing in Mumbai was even more fascinating and he was determined to make it happen. After literally testing the waters and speaking to surfing enthusiasts in the city, Suyash was convinced of the sport’s potential. And Krishna, who is actually based out of Kerala, was more than willing to fly down and help Suyash train surfers.
A certified open water diver, Suyash has been surfing at the Rajodi beach in Virar (which is also where the Mumbai Surf Club operates) for almost 4 years now. Krishna, on the other hand, has been in the field ever since he was 5 years old and has participated and earned accolades at some of the top surfing competitions in the country. Ever since April this year, the duo has been holding regular surfing sessions at Rajodi beach.
Keeping in mind the kind of busy lives of most who live in Mumbai, Mumbai Surf Club is very accommodating of what their loyalists need. “We conduct lessons every day, as far as the surfing conditions are suitable. We also conduct lessons as per the convenience of our visiting enthusiasts”, says Suyash. In fact, sometimes the surf lessons are also paired with evenings spent pitching tents and setting up a barbecue or bonfire. “We charge as per sessions, which are all conducted on the beach. Once the individual is catching up well, we take them to the water for practical training”, he adds. Apart from introducing beginners to the world of surfing, Mumbai Surf Club also rents out boards to existing surf enthusiasts.
When I raise my obvious concern, about the disturbingly dirty waters of Mumbai’s beaches, I am surprised to learn that the Rajodi beach, which is located quite far from the main city, is actually considerably clean. In fact, one of the biggest challenges for the club is to convince people that the water is fit enough to surf. “The western coast has monsoon for 4 months and the sea is at unrest with constant inflow of water from the land. This leaves the monsoon water mucky. This mucky water clears up by October and the water turns more clear and clean. All the sea-fearing individuals need to come visit Rajodi Beach before passing judgements on the quality of the water”, Suyash tells Homegrown.
But for Suyash and Krishna, the Mumbai Surf Club is not just about promoting a sport that is slowly integrating with the mainstream, it’s also about empowering the society and training surfers who can represent the country on a National level. “We are training the local lifeguards to equip them for future emergencies. Moreover, we are also trying to train children who are below the poverty line so that they can represent Maharashtra in National level competitions”, they tell us.
India’s surf map, so far, has been limited to a handful of small towns across the country. But with the Mumbai Surf Club having ventured into the scene, the city might just be one of the most commercial hubs for surfing. And in the long-run, that’s exactly what Suyash wants. As he so appropriately puts, “I hope to see less banana rides on the beaches and more Indians with surf boards and stand up paddles instead!”
For more information about their timings and prices, visit the official website.
Feature Image is a representational image.
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