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News & Updates

Here you can find the latest news about events, collaborations and the incredible achievements of the Kovalam Surfclub, our team riders and friends from all around the world.

WAVES OF HOPE AND FREEDOM

The Kovalam Surfclub was founded in 2005 and has been offering free surf lessons to local children from harsh backgrounds as a motivational tool to make them regular at school under the motto: "No School-No Surfing".
The road has been bumpy with time and we've had our fair bit of highs and lows, but now we can proud that we managed to give pure joy, passion and happiness to hundreds of children ever since.  Some of our team riders have excelled in both national and international competitions and we have empowered nearly twenty students to make a successful career out of their passion!


In a joint initiative of the Kovalam Surfclub and Paradeshy we recently gave our mission a new push and have a new batch of around 60 local BPL boys and girls who are regular at school and are super motivated to ride the waves of hope & freedom.


We have assigned Daliya, our empowered local surfer girl, as the woman in charge to lead the weekly surf sessions. With her as a role model for our little surfers we are positive that we can keep
creating and supporting dreams and a way out of poverty through passion, love and commitment.

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TRIP TO THE INDIAN ISLANDS

It was time we made the surf trip come to reality which was in plan for 5 years. The concept of the trip was to experience a new surfing atmosphere ,to increase the bond between the team members and to make them independent of planning and executing such trips and journeys.

 

There were many reasons that we chose this island, The waves were mostly left hand ,2 to 3 metres with a more open shoulder which is suitable for intermediate and professional surfers, some days it is suitable for beginners as well, As it is less crowded we can have  more peaceful surf sessions. As long as we don't disturb the peace and privacy of the locals they are very lovable and welcoming people.

 

The best time for the surf is between the months of February and May .We chose to go at the end of April  till the start of May.

The swell forecasts and seasonal weather patterns helped us in predicting and preparing for the sessions, they were mostly accurate.

 

 We had packed surf boards such as three boards for two people and  leash respectively,  extra gears included wax, sunscreens,duct tape, repair kits,first aid kit and reusable water bottles.

 

We stayed in a homestay owned by one of our local friends, which was comparatively near to the surf sport and had really nice homely food.Water was very much available so was electricity, however we consumed minimum as possible.The place had facility to keep our boards and gears besides they arranged motor bikes for our transport.

 

Checking surf forecasts, tides, and wind conditions were part of our surf routine other than doing workouts and exercise which helps to improve our fitness and surfing.

- We tried to be selective in taking waves and not paddle for every single wave that comes to the shore, tried to follow the priority and safety rules.Even before getting in the water analysing of the surroundings were needed to see the rocks and reefs to plan where to get in and  out of the water .Every evening after the surf sessions ,video clips were played and evaluated everyone's skills , new tips were shared in between friends to improve the surf.

 

The locals had a very good way of hospitality and love towards us.Nice tea shops and snacks were one of the good things.Besides surfing, trekking to the forest and water falls were  included in our fun activities .

 

- It was very important to know our limits and understanding local hazards.The beach was filled with coral reefs which is a home for thousands of fish and sea creatures stepping or falling on top of them may cause damage to them or to ourselves .We were very careful not to step on them or to cause any damages.We had a very good idea about the changing of tides and winds which helped us in predicting the waves and the sea.Wounds made from surfing were cleaned with antiseptic in order to prevent further infection as the hospitals there were not so advanced.

 

We were very careful to leave-no-trace by reducing plastic use and respecting wildlife.Buying and using local products were helpful to the locals doing so and tried to promote the local business.

 

It was a trip very much worth our time and money ,also made us connect with nature and to ourselves. Click the icon         for seeing the clips from the previous trip .

If you are reading this far it means you are also interested in the beauty of nature and adventure.It is never too late to grab your board and start your journey, "money returns, time does not".....

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September 2023

Goa Surf Festival

The Indian surfing scene is not just a sport, but a cultural movement where 90%+ competing athletes come from financially vulnerable backgrounds, Goa surfing federation and our surf club joined hands to make our boys's dream to participate in the Goa competition come true.They participated in the event held at Goa on September 29 to October 3.

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July 2023

Ramesh in Maldives

Ramesh was one of the members of team India,which participated in the ASF Surfing Championship conducted in Maldives on July 2023.Team India secured Bronze in the overall Men's rankings for teams in the Asian region competing against the likes of Japan,Indonesia and hosts Maldives.Sure everyone was quite impressed with the Team India performance and this is just the beginning for the bright future we have for Indian surfing.

July 2023

Joshan Into the Asian Games

Former student of the surf club and current member of our skate club Joshan, is selected to the Indian Team,which is scheduled to participate in the 19th Asian Games.He has also won some State and National titles with his skating skills. Joshan is also an example of a spoilt kid who turned into a dedicated you man proving his skills in skating and socialising.

July 2023

Kivins Graduating

Our surf club is not only about surfing and the sea, it is much more.. ,Kivins, one of our oldest and talented members is a proof of that. He has been with us since he was a small boy,he went to school everyday just to surf on the weekends, guess where it led him? ,He recently completed his bachelors in Radiography and Imaging technology in one of the recognisable universities . He is currently  currently working in one of the famous hospitals in cochin,Kerala.

June 2023

Indian team in El Salvador

For the first time in history, an Indian team of surfers goes to compete in the ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador. Ramesh, one of the Kovalam Surfclub team riders, will be competing together with 3 other Indian surfers. This competition will give them the chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Good luck guys!

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April 2023

Belgian students in Kovalam

Every two years, a group of students and teachers from Atheneum Brugge in Belgium come to Kovalam and bring with them lots of skate and surf gear. Due to the global pandemic, the school has been collecting surf materials for 4 years and was able to bring no less then 23 surfboards!

A big shout out goes to Atheneum Brugge , Casa Paço D'Ilhas, Boardx Surfcamps, ...

This could not have been possible without their support. Thanks friends!

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