Name: Nissam
Date of Birth: 05/01/1993
Residence: Kovalam

Life Story: I come from quite a poor background and my mother always had to struggle to make it until the end of the month. Despite her effort, I was forced to leave school when I was 8 years old and started to work in a fast food restaurant for a slaves’ wage. Luckily, some years later, I came in contact with SISP and they gave me the chance to continue my education. Soon, I was one of the brightest of my class, and could enroll for a program sponsored by SISP that tries to send their students to high quality private schools. I was one of the lucky ones who made it to a private school, where I passed my high school degree. Due to my family situation I had to go back to work, in order to sustain my family, but thanks to the English I’ve learned during my studies, I now have a good job in a restaurant on Lighthouse Beach.​

Surf Experience and Motivation: Isao, my Japanese friend and a Kovalam regular taught me to surf when I was around 12 years old. In the beginning I was quite afraid, mainly because I’m not really a good swimmer. But since the first time I stood up on my board I was  hooked, the ocean made me feel good and forget about my problems. Ever since I have been surfing regularly with the Kovalam Surfclub and now, together with Varghese, I compete in national surfing competitions.

 

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Contact: (0091)9746612690