In India, riding waves is more than a
sport. Surfing is a new form of spiritual meditation for the new
generation of "swami surfers". India is slowly exploring the potential
of its 7500 kilometres of coastline and surfing waves is the perfect
joint-venture between the two worlds: physical exercise and religion.
In
Mulki, located a few kilometres north of the city of Mangalore, the
race for waves is beginning to be intense and, at the same time,
tranquil. A growing number of surfers from Mumbai, the most populous
city in India with 20 million people, are heading to Mulki to enjoy
surfing.
Recently, Indian
surfers have put up their inaugural gathering. The India Surf Festival
connected the surfer's spirit to the ocean, in the scenic stretch of the
Orissa Beach.
The
newly-created Surfing Federation of India is also preparing to boost the
number of surf enthusiasts in the country. The Southern swells coming
from the South Pole are blessed events for Indian surfers. The first
official surf competition in India may happen in 2012.
Surf
tourism is becoming a reality. International surfers have already
starting to explore the best surf spots of India. Uncrowded spots,
perfect waves and warm people are waiting for all travelers. The Ashram
Surf Retreat is one the oldest surf business in India and it is located
in the surf town of Mulki.
The
"surfing swamis" are excited to see the sport getting national
attention. While the purification of their souls continues through sound
vibration, the sport of surfing will keep attracting new fans and
participants to the waters of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
