Many of you must have seen surfers riding the waves of the sea like a piece of cake. Well, what looks so easy is absolutely not at all that easy. It takes a lot of practice, determination, and hard work to get your surfing skills right. But nothing happens until you take the first step of learning towards it, so, this 2026, if you ever wished to learn surfing, just go for it! And if you are wondering where? Here’s a list of the best surf schools to learn surfing in India.
Best Surf Schools In India For Beginners 2026
1. Kallialay Surf School, Pondicherry
Kallialay Surf School was founded on Serenity Beach by two Spanish brothers in 2009, Juan and Samai. The surf school is known best for beginners with their 90-minute group or private lessons. They train beginners by using rash guards, soft foam boards, leashes, boardshorts, and waterproof sunscreen for safety. The school houses certified instructors fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Tamil. They provide personalized tips on paddling, popping up, and wave trimming, even in busy sessions.
2. Bay Of Life Surf School, Kovalam
This surf school in Kerala’s Kovalam offers beginner-focused 90-120 minute lessons. These sessions are held in gentle Lighthouse Beach waves. The instructors are all ISA-certified instructors who teach paddling, balance, and first rides. Some packages include 3-7 day courses with video analysis, yoga integration, video reviews, beachfront changing areas, showers, and gear rentals. The surf club emphasizes safety with leashes, foam boards, and life vests.
3. Mantra Surf Club, Mulki
Mulki is known as India’s surf capital, and Mantra Surf Club has been one of the most famous surfing schools here since 2009. The school hosts 2-hour sessions for beginners where they use soft-top boards, leashes, and safety vests. They also include consistent beach breaks and have bilingual instructors (English and Hindi) to help you. Their syllabus covers paddling, takeoff, covers awareness, and turns for swimmers/non-swimmers alike.
4. Cocopelli Surf School, Gokarna
Established in 2010 by Sandeep Samuel, an ISA-certified instructor and level 3 judge, Cocopelli is the first surf school in Gokarna. It operates on the main Beach, beginner-friendly waves with light currents and clean blue waters. They have various sessions, including 1.5-hour “try it” sessions, 3-day beginner courses, and 6-day advanced programs. The school tends to focus on pop-ups, paddling, and safety for non-swimmers. Their facilities include beachfront access, changing areas, kayaking trips, and guest bungalows.
5. Soul & Surf, Varkala
Soul & Surf in Varkala, Kerala, specializes in holistic beginner classes, set on North Cliff’s gentle wave. It blends 90-120 minute lessons with yoga and wellness for all levels. This includes non-swimmers using buoyant foam boards, vests, and leashes. Their packages cover instruction on takeoffs/turns, video analysis, organic meals, eco-lodging, and beach shacks with showers/lockers.
6. Goa Surf Club, Goa
Goa Surf Club at Ashvem Beach offers beginner-centric 2-hour lessons on sandy-bottom waves. It is ideal for first-timers as they also offer soft-top boards, rash guards, reef booties, and safety briefings. These safety briefings cover ocean awareness, paddling, and rides. There are multi-day camps which include gear, transport, video reviews, beach cafe, showers, and parties.
7. Mumu Surf Club, Mahabalipuram
Mumu Surf Club (also known as Mumu Surf School) stands out as a top beginner surf school on Covelong Beach’s waves. It is run by ISA-certified instructor Mukesh and wife Anna near Chennai. They offer 90-minute private or group lessons. This includes softboards, hardboards, shortboards, leashes, rash guards, and safety briefings for non-swimmers.
Summing Up
From Chennai to Goa, India, there are many surf schools that are completely beginner-friendly. So this 2026, tick an adventure off your bucket list and join a surf school!
FAQs
Can I Learn Surfing If I Don’t Know How To Swim?
Yes, you can learn to surf without knowing how to swim.
Which Is The Best Month To Learn Surfing In India?
September through February marks the prime season across India’s coasts. Hence it is the best month to learn surfing.
How Much Do Surfing Lessons Cost In India?
Surfing lessons typically range from INR 1,000 to INR 2,500 for 90 to120 minute sessions in India. (may vary)
Where Is The Surf Capital Of India?
Mulki in Karnataka is widely regarded as India’s surf capital.
What Are The Surfboard Rentals Cost Per Hour In Pondicherry?
Surfboard rentals in Pondicherry cost INR 300 to INR 600 per hour, approximately.
