In the last week of December 2025, it was nearly a week of vacation, including the weekends. I didn’t want to spend my time sitting at home in Bangalore. Being someone who enjoys adventure and trying new experiences, I started exploring ideas for an exciting getaway. After considering several options, I decided to learn surfing—a skill I had always wanted to try. My research showed that the best places to learn surfing in India are Mulki in Karnataka and Varkala in Kerala. Further reading showed that surfing in Mulki’s calm waters and beginner-friendly conditions make it an ideal destination for first-time surfers. Convinced, I enrolled in a three-day surfing course in the water of Mulki with a local surf school called KayakBoy.
Like most surf schools in India, KayakBoy offers two beginner programs: a three-day course and a five-day course. I had no idea how challenging surfing would be. I opted for the shorter three-day program to test the waters.
On 24 December 2025, I started from Bangalore to Mulki, driving via Mangalore. The journey covered nearly 400 km and marked the beginning of what I hoped would be an unforgettable adventure.
KayakBoy Surfing Club
KayakBoy Surfing Club is run by Mr. Sushant. He is a government-certified water sports operator with extensive expertise in both kayaking and surfing. His experience and passion for water sports have made the club a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts.
The KayakBoy campus is a small yet charming and well-maintained property situated on the banks of the serene Sambhavi River. The club offers residential training programs in surfing, allowing participants to stay on-site throughout the duration of their course. Accommodation options include tents, air-conditioned rooms, and non-air-conditioned rooms, with course fees varying depending on the type of stay selected.
During December to February, accommodation is available only from the start date of the course due to high demand. However, during the off-season, participants can arrange to arrive a day earlier by paying an additional accommodation charge. For surfing in Mulki, KayakBoy offers competitively priced courses compared to other surfing clubs in the area.
Facilities available in the campus
The lush green and well-maintained campus offers ample parking space for both cars and bikes. There are various accommodation options, including tents, air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms, and dormitories. The campus also has an in-house kitchen that serves delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snacks to participants. The course fee does not include meal charges, so participants must pay for meals separately.
The common washrooms provided for participants staying in tents are clean and well-maintained. Participants staying in rooms or dormitories have access to attached or dedicated washroom facilities. The campus offers recreational activities such as carrom and volleyball, ensuring that participants can relax and enjoy their stay without getting bored.
In December, my accommodation was available only from the course start date. I travelled from Bangalore and arrived in Mulki on the evening of 24 December. As my accommodation at the campus was not yet available, I stayed overnight at a nearby hotel. Early the next morning, I reached the KayakBoy reception at around 7:30 AM, excited to begin my surfing adventure.
I had chosen to stay in one of the riverside tents. All the tents offer single occupancy and sit right along the riverbank. They offer a peaceful setting and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
The course
After checking in at the campus, I had to wait for nearly three hours before a tent was assigned to me. The surfing session on the first day was scheduled from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Each day of the course consisted of two hours of surfing, with the timings varying based on conditions. Participants were informed that the schedule for the following day would be displayed on the campus notice board. I was placed in a batch of around 20 participants, all eager to learn the basics of surfing.
The surfing beach is located about a 10-minute drive from the campus. KayakBoy provides transportation for participants, making it convenient to travel between the campus and the surfing spot each day.
On the first day, the session began with a brief 15-minute theory class conducted on the beach. The trainer introduced us to the surfboard. He explained its different parts and functions, and demonstrated the correct techniques for carrying it into the water. We were also taught how to lay and balance on the board. Finally we were taught to paddle effectively, and catch incoming waves before attempting to stand up.
Following the introductory lesson, the trainers assigned each participant a surfboard suited to their height and weight. They then divided the group among four trainers, resulting in an instructor-to-student ratio of approximately 1:5. This small group size allowed trainers to provide individual attention and personalized guidance, making it an effective setup for beginners learning the fundamentals of surfing.
Surfing through the waves
Surfing in Mulki is an incredible experience, especially if you enjoy being in the water and love the sea, its rolling waves, and the refreshing feel of salty ocean water. Every moment spent in the water is both exciting and rewarding.
During the initial sessions, the trainers help beginners get comfortable with the surfboard. They assist you in getting onto the board, maintaining balance while floating, and understanding how to move along the waves. To build confidence, they often push the board along incoming waves, allowing you to experience the sensation of gliding across the water.
The second day introduces the real challenge—and the real thrill—of surfing. Participants learn how to paddle effectively to catch waves, perform the pop-up maneuver, stand on the board, and maintain balance while riding a wave. This stage requires patience and perseverance. You will fall countless times, but every successful attempt makes the effort worthwhile. In many ways, surfing mirrors life itself: every fall teaches you something new, and every time you get back on the board, you become stronger and more confident.
The course dedicates the third day to practice and refinement. It is an opportunity to apply everything learned during the previous two days, improve your technique, and gain more confidence in the water. By the end of the course, most participants leave not only with a basic understanding of surfing but also with unforgettable memories of their time riding the waves.
Surfing in Mulki- Swimmers Vs Non-Swimmers
When considering a surfing course, a common question is whether swimming skills are necessary. After experiencing 3 days surfing as a beginner, I can confidently say that proficiency in swimming is not a prerequisite to learn surfing. If you enjoy playing with the waves and are comfortable with the water, you are all set to experience the thrill of surfing in Mulki.
For beginners, surfing lessons are conducted in shallow waters, usually waist-deep and occasionally reaching chest level. Additionally, the floating surfboard is attached to your ankle.
Professional instructors supervise continuously throughout the session. As a result, the risk of drowning is extremely low, making surfing an accessible and enjoyable activity even for those who are not swimmers.
Conclusion
Surfing is both exhilarating and physically demanding. While riding the waves is incredibly enjoyable, it also requires strength, endurance, and a great deal of patience. Like any sport, surfing is all about practice—the more time you spend in the water, the more confident and skilled you become.
A three or five day course is enough to learn the fundamentals, including paddling, catching waves, standing up on the board, and understanding basic surfing techniques. However, mastering the art of balancing on the board and riding waves smoothly takes much more time. It requires consistent practice and many hours in the water to develop the coordination, timing, and confidence needed to surf effectively.
Even so, learning to surf is a rewarding experience. Acquiring a new skill, challenging yourself in a completely different environment, and experiencing the thrill of riding a wave make the effort worthwhile. Surfing is not just a sport, it is an adventure, and it is undoubtedly a wonderful skill to have.
Worth mentioning, apart from surfing in Mulki, I also had a wonderful kayaking session on the river for almost an hour before departing the KayakBoy campus.