Q. Can I rent a surfboard in India?

A. Yes. There are two places in India that we know of where there are surfboards for rent -- Kovalam beach in Kerala and here at our Ashram, but our boards are reserved for guests only (see Ashram Surf Retreat). Regarding Kovalam beach, the last time we visited there were probably about a dozen or so beat-up boards for rent by locals who stack them under umbrellas on the beach. We heard a rumor that there were 2 surfboards for rent in the whole of Goa but can't confirm that.

Q. Do you give surf lessons (aka teach surfing, surf instruction, surf training) and accommodate beginner surfers?

A. Yes. Surf lessons are available at a reasonable rate, and after careful consideration of the individuals' fitness level & time, place and circumstances. Surf lessons are reserved for guests of our Ashram Surf Retreat. As far as we know there are no other surf instructors operating in India. We accommodate beginners and always try to make sure our guests are not put into circumstances (waves) far beyond their level of competence.

Q. Are there any surf camps in India?

A. Other than our Ashram Surf Retreat there are no other surf camps in India that we know of. We have 2 guest rooms at our Ashrama just a paddle away from several surf breaks. We recommend our Ashram Surf Retreat for people who love surfing and can respect and enjoy the serenity of an Ashram environment.

Q. Do I need a visa to come to India?

A. Yes, you need a visa to come to India and you can get the visa from the India Embassy or Consulate General in your country.

Q. Where is the best surf in India?

A. Check out our website [India Surf Spots] for that information. We list the places we know of, but much of India's coast is still unexplored.

Q. What is the best all around season? Are there waves year round in India?

A. Please read our section on India Surf Spots.

Q. What is the best mode of travel in India?

A. The best way to travel when looking for surf in India is to have your own vehicle and allot of time [and petrol cash] on your hands. Even better is to travel with us on a guided surf tour. You can also travel by train, bus and plane.

Q. Can I backpack around India with a surfboard?

A. Yes. But backpacking in India with a long board is not easy, so in that case it is better to carry a short board [the shorter the better].

Q. How much will it cost me to travel in India?

A. Prices in India are fast catching up to the rest of the modern world. You can travel on a "shoe string" or you can travel and spend money like there was no tomorrow — that is India Today. We recommend the midrange travel budget. That way you will experience the real India and save money in the process. For safety and health reasons it is better to avoid cheap restaurants and over crowded places where foreigners gather in big numbers. In other words, avoid the tourist traps. You can fly, train, bus or a combination thereof, to just about any destination you want to go in India. But travel in India, even at its best, is energy and time consuming. A decent (somewhat clean) hotel room in a city will cost you around $60-$130 [US] and up per day. A hired car with driver will cost you around $70 [US] per day. Meals are... well you get what you pay for. There are plenty of good vegetarian restaurants in every Indian city to choose from but we recommend eating higher end if you want to avoid stomach problems, or as we call it 'the Delhi-belly'!