Karnataka: Surfing picks up in a big way across coastal districts

MANGALURU / UDUPI: Most of the surf schools across the coast that had remained shut during the pandemic induced lockdown have resumed their activities. The demand is high and a lot of enthusiasts from across India are choosing these schools in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
With most companies continuing with the work from home (WFH) model, most working professionals spend not less than a week at these surf schools learning a new sport and staying fit. Surf schools too have upgraded their facilities, made temporary work stations with good wifi connection.
Rammohan Paranjape, partner, Mantra Surf School said, nearly 500 domestic tourists mostly from metros are visiting the school every week. “Due to the extended weekend, many tourists have arrived who are keen on learning how to surf. Since it is WFH for many of our customers, we have upgraded our set up by providing good internet facility as well as temporary work stations,” he said.
Most surf schools are flooded with inquiries with a high demand for weekend bookings. Tushar Pathiyan, co-founder, The Shaka Surf Club, Udupi, said, the surf season generally begins in September and ends in May for the West coast. Ever since the pandemic hit, most schools had remained shut. However, this year seems to be a promising one.
“We have already received guests from Bhopal, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolhapur. Entry is permitted to only fully vaccinated guests or with an RT-PCR negative certificate not older than 72 hours. Since we are providing good wi-fi facilities, we are noticing that guests with WFH option who would have generally preferred staying only during the weekends are now staying longer enjoying work from the beachside. Also, Kayaking is picking up in a big way and a lot of local kids have taken up skateboarding,” he said.