Goa is perfect for surfing beginners, mainly for its abundant surfing schools, and mellow swells for getting comfortable with the waves. Here are the surfing schools I recommend to anyone visiting Goa.
Surfing season is from October till April and shuts down for the rest of the year n Goa.
Overlooking the Aswem beach, Vaayu Waterman’s village is a resort that has a dedicated sports centre perfect for surfers to hit the waves. Otherwise famously known as Goa’s only surf shop, Vaayu offers a range of water adventure sports like surfing, stand-up paddling, wakeboarding, and cruises which I also highly recommend.
Need To Know: Vaayu is a wholesome holiday place with a guest house, café and even an art gallery. In the surf season, the swell can go as high up as two feet, and is ideal for beginners. Vaayu has accredited surfers whom I’ve seen training beginners very well. You can also rent surfboards by the hour.
Season: October to May
Price: INR 2,500 upwards, Board rental: INR 500
Number of days: Lessons range from a one-day session (INR 2500) to three or five day surf courses
Located on the pristine Aswem beach, Banana Surf School is another favourite surfing spot, just a couple of miles from the famous Morjim beach. The surf school is in the popular Shanti Beach club, and has an elaborate sea view and a restaurant I’ve often eaten at, amongst other things.
Need To Know: The instructors are professional accredited surfers from Bali, and are very good at guiding the beginners I have introduced to them through the surfing process. They have individual and group lessons available.
Season: October to March
Price: INR 2,500 upwards per hour
Number of days: 1 day course - INR 2500
One of the most popular go-to surfing spots in Goa, Surf Wala is located on the Arambol beach in North Goa. Based out of the Surf Club, Surf Wala has many international surfers working for them available for training beginners. They train in a small lagoon on Aswem beach and cover all aspects of surfing, from theory to practical training.
Need To Know: The instructors are easy to interact with and speak a myriad of languages from Russian, to Konkani. November onwards they get really busy, so I like to make sure that my friends’ classes are booked in advance. I can also rent the surfing equipment, gear and clothes from Surf Wala. Heads up, prices may go really high up during the surfing season.
Season: October to March
Prices: Board rental INR 500, Classes: 2 hours lesson INR 2,500
Number of days: 1 day course - INR 3000; 3 days course - INR 8000; 5 days course: INR 12000
Pioneered by veteran surfer and ISA-certified Velumurgan, fondly called Velu, Aloha surf school is the latest entrant to the Goa surf scene. It’s on the beautiful Agonda beach, and I find it easy to miss, so look for a yellow graffiti of a langur surfing. You can customise your surf lessons based on expertise, and progression.
Need To Know: Velu personally teaches surfing lessons. All of the surfboards are supplied to Aloha by Temple surfboards, India’s handmade surfboard company based out of Mahabalipuram. Surfers can rent the surfing gear, boards from Aloha starting at INR 300 per hour.
Season: October to May
Price: INR 1,800 upwards for an individual lesson in a group per 90 minutes
Number of days: 1 day course - INR 2500; 3 days course - INR 4500; 5 days course: INR 7500; 7 days course: INR10,500
This surf school is on Arambol beach and provides surf lessons for kids and adults (group and individual). Group lessons cost INR 1,900 per head. They really believe that age is no bar, and have packages ranging from hourly, to a week-long course if you're serious. Surfboard rentals, kayaking and stand-up paddleboard lessons are available too. Also, if you want a photo-op of you riding the wave, they'll be happy to set up a shoot for you at an extra cost.
Need To Know: You will need to get in touch with them to know the exact specifications and availability of slots via email, call, or social media.
Season: October to May
Price: INR 2,500 and upwards for individual lessons.
Number of days: 1 day course - INR 3,000; 3 days course - INR 8,000; 5 days course: INR 10,000
If you’re looking for an incredible stay along with your surfing lessons, check out Vaayu Kula’s property to help make a decision!
