Our Story

Our Story

Until ten years ago, the word ‘surfing’ did not exist in the vocabulary of the locals of the tiny fishing village of Kovalam, Chennai. Yet today, it is one of the foremost surfing destinations in India. Tucked away in the Coromandel coast of southern Tamil Nadu, Kovalam offers quality waves all year round rivalling some of the best surfing spots around the world.

It all started with passion for surfing in the hearts of the surfers of the fishing community and one businessman with a commitment to bring about change.

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Team

The entire team of instructors at Surf Turf are homegrown and have turned champion surfers in their own right and are proud first generation sportspersons that may well change their fortunes forever and impact the communities positively. These champions along with other enthusiasts on the East Coast, will be the first of their ilk, paving the way for generations of surfers to come.

Dharani

Senior Surf Instructor

Sekar

Senior Stand up paddle Instructor

Santosh

Instructor

Santosh

Instructor

Founder - Arun Vasu

Arun Vasu, Founder of Surf Turf, the Chairman and Managing Director of TT Group, President of the Surfing Federation of India and also the Honorary Consul for Sweden, has been windsurfing from the age of 13. With 37 years of experience in the tourism industry, he has successfully made water sports accessible along the east coast of India, giving fishing communities the opportunity at an alternative occupation of training and teaching marine sports. Apart from having supported the Surf School at Covelong, Chennai which is run by local fisherfolk and starting Surf Turf which has resulted in a positive change in the village economy and culture, Vasu has a strong vision for water sports across the country. This is his way of sharing the tremendous joy he experiences in the ocean and the discipline he learns from the sport, with as many as he can.

His heart lies in India being recognized on the world surfing map and aiding athletes to tour the world showcasing their talent from coast to coast. His passion for development and giving back to the community is the driving force behind a lot of great growth in the Covelong area and is fast spreading to other parts of the country.

This is just the beginning

While a lot has been achieved by all the people involved with this wonderful project, Arun believes that this is just the tip of the iceberg in an ocean of dreams. Surf Turf having set up successfully in Kovalam, Chetpet, Rameswaram and Mahabalipuram is set to start in other coastal areas. Having established a basic blueprint of the merits and the challenges of such an endeavour, Surf Turf is seeking to test waters across India and beyond, with a view to bring about a positive change wherever possible.