Chennai Women Surfers Call for Better Beach Facilities and Female Coaches

Women surfers across coastal Chennai, Kovalam, and Mahabalipuram are pushing for better beach infrastructure, safety measures, and dedicated female coaching as more women take up the sport.

Surfers navigating coastal waters report that inadequate onshore facilities remain a major hurdle. At spots like Karikattu Kuppam, the absence of changing rooms and clean washrooms forces athletes to remain in wet suits for hours after long sessions in the water.

Mahabalipuram-based surfer Kamali Moorthy, 16, pointed out that having to stay in wet clothes due to missing changing rooms leads to skin rashes after four to five hours in the sea. She also highlighted the discomfort caused by garbage strewn along the shore at Karikattu Kuppam.

In Kovalam, 29-year-old surfer Shrishti Selvam, who relocated seven years ago, established Kove Surf & SUP School with her partner to expand access and training options for aspiring competitors. Selvam noted that while surfing has evolved significantly, most instructors are male surfers from fishing backgrounds, and more work is needed to develop women coaches.

Beyond basic infrastructure, surfers also face cultural and social friction. Chennai-based surfer Devi Ramanathan noted that spending hours in the sun often brings unsolicited remarks regarding skin tone, alongside occasional patronising behavior from male surfers in the lineup who attempt to take over waves.

To bridge the gap, the Surfing Federation of India has incorporated the expansion of women's participation into its core mandate following recent government recognition. Arun Vasu, president of both the Asian Surfing Federation and the Surfing Federation of India, stated that the organisation has been actively organising grassroots coaching camps and supporting female athletes at annual competitions.