Riding the Crest: Kallialay Surf School, Pioneers of Watersports in Pondicherry
Riding the rhythmic swells of the stunning Bay of Bengal since 1996, Kallialay Surf School is far more than a surfer’s sanctuary. This spirited endeavor, kick-started by Samai and Juan, is an epicenter of passion and progress. They’re not just the founders of this surf school, they’re the pioneers of watersports activities in Pondicherry, transforming the southeastern shores of India into a thriving surf scene since 2009.
Tucked away in what used to be a humble fisherman’s village of Thandariankuppam, a short, breezy 15-minute drive north of the bustling Pondicherry city, Kallialay Surf School has become the region’s magnetic pole for wave enthusiasts. Today, the village is abuzz with eager surfers and charming accommodations, making it an idyllic surfers’ retreat.
But what about the novices, those who haven’t yet tasted the salty thrill of conquering a wave? Fear not, for Kallialay invites all, seasoned or green, to embrace the surf. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, you can still capture the spirit of the surf, with private lessons designed to get you up on the board, riding your first wave with confidence.
And the cost to dive into this adventurous sport? Group lessons stand at a modest 1700rs per person for a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. If you prefer a more personal touch, you can opt for private lessons at a ratio of 2:1 for a reasonable 2400rs. And yes, for those of you eyeing to conquer the waves over the weekend, Kallialay does offer weekend classes!
Let’s not forget the young wave riders either. Kallialay opens its sandy doors to kids aged 6-7 years who are comfortable in water, offering private lessons for their safety. Once they hit 12, they can join the fun of group lessons and surf along with the rest.
And, if you’re wondering about any famous footprints left on the sands of Kallialay, you won’t be disappointed. Celebrities like Lisa Haydon, Hazel Keech, Bruna Abdullah, and Kalki Koechlin have all tasted the thrill of riding waves at Kallialay.
Beyond the waves, Kallialay’s passion extends to crafting their own surfboards in their shaping bay, known as the K-OS (Kallialay Original Series). Here, they craft unique, hand-made surfboards, adding a personal touch to your surfing experience.
At the core of Kallialay is a deep-seated desire to foster national surfers and promote the exciting world of watersports in India. Their story began right here, learning to surf on these very waves, and now they’re sharing their fervor with every new surfer that comes their way.
Whether you’re an experienced wave rider or a curious beginner, Kallialay Surf School stands as a beacon of the surfing culture in Pondicherry, welcoming all with the promise of the open sea and a thrilling ride. It’s here that the spirit of watersports in Pondicherry was born, and continues to thrive. So, grab a board, feel the tide beneath you, and become part of Kallialay’s incredible story. After all, at Kallialay, every day is a surf day!