Medley Of Waves

Where the moon pulled in more than just waves.

- Aditya Pandey

“A WAVE ISN’T LIKE A SKATE RAMP OR MOUNTAIN; EVERYTHING’S MOVING AROUND. YOU HAVE TO TIME HOW TO MOVE ALONG WITH IT,” SAID KELLY SLATER, ONE OF THE GREATEST SURFERS EVER.

Killer waves, soulful music, yoga sessions, and probably the best barbequed chicken burger in all of Chennai—Kovalam beach was buzzing with surfers from both domestic and foreign soils. They gathered to test the waters of the Bay of Bengal, as the local surf school, Covelong Point Surf School, celebrated the sixth edition of the fabulous Covelong Point Surf, Music and Yoga Festival.

What started as a small idea to promote the surf school in the region six years ago has now evolved into an annual festival that celebrates the growth of surfing culture in India. From a total of 2,000 visitors in 2012 to more than 20,000 people in 2018, the incredible rise in the attendance is a testament to people’s growing love for the sun, sand, wind and water.

Admittedly, Covelong Point isn’t an easy place to find, especially if it’s your first trip there. The hour-and-a-half drive from the airport takes you away from the busy roads towards the countryside, and into Kovalam: a tiny village populated by local fishermen. Located right next to the Bay of Bengal, the village greets you with a little bit of humidity, gritty sand and the sound of waves roaring against the shore. Also, taking your car would be a bad move, as there isn’t a lot of parking space.