Breaking Barriers: Ishita Malaviya, India’s First Female Surfer on Riding Waves & Finding Balance
At TEGO, we look for stories that go beyond movement. Stories where grit meets grace, where pushing limits isn’t just about strength—it’s about mindset. Ishita Malaviya is one of those stories.
Being India’s first female surfer says a lot, but not everything. It doesn’t tell you about the discipline, the falls, or the sheer will it takes to carve a path where none existed before. It doesn’t tell you about the quiet moments—choosing the harder route when no one expects you to, trusting yourself when the waves say otherwise.
Surfing and yoga may seem like opposites—one driven by speed and power, the other by stillness and control. But look closer, and you’ll see the yin and yang. Both demand balance. Both are about knowing when to hold firm and when to let go.
In this conversation, Ishita shares what the ocean has taught her, the barriers she’s broken, and where India’s surf culture is headed next.
Here’s what she had to say.
What did it feel like to be India’s first female surfer?
Growing up, I never imagined I'd be recognized as India's first female surfer. It feels surreal, but I'm grateful for this path. Surfing opened a world of possibilities I hadn't envisioned. The international surf community has been incredibly supportive, welcoming me warmly. Surfing has allowed me to travel globally and meet inspiring individuals who promote a healthy, positive lifestyle. More importantly, it has given me a platform to give back to my community. I feel a responsibility to be a positive role model for young girls in India, encouraging them to overcome fears and pursue their dreams. Establishing a surf school in a small fishing village also enables me to raise environmental awareness and contribute to sustainable development. Engaging with the community at a grassroots level feels more impactful than any desk job could.
What does being in the ocean teach you about life?
The ocean is my sacred playground—a place for silence, solitude, and reflection. It has taught me humility, patience, unity, and the importance of going with the flow. In the vastness of the sea, my worries seem insignificant. Time in the ocean reveals my strengths and fears, teaching me self-acceptance, surrender to the divine, and gratitude for the present moment. It reminds me to keep paddling, even when facing setbacks, knowing another wave always comes.
What inspired you to start Shaka Surf Club? What’s your vision for the future of surf culture in India?
My love for surfing led to the birth of The Shaka Surf Club. I aimed to share the joy of surfing and dispel fears by introducing others to it. Since its inception, the club has grown organically into a community space where locals and visitors from around the world connect. We now offer accommodations at Camp Namaloha (Namaste + Aloha), situated in the fishing village of Kodi Bengre, flanked by a river on one side and the sea on the other. Our surf school isn't in a touristy area, but our village neighbors have been supportive. We collaborate with local families to provide homemade meals for our guests. We welcome people globally to share waves in our special corner of the world.
If you had to sum up your journey in one sentence, what would it be?
Believe in the endless possibilities of the universe and the magic of your dreams. Choosing joy and passion over security invites abundance into your life and those around you.
If surfing and yoga had a shared mantra, what would it be?
Both surfing and yoga cultivate a harmonious connection between body, mind, and the natural world. Surfing requires mindfulness and adaptability as one aligns with the ocean's rhythms. Similarly, yoga fosters deep awareness of breath and movement, promoting inner balance and tranquility. This synergy encourages practitioners to move fluidly, remain present, and cultivate a profound bond with their environment, enhancing both physical well-being and mental clarity.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to young girls who want to break barriers in sports?
Pursuing what you love isn't always easy, especially when swimming against the current. People may tell you what you can or cannot do, but it's up to you to follow your heart and seek what adds meaning to your life. Doubt may arise, and the conventional path might seem easier. In those moments, let your faith be bigger than your fear and believe in your dreams. Surround yourself with those who share your vision and bring positivity. Do what makes your soul happy; success will follow. Aim for a life rich in experiences. Sometimes, the smallest step in the right direction becomes the biggest step of your life. Tip-toe if you must, but take that step.
Ishita Malaviya's journey exemplifies the power of passion and resilience. Through surfing and yoga, she not only discovered her own path but also paved the way for others, fostering a community that embraces the waves of change with grace and determination.
