Learn to Surf in Mangalore: Beginner Lessons in Shallow Water

Practice on sand, then catch waves in the ocean with an instructor at your side

A beginner surf lesson in Mangalore teaches you the movements on the beach first, then takes you into waist-deep water to catch waves with an instructor helping each one. The lesson runs 2.5 hours with boards included, and instructors speak English and Hindi. Children from age 5 are welcome.

The experience

If you've got a free afternoon in Mangalore and want to try surfing for the first time, the lesson starts where you stand: on the sand. Your instructor demonstrates the pop-up motion and the body position you need, then you practice the same movements on stable ground until it feels natural. This matters because once you're in the water, your body already knows what to do.

Once the movements click, you head into the ocean. The water stays shallow, waist-deep at most, so even if you're not a strong swimmer, you can stand the whole time. Your instructor is in the water with you, positioning you on the board and helping you catch wave after wave. As you get the feel for it, you start paddling into waves on your own, with your instructor still there to help when you need it.

The lesson runs 2.5 hours total. Boards are included in the lesson charge. If you want to add on extras like a meal at a local restaurant, a backwater boating trip, or pickup and drop-off from your hotel, those can be arranged separately for an additional cost. Guides speak English and Hindi.

What’s included

• Surfboard for the lesson.
• instruction in English or Hindi.
• 2.5 hours of guided practice on the sand and in the water.
• help catching waves with your instructor at your side.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Infant (5 to 6 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Indica Surf School

Is this one for you?The lesson keeps you in waist-deep water the whole time, which means you can focus on learning to catch waves instead of worrying about depth or swimming ability.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Hindi.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (7 to 12 years); Infant (5 to 6 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I take a surf lesson if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Yes. The beginner lessons stay in waist-deep water the whole time, so you can always stand. Instructors are in the water with you throughout.

How much of the lesson is actually in the water versus on the beach?

You spend the majority of the 2.5-hour lesson in the ocean catching waves. The sand portion is the foundation: enough time to get the movements right so you're ready when you paddle out.

Do I need to bring my own surfboard?

No. Surfboards are included as part of the lesson charge.

Can I arrange pickup from my hotel?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from various locations can be arranged, though this is an add-on with extra cost beyond the lesson itself.