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How I became India's first woman surfer

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Ishita Malaviya
Ishita MalaviyaDec 04, 2015 | 13:43

How I became India's first woman surfer

If you're passionate about something, go live it. Life without adventure is a tad bit boring.

Even today, our society is rigid when it comes to certain issues. What career you're going to pursue, sometimes, becomes an entire family decision. There will always be people telling you what you can or cannot do. But I believe that it's very important to have the courage to pursue what drives you, something that you look forward to doing everyday. This is what has added value and meaning to my life.

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I have always been an outdoors person and being born and brought up in the coastal city of Mumbai, the sea was never too far from me. Growing up, surfing was always something I wanted to try but I thought I would have to venture outside the country to learn it. I always dreamed of moving to a greener and less chaotic city. So when I moved from Mumbai to Manipal for university, I realised this is where I always wanted to be.

One day, I ran into a German exchange student in Manipal who had come down to India with a surfboard and that is when it all began. In India, surfing is not popular at all. Most Indians are scared to even enter the sea. So, when I said I wish to pursue surfing as a career, many felt it to be a very immature idea. People told me I wouldn't achieve much success. But here I am today, surfing in India and encouraging people to do the same.

I began surfing in 2007 against all the odds and today, I, along with my partner, Tushar Pathiyan, run a surf school called The Shaka Surf Club in the small fishing village of Kodi Bengre, located on the west coast of Karnataka. When we first came here, we were surprised to discover that the locals were afraid of venturing into the sea. Most fishermen and their children didn't even know how to swim.

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We started our surf school to be able to spread the joys of being in the ocean with others. I am glad that with a little bit of assurance, we have been able to help people overcome their fears. We now have a dedicated surf crew of children as young as 5 years old to their 65 year old grandmothers coming to surf with us!

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Being in India, one of the most populated countries in the world, it is very difficult to be the first person to do something. So when people told me that I am, in fact, India's first woman surfer, it was unreal and incredible feeling. I never imagined this in my wildest dreams, but I'm stoked that this is the path the Universe has chosen for me.

I am glad and thankful to be a part of National Geographic Channel's campaign Mission Explorer wherein they are giving a chance to those who feel they can go beyond boundaries to follow their passion. It's a nationwide campaign to look out for people who are constantly exploring new things.

So, don't just dream about it, go explore it.

I am an adventure junkie and would like to share five reasons why I feel adventure is important for young people:

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1. Helps you explore yourself

When you spend time outdoors, you feel like the whole world is your playground. In that state of play, you feel rejuvenated and reconnected to your childlike spirit and are better able to understand yourself. There will be times when all your doubts and anxieties will surface but the sense of confidence you get when you push yourself, trust your instincts and go beyond your limits is priceless.

You only live once, and while you are young, you should be able to fully explore your potential. Adventure and travel give you that opportunity to learn and collect new experiences.

2. State of Mind

The kind of lives we live tend to become very hectic and monotonous at times. Sometimes, we feel like machines doing the same thing day after day. Taking time out to slow down and camp under the stars is almost necessary for us to de-stress and readjust our body clock. When you do something that you are passionate about, it helps you achieve tranquility and peace of mind. Surfing to me is like meditation, and every new wave I surf is like my new sacred space. I travel the world seeking these sacred spaces where I can be completely present in the barrel of the wave.

3. Helps you adjust to uncertainty

A change in environment is always a good idea. Getting away from the monotony, meeting new people, adjusting in a different environment and getting out of your comfort zone helps you explore your own limits and test your own boundaries. Going on adventures raises your tolerance for uncertainty. Placing yourself in situations where things don't always go as planned helps you learn to cope with the uncertainties in life. Being calm, patient and quick-witted in response to tough situations can help you handle anything that life might throw in your direction in the future.

4. Learn how to live independently

Going on an adventure and being away from the comforts and luxuries of home can make you realise that to be happy, you don't need much. Through travel and adventure, you become a global citizen and are able to appreciate every culture for its own uniqueness.

5. Helps you get over your fears

All of us are scared of something and it's that fear that stops us from exploring it further. The real challenge lies in acknowledging our fears and not being limited by them. Once you do that, you realise that fear is only psychological. Every time I paddle for a big wave, I always feel a little afraid but that fear keeps me aware, grounded and humble. The feeling of breaking through the fear and getting up on my feet as I ride the wave to shore, with my heart pounding wildly is indescribable

To know more about Mission Explorer log on to http://missionexplorer.in/

Last updated: December 04, 2015 | 13:45
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