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Kovalam or Covelong, near Chennai in Tamil Nadu (not to be confused with Kovalam in Kerala), is an emerging hotspot for surfing on the Indian East Coast. Known for its sandy shores and consistent waves, Kovalam beach has something to offer for all levels of surfers. The warm waters and welcoming community make it a perfect spot for beginners to learn surfing and for experienced surfers to refine their skills. For beginners, professionals provide guidance, from basic techniques like paddling and popping up to more advanced manoeuvres.
Each day begins with invigorating morning surf sessions led by certified instructors, where you'll learn to ride the waves and practise your surfing skills. Afternoons are dedicated to callisthenics sessions, designed specifically for surfers, to help your body become strong and flexible — in perfect surfing shape. Anupama Shivacharya, callisthenics coach and surfer, will be leading the jrny, conducting the flexibility and strength improvement sessions.
Surfing and callisthenics are accompanied by a few cultural excursions. A trip to Pondicherry, a picturesque coastal town in Tamil Nadu, offers a unique mix of French colonial charm and vibrant Indian culture. The town's French Quarter features beautiful colonial architecture, charming cafes, and boutique shops. Stroll through tree-lined streets, relax on Promenade Beach, and enjoy the blend of French and Tamil cuisines. Pondicherry's relaxed vibe, historical sites, and cultural richness make it an ideal destination for a memorable getaway. Your stay at Covelong combines thrilling surf adventures with seaside relaxation, delicious meals and unique local experiences.
Arrive in Covelong
Surfing & callisthenics in Covelong
A day in Pondicherry
Surf session & departure
Welcome to Covelong, a fishing village in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This is the first day of an exciting surf adventure with some amazing fitness professionals and other enthusiastic beginners!
Upon arrival, arrange your own transport to your pre-booked accommodation — Surf Turf in Covelong. Check in and unwind for a while before joining us for a short meet-and-greet session. Meet Anupama, your Maestro for the trip, and your fellow travellers.
In the afternoon, attend your first fitness and callisthenics session to get geared up for tomorrow's surf lesson. The evening is for relaxation and bonding with everyone on the beach, along with dinner at the resort.
Meals included: Dinner
Arrive in Covelong and check in at the resort. Relax and unwind for a while before the adventure begins!
Welcome to your surfing adventure! Meet your Maestro, Anupama, and your fellow travellers, and get to know each other a little.
Join a callisthenics session led by Anupama, who will focus on exercises to enhance the strength and agility needed for surfing.
Duration: 1 hour
Relax with your fellow travellers. Enjoy the beach as the sun sets and share a delicious dinner together.
Start your day with an early morning surf session when the waves are at their best. Learn the basics of surfing, including paddling and popping up on the board. Post surf, refuel with a hearty breakfast.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Covelong or relax by the beach. Mid-morning refuel with a hearty breakfast post-surfing. In the evening, join Anupama for an hour of stretches and flexibility training to make sure your body is ready for another day of surfing. End the day with a relaxing beachside dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Welcome to your first surf session! Start with a warm-up, followed by a lesson and practice to catch some waves.
Duration: 2 hours (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
Spend an hour with Anupama to work on flexibility and stretching routines focussed on the lower body to recover from the day's surf session and prep for tomorrow's.
Duration: 1 hour
Enjoy the evening by the beach with a delicious dinner at Surf Turf.
Start the day with your second surf session and marvel at the progress you've made! After breakfast, take an optional day trip to Pondicherry, a picturesque coastal town.
For lunch, experience a delicious Franco-Tamil style meal in a charming colonial setting. Finish with a ariety of French pastries and desserts at a popular bakery in Pondi. With bellies full, make your way back to Covelong.
Anupama leads an evening session with a focus on upper body flexibility and recovery. Wind down with a delicious dinner to celebrate your last evening in Covelong!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Start the day bright and early with your second surf session.
Drive to Pondicherry and explore the town.
Distance: 114 km / 78 mi
Duration: approx 2.5 hrs
Experience a delicious Franco-Tamil-style lunch in a charming colonial setting.
Make your way back to Covelong from Pondicherry after a fun day out.
Distance: 114 km / 78 mi
Duration: approx 2.5 hrs
Take part in a callisthenics and flexibility workshop on the beach during sunset. Today's focus is on upper body flexibility and recovery after surfing.
Duration: 1 hour.
Enjoy your last night in Covelong with a delicious dinner at Surf Turf.
Start your morning with your final surf session and put your skills to the test by catching some waves. Enjoy a hearty breakfast to refuel and take some time to relax on the beach with your new friends. Reflect on your learnings from the past few days before checking out from the resort.
Your journey ends here, with a new-found sport and exciting plans to come back to the water.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Catch some waves during your last surf session of the trip.
Duration: 2 hours (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
Wondering if this trip is for you? It is if....
- You are interested in learning the basics of surfing or if you're an intermediate surfer who'd like to practice alongside professionals
- You have a basic level of fitness
- You are excited to forge meaningful connections with like-minded travellers, who share the same passion for conscious and sustainable travel as you.
- You are open to adventures and getting your hands dirty
Which airport should I fly to?
The trip starts and ends in Covelong. The closest airport is Chennai Airport (Airport code is MAA). You can take a bus or taxi from Chennai to Covelong.
When should I arrive on Day 1?
The first activity starts at the Covelong resort at 4 PM and the hotel check in time is 2 PM. So make sure to arrive in Covelong before then. Or you can arrive a day earlier. Please let us know at [email protected] if you would like us to book an additional at the hotel (subject to availability) or you can book a (standard category) room directly online.
Will I be picked up from the airport?
No, we don't offer airport pick ups for this trip. You can fly into Chennai and take a taxi or bus to Covelong. You will also need to make your own arrangements after the trip ends.
When should I depart on the last day?
A morning surf lesson is scheduled on the last day, followed by breakfast which will end around 10 AM. You can choose your departure time accordingly.
Should I get travel Insurance?
JrnyOn highly recommends travel insurance to protect against loss of personal valuables, illness or unforeseen late cancellations. Whilst suppliers make every effort to ensure guests' safety, we cannot be held responsible for events beyond our control.
I am a solo traveller, will that be okay?
Yes! Many of our travellers arrive solo since our trips provide an opportunity to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. We normally pair up solo travellers for accommodation, but you can request a single room for an additional cost.
I am a vegetarian, will I get vegetarian food?
Absolutely! We ensure a delightful array of vegetarian choices on all our tours.
I have other diet restrictions, will I be looked after?
We try and cater to other diet restrictions as much as possible. But, we do focus on local cuisine. So there may be some limitations. Please write to [email protected] with your booking number in the subject line to inform us well in advance of any such restrictions.
What level of fitness do I need for this tour?
Please read through the itinerary and the activities included. Overall, on a scale from 1 - 5, a fitness level of 3 would be ideal since you will be spending a few hours each day surfing, which can get tiring.
Are there long drives on this tour?
The longest drive in this tour approximately 3 hrs (depending on traffic): Covelong to Pondicherry and back.
What clothes do I need to carry?
Chennai tends to be warm and humid throughout the year. Please carry lightweight, breathable clothing with a light jacket or sweater. Take a look at the weather forecast before travelling in case of rain. Don't forget essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle and a swimsuit or board shorts for surfing.
How is the weather?
The weather in Chennai is usually hot and humid. For information specific to your dates, please check www.weather.com for up-to-date information a few days before departing.
PAYMENT TERMS:
- 30% advance payment (fully refundable) is required to confirm the booking.
- Balance full payment to be done up to 62 days before the date of travel
CANCELLATION TERMS:
- Up to 62 days from the trip date - 100% refundable
- From 61 days onwards - 100% cancellation charges
