🏄♀️ Kerala Surfing Festival 2024 Recap & Summer Camp Invite Dear Surfers and Ocean Enthusiasts, In March 2024, the Kerala International Surfing Festival in Varkala provided a captivating display of skill and determination, culminating in a remarkable victory for our … Read More
Welcome to Appu Surf Academy
Surf with the best.
My name is Appu and this is my story
Welcome to the exicting world of surfing, where the waves are your playground and the ocean is your best friend. I'm Manikandan Desappan aka. "Appu", a local from Kovalam Village, a small fishing village on South India's East Coast, and I have a deep-rooted love for surfing. Since catching my first wave in 2005, I've been hooked, and my passion for this incredible sport has only grown stronger. With several wins in national and international competitions, I've also pursued my passion for teaching others to surf. As a certified instructor with ISA level 1 and level 2 certifications in training and judging, I've established the Appu Surf Academy to help young students learn and improve their surfing skills. My goal is to develop the next generation of surfing talent in India and put India on the map as a renowned destination for surfers.
Surfing has transformed my life, allowing me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, gain invaluable experiences, and cultivate an open mindset. I’m excited to be part of the surfing journey for young talents in India and to contribute to the technical committee for Surf Groms (under 16) Athlete development in the SFI.
Join me on this thrilling journey of surfing, where we can ride the waves together, create unforgettable memories, and ignite a passion for surfing that you never knew existed.
Appu 🤙🏽
Learn the basics
We offer individual and group lessons for everyone who wants to discover surfing. Just tell us what you need and have a look at our classes and courses.
Grow experience
You want to challenge yourself and improve your skills? Then check out our courses for intermediate surfers and get to the next level of your surfing journey.
Competition level
Are you ready for your next competition? We prepare and coach you individually for your next challenges. Check out our courses for advanced surfers.
Ready to ride the waves?
Pricing for lessons
We offer a range of exciting and immersive surf lessons for all skill levels. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, we have something for everyone. Our courses are tailored to suit your needs and interests, and our experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way. You'll learn the fundamentals of ocean safety, surfboard handling, riding waves, and more.
Discover Surfing
(equipment included)
- Experience the thrill of surfing and learn the basics of ocean safety and riding waves. Open to swimmers and non-swimmers. For non-swimmers, basic of ocean swimming will be taught. Course Rate: ₹ 2,000 per person for 1.5 hours. Beginner Surfer: Develop your surfing skills with our 1-8 day packages
- 1 day package • ₹ 1,800 p.p.
1.5 hours - 3 day package • ₹ 5,000 p.p.
1.5 hours - 5 day package • ₹ 8,000 p.p.
1.5 hours - 8 day package • ₹ 12,000 p.p.
1.5 hours - What you’ll learn:
Ocean Safety • Understanding the surfboard • Correct pop-up, surfing stance and positioning on the surfboard • Maintaining balance • Learning to paddle - *Please note: Prices are inclusive of 18% GST
Intermediate Surfer
(equipment included)
- If you can catch your own waves and want to improve your technique, our 5-10 day packages are perfect for you.
- 5 day package • ₹ 8,500 p.p.
1.5 hours - 7 day package • ₹ 10,500 p.p.
1.5 hours - 10 day package • ₹ 15,000 p.p.
1.5 hours - What you’ll learn:
• Reading the green waves and understanding the breaks • Understanding and learning to line up correctly • Catching the green waves with help from the instructor • Learning to make turns across the wave • Learning to duck dive - *Please note: Prices are inclusive of 18% GST
Advanced Surfer
(equipment included)
- This course is designed for those who want to take their surfing skills to the next level and compete in competitions.
- The advanced Course is a purely customized course and the course plan will be structured based on your skill levels.
- What you'll learn:
• Improve spot knowledge • Generating speed and flow • Learning top and bottom turns and other manoeuvres • Linking manoeuvres - *Please note: Prices are inclusive of 18% GST
Pricing for rentals
We offer eqipment in case you don't own any. Don't worry, we'll get you covered with fun boards, softtop boards and body boards. Check out our inventory.
Fun Boards
- Your ticket to endless waves of excitement! Perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers, these versatile boards offer stability and maneuverability, making learning and progressing a blast. Catch waves, ride with style, and enjoy the thrill of surfing with Fun Boards!
- ₹ 500 • 1.5 hours
- *Please note: Prices are inclusive of 18% GST
Softtop Surfboards
- Beginner-friendly, foam-cushioned boards perfect for learning to surf. Safe, buoyant, and easy to ride, ideal for entry-level surfers.
- ₹ 700 • 1.5 hours
- *Please note: Prices are inclusive of 18% GST
Body Boards
- Ride the waves with this versatile, lightweight, and buoyant foam board. Perfect for all skill levels, enjoy the thrill of surfing on your stomach or kneeling position.
- ₹ 350 • 1.5 hours
- *Please note: Prices are inclusive of 18% GST
Blog
News, announcements or just some interesting stories for you to read.
Coaching Camps For Women Surfers
🏄♀️ Boost Your Skills: Women Surfers at Appu Surf Academy At Appu Surf Academy, we are committed to more than just teaching the art of riding the waves. We are dedicated to empowering women through the exhilarating sport of surfing. … Read More
Effective warm-up exercises for surfing
🔥 Boost your performance: 5 effective warm-up exercises for surfing Surfing warm-up exercises are vital to prepare your body for the intense physical demands and reduce the risk of injuries. Incorporating a proper warm-up routine is essential to boost your … Read More
What does a surf lesson with Appu look like?
Barath Cruise joined a beginner lesson and this what he said about us: "Finally, after a long wait, I joined surfing class with Appu today and it was such an exciting and nervous moment at the same time. It was not easy as it seemed but once we get that niche, no doubt that it is the most interesting sport."
Stay in touch with us 💌
Subscribe to our surf academy's newsletter for exclusive updates, discounts on lessons, and insider tips from our experienced instructors! Don't miss out on the latest surf news and promotions. Join us and ride the waves to an unforgettable adventure!
We love to hear your feedback
Our students love results. This is why we bring all our previous experience to make it your own. This is what former customers say about us.
"The training given by Appu is not only seamless but also gives you great confidence. Surfing is a hard sport, but his natural method of teaching makes sure you never get demotivated to give up. Appu always manages to show you a great time in the water and waves."
Sathya
Surf Academy Client
"Appu is the best surf coach and an amazing friend! My surfing has improved significantly since I met him. He effortlessly bridges the personal and professional aspects, and his phenomenal listening skills and fantastic tips have enhanced my performance. He identified my strengths and weaknesses in a challenging environment, providing invaluable support and encouragement. Grateful for his rewarding guidance!"
Sashank
Surf Academy Client
"Appu is the go-to person for learning surfing or overcoming fear of open waters. As an immensely skilled and experienced professional surfer, Appu is a master and motivator in the ocean. With his guidance, I have been able to face my fears and enjoy incredible ocean experiences. Grateful to Appu for helping me enter the ocean with confidence."
Madhu
Surf Academy Client
Surf with the best 🏆
Surfing with Appu Surf Academy means learning and surfing with one of the best coaches in India. Appu has a proven track of surfing experience successfully participated in many award winning competitions: 7x🥇 • 7x🥈• 1x🥉
🥈 AUGUST:
Mahabs Point Break Challenge: 2nd place in the open category
🏵 AUGUST:
Kovalam, TN • Covelong Point Festival: 4th place category
🥇 AUGUST:
Kovalam, TN • Covelong Point Festival: 1st place in the senior category
🥈 AUGUST:
Kovalam, TN • Covelong Point Festival: 2nd place in the senior category
🥈 MAY:
Mangalore • Indian Open of Surfing: 2nd place in the open category
🥇 NOVEMBER:
Orissa • India Surf Festival: 1st place in the open category
🥈 AUGUST:
Kovalam, TN • Covelong Point Festival: 2nd place in the senior category
🥉 SEPTEMBER:
Kovalam, TN • Covelong Point Festival: 3rd place in the senior category
🥈 FEBRUARY:
Orissa • Indian Surf Festival: 2nd place in the open category
🥇🥈 AUGUST:
Kovalam, TN • Covelong Point Surf and Yoga Festival: 1st place senior category, 2nd place in the open category
🥇 AUGUST:
Pondycherry • Summer Swell Challenge: 1st place in the open category
🥇🥇🥇 MAY:
Kovalam, Kerala • Spice Coast Open, 1st place senior category & 1st place in the open category, 1st place in the SUP-race
🥈FEBRUARY:
Orissa: Indian Surf Festival, SUP race, 2nd place
Manikandan Desappan aka. “Appu” is Level 1 & 2 certified by ISA (International Surfing Association)
and listed as Surf Coach and Instructor in the official directory.
Sign up for a class today
You can book a reservation by using the calendar. Simply pick a day, a suitable slot and fill out the blanks. Drop us a line if you have questions by using the button or form below. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Get in Touch
Appu Surf Academy
2/96 Bajanai Kovil St
Kovalam, Tamil Nadu
603112 Chennai, India 🇮🇳
Surfing Point (see map)
Mon - Fri: 7 AM - 6 PM
Sat - Sun: 6 AM - 6 PM
What's your question?
Let us know if you have a specific question by using the form.
You will get notified!
Feel free to book your reservation by using the calendar function!
Book a reservation
Feel free to book your reservation by using the calendar function above.
Stay in touch with us 💌
Subscribe to our surf academy's newsletter for exclusive updates, discounts on lessons, and insider tips from our experienced instructors! Don't miss out on the latest surf news and promotions. Join us and ride the waves to an unforgettable adventure!
