Propreiters and Surfers Ishita Malaviya and Tushar Pathiyan's club in the tiny village of Kodi Bengre is bringing in tourists and opening the world to fishermen and local kids. Ishita, 30, is also India’s first woman professional surfer. In 2012, she and Tushar co-founded the Shaka Surf Club, roping in villagers to provide facilities to visitors.The Shaka Surf Club’s main offering is Camp Namaloha (from ‘namma’ which means ‘our’ in Kannada and ‘aloha’ which means hello or goodbye in Hawaiian), which has been held annually for a decade now. Surfing season is generally from October to May. A participant at the Namaloha camp can volunteer for various community development activities. The government school’s kids in and around the village have been exposed to yoga, break dancing, surfing and lifeguard activities. Shaka Surf Club is not just about the community being rejuvenated, the founders love interacting with visitors and international surfers, learning English and other foreign languages and in off season love to travel a lot aiming at discovering the world.

First time doing surfing... But this guy made it thought us the basics sincerely that we could do surfing... He backed us. And supported us in learning the basics of surfing ..

I had a time of my life experiencing the shaka life. Day would start with learning how to surf, have a cup of tea prepared by a visually impaired person and breakfast, lunch and dinner from 3 different houses which helps the houses around the surf school to grow as well and guests get to taste the local cuisine. You can also camp in the school facing the back waters, there is a skating rink, basketball court,slack lining and kayaking.

Thank you Tushar, Nitin and Ishita for the awesome surfing lessons and warm hospitality. Surely will try to visit again for my wife to get trained and will plan to stay with you in your warm and cozy tents.

Fell in love with this place and the people there. The food, the ambiance, the people, the pets, the vibes and the experience just touch your soul. Kindness, care and Adventure. Good place for learning surfing, they help you improve with right feedbacks. As my first time with surfing, I really found this place top notch. Also a good place to get started on skateboarding!

Unassuming and hidden away. You would drive by without even noticing it. With the river on one side and the sea the other side. It’s paradise. A great little surf and skateboard club with incredible instructors. Having an absolutely amazing time

One of the best and most serene places I’ve been to in India. The calm and soothing vibe of the village! The smiles of the locals and the beautiful hand cooked meals is just what the surf experience is about. A recommended place for anyone who loves the beach and open waters!

Surf club situated in Udupi , located in pristine area surrounded by ocean and backwaters to the other side. The school teaches the basics of surfing and lots of waves to try out your skill ... The owner create and sustainable system benefiting the locals and the tourist.

I have visited Kodibengre for so many times from the road in front of shaka but I was unaware of it. Last month I had hosted a German guy Matthew through Couchsurfing, so he took me to Shaka and then I joined. instructors are very humble, flexible with timing. There is also a skating court if u interested . . More than anything I loved their story how they started Shaka and how they have associated themselves with the community around them is truely inspiring. Once I had taken my Mom aslo, just to let her see what I do when I am here and happened to meet Ishita's Mom, had nice conversation. For more details about Shaka, u can Google or YouTube regarding Shaka surf club, udupi.

Can't say enough good things about the location and people. If you're thinking about learning to surf come here, you'll be happy. Best thing is they have a basketball court and skatepark.

A must visit for surfing freaks. NITHIN is an amazing coach and a great guy The place is peaceful and has a happy vibe. You can choose to stay in a local hotel and surf, skate, surf or just chill They have a beautiful setup with homemade yummy food available It's definitely highly recommended

Oooh such a beautiful place! I was physically exhausted everyday with surfing skating etc, but mentally so relaxed and at peace. I cant think of any other place as soothing as shaka right now. I think afternoon naps on the hammock are going to be new calming memory. Beach in the front and backwaters on the back. The friendly doggos, cats, such a vibe this place. Most lovely and laid back folks/instructors you’ll ever see. This is a business but its not commercial at all, everyone there is in it for the vibe/passion and you can feel it. Would have loved to stay here longer! Took me 9 years to finally go to this place and definitely didn’t make the most of it, but I am sure I’ll be back sooner

My stay at Shaka was simply wonderful and far beyond my expectations. The surfing lessons were very comprehensive and effective. You can learn surfing with exceptional teachers, good conditions and in a lovely spot. The place is so beautiful and very peaceful, you can stay in a splendid natural environment between the sea, the coconut trees and the backwaters. The welcome is warm and the food is deliciously prepared by the locals who cook tasty vegetarian dishes, and also delicious fresh fish. Coming to Shaka is to take the time to enjoy a break and to live an extraordinary experience with only good vibes. Thank you again for everything and I hope to come back soon!

If you are looking to learn surfing, this is the place to be. The vibe is great, people are friendly, location is perfect, washrooms are super clean (that's a big plus). They literally check all the boxes, I had a superb time with them!