Soul & Surf chats with Ram about Surf Jam, Indian surf culture, and the power of community in the waves.
Words by Anita Seres | 13th November 25
Surf culture in India has been quietly growing for decades — shaped by saltwater, sweat, and community spirit rather than sponsorships and big-brand hype. This year’s first Varkala Surf Jam wasn’t about international stardom or glossy contest tents. It was about something far more raw: celebrating the roots of Indian surf culture, the resilience of a homegrown community, and the joy of riding waves together.
Praveen doing his magic - captued by Ram - @whoisram
As one of the pioneers of Indian surf culture and current vice-president of the Surfing Federation of India, Rammohan Paranjape has seen surfing in this country grow from its earliest days to today’s thriving scene.
In January he joined us in Varkala for our very first Surf Jam, not as a competitor or organiser but as a photographer and supporter. Ahead of this year’s event, we caught up with him to reflect on the Surf Jam’s spirit, how the culture is evolving, and where he hopes the next wave will take us.
Thanks for travelling to Varkala to take part in the event and shooting. What were your overall impressions of the event?
“I’ve never competed in my life,” he told us. “So being part of an event that wasn’t about scores or rankings but just about people having fun in the water — it was a breath of fresh air. It was truly an event where everyone enjoyed themselves. It brought surf schools together, broke down the competitiveness, and reminded us all why we started surfing in the first place.” That sense of togetherness, he believes, is what will help surfing in India thrive.
If you had to describe the spirit of this event in one word, what would it be?
The thing that stuck with me most was how relaxed everything felt. It was the kind of gathering where you didn’t feel judged. You just felt included. So without hesitation it would be Community. And that, in the end, is what it’s all about — celebrating surfing not as competition or industry, but as a way to bring people together.
Snippets of the Jam
You’ve been part of the scene for decades. Surfing in India often feels less about competition and more about community. How would you describe the culture that has grown around surfing here?
“Every seven years or so you notice a shift,” he explained. “After COVID we saw a real boom — more locals in the water, more schools opening, stronger communities forming. Varkala has really overtaken Kovalam in recent years as a hub which was very surprising for me.” But with growth comes responsibility.
“Associations are more important than ever and finally the government accepted to have state associations. They set safety standards, organise events, and support grassroots surfers. If you want a healthy surf culture, you need that foundation.”
I asked him whether it feels like surfing culture has stronger roots now than before. His answer: absolutely. More locals. More voices. More stories.
The community from the water - @joeliooo
How do you see the future of Indian surf culture unfolding in the next cycle?
I would love to see more women in the water and also in the leadership positions within the associations. I hope with more funding the state association can get stronger, organising more events, supporting more juniors to compete, and can help create more professional athletes in the country.
I’d personally love to see surfboards and gear manufactured here in India too — less importing, more home-grown creativity. And I hope surf culture spreads beyond just Varkala and Kovalam — we’ve got hundreds of kilometres of coastline and there are some places that could potentially be new hubs.”
And personally? He laughs. “I’d like to surf more. I’ve been so caught up in responsibilities that I don’t get in the water as much as I want. That’s something I’d like to change.”
The Varkala Surf Jam isn’t just an event — it’s a reminder that surfing can bring people together. And for Ram, and for all of us at Soul & Surf, that’s what it’s all about.
Soul & Surf is turning 15 this year, so to celebrate we’re organising the next Varkala Surf Jam on 22nd November. Follow us on social media for updates or book your stay here if you’d like to join us for the celebrations. Check out the vibes on the previous Jam:
