Surfing Yogis to spread wings

BHUBANESWAR: The fledgling Surfer’s base on the Puri-Konark Marine drive at Ramchandi is all set to spread its wings to other areas along the Orissa coast. The ‘Surfing Yogis’ have identified several locations, particularly on the Paradip-Kendrapara coastal stretch, that could be developed into global surfing sites. A team of the Surfing Yogis comprising Sanjay Samantray of Rangers Adventure Foundation and international surfers-cum-instructors Justin Michael Creghton (JC) of Australia and Yogi of Hawaii undertook an expedition of some of the many unexplored beaches of the State on boat. From Konark beach to Hukitola island, the wild waves were surfed by the team. The patterns of waves and weather conditions were studied to find suitability for surfing activities.  “There are at least two or three sites along the Paradip coast. One magnificent stretch has been evaluated near Paradip, which is not accessible from the beach and can be reached by boat only. The new-found locations would have to be prepared for extreme and professional surfers at the international level. For this we need satellite-guided technical expeditions, sponsors and support,” Sanjay said.The process has kick-started but will take time as it is being done from the scratch. Surfing is almost an alien water-sports activity in the country as a whole. But once this is developed and the locations are put on the world surfing map, it will give a new face to Orissa tourism,  spokesperson Debabrata Das said as the RAF is organising a slew of events to mark the International Surfing Day on June 20. The Foundation has added stand-up paddle boarding facilities to its kitty at Ramchandi. The stand-up paddle boarding sport enables one to stand on the specially designed surf board and row his way through the waters. The Surfing Yogis have also tied up with other surfing organisations like the Surfing Swamis of Mulki in Mangalore, The Shaka Surf Club at Manipal, Temple Adventures and Kallialay Surf School in Puducherry to host an international surf festival early next year.