In the vast expanse of Chennai's coastline, a new wave of female surfers is carving their own path, challenging societal norms and carving out a space in a sport once dominated by men. This article delves into the experiences of these women, exploring the unique challenges they face and the impact they have on the surfing community.
A Generation's Legacy
The story of women surfing in Chennai is one of inspiration and perseverance. For 16-year-old Kamali Moorthy, the path was paved by an older generation of female surfers who dared to venture into the ocean when surfing was still a niche sport in India. "The older generation has carved a good path for us," she says, "Their competing and traveling to other cities and countries made people aware of the existence of surfing in India."
This sentiment is echoed by Devi Ramanathan, who was inspired by witnessing women with surfboards riding waves. "I was inspired by a few [women surfers], and then they were inspired by a few before. But I wouldn’t say it’s been going on for many generations," she explains.
One of the pioneers in this movement is 29-year-old Shrishti Selvam, who made a conscious decision to shift her base to Kovalam seven years ago. "Back then, surfing wasn’t a sport like how it is now," she recalls. "It was still very wild, and to see girls do it and have a passion for something so out of the ordinary was very inspiring, and it kind of validated my passion and told me that I can do this too."
Shrishti's work, along with that of her peers, is laying the groundwork for the next generation. "Younger girls will probably see us, and they’ll know that they too can represent India internationally through the sport," she says. "It’s not that we weren’t given the opportunities; there weren’t people before this who were doing it. And now that we have, we have gotten all these opportunities and this exposure mainly."
Facilities and Safety Concerns
Despite the progress, women surfers in Chennai still face significant challenges. One of the primary concerns is the lack of adequate facilities at the beaches. For instance, at Karikattu Kuppam, women surfers lack changing rooms, proper washrooms, and basic amenities, forcing them to stay in their wet clothes for extended periods, leading to health issues.
Kamali Moorthy highlights the discomfort caused by the garbage strewn across the grass, which further exacerbates the problem. "At Karikattu Kuppam, the garbage strewn across the grass makes us uncomfortable; we are pushed to stay in our wet clothes because of no changing rooms, leading to rashes since we surf for four to five hours," she says.
Societal Barriers and Coaching Gaps
Beyond the physical challenges, women surfers also grapple with societal expectations and gender biases. Devi Ramanathan, for instance, faces beauty standards that often conflict with the demands of surfing. "The cultural difficulties that come with being a woman and being out in the sun for so long," she says, "The comments about skin color are familiar. 'Oh, you know, you’re so dark now,' is something I have heard several times."
In a sport where physical strength and knowledge of the ocean are crucial, the lack of female coaches poses a significant challenge. Kamali Moorthy emphasizes the importance of having women coaches for the next generation, stating, "We want women coaches, even if not for us, for the next generation, so they feel safer."
Shrishti Selvam notes that most surf instructors are from fishing communities, making it easier for them to pick up the sport and become instructors. However, this also means that women surfers, who are often from urban areas, may struggle with the safety aspects of the ocean, as they are still figuring out how to take care of themselves in such an environment.
A Growing Sport, A Brighter Future
The Surfing Federation of India has recognized the need to address these gaps and is taking steps to promote women's participation in surfing. Following its government recognition last year, the federation has been conducting grassroots camps and annual competitions, aiming to increase women's involvement in the sport.
Arun Vasu, president of the Asian Surfing Federation and the Surfing Federation of India, expresses confidence in the sport's future. "The sport is changing; it is growing. I am confident that the sport, particularly women’s participation, will grow significantly over the next three to five years," he says.
For now, the women surfers in Chennai are making space for themselves and the generations to come. "We have the ocean, now we just have to call it our own and settle despite the roadblocks and keep carving ways for challenges to wash away," Kamali Moorthy says. "Because a wave always offers the same two choices: step back or dive in. It is just the beginning."
As the sport continues to evolve, these women are not just riding the waves but also riding the wave of change, inspiring a new generation of female surfers to embrace the ocean and carve their own unique paths.
