photos shot by Stefanie Stöcker
Meet Your Instructor, Charlie!
Charlie is a Varkala native, born and raised right by the shores. He spent his entire life listening to the ocean touch on the shoreline, you can consider him one attuned with the way of the wave. He has 10+ years of surfing at an expert level, it is not only this factor that makes Charlie unique to anybody else riding the waves, it is also that he has been an enthusiast of the surfer lifestyle. There are not many folks you’ll see out there with their hair blonded by the sea, showcasing the years of surf life he has earned. Charlie has encouraged many of the surfers to come catch a wave or two, being a spark in the ever growing community of Varkala. As well, youll get an experience for youself of Charlie’s extensive knowledge of the waves, and the different modalities of safety that is part of surfer life. With precautions already on his mind, Charlie has gone through it all still and makes sure that you wont have to. His body is not only surfing the waves, his mind does as well, being quite the intellectual and comedian, he has a lot to his character that will keep one in good spirits as youre going through the surfing experience.
Meet Your Instructor, Kannan!
Kannan is a man of many talents, from music to cooking, he is a jack of all trades and a a master of the waves. A family orientated man who extends his hospitality to the world around him, his compassion for the people and culture of Varkala is all funneled into his full time work as a concierge connecting foreigners to all that India has to offer, regardless of where they are from. He is a people person and service is pivotal part of his dharma. Having grown up with Charlie, the two practically being brothers, he brings that stability and family value into the team often organizing gatherings and the different transports and amenities needed for everybody to have a jolly time. His spirit permeates the day with an allure that enchants you into the beauty of India, giving a perspective unlike anything else you’ve come by.