India dreaming
Words: Manu Bouvet
Pics: Pierre Bouras/Bic Sport.
Despite having one of the longest coastlines in the world, India has yet to exploit its potential for watersports. This extremely
vast country offers optimal conditions for SUP, be it sublime leisurely cruising or world-class surfing conditions. For anyone
seeking an alternative stand up destination to the usual suspects, India should definitely be one to check out. Carine
Camboulives and Manu Bouvet set off on a trip to discover the SUP opportunities this vibrant and diverse country has to offer.
Over to Manu for the lowdown.
From our first trip to Kerala, South India, over 10 years ago, I had left with the conviction that I would one day return,
knowing very well how little of these promises stand the test of time. Back then, we had, during a month long journey,
followed the coast of Kerala, heading north east and making our way up the Tamil Nadu region. We found good conditions for
windsurfing and a few beach breaks, the colour of Masala tea (brown from all the rain that time of year). Beyond the
conditions, we were fascinated by the flow in which such a dense and mixed population manages to coexist. The
kaleidoscope of colours, spices and aromas that fills the air in this part of India, seems to ignite in a culinary firework, to our
greatest delight!
Several years later, and with two adorable little girls at our side, our passion for SUP renders our return to India
unquestionable. SUP is the ideal tool with which to experience India along its waters and to discover its most beautiful waves.
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