Ishita Malaviya is India’s first female surfer and co-founder of The Shaka Surf Club. Through her surf club, she has built a strong community and introduced many, including children from local fishing communities, to surfing while promoting ocean safety and environmental awareness. Her work has earned her global recognition, including a spot on Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30, but for her, it’s always been simple—sharing the waves and making people feel at home in the water.
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Q: Ishita, what drew you to life in a small village after growing up in a big city like Bombay?
A: Although I grew up in the chaos of Bombay, I was always drawn to nature. As a child, I’d visit my grandparents in a quiet coastal town, and those memories stayed with me. Life here is simple—surfing at sunrise, spotting dolphins in the distance, sipping coconut water after a long session. There’s a rhythm to it that feels just right. And more than anything, it’s the community that makes it home. Everyone looks out for each other, and that’s something I deeply value.
Q: What was it like being the only woman surfer in the beginning?
A: Honestly, I didn’t think about it at first. I was just having fun. But over time, I realized there were no other Indian women out there. Surfing wasn’t considered “normal” here, and people questioned what I was doing. But I just kept showing up. The ocean didn’t care if I was a woman, and neither did I. I had to make space for myself, and in doing that, I think I made space for other girls too.
Q: Where is home, and what does belonging mean to you?
A: Home is where you find peace, where even the simplest things bring you joy, where you can slow down. For me, home is where the waves are, and I am always chasing waves. The waves have helped me travel the world, and I feel like I belong in these little bubbles across the globe. I try to connect them—make friends wherever I go, stay a while, get to know the place and its people. I’m never in a rush. I like to take my time, to really feel like I’m part of a place rather than just passing through. And in a way, the ocean is home too. It’s like a sacred mother, a womb. Whenever I return to it, I feel held, like I’m coming home to myself. And it connects us all, no matter where we are in the world.
