When the Kovalam Surf Club was born, the tourism police and lifeguards were the biggest problem. The only life these children know is packed with violence and misery, so they acted like products of their society. The kids weren’t welcome on a beach that is reserved for tourists. This was an attempt by locals to keep visitors blind of the dark side of India. The surf groms had to learn to behave in what we call a civilized way, in order not to get kicked out.

The local authorities now know the children who surf and respect them, as long as they behave appropriate, which they have learned to do. Surfing makes them proud and happy because for the first time in their life they get respect and attention for being good at something. All the surfing kids are regulars at the school and therefore will get a better chance in succeeding in life in a more humane way.

THEIR SEA tells the story of the Kovalam Surf Club.