Mantra Surf Club

What Mantra Surf Club does

Mantra Surf Club (legally Mantra Surfing & Adventure Sports Center, also doing business as Surfing India) is India's first surf school, founded in 2004 in Mulki, near Mangalore, Karnataka. The company operates an ISA-certified surf instruction program structured across beginner (3–5 day), intermediate (7–15 day), and advanced master coaching (30 day) courses, delivered by ISA-certified instructors at a beachfront location chosen for its uncrowded waves and absence of dangerous marine life.

The business is a vertically integrated surf tourism and wellness campus. Core products include surf lessons, kayak and stand-up paddleboard sessions on the Shambhavi River backwaters, yoga, and accommodation at the on-site Ashram Surf Retreat (shared dorm, mid-range, and high-end rooms with vegetarian meals). Supporting revenue streams include an on-site Surf Shop (boards, apparel, accessories), a Surf Cafe, photography and videography add-ons, private lessons, and equipment rentals. The company also operates India Surf Tours, a sister entity running surf tours to Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar, and Mainland India.

Mantra's go-to-market is B2C, primarily direct through the surfingindia.net website and on-site bookings, with international demand generated through organic media coverage (BBC, CNN, National Geographic, Surfer Magazine, Red Bull, Washington Post, Lonely Planet) and surf film collaborations. Corporate and school group packages form a secondary revenue stream. The company is privately held, independent, and not institutionally funded; any surplus is reinvested into the Surfing Swami Foundation, which supports community, environmental, and rescue initiatives. The founders also established the Surfing Federation of India (2011) — the ISA-recognized national governing body — and the Mantra Rescue Team (2018).

Name

Mantra Surf Club

Legal name

Mantra Surfing & Adventure Sports Center

Website

https://surfingindia.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Mantra Surf Club is India's first surf school (founded 2004), offering ISA-certified surf instruction, accommodation, and water sports at its Mulki, Karnataka beachfront campus for international tourists, beginners, corporate groups, and school groups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Surf School & Adventure Sports

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Surf Schools & Surf Camps (THAAAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Surfing & Kitesurfing Experiences (Lessons, Camps) (THAJAJAJ), Surf, Kitesurf & Wind Sports Adventures (THAJABAK), Surf & Beach Sports Retail (Surfboards, Bodyboards, Skimboards) (CRAMAIAE)

Keywords

• Surf school instruction
• Surfing lessons courses
• Beachfront surf retreat
• Water sports activities
• Surf equipment retail

Headquarters

HQ city

Mangalore

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Surf Lessons and Courses: Primary revenue stream from surf instruction courses ranging from 3-day beginner courses to 30-day advanced master coaching programs. Courses include professional instruction, surfboard rentals, and structured lessons tailored to different skill levels.
2. Accommodation and Retreat Stays: Revenue from Ashram Surf Retreat accommodation options ranging from shared dorm rooms to mid-range and high-end rooms, including home-cooked vegetarian meals.
3. Surf Shop Sales: Sale of surfboards, stand up paddleboards, bodyboards, board shorts, rash guards, T-shirts, and necessary surfing accessories.
4. Surf Tours: Surf tour packages to Lakshadweep Islands, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Mainland India destinations operated through India Surf Tours entity.
5. Corporate and Group Events: Professional programs for schools, corporate groups, and customized water activity experiences with all-inclusive packages including accommodations, meals, and activities.
6. Photography and Videography Services: Optional add-on photography and videography services during surf lessons for additional cost.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Mantra Surf Club is India's first surf school (founded 2004), based in Mulki, Mangalore, Karnataka. It offers ISA-certified surf instruction ranging from 3-day beginner courses to a 30-day advanced master coaching program, paired with on-site beachfront accommodation at the Ashram Surf Retreat. Complementary offerings include stand-up paddling, kayaking, yoga, a surf shop, and a surf cafe, plus corporate and school group programs.

Product overview

Mantra Surf Club operates as a surf school and adventure sports center offering a comprehensive portfolio of surf instruction and water sports activities. The core offering consists of structured surf courses ranging from 3-day beginner lessons through 30-day advanced master coaching programs. Accommodation is provided via the Ashram Surf Retreat, while additional water activities include kayaking and stand-up paddling. Supporting services encompass a surf shop, surf cafe, yoga sessions, and specialized programs for corporate groups and school events. The company also offers private lessons and optional photography/videography add-ons. Founded in 2004, it is recognized as India's first surf school, located in Mulki, Mangalore, Karnataka.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ashram Surf Retreat: Beachfront accommodation and surf retreat facility offering comfortable rooms, home-cooked vegetarian meals, and quality surf equipment for guests.
• Mantra Rescue Team

Products and services

• Beginner Surf Lessons

Quantifiable outcome

• First surf school in India with 20+ years of continuous operation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Surfing Swami FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClosely related foundation sharing the mission of promoting surfing in India. The foundation supports community work, environmental initiatives, beach cleanups, swimming education for fishermen communities, and the Mantra Rescue Team. Any surplus from Mantra Surf Club activities goes into maintaining the surf ashram and supporting the foundation's work.
• ThunderMonkey Surf GearminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndia's own surf gear manufacturer producing premium quality surf clothing, apparel, and high-quality performance surfboards, SUP paddleboards, and kayaks. Listed as partner on Mantra Surf Club website.
• Surfing Federation of India (SFI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Governing Body for surfing in India, established in 2011 by a group of surfers from Mantra Surf Club. SFI is recognized by the International Surfing Association (ISA) and oversees the development of surfing as a sport in India, selects national surf teams, and hosts national/international competitions.
• India Surf TourscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSurf tour operator established in 2008 by Mantra Surf Club founders. Offers surf tours to Lakshadweep Islands, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Mainland India. Provides comprehensive surf camp experiences for novice to advanced surfers.
• Samudra Wellness RetreatminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner wellness retreat offering complementary services to Mantra's surf offerings. Listed as affiliated partner on Mantra Surf Club website.
• WrkWrkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCreative/marketing agency partner listed on Mantra Surf Club website.
• WishTree DesignsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDesign agency partner listed on Mantra Surf Club website.
• International Surfing Association (ISA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld governing authority for surfing recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Mantra Surf Club founders helped establish SFI as India's ISA-recognized National Governing Body in 2011. ISA provides coaching standards, scholarships for junior surfers, and supports Olympic inclusion of surfing.
• Surfers HealingminorOthersNon-profit organization that enriches lives of children with autism and their families by exposing them to surfing. Listed in Related Links section of Mantra Surf Club website.
• Surfaid InternationalminorOthersNon-profit humanitarian aid organization improving health of people living in isolated regions connected through surfing. Listed in Related Links section.
• Jonty RhodesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndian cricket legend and former international cricketer who serves as Surfing Ambassador for India. Aims to use his media profile to lift the profile of surfing in India through connection to cricket's popularity.
• Suniel ShettyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBollywood actor who accepted presidency of Surfing Federation of India. Known for films including LOC Kargil, Dhadkan, and Red Alert. Also operates H2O water sports complex in Mumbai.
• New Mangalore Port AuthoritycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of the seventh NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026, a key national competition and Asian Games qualifier.
• Cycle Pure AgarbattiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026 surf competition.
• Deconstruct SkincareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026 surf competition.
• Government of KarnatakacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerState government backing for Indian Open of Surfing for seventh consecutive year, demonstrating Karnataka's commitment to growing surfing and coastal sports in India.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Surf Simply: Boutique surf coaching resort in Nosara, Costa Rica offering multi-day structured coaching courses (beginner to advanced) with accommodation. Closely comparable coaching-curriculum and retreat-combo model to Mantra's surf school.
• Soul & Surf: Yoga-and-surf retreat operator with India presence (originally Kerala, now also Sri Lanka). Closely comparable as it combines ISA-style surf instruction with yoga, accommodation, and a retreat-style guest experience - a near-identical model to Mantra's Ashram Surf Retreat.
• Bay of Life Surf School: India-based surf school in Chennai that partnered with Mantra to establish India's first surf camp in Chennai. Directly comparable as a domestic competitor offering structured surf instruction, retreats, and ISA-aligned programs to the same target market.

Others

• Surfers Healing: Non-profit organization enriching lives of children with autism through surfing. Listed as a 'Related Links' partner on Mantra's website; comparable as a social-impact surf organization rather than a commercial peer.
• Surfing Federation of India: India's ISA-recognized National Governing Body for surfing, founded by Mantra's team. Not a commercial competitor, but a key ecosystem partner governing competition, team selection, and the Indian Open of Surfing.
• International Surfing Association: World governing body for surfing recognized by the IOC. Not a commercial peer, but the source of Mantra's ISA-certified instructor credentials, scholarship programs, and Olympic/Asian Games qualification pathways.

Broad incumbents

• Tropicsurf: Luxury surf instruction and resort operator with global destinations. Comparable as a premium surf school/retreat business targeting international travelers with ISA-aligned instruction and bundled accommodation experiences.
• Rapture Surfcamps: International surf camp operator with multiple destinations (Indonesia, Nicaragua, Portugal, Morocco). Comparable as a multi-location surf school/retreat business model with bundled accommodation, lessons, and packages targeting international surf tourists.

Emerging players

• SaltLife Academy of Water Sports: India-based water sports academy listed as an affiliate partner of Mantra. Comparable as a domestic surf and water sports instruction provider targeting similar beginner-to-intermediate customers, though at earlier scale.

Regional players

• Laguna Surf Camp: Surf school and camp based in Sri Lanka offering beginner-to-advanced courses, accommodation, and retreat packages. Comparable as a regional competitor for international surf tourists in the Indian Ocean region.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mantrasurfclub
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/surfingindia
• Facebookfacebook.com/mantrasurfclub
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mantra-surf-club

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mantra Surf Club