Like dolphins racing the waves, Ishita Malaviya, surfs through the rhythm of the oceans becoming India’s first woman surfer. And she is keen to take her passion for surfing to New Zealand beaches.
“New Zealand is on top of my list” says excited Ishita when asked about connecting with New Zealand water, “Surfing to me is about travelling, meeting surfers and getting inspired” she added.
Ishita’s surfing journey started seven years ago when she discovered an ashram in Mulki, a small coastal village in India. Little did she know her connection with these Californian surfers would take her to such great heights.
Surprised by the idea of being told that she was India’s first woman surfer, inquisitive Ishita and her boyfriend Tushar Pathiyan made a surf trip along the South Indian coastline to find out more on it. “People recognized me and told me I was the first female surfer to surf in home grown water” says proud Ishita.
"Me being the first Indian female surfer can be debatable, however, now I am well recognized by the community and have taken surfing professionally," Quips Ishita who has represented India globally.
She also adds that she is the only woman in the Indian surfing team, recognized by the Surfing Federation, which recently has been established in India. Adding another feather to her cap is her surfing school, where she and Tushar Pathiyan teach surfing to encourage people who have passion for this growing sport.
Ishita with other international female surfers was featured in a surfing documentary ‘Beyond the Surface’ which was premiered in San Diego and is now being screened worldwide. The documentary portrayed the infancy of surfing in India which is creating a positive impact on the local communities along with empowering women.