Cocopelli Surf School & Homestay

Cocopelli is a surf school with a homestay in Gokarna, on India's west coast in Karnataka. It has been teaching since 2010 and presents itself as Gokarna's first surf school.

It is run by Sandeep Samuel, an internationally certified instructor recognised by the ISA and the Surfing Federation of India, and one of only two international level 3 judges in the country. Lessons are in very small groups or one-on-one, including for non-swimmers. The beginner spot is Gokarna Main Beach, with a gentle beach break and light current.

The programme includes a one-and-a-half to two-hour trial session, a three-day beginner course (one session a day), a six-day advanced course, as well as rentals (longboards, shortboards, bodyboards, wetsuits), board buying, selling and exchange, ding repairs, kayaking and surf trips along the coast. Bookings are made on WhatsApp.

Recommended season for beginners: October to May; the monsoon, June to September, makes conditions harder.