Aqua Outback

Aqua Outback is a kitesurf centre with accommodation on the Gulf of Mannar in southern Tamil Nadu, near Vaippar. The riding area is a shallow, flat lagoon (about four feet deep on average) with salt pans and windmills in the background. The website claims a nine-month windy season and says it has hosted two Indian National Kiteboarding Championships.

The school is run by IKO-certified instructors, including national champions, with support staff and rescue boats on standby at all times. The gear comes from brands such as North, Ozone, Cabrinha and Mystic.

Aqua Outback also offers kayaking, stand up paddle, wakeboarding, scuba diving, snorkelling, bird watching and cultural trips. The property has rooms and dormitories, with communal meals.