Goa Surf School, located in Khalchawada, Arambol, has established itself as a prominent institution for surfing and water sports in North Goa. Its history is closely tied to the passion and vision of its founder, and its growth reflects the increasing popularity of surfing in India.

Here’s a detailed history of Goa Surf School:

1. Origin & Founding

• Goa Surf School was founded in the mid-to-late 2010s, most likely between 2015–2017, in Arambol, North Goa.
• It was founded by Vincent Mascarenhas, a passionate Goan surfer and instructor, who wanted to introduce structured surf training in North Goa.
• At the time, surfing was not widely popular in Goa. Arambol was mainly known for its hippie crowd and yoga culture.
• Vincent recognized the potential of Goa’s waves for surf education and set out to build a surf school with safety, culture, and lifestyle values.

2. Early Mission and Purpose

• The goal was to teach surfing responsibly, combining it with ocean safety, yoga, and eco-awareness.
• Goa Surf School was created not just as a business, but as a platform for building a local surf community.
• It aimed to engage locals and foreigners alike, breaking the myth that surfing was only for Western tourists.

3. Growth and Activities

• After its launch, the school began offering:
  • Beginner & advanced surfing lessons
  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • Ocean safety training
  • Yoga-surf retreats
• It quickly gained popularity for its friendly environment, personal coaching, and professional guidance.
• Tourists, backpackers, and even Indian travelers began signing up, making it one of the first professional surf schools in North Goa.

4. Community and Environmental Role

• The school has contributed to:
  • Local employment by training young Goans as surf instructors
  • Beach clean-up drives
  • Cultural exchange through community surf jams and events
• Its philosophy centers on respect for nature, inclusivity, and slow, mindful travel.

5. Recognition and Legacy

• Goa Surf School has been featured in:
  • Travel blogs
  • Social media by influencers
  • Surf documentaries focused on India
• It’s now considered a pillar of Goa’s alternative tourism scene, especially in Arambol.

Conclusion

Goa Surf School is more than just a place to learn surfing — it’s a movement that shaped the rise of surf culture in North Goa.
Founded in the mid-2010s by Vincent Mascarenhas, it blended sport, spirituality, and sustainability in a way few others did.
Today, it stands as a symbol of community-driven tourism, eco-conscious adventure, and Goa’s evolving identity beyond just nightlife and beaches.