PANAJI: Edy Rodrigues believes ‘Surfing’ will be really popular in the coastal-tourism paradise Goa very soon as he has seen the interest in the sport grow and it’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, has boosted it further. Having started ‘Octopus Surf Goa’ school back in 2015 at Morjim (Pernem taluka), Edy’s task has grown from teaching friend’s kid to now coaching competitive surfers to bring glory to Goa.
Teenaged surfer Sugar Shanti Banarse recently bagged a silver medal at the Covelong Classic National Surfing competition in Kovalam, Tamil Nadu; and her achievement magnified wonderful efforts being put in by Edy’s initiative.
“Sugar is one of many who just love being in the water. You can see the interest in the kids when they rush to the surf school to fight for their favourite board. If they are not at school, they are surfing! I could only take Sugar for the competition this time and not the others, but hope to take a bigger group next time and bring home some more medals,” asserted Edy, who has a community of around 40 to 50 people regularly surfing with him for the past 3 to 4 years.
“Surfing is in its baby years in Goa. Yes, now that it is in the Olympics, more people are aware of the sport and yes, there have been more Indians who are showing interest,” stated Edy. “I think it’s picking up really quick. There are already many surf schools in Goa besides mine. In fact, a few more local lifeguards from Arambol and Agonda have also started their own surf schools…and considering we have such a vast coastline with waves for all level (of) surfers, I think Surfing in Goa is growing and going to be real big real soon,” he remarked.
A first generation surfer from India, Edy comes from a family of sportspersons as his mother was a national hockey player and a veteran athlete who holds an Asian record for shot put. Edy himself and his sister have been national-level swimmer. He however, worked as a computer engineer for six years before shifting to surfing where he is certified as a International Surfing Association coach and is fully dedicated to promoting people to fall in love with the ocean.
“I have been told that I am a very good and patient teacher.. and for me, it’s been an amazing journey so far. I just love introducing more people to the ocean,” beamed Edy.
Highlighting the challenges of various kind in propagating his message, Edy hopes to find holistic support necessary to undertake a bigger task than just restrict himself to the competitive aspect of Surfing sport.
“My main aim is to build this community and make the sport more accessible to the locals. Majority of the locals still fear the ocean and do not send their kids to the beach to swim because they could drown. But, if we have a community of surfers and surfers on every beach, it makes the beaches safer; and makes more locals familiar with the water and how to handle themselves in strong currents and prevent drownings. It also makes people more environmentally conscious about garbage in the sea or on the beaches. I have registered the Goa Surfing Association to make the sport more accessible to the locals. Any support in terms of equipment or financially, will help because Surfing is an expensive sport as surfboards and other equipments do not come cheap,” disclosed Edy.
Focusing on animal welfare via ‘Octopus Surf’, Edy’s surf school funds ‘Empowering Your Welfare For Animals’ (EYWA) movement.
“A large percentage of what the surf school generates is donated to EYWA towards the welfare of animals in Goa, and currently we have over 40 animals with us, which we are caring for in Porvorim,” claimed Edy.
