OUR STORY
The Ocean is Our Way of Life
Shantimai was started by Sugar, a true beach bum from Goa who has always felt at home in the ocean. She started surfing at 12 and has now been surfing for 10 years. What started as a love for the ocean slowly became a big part of her life. Over the years, she has taught many people how to surf, but more importantly, how to feel comfortable and confident in the water.
For the past six years, Sugar has been competing in surf competitions around India and internationally. She is now a 5-time National Champion and has had the opportunity to represent India at competitions around the world.
In 2026, Sugar reached one of the biggest milestones of her surfing career when she represented Team India at the Asian Games in Japan. She finished 9th in all of Asia, placing her among the top female surfers in Asia. Competing at the Asian Games was a huge experience and another important step in her journey as an Indian surfer.
But Sugar’s journey has never only been about competing.
There are still far fewer women competing in surfing in India compared to men. Sugar wanted to help change that by creating a place where more girls and women could feel comfortable trying surfing, learning at their own pace, and becoming part of the surf community.
That’s where Shantimai came from.
Shantimai is a women-led surf school based in Ashwem, Goa. It’s a space where you can come to learn, have fun, meet people, spend time in the ocean, and hopefully fall in love with surfing the same way we did.
We keep our sessions personal, relaxed, and focused on safety. Whether it’s your first time standing on a board or you already have some experience, we want you to feel comfortable in the water and enjoy the process.
Goa has so much coastline to explore, and we believe there is something really special about experiencing it from the ocean.
For us, surfing is more than just a sport. It’s a way of life, a way to connect with nature, and a way to have a little more fun.
Welcome To Shantimai.
THE BENEFITS OF SURFING
More Than a Sport, It’s a Way of Life.
Surfing isn’t just about catching waves — it’s about embracing a lifestyle that transforms both body and mind. It’s a full-body workout disguised as fun. Paddling builds strong arms, shoulders, and back muscles, while popping up and carving across a wave fires up your core and legs. You’ll gain balance, endurance, and strength — without ever setting foot in a gym.
The ocean also brings natural stress relief. The rhythm of the waves, the salt in the air, and the focus required to ride keep your mind present, washing stress away like the tide.
Surfing naturally boosts mental health, too. Endorphins flood your system, lifting your mood and easing anxiety. Every session teaches patience, resilience, and presence — skills you’ll carry into everyday life.
Then there’s the connection to nature. Out in the lineup, you’ll witness sunrises over glassy water, seabirds gliding above, or maybe even dolphins sharing a wave. Few experiences ground you in the beauty of the world like surfing does. On top of that, surfing gives your heart and lungs a serious workout, improving cardiovascular health as you paddle and move through the water.
And of course, at the heart of it all — it’s fun. The thrill of dropping into a wave, the spray on your face, and the stoke that lingers long after you’ve left the ocean make surfing an adventure that never gets old.
