THE SURFING SWAMI

Roark first heard of the “Surfing Swami” a few months before we embarked on our travels to India as we scoured the country’s expansive coastline for enlightened surf spots. Roark did not make it to the Swami’s ashram in Mulki, a coastal town in the south-west Indian state of Karnataka, but we were assisted and guided by two of the Swami’s disciples to a perfect wave at the base of an 8^th century temple in the Bay of Bengal.

“There are more than 1.2 billion people in India. How many people do you see in the water? Hardly anybody,” the Swami told The Washington Post in a 2016 interview. The tall American guru, aka Jack Hebner, gestured toward the pristine sweep of sand. “All these waves are waiting to be ridden. India is a surfer’s paradise.” Hebner added. For more enlightenment on the “Surfing Swami” visit the links below.

In India, ‘surfing swami’ preaches the virtues of the perfect wave – The Washington Post May, 2016

The Surfing Swami believes surfing has lost its way – The Interia June, 2016

Florida Native is considered ‘Surfing Swami’ in adopted India – BBC News June, 2016

Surfing Swami: Interview with the Wave-Gliding Guru of India – Surf + Abide December, 2013

The Surfing Swami, finally back home in Jacksonville Beach, where it all began – The Florida Times-Union Jacksonville.com August, 2011

Good Vibrations: surfing with a swami – The Telegraph July, 2011

The Surfing Swami: A Journey from within (to Monsoon Indian Swells) – B on Hawaii June, 2010