The Surf Window

Malpe Beach

Karnataka, India

Beach breakBeginner

Near Udupi in Karnataka, Malpe Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand where the Arabian Sea delivers consistent beach break, and the town's fishing port launches hundreds of boats daily in scenes of extraordinary colour and activity that dwarf the surf.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 1.5–2.5m at 10–14s

Wind

NE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the beach

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent Arabian Sea beach break in a beautiful setting

Hazards

  • •Fishing boat traffic, the Malpe harbour is very active
  • •Rip currents near the harbour entrance
  • •Jellyfish seasonally

Local Tips

  • •St Mary's Island (boat trip from Malpe) has extraordinary hexagonal basalt columns, geological wonderland
  • •Udupi is famous throughout India for its vegetarian cuisine, Udupi hotel cuisine is a South Indian institution
  • •The Krishna temple in Udupi is one of Karnataka's most important, extraordinary culture

Location

Map showing the location of Malpe Beach in Karnataka, India

13.3567, 74.6083