PROJECT INDIA
September 19 - 27 September, 2020
October 3 - 11 October, 2020
OUR LOCAL HOST
SANDEEP SAMUEL
Sandeep, was brought up in Chennai where he started his sports career as a professional snooker player and was ranked in Tamil Nadu as No.1 and in India as No. 4 in Snooker (2004 - 2005).
While travelling India, Sandeep found himself on a surfboard and started surfing with relentless passion. Right now Sandeep has been surfing for more than 12 years and runs the Cocopelli Surf School in Gokarna.
THE LOCATION
GOKARNA
Gokarna is famous for its unique beaches and landscapes. The cultural town and iconic Mahabaleshwar Temple makes Gokarna one of the top Hindu pilgrimage centres in India.
Far away from the busy cities of Goa and Kerala, Gokarna is a coastal village boasting uncrowded waves for all levels. Despite its sleepy nature, you will find everything a traveller needs - traditional restaurants, ATM’s, shops, telephones and laundry services.
THE ACCOMMODATION
COCOPELLI SURF SCHOOL
Situated at Cocopelli Surf School, 3.5 hours or 150km's south of Goa airport. We'll be nestled into the local community and be a short walk through a rice paddy field to Gokarna main beach making it a perfect base for our expedition. Each traveller will have a double bed in a basic room.
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A TYPICAL DAY AT COCOPELLI
6am - 8am
BREAKY & YOGA
Light breaky and guided mediation and/or yoga
8am - 10am
MORNING SURF
Walk through the front rice paddy fields and explore Gokarna main beach for a peak to surf according to your skill level. Guides will be available to provide coaching.
10am - 3pm
EXPLORE
A time to explore and engage with the local community. We'll be working with Sandeep to learn from the locals through english classes, cultural activities and even surf lessons. Lunch will be provided at Cocopelli or on the road
3pm - 5pm
SURF & CHILL
Swing in the hammocks or enjoy one more sunset surf session before enjoying a yoga session to recover from the day
5pm - 9pm
LOCAL DINNER
Each night we'll head into the local town to find the best local food the town has to offer for dinner.
YOUR TRIP GUIDES

Rory Gollow
Raised in the crisp air and raw energy of Australia's South West, Rory and his twin brother founded the Fresh Air Project inspired by the concept of 'travelling deep and treading lightly'. Rory met Sandeep at an India wedding 5 years ago and dreamt up Project Cocopelli. They can't wait to show you around Gokarna!

Janiece Walker
Janiece has grown up on the West Coast of Australia where the waves are a plenty and the girls are ripppinggggg! Janiece is a surf coach and lover of the sea like you’ve never seen. Having guided Fresh Air trips to Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka she's well equipped to provide you an epic authentic experience.

Gypsie Thomas
Gypsie has a full-time passion for travelling & connecting with different cultures around the world. Gypsie has also grown up on the West Coast of Australia and maintained a travel lifestyle with her passion for the ocean, diving, surfing any adventure thrown at her.
Blaise Hodgson
Blaise is a marine biologist, that spends more time in the sea than on land. Her passion for the ocean has transpired into a career guiding people on marine life tours. India is one of her favourite places to travel so she can’t wait to share the Ocean and India with you.
THE DETAILS
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• Transfers from Goa Airport to Gokarna
• 7 nights accommodation at Cocopelli surf school
• 1 night accommodation in Goa and last team dinner
• Daily Rickshaws (transport)
• Surf Coaching
• Lunch or Dinner provided daily
• 2 Guides
• Daily guided yoga and meditation
• Basic travel first aid
COST: $1760
GROUP SIZE: 7 participants max
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
• Flights to Goa
• Dinner or Lunch (We spend each night exploring local options. Cost is between $5- 10 each)
• Visa and Passport fees Medical and
• Vaccination costs
• Travel Insurance
• Scooter Petrol and Damage
We provide a pre-trip pack to help you budget for excluded costs
IMPORTANT INFO
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Pay the full trip cost upfront before 30 June for a 10% discount.
A $760 non-refundable deposit is due when your application form is approved. A further $500 is due 2 months before the trip. The remaining balance of $500 is then due on the Sept, 1 2020.
REGULAR PAYMENT
DEPOSIT
A $600 non-refundable deposit is due when your application form is approved
CANCELLATION POLICY
Refer to section 6 of the conditions provided with your application form. A $760 non-refundable deposit can be transferred to future trips The closer to the trip you cancel the more you pay. Refer to the table in section 6.2 Medical withdrawals are managed according to section 6.2.1 of the conditions
Submit the form below to express your interest and get an application form. We will get back to you as soon as possible!
FAQs
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
To sign up please fill out the online application form here. We'll let you know when you're approved and will then require a $760 deposit to secure your booking.
WHY DO I HAVE TO APPLY FOR THE TRIP?
The success of the trip relies on a tribe of like-minded individuals. We want to ensure you'll come away with life long friendships and not only be inspired by the location and locals but the people you're travelling with. We encourage pretrip catchups where some groups get creative and start up a small project to raise funds to bring surfbaords and other equipment over.
ARE FLIGHTS/TRANSFER INCLUDED?
No, flights and transfers are not included in the trip price.
WHAT FLIGHTS SHOULD I BOOK?
You will need to book flights to Goa to arrive on the first day of the trip by 12pm and to depart Goa on the last day.
HOW DO I GET TO COCOPELLI?
Transfers to Cocopelli are provided in the trip. We'll be greeted by Sandeep and his team and share maxi taxis to get down to Gokarna.
I HAVE A DIETARY REQUIREMENT/INTOLERANCE. CAN THIS BE CATERED TO?
Yes, definitely. Please list your dietary requirements on the registration form and we will notify Sandeep. Dinner or lunch is not included in the package so you can find all types of food locally to support your dietary requirements on these occassions.
I AM A BEGINNER SURFER, CAN I STILL COME?
Of course! The long beach of Gokarna provides perfect waves for beginners. Our two guides Rory and Janiece and local host Sandeep are qualified surf coaches and will happily provide lessons through the trip.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON THE TRIP?
A maximum of 6 and a minimum of 5 for the trip to go ahead.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN OCTOBER IN GOKARNA?
Late September and October are one of the best times to visit Gokarna post monsoon season (June - early September), when the weather is warm and pleasant with temperatures averaging 32 degrees Celsius
CAN I COME ON MY OWN?
Of course! Fresh Air trips are perfect for solo travellers. You will make new friends and meet like-minded people.
WHEN DO I NEED TO BOOK BY?
By the first scheduled payment due on the 21/07/2020. Bookings will close on this date unless all 7 spots are allocated before then.
IS THE DEPOSIT REFUNDABLE?
Please refer to section 6 of the conditions
WHAT IF I GET SICK AND CAN NO LONGER COME?
Please refer to section 6.1.2 of the conditions