Shibanraj is from Kodi Bengre, a small coastal village just outside the university town of Manipal in Karnataka in Southern India. Shibanraj is interning with the Shaka Surf Club.

 

Shibanraj comes from a fishing family who live right next door to the surf club's shack. Shibanraj started surfing two years ago. As an intern, he is responsible for helping with repairs on the Shaka Shack and assisting in surf lessons. Shibanraj comes from a fishing family living below the poverty line. Shibanraj’s father was a fishermen but is unable to provide for his family now as he is 80% blind. Therefore, Shibanraj takes up many of the family’s responsibilities. Shibanraj’s mother is a nurse at a hospital and cooks up delicious local cuisine for the Shaka Surf Club students bringing in additional income for the family.

 

Shibanraj directed and edited his small video offering just a glimpse into his life and about his surfing.

 

Shibanraj loves to skateboard and share his music. Before surfing, Shibanraj saw his life living by the sea as an unfortunate fate. However, since he's started surfing, Shibanraj has a new appreciation for living so close to the ocean and his surroundings. Shibanraj cares for the development of his home community and inspiring the other kids in his village to embrace their own voices versus moving with the masses.