So... can you surf or swim safely in Kovalam

Contrary to what the twitchy beach guards seem to think, you can swim safely in Kovalam Beaches. You hear some horror stories of people being drowned, but it is worth remembering that many Indians cannot swim and yet venture out into the water fully dressed. If they get into trouble, then it may be some time before anybody notices.

If you are a competent swimmer, you should be fine, though during Monsoon or after a storm, the waves break high and in the shallow water and you should take some care. If in doubt: don't.

When the waves are larger, surfers will be tempted to surf. In all honesty, this is not a great surfing destination as you dont get the lovely waves you get in other ocean beaches. Furthermore the waves tend to grow and break late and come in as large swells rather than as properly formed waves that you can surf down. Be careful of the waves breaking in very shallow water as you can seriously hurt yourself against the hard sand.