Living with ADHD, Aparna Gopan never fit neatly into one box. Her journey began as an NGO leader fighting gender taboos and as a journalist telling stories that mattered. Life later pulled her into tourism and brand marketing, where she realised the power of building movements through ideas and experiences. But her boldest leap came when she founded House of Surf, India’s first women-first surf hostel.

The idea was born from frustration and hope. As a solo woman traveller, Aparna had been to many countries, but nowhere did she feel as unsafe as in her own homeland. When she moved across South India to learn surfing, she discovered an ocean-sized gender gap, with women almost invisible in the lineup. Instead of complaining, she acted. Along with her friends Vineeth, Syam, and Akhil, she co-founded TripRight to host sustainable travel experiences and took the lead in building a space where women could explore the ocean and beyond without fear.

It wasn’t easy. In Kerala, women in swimsuits surfing, climbing mangroves, or practising sound healing invited judgement. Yet slowly, locals began supporting her vision. The most rewarding moments were watching women paddle into their first wave or form lifelong bonds over shared fears and triumphs.

Today, House of Surf has evolved into the House of Surf Retreats, expanding across Southeast Asia and the GCC. This year, Aparna is creating a women’s adventure and wellness community in Saudi Arabia, breaking taboos globally.

Her message is simple: never let anyone decide your place in this world. Oceans, mountains, rivers, and forests are for everyone. Make safe spaces, chase meaningful experiences, and live with intention.

The ocean belongs to you. The world is far too beautiful to waste on boundaries or fear.
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