S. Dharani, Chennai

Miles from the coast, Dharani is skateboarding when we find him at the Covelong Point Surf School. The ‘fish boy’, as his friends call him, is always dreaming about riding the perfect wave: “It doesn’t matter if the weather’s bad, a surfer must learn to dance with the breakers.” He’s been surfing for over two years and the latest jewel in his kitty, won at the Covelong Point Classic Surf contest, is a manoeuvrable surfboard. That wooden plank is history.

What I want to be

The best surfer in India. I want to go to Hawaii, the mecca of the big wave surfing world. I also want to crash-land in Peru, Panama and Chile and storm through the world meets.

My vision of India

I wish the country would do more to support sports and education in the villages.

My view of religion

It’s utopian, I believe that all human beings can live and work together, without being divided by religion. Right now, it’s a vehicle of destruction making people intolerant.

My vote is for

The AIADMK, because it’s the only party that supports fishermen and it also has a pro-poor stand.

What money means to me

It’s the most important thing for me because it’s the only means to a better education.

What makes me angry

If anybody tries to belittle my family or friends, that’s the end of him.

My greatest support

My friends at Asan Memorial College of Engineering and Tech­nology in Chingleput, and my mother, who patiently puts up with my eccentricities.

My fiercest critic

Coach Murthy Meghavan, who makes me practice from 6 am to 6 pm. It’s a hard job to please him.

My best friend

Vivek Anthony and I have been buddies since kindergarten.

My idols

I grew up on sports documentaries watching my heroes Andy Irons and Kelly Slater navigate shallow reefs of the north shore in Hawaii.

My fantasy

Being crowned surfing world champion.