Drawn by a love for the ocean and a desire to build a life around nature, Anna Goetzke left her hometown in Germany only to find herself along the shores of Mamallapuram, a coastal town in Tamil Nadu with a vibrant fishing and surfing community.
For Goetzke, what was meant to be a weekend surf trip with friends quickly turned into a chance encounter, as she met her now husband, Mukesh, fondly known as ‘Mumu,’ a surf instructor whose deep connection with the ocean mirrored her own.
Not long after, Goetzke became closely involved in growing her husband’s surf school, Mumu Surf School. Together, they transformed the school into a community space where surf enthusiasts were taught not only how to ride waves but also how to respect and protect the environment. Now based in South Goa, Anna and Mukesh are raising their children by the sea, building a family life with a common vision. Since moving to Goa in 2019, Goetzke aspires to help others develop a more mindful relationship with their surroundings.
Over the years, she and her husband have organised beach clean-ups, school projects, and efforts to engage children and adults toward ocean conservation and sustainable living. With plans to introduce similar initiatives in Goa, she A regular column by foreigners who have made Goa their home hopes for more sustainable growth in the state.
Read the full article in the latest issue of Viva Goa Magazine. Pick your copy from the nearest supermarket/bookstore today.
