Ravishankar Paranjape | Surfing Swami Foundation

India Paddle Festival 2025: Full Results Recap of the International SUP Championship

by Ravishankar Paranjape | Apr 3, 2025 | News

The India Paddle Festival 2025 concluded in electrifying fashion at Sasihithlu Beach, Mangalore, showcasing three days of world-class Stand-Up Paddling action. Athletes from across the globe battled wave and wind in intense sprint and distance races, and the festival ended with thrilling podium finishes across multiple categories.

Here’s a full breakdown of the results from the second edition of India’s only international SUP championship:

APP Pro Sprint Finals

1. 🥇 Christian Andersen (Denmark)

2. 🥈 Antonio Morillo (Spain)

3. 🥉 Daniel Hasulyo (Hungary)

Consolation Final (All-India Podium)

1. 🥇 Sekar Patchai

2. 🥈 Manikandan M

3. 🥉 Selvarasan Nagamuthu

Women’s Final Results

1. 🥇 Esperanza Barreras (Spain)

2. 🥈 Sujeong Lim (South Korea)

3. 🥉 Chiara Vorster (South Africa)

Overall APP Pro Championship Standings

Men’s Overall Champions

1. 🥇 Antonio Morillo (Spain) – 18,000 points

2. 🥈 Christian Andersen (Denmark) – 16,500 points

3. 🥉 Daniel Hasulyo (Hungary) – 14,500 points

4. 🏅 Sekar Patchai (India) – 10,750 points (Notable Indian finish)

Women’s Overall Champions

1. 🥇 Esperanza Barreras (Spain) – 20,000 points

2. 🥈 Chiara Vorster (South Africa) – 14,500 points

3. 🥈 Sujeong Lim (South Korea) – 14,500 points (Tie)

Junior & Groms Categories

U-18 Overall Champions

1. 🥇 Aakash Pujar (India) – 16,000 points

2. 🥈 Keefe Anargya Pranoto (Indonesia)

3. 🥉 Martin J Patumsuwon (Thailand)

U-18 Sprint Race (Final Day)

1. 🥇 Martin J Patumsuwon (Thailand)

2. 🥈 Aakash Pujar (India)

3. 🥉 Raju Pujar (India)

U-15 Groms Sprint Final

1. 🥇 Praveen Pujar

2. 🥈 Aneesh Kumar

3. 🥉 Muhammadh Irfan

Community Race Results (4KM Fun Paddle)

The community race brought together recreational paddlers in a fun, high-energy format to celebrate the growing passion for SUP in India.

1. 🥇 Samanth

2. 🥈 Gokul

3. 🥉 Madhukar

Closing Ceremony Highlights

• Chief Guest: Suniel Shetty, renowned actor and native of Mangalore, felicitated the winners.

• His words paid tribute to the roots of the event, highlighting its spiritual and community foundation laid by late Swami Narasingha.

• The ceremony marked the perfect close to an event that successfully blended sport, celebration, and a global paddling community.

Final Note

India Paddle Festival 2025 has once again elevated India’s status in the global Stand-Up Paddling scene. With world champions, homegrown athletes, and enthusiastic amateurs all sharing the waves at Sasihithlu, the festival has proven that India is ready to ride the wave of global water sports.

India Paddle Festival 2025 Kickstarts with a Grand Opening!

by Ravishankar Paranjape | Apr 3, 2025 | News

The second season of India Paddle Festival, the country’s only international Stand-Up Paddling event, commenced on Friday with a grand inauguration ceremony, here at Sashithlu Beach.

Capt Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Dakshina Kannada, officially launched the International SUP Championship of the India Paddle Festival 2025. The opening ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, Mullai Muhilan MP, IAS. Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada; Abhayachandra Jain, Former Minister, Government of Karnataka; Poornima, President, Haleyangadi Panchayat; Vasanth Bernad, Former President, Haleyangadi Gram Panchayat, Rohith Bhat, Managing Director, WrkWrk and and Sri Tristan Boxford, CEO, Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP), as per a press release from Surfing Swami Foundation.

The India Paddle Festival 2025, organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, in partnership with WrkWrk, and presented by Incredible India and Karnataka Tourism, will run until March 9, promises an exhilarating mix of elite SUP competitions and cultural celebrations.

Chowta, speaking at the inauguration, said, “I congratulate the Surfing Swami Foundation and the Coastal Tourism Development Council for their efforts in promoting tourism and water sports through events like the India Paddle Festival.

While the government provides policies and permissions, real progress comes from community participation. Local organizations and institutions must work together to make tourism thrive. Dakshina Kannada region has immense potential to become a major tourist destination, and events like the India Paddle Festival play a key role in showcasing our strengths to visitors nationwide.”

“I urge institutions like NITK to get involved, as students can become ambassadors for our region. Looking ahead, I am committed to making next year’s festival even bigger, with stronger government and corporate support. This event is more than just a competition–it’s a movement to strengthen our coastal tourism and sporting culture. I take immense pride in our region and wish everyone three exciting days of sport and celebration,” he added.

The opening day of the India Paddle Festival 2025 featured an exclusive workshop designed to help Indian athletes refine their techniques under the mentorship of elite professionals from the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour.

International stand-up paddlers, including Daniel Hasulyo, Christian Andersen, Sekar Patchai, and Manikandan, joined forces with young local paddlers for a spirited exhibition race, which was officially flagged off by Chief Guest Capt Brijesh Chowta.

The day wrapped up on a vibrant note with a captivating live performance by Alva Kuuto, an eclectic Tulu folk band, setting an electrifying atmosphere for the festival ahead.

As the India Paddle Festival 2025 unfolds, Day two will witness adrenaline-fueled races, cultural festivities, and an unparalleled sporting spectacle of the International SUP Championship at Sashithlu Beach. The schedule includes the APP Technical Distance Races for Junior, Open Men’s and Women’s categories, where top international and national athletes will compete for glory. Bringing an extra dose of adrenaline to the festival on Saturday, the Mantra Adventure Film Festival will showcase a captivating selection of Indian documentaries that highlight the spirit of adventure and extreme sports across the country.

With SUP in India witnessing rapid growth, the festival stands as a testament to the sport’s rising popularity, especially after India secured its first-ever quota in Surfing for the Asian Games. Paddleboarding enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and sports lovers are invited to witness world-class competition and immerse in a weekend of coastal adventure.

India Paddle Festival 2025 – Official Launch

by Ravishankar Paranjape | Feb 27, 2025 | News

Minister of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge unveiled the official creatives for the second edition of the India Paddle Festival – 2025 in Mangaluru on Saturday. It is the country’s international Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) event that will be held at the scenic Sasihithlu beach for three days from March 7. The event is presented by Karnataka Tourism and Incredible India.

At an event held at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, a video was played highlighting the success of the first edition and setting the stage for an even grander second one.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, “It is great to witness rapid growth of coastal sports in Karnataka, especially surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. The coastal region has truly become a hub for paddle and surfing sports, and I am delighted that we are now hosting the second season of this international event. Karnataka’s stunning coastline provides the perfect setting for such global competitions, and the government is committed to supporting initiatives that boost adventure tourism and local sporting talent.”

Minister of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge unveiling the official creatives for the second edition of the India Paddle Festival – 2025 at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management in Mangaluru on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation, the event will witness top international paddlers from the Association of Paddle Surf Professionals (APP) World Tour, as well as emerging Indian athletes, competing on a global stage. The festival aims to promote Stand-Up Paddleboarding and surfing tourism in the region, further establishing Karnataka as a hub for adventure sports.

Ram Mohan Paranjape, Director, Surfing Swami Foundation, explained the arrangements made for the event.

The festival will witness an action-packed schedule with elite SUP competitions, community races, and interactive workshops for athletes and enthusiasts alike, a release from the foundation said.

Surfboard Distribution for Athletes

by Ravishankar Paranjape | Oct 5, 2023 | Athlete Development, Surf Development, Surfing

We’re excited to announce our recent acquisition of new and used high-performance surfboards for our dedicated athletes. The event was attended by notable individuals, including Mr. ANUPAM AGRAWAL IPS, Mangalore Police Commissioner, and Mr. Dikshith Rai, CEO of CodeCraft Technologies.

We were also honored to have Mr. Gaurav Hegde, Director of the Surfing Swami Foundation, Rammohan Paranjape, Vice-President of the Surfing Federation of India, and Shamanth Kumar, Head Coach at Mantra Surf Club, join us for this special occasion. Their presence made the distribution of surfboards to our Surfing Swami Foundation athletes even more significant.

These surfboards will equip our athletes with the tools they need to improve their surfing skills. Our athletes will now have the opportunity to practice various maneuvers, enhancing their proficiency in the sport. This will better prepare them to represent our nation in both national and international surfing competitions.

As we embark on this exciting journey with our athletes, we extend our best wishes for their success in the world of surfing. Together, we aim to reach new heights and bring glory to our community and country

#surfing #surflife #SurfingFoundation #SurfingSwamiFoundation #SurfTraining #Mulki #MantraSurfClub #GiveToLive #Community #SurfKids #Community

Celebrating the Success of the Indian Open of Surfing 2023

by Ravishankar Paranjape | Jun 22, 2023 | Athlete Development, Surf Development, Surf Events, Surfing

The 4th edition of Indian Open of Surfing (National Surfing Championship), presented by Karnataka World, has come to a resounding conclusion, leaving in its wake an indelible mark on the surfing community. This action-packed event, hosted by Mantra Surf Club and organized by Surfing Swami Foundation, provided a captivating platform for India’s top surfers to showcase their skills and passion for the sport. under the aegis of Surfing Federation of India, the event received overwhelming support from sponsors, including Novigo Solutions, CodeCraft Technologies, Semnox, Rohan Corporation, Northern Sky Properties, Jaintubes, and the power sponsor Cycle Pure Agarbathi. Let’s dive into the highlights and celebrate the triumphant success of this thrilling event.

(Inaugurated the competition with a small puja to Surfing Swami and the ocean)

Celebrating the Athletes: Throughout the Indian Open of Surfing, the level of surfing prowess on display was simply awe-inspiring. From powerful maneuvers to graceful rides, the athletes demonstrated their mastery over the waves, leaving spectators in awe. One standout performance was by Kishore Kumar, who dominated the Men’s Open and Men 16 and under categories with exceptional skill and determination. Likewise, Kamali Moorthy showcased her remarkable talent by claiming victory in the Women’s Open and Girls 16 and under categories. These young surfers displayed immense potential, competing alongside seasoned veterans and securing their place among the surfing elite.

(Kishore Kumar dominating both Men’s Open and Under 16 categories)

(Kamali Moorthy dominating Women’s Open and Women’s under 16 categories)

Unwavering Support and Recognition: The success of the Indian Open of Surfing would not have been possible without the invaluable support of sponsors and organizers. Novigo Solutions, CodeCraft Technologies, Semnox, Rohan Corporation, Northern Sky Properties, Jaintubes, and power sponsor Cycle Pure Agarbathi played a pivotal role in powering the event and elevating the surfing experience to new heights. Their unwavering commitment to the sport and their belief in the potential of Indian surfing deserve our heartfelt appreciation.

(A heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors and supporters)

The Grand Finale and Spectator Engagement: As the event reached its grand finale, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Spectators and dignitaries alike gathered to witness the thrilling showdowns that unfolded in the finals. The surfers, fueled by the cheers and encouragement, pushed their limits, riding wave after wave with unparalleled skill and grace. The spectators’ unwavering support created an unforgettable energy, truly embodying the essence of the surfing community.

Looking Towards the Future: The Indian Open of Surfing was more than just a competition. It was a celebration of the present and a glimpse into the promising future of Indian surfing. The event served as a stepping stone for the growth and development of the sport in India, inspiring young surfers to follow their passion and embrace the waves. With every edition, the Indian Open of Surfing continues to push boundaries, nurture talent, and foster a vibrant surfing culture within the country.

(The future of surfing looks great!)

The Indian Open of Surfing stands as a testament to the incredible talent, determination, and camaraderie that defines the surfing community in India. The event brought together athletes, sponsors, organizers, and spectators in an exhilarating celebration of the sport. With the success of this edition, the future of Indian surfing looks brighter than ever. As we reflect on the highlights and accomplishments of the event, we eagerly await the next chapter, where new surfers will rise, boundaries will be pushed, and the waves will be conquered with even greater skill and passion. The Indian Open of Surfing has set the stage for an exciting future, where India’s surfers will continue to make their mark on the international surfing scene.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who wholeheartedly supported this event, recognizing the importance of fostering the growth of surfing in India. Their contributions have played a crucial role in making the Indian Open of Surfing a resounding success and ensuring a vibrant and thriving surfing community.

(The team that made it all happen!)

As we bid farewell to this edition of the Indian Open of Surfing, let us carry the spirit of camaraderie, inclusivity, and passion for the sport with us. Let’s continue to support and uplift the surfers, celebrate their achievements, and inspire others to embrace the joy of riding the waves.

Until the next exhilarating chapter of the Indian Open of Surfing, keep the stoke alive, continue to explore the power of the ocean, and let the waves be your playground. Surf’s up!

Watch the event video here!