Second edition of three-day India Paddle Festival in Mangaluru from March 7

Participants in action during the inaugural edition of India Paddle Festival at Sasihithlu beach, near Mangaluru on March 8, 2024.
| Photo Credit: MANJUNATH HS

The second edition of India Paddle Festival, an international Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) event, will be held in Mangaluru for three days from March 7.

Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and presented by Karnataka Tourism Department, the event will take place at the picturesque Sasihithlu beach.

The festival is expected to once again witness the participation of top international SUP athletes, regional competitors, and water sports enthusiasts.

Following the resounding success of the inaugural edition in 2024, the festival is expected to get bigger and better, offering a platform for Indian athletes to compete alongside the world’s best. This comes at a time when water sports in India are experiencing unprecedented growth, with the nation recently securing its first-ever quota in surfing for the 2026 Asian Games.

The festival will feature elite competitions, community races, and workshops, catering to both professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts. International SUP stars from the Association of Paddle Surf Professionals (APP) World Tour are expected to participate, making this a landmark event in India’s water sports calendar.

Dhananjay Shetty, director, Surfing Swami Foundation, stated: “Last year’s event was a game-changer for our paddlers, giving them invaluable exposure to international competition. With Karnataka Tourism Department’s continued support, we aim to build on that momentum and inspire a new generation of paddlers while also promoting the stunning coastline of Karnataka as a prime water sports destination.”

Tristan Boxford, CEO of the APP World Tour, stated: “India has immense potential for stand-up paddling, with its vast coastline and growing community of passionate athletes. The return of this international event underscores the country’s rising stature in global paddle sports. We look forward to seeing top-tier talent from around the world compete in Mangaluru, further inspiring the next generation of paddlers in India.”

For registration and event details, visit this website.