Mangalore (Karnataka) [India]: The India Paddle Festival, the nation’s premier international stand-up paddling (SUP) event, is set to return for its second edition from March 7 to 9, 2025, at the picturesque Sasihithlu Beach in Mangalore, Karnataka. The event promises to be a high-octane spectacle with an impressive line-up, featuring the world’s elite paddlers including World No. 2 Christian Andersen, former World Champion Daniel Hasulyo, and four-time World Champion and defending women’s champion Esperanza Barreras.
Star-Studded Line-Up: Global Paddlers to Compete
The festival will see a star-studded line-up:
- Christian Andersen (Denmark), the World No. 2 nicknamed the “Polar Bear” for his powerful performances.
- Daniel Hasulyo (Hungary), a former World Champion bringing a wealth of experience.
- Esperanza Barreras (Spain), a four-time World Champion in the Women’s category, returns to defend her title.
- Chiara Vorster (South Africa) and Lim Sujeong (Korea) add to the competition’s intensity in the women’s division.
The Men’s category will also feature:
- Antonio Morillo (Spain), who narrowly missed the title last year.
- Will Keetley (UK), looking to make his mark.
India’s Charge: Sekar Patchai Leads the Pack
Leading India’s charge is Sekar Patchai, a 25-time National SUP Champion and the current national champion, determined to make a mark on home waters. He will be joined by rising star Manikandan. The Indian contingent will face stiff competition from strong teams from Thailand and Indonesia.
Event Highlights: A Complete Water Sports Extravaganza
- Organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club in collaboration with WrkWrk.
- Proudly presented by Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) and Karnataka Tourism.
- Sanctioned by the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour, the official World Championship Tour for SUP.
Race Formats and Categories
The festival will feature multiple race formats:
- Sprint, Technical, and Distance Races to test endurance and agility.
- Over 40 paddlers competing across:
- Men’s Open
- Women’s Open
- Junior U-16 Boys
- Junior U-16 Girls
Cultural Festivities and Entertainment
Apart from intense competition on the water, the festival will also feature:
- Live music performances
- Vibrant cultural events showcasing the rich traditions of Karnataka.
Significance for Indian Water Sports
The India Paddle Festival 2025 is seen as a milestone event for non-motorized water sports in India. With India’s recent achievement of securing its first-ever surfing quota for the Asian Games, the festival highlights the nation’s growing footprint in the global water sports arena.
Scenic Venue: Sasihithlu Beach
Set against the stunning backdrop of Sasihithlu Beach, known for its pristine waters and surfing conditions, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for both athletes and spectators.