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Mulki in Mangalore, Karnataka, is all set to host the state’s first ever surfing festival, from May 27th to 29th. The event has generated a lot of buzz, and will mark a new era for surfing in India.
With there expected to be around 80 surfers participating across different categories, the Indian Open of Surfing will change the landscape of the sport forever. The 3-day festival will generate a lot of great fun and action, and here are some reasons you should be at the Indian Open of Surfing to enjoy –
Reputed surfers from India and abroad
- The event has multiple categories, like Under 16, Juniors (17-22), Seniors (22-28), Masters (28 and above) and a separate women’s category, for Indian surfers to participate and show their range of skills.
- It sets up a great platform for young Indian surfing enthusiasts and professionals to present how good they are and give an indicator of the potential for the future.
- Along with that, there is also an Open Men’s category for all international surfers, which will allow them to participate and compete against other experienced professionals at a high level.
High standard of officiating (ISA officials)
- The Indian Open of Surfing will witness Steve Robertson, General Manager for World Surf League and Tim Hain, General Manager of the Asian Surfing Championships officiating.
- Both are reputed, respected figures in the world of surfing and will bring a lot of authority and control to the event that is recognised by the International Surfing Association and Surfing Federation of India.
Variety of competitions at the event
The 2016 Indian Open of Surfing intends to spread the message about adventure sports, beach tourism and show how surfing can help bring communities closer, and offer many avenues for generating sustainable revenue going forward.
- Apart from surfing, there will also be competitions involving Stand Up Paddling and Body boarding, to engage audiences further, and ensure wider range of participation, with people of different skill sets enjoying.
Celebrity sightings at the event
- The Indian Open of Surfing has some very famous personalities from the sporting and film world involved. The man who revolutionised fielding in modern-day cricket, Jonty Rhodes, is one of the surfing ambassadors for the Surfing Federation of India. Rhodes, who is an ace surfer himself, has indicated that he would possibly be at the event, and that would be a great sight for fans!
- Another cricketing personality who could be at the event is Paddy Upton, the current coach of the Delhi Daredevils, who has earlier worked with the Indian Cricket Team, during their World Cup winning run in 2011, who is also someone who retains a great interest in surfing.
Audience engaging initiatives and arrangements
There are live music shows and cultural programs expected to happen, with a very interesting coastal food festival also on the cards.
- With a young surfing community in India, the chance to interact with experienced surfers from outside India, and the opportunity to develop a good, strong network will hopefully encourage more and more youth to take part in surfing.
