Are top surfers ready for the 6th Indian Open of Surfing in Mangaluru?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Get ready for the thrilling 6th Indian Open of Surfing at Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangaluru! With fierce competition among India’s best surfers and challenging wave conditions, this event promises to be a highlight of the surfing calendar. Don’t miss out on the action as top talents vie for national glory!
Key Takeaways
- Over 50 surfers will compete in four divisions.
- The event is relocated to Tannirbhavi Eco Beach.
- Wave heights expected between 10 to 12 feet.
- Defending champion Ramesh Budihal returns to compete.
- Grassroots events are uncovering the next generation of surfers.
Mangaluru, May 29 (NationPress) The spotlight of surfing is back on Karnataka's coastal gem, Mangaluru, as the sixth iteration of the Indian Open of Surfing gears up to unfold at Tannirbhavi Eco Beach on Friday.
Taking place from May 30 to June 1, this event marks the second leg of the 2025 National Surfing Championship Series. Organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and hosted by the Mantra Surf Club under the auspices of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), this year’s competition remains a crucial segment of the National Championship series, attracting the finest surfing talents in India for three exhilarating days of competition and essential ranking points.
Initially planned for Sasihithlu Beach, this year’s event has been moved to Tannirbhavi Eco Beach due to unfavorable weather and wave conditions at the original site. While Sasihithlu has been a traditional venue for the Indian Open of Surfing, the new location offers similar wave quality while ensuring improved safety for both surfers and spectators.
The three-day event will feature over 50 elite surfers competing in four categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Groms (U-16) Boys, and Groms (U-16) Girls. Among the standout participants are defending national champion Ramesh Budihal and Kishore Kumar, two of India’s top-ranked surfers who missed last year’s event but are eager to make an impact this time.
They will face tough competition from a stellar group including Harish Muthu, Kamali P., Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D., and Sanjay Selvamani, all of whom have showcased remarkable performances on the Asian circuit in 2024, including the Asian Surfing Championship and the Maruhaba Cup. Their efforts played a crucial role in India achieving a 5th place ranking in Asia last year and securing two spots for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
This year’s competition is heightened by a surf forecast predicting wave heights between 10 to 12 feet during the event dates. Due to cyclonic activity and unpredictable weather patterns over the Arabian Sea, the ocean may pose additional challenges and could disrupt the event schedule.
The increasing difficulty will have significant implications for national rankings, especially with the Asian Surf Championship 2025, a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games, approaching.
The event enjoys steadfast support from key partners. The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) returns as the Title Sponsor for the second consecutive year, while Karnataka Tourism has been a consistent supporter for six years.
“We’re thrilled to host the sixth edition of the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing on the Mangalore coast. With a competitive roster of athletes and a challenging forecast of 10–12 feet waves, we anticipate an intense and exhilarating three days of competition,” stated Rammohan Paranjape, vice president of the Surfing Federation of India and director at Mantra Surf Club.
In the lead-up to this significant event, local Grom competitions have been taking place, aimed at identifying the next generation of surfing talent in the region. These grassroots events not only build excitement ahead of the national championship but also lay the foundation for a sustainable talent pipeline.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of the Indian Open of Surfing, not only in showcasing top surfing talent but also in promoting coastal tourism in Karnataka. This event serves as a critical platform for athletes to earn their ranks while also enhancing India's reputation on the international surfing stage.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the location of the Indian Open of Surfing?
The Indian Open of Surfing is being held at Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangaluru, Karnataka.
When will the event take place?
The event is scheduled from May 30 to June 1, 2025.
Who are the key competitors in this year’s competition?
Key competitors include defending national champion Ramesh Budihal, Kishore Kumar, and other top-ranked surfers.
What is the expected wave height during the event?
Wave heights are predicted to range between 10 to 12 feet during the competition.
What impact does this event have on national rankings?
The event is crucial for national rankings, especially with the upcoming Asian Surf Championship 2025, which serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games.
