Surfing Federation of India Launches Comprehensive 2025 National Calendar
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Surfing Federation of India unveils its comprehensive 2025 National Calendar, aiming to enhance competitive exposure for top surfers following a historic year. With nine national-level events planned, including the Varkala Surfing Championship and Indian Open of Surfing, the SFI is set to shape the future of Indian surfing and prepare athletes for the 2026 Asian Games.
Key Takeaways
- 2025 National Calendar features nine events.
- Kickoff with Varkala Surfing Championship in February.
- Indian Open of Surfing scheduled for May.
- Stand-Up Paddle events begin in June.
- Strong support from government and international bodies.
Chennai, Feb 24 (NationPress) After an extraordinary year that witnessed Indian surfers securing the first quotas for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan, the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) is intensifying its initiatives to maximize the ocean exposure for the nation's elite surfers. With exciting exposure trips on the horizon, the governing body has unveiled a detailed national event calendar to ensure thorough preparation ahead of the sport's debut at the esteemed continental games.
The SFI has officially published the 2025 National Surfing and Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Event Calendar, marking another pivotal moment in the sport's rapid expansion in India. Following a momentous 2024, which saw India achieve remarkable milestones on both domestic and international stages, the upcoming season aims to bolster the country's standing in global surfing.
The 2025 calendar encompasses nine national-level competitions across Surfing and SUP, strategically scheduled in key coastal areas to enhance competitive exposure and training opportunities for India's surfers.
The surfing season for 2025 will commence in February with the Varkala Surfing Championship in Kerala, followed by the prestigious Indian Open of Surfing in May. August will witness several stops for the East Coast Pro Tour, covering Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, and Covelong.
The Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) events will kick off in June with the Alambara SUP Challenge and Palkbay SUP Challenge in Tamil Nadu, leading into the Karnataka Paddle Festival in November and the Kerala SUP Challenge in December.
2024 was a landmark year for Indian surfing, with the national team achieving a fifth ranking in Asia and making a significant impact at international competitions. A highlight was the Asian Surfing Championship in the Maldives, where the Indian Surf Team earned two slots for the 2026 Asian Games and captured a silver medal in the team event.
Reflecting on these successes, Arun Vasu, president of the Surfing Federation of India, expressed, “2024 has been a transformative year for us. Our athletes, backed by the broader surfing community, state associations, and key partners, have showcased remarkable dedication. As we step into 2025, we remain focused on nurturing talent and creating more opportunities for our surfers. The upcoming national events are critical to maintaining our momentum and enhancing India’s visibility in the global surfing arena. I extend my sincere thanks to the Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka governments for their invaluable support during our journey.”
India’s swift rise in the global surfing scene is bolstered by its membership in the International Surfing Association (ISA). Fernando Aguerre, ISA president, noted, “Surfing is among the fastest-growing sports globally, and we are pleased to see India taking proactive steps to unlock its vast potential. The ISA is dedicated to assisting all its member federations in sport development and our mission of fostering a better world through surfing.”
The Indian Under-21 team also shone at the Indian Ocean Challenge in the Reunion Islands, bringing home silver and bronze medals. Additionally, India hosted its inaugural International Stand-Up Paddle Championship and established a strategic partnership with the Surfing Federation of France to promote the sport’s development.
Atsushi Sakai, president of the Asian Surfing Federation (ASF), highlighted India's increasing significance in the Asian surfing circuit, stating, “India’s participation at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan signifies the onset of an exciting chapter for the sport in the region. With a strong adventure sports culture, extensive coastal infrastructure, and improving connectivity, India has the potential to emerge as a major surfing hub. The possibilities are boundless.”
With ongoing support from government entities, international federations, and grassroots organizations, the Surfing Federation of India is committed to the sustainable development of the sport. The 2025 season is poised to be another pivotal year, shaping the future of Indian surfing and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
2025 National Event Calendar
Surf Events 2025:
April: Varkala Surfing Championship, Kerala
May: Indian Open of Surfing, Karnataka
August: East Coast Pro Tour, Pondicherry
August: East Coast Pro Tour, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
August: East Coast Pro Tour, Covelong, Tamil Nadu
Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Events 2025:
June: Alambara SUP Challenge, Tamil Nadu
June: Palkbay SUP Challenge, Tamil Nadu
November: Karnataka Paddle Festival, Karnataka
December: Kerala SUP Challenge, Kerala
