Elite Stand-Up Paddlers Set to Shine at India Paddle Festival

Synopsis

Mangaluru, March 6 (NationPress) The world’s leading stand-up paddlers are gearing up for the India Paddle Festival, the country's only international stand-up paddling event, set to take place at the picturesque Sasihithlu Beach this Friday.

Key Takeaways

World-class paddlers gather at Sasihithlu Beach.
Hosted by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club.
Bollywood star Suniel Shetty is the event ambassador.
International competition from paddlers across the globe.
Exciting cultural activities and community engagement.

Mangaluru, March 6 (NationPress) The world’s leading stand-up paddlers are all set to create a splash at the India Paddle Festival, the nation’s sole international stand-up paddling event, which will commence at the breathtaking Sasihithlu Beach this Friday.

The second edition of this event promises an exciting blend of elite stand-up paddling (SUP) races, cultural celebrations, and community involvement.

Hosted by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, with support from Incredible India, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Karnataka Tourism, this festival is officially sanctioned by the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour, which is the recognized championship tour for SUP.

Bollywood celebrity and fitness role model Suniel Shetty has been appointed as the official ambassador for the India Paddle Festival. He expressed his excitement, stating, “I am extremely excited that the India Paddle Festival is returning with some of the finest paddlers for an adrenaline-pumping event. Witnessing the growth of this sport in India and seeing our athletes shine on the global stage is genuinely inspiring. I eagerly anticipate another thrilling edition of the festival and urge more individuals to experience the exhilaration of paddling. Whether you are a sports fan or someone who adores the ocean, this is the place to be.”

The India Paddle Festival 2025 is poised to draw international attention, featuring an impressive lineup of global paddlers such as world no. 2 Christian Andersen (Denmark), former world champion Daniel Hasulyo (Hungary), and the defending women’s champion and four-time world champion Esperanza Barreras (Spain).

Leading India’s charge is Sekar Patchai, a 25-time National SUP Champion, along with rising talent Manikandan. Competitors from Thailand, Indonesia, and Korea are also set to deliver tough competition, making this event a genuinely international showcase.

The festival will kick off on Friday with an opening ceremony and preliminary race heats, followed by a full lineup of competitions, community engagements, and cultural festivities throughout the weekend. The grand finale on Sunday will feature the concluding races and an awards ceremony, crowning the champions of the India Paddle Festival 2025.

With the popularity of SUP in India soaring, this festival exemplifies the sport’s rising appeal, particularly after India secured its first-ever quota in Surfing for the Asian Games. Paddleboarding fans, adventure seekers, and sports aficionados are invited to witness elite competition and indulge in a weekend of coastal adventure.