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The thrill of stand-up paddling is set to reach new heights as the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals World Tour (APP) makes its grand entrance into India. The eagerly anticipated India Paddle Festival, the country's inaugural International Stand-Up Paddling championship, is poised to grace the shores of Sasihithlu Beach in Mangalore, Karnataka, from the 8th to the 10th of March 2024.
Presented by Karnataka Tourism and organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation, this groundbreaking event marks the beginning of a significant journey for the sport in India. The festival is a precursor to the 2024 APP World Tour and promises to be a spectacle of skill and prowess, featuring top athletes from the APP World Tour alongside emerging talents from the region.
Tristan Boxford, CEO of the APP World Tour, expressed delight in partnering with the Surfing Swami Foundation and Karnataka Tourism for this milestone event. He envisions the India Paddle Festival as a catalyst for the sport's growth in the region, providing a platform for athletes to engage in international competition.
Dhananjay Shetty, Director of the Surfing Swami Foundation, emphasized the significance of this moment for the Indian surfing and stand-up paddling community. Hosting the first International SUP event in Mangaluru, he believes, will elevate the skills of local paddlers through exposure to seasoned international athletes. With Karnataka Tourism's support, the event aims to spotlight the region's tourism potential.
India's top-ranked stand-up paddler, Sekar Patchai, expressed excitement about the upcoming championship. He sees it as a golden opportunity for Indian paddlers to learn from and challenge themselves against top international athletes. Sekar is optimistic about showcasing India's paddling prowess at the India Paddle Festival.
Adding an international flair to the excitement, Shuri Araki, the 17-year-old 4×SUP Japanese World Champion, looks forward to paddling in Indian waters and engaging with local paddlers. As the youngest in history to clinch the world title at 16, Shuri is eager to participate in the India Paddle Festival, expressing her enthusiasm for the event.
As the waves build anticipation along the shores of Sasihithlu Beach, the India Paddle Festival emerges as a symbol of the growing passion for stand-up paddling in the country. With international collaboration, local talent, and the support of Karnataka Tourism, the event promises to be a super successful and exciting affair, marking a significant chapter in India's water sports journey.
