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Surfers from Tamil Nadu rode the crest of waves to championship win as India’s first national Surfing and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) contest concluded in Kovalam, Kerala.
They whipped up some surf on their ride to the top of a number of categories at the finals of the three-day event. Their counterparts from Karnataka and Kerala shared the spoils.
More than 100 athletes from around the country and abroad took part in the competition. Winners in various categories were presented trophies, cash awards and certificates.
Fine weather and rolling waves provided another day of ideal surfing conditions and attracted a big Sunday crowd.
The Spice Coast Open is India’s first official national competitive event for the sport and was organised by the Surfing Federation of India with the support of the State Department of Tourism.
“One of the things this competition has done is make more people aware of surfing and water sports opportunities in India,” said Kishore Kumar, President of the federation.
“We have had a number of enquiries about the event. People who came to watch, particularly youngsters, showed a keen interest in the sport.”
Earlier, former South African cricketer and avid surfing enthusiast Jonty Rhodes inaugurated the event.
“Kovalam has been a fantastic venue,” said Deepti Jha, media and marketing head of the federation.
The federation is already in talks to bring back the event to Kerala next year and try and make this an annual fixture here, she added.
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