Wed Mar 05 06:49:38 UTC 2025: ## Mangalore to Host Second Annual India Paddle Festival
**Mangaluru, March 5, 2025** – Mangaluru is set to host the second edition of the India Paddle Festival from March 7th to 9th, bringing together top international and national stand-up paddleboard (SUP) athletes. The three-day event, held at the scenic Sasihithlu beach, promises an exciting competition across multiple race formats, including sprint, technical, and distance events.
Building on the success of the inaugural festival in 2024, this year’s event boasts a stellar lineup. World No. 2 Christian Andersen (Denmark), former world champion Daniel Hasulyo (Hungary), and four-time world champion Esperanza Barreras (Spain) – the defending women’s champion – are among the confirmed international participants. They will face stiff competition from rising stars like Chiara Vorster (South Africa) and Lim Sujeong (Korea) in the women’s category, and Antonio Morillo (Spain) and Will Keetley (U.K.) in the men’s.
Leading the Indian charge is 25-time national champion Sekar Patchai, who aims to excel on home waters. He will be joined by fellow Indian paddler Manikandan. Strong contingents from Thailand and Indonesia are also expected to participate.
The festival, organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club in collaboration with WrkWrk, features four categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Junior U-16 Boys, and Girls. Over 40 athletes will compete. The event is supported by the Department of Tourism and the Association of Paddle Surf Professionals (APP) World Tour.
With India recently securing its first-ever surfing quota for the Asian Games, the India Paddle Festival represents a significant milestone in the country’s growing water sports scene.
First Piper 