It was an immense pleasure to witness, India’s first official national Surfing and Stand up Paddle (SUP) competition at the renowned beach town of Kovalam in Kerala on 3rd/ 4th/ 5th May 2013.

Surfing Federation of India which is the national governing body for surfing in India organized this event with the support of the Kerala Tourism Department.

The three-day event had Surfing competition for groms (under 16), juniors (under 21), seniors (under 28) and masters (over 29) categories. The event also had SUP race for SUP enthusiasts with two categories under 25 and above 25.

Altogether, more than 100 participants from around the country took part in Spice Coast Open along with few international surfers also taking part in the Open category of Spice Coast Open.

The event had Jonty Rhodes, ex-South African cricketing star who is also an avid surfer, with a huge fan base in India inaugurating the event with some inspiring words to all the participants. Later he addressed the media about surfing, surf culture and praised the efforts of SFI in promoting the sport in India.

Surfing Federation of India had also roped in international ISA judges from Thailand to preside over the event.

Over the course of three days, the event had an excellent crowd turnout with a lot of curiosity to know about the sport of surfing. The event got extensive national media coverage and wide publicity throughout the duration of the event.

Spice Coast Open came to an end with prize distribution ceremony which included surf trophies, cash awards, and many consolation prizes for winners and participants.

Surfing Federation of India is already looking forward to next year to make Spice Coast Open a much bigger and better event than this year.

Here’s the list of Indian nationals who won the first official surfing competition in India held by the Surfing Federation Of India.LOCAL GROMS – UNDER 16
1 – G. Ragul – Mahabalipuram
2 – Krishna – Kovalam, Kerala
3 – Remesh – Kovalam, Kerala

LOCAL JUNIOR – AGE 16-22
1 – Nissam – Kovalam, Kerala
2 – Deekshith – Mulki, Karnataka
3 – Dharani – Cove Along Point, Tamil Nadu

LOCAL SENIOR – AGE 22-28
1 – D. Manikandan –  Cove Along Point, Tamil Nadu
2 – Santosh – Mahabalipuram, Chennai
3 – V. Vignesh – Cove Along Point, Tamil Nadu

LOCAL MASTER – ABOVE 28
1 – Shankar V – Tamil Nadu
2 – Murthy – Cove Along Point, Tamil Nadu
3 – Velu Murugan – Tamil Nadu

LOCAL WOMEN
1 – Jyothi – Mulki, Karnataka
2 – Chetana – Mulki, Karnataka
3 – Atita – Bangalore

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