India’s Only International Stand-up Paddling Event to be Held at Sasihithlu Beach From March 7 to 9: Click For Details

The second edition of India Paddle Festival, the country’s only international stand-up paddling event, will be held at Sasihithlu Beach from March 7 to 9, is organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, in collaboration with WrkWrk, and presented by Incredible India (ministry of tourism, GoI) and Karnataka tourism.

Sanctioned by the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) world tour, the official world championship tour for stand-up paddling, the festival will feature elite-level SUP racing, live music performances, and vibrant cultural festivities, making it a milestone event for non-motorised water sports in India.

Local favourite and India’s top-ranked stand-up paddler, Sekar Patchai, will spearhead the Indian contingent. The women’s category will see the return of defending champion Esperanza Barreras from Spain, South Africa’s Chiara Vorster and Korea’s SUP champion Lim Sujeong. The men’s category promises an intense contest between Spain’s Antonio Morillo, who narrowly missed the title last year, and Denmark’s Christian Andersen, the current World No. 2, better known as ‘Polar Bear,’ Hungary’s former world champion Daniel Hasulyo and UK’s Will Keetley.

The India Paddle Festival 2025 will feature multiple SUP race formats, including sprint, technical, and distance races, pushing the endurance and agility of athletes. Over 40 stand-up paddlers will be competing across four different categories – Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Junior U-16 boys, and girls.