India Paddle Festival 2024 – A Landmark Edition

Overview

The inaugural International Stand-Up Paddling Championship in India was a resounding success. Held from 8th–10th March 2024 at the breathtaking Sasihithlu Beach in Mangalore, the India Paddle Festival brought together top international athletes, enthusiastic locals, and dedicated sponsors. The event was organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation in collaboration with Karnataka Tourism and the APP World Tour, marking a historic step forward for paddle sports in India.

Event Highlights 

  • Dynamic Racing:
    Multiple race categories (Men’s, Women’s, Junior, and Community) featured a challenging course that combined ocean, surf, and river conditions.
  • Memorable Finishes:
    International champions like Fernando Perez and Esperanza Barreras delivered standout performances, while local athletes showed promising talent.
  • Community Impact:
    The festival nurtured local participation, inspiring a growing SUP community in India.

India Paddle Festival 2024 - Event Highlights

Race Results Snapshot

  • Men’s Open (200m): Fernando Perez (Spain) – 2:37
  • Women’s Open (200m): Esperanza Barreras (Spain) – 2:55
  • Junior & Community Races: Local stars like Raju Pujar led the charge, highlighting emerging talent.

Key Sponsors & Partners

  • Karnataka Tourism (@karnatakaworld): Official presenter, showcasing Mangalore’s coastal charm.
  • Surfing Swami Foundation (@surfingswamifoundation): Primary organizer.
  • APP World Tour: International sanctioning body ensuring world-class race standards.
  • Mantra Surf Club: Event host & Co-organizer.
  • WrkWrk: Visionary sponsor providing state-of-the-art SUP boards and backing the inaugural SUP Race Clinic.
  • Additional Support: Other contributors include @mrggroup, @shreegarodisteels, @jaintubes, @gayathiriexports, @sksnetgate, and local support from the Dakshina Kannada District Tourism Committee and The Avatar Hotel.

    Media & Legacy

    • Press Coverage:
      Major outlets like the Times of India praised the event’s innovative race design and community spirit.
    • Social Buzz:
      Hashtags such as #IndiaPaddleFestival and #SUPIndia trended widely, spreading the excitement online.
    • Looking Forward:
      The success of 2024 sets a strong foundation for future events, with plans to expand race categories, enhance training, and grow India’s SUP community.

    Supporters of IPF 2024