India Paddle Festival 2025

Overview

Welcome to the official page for the India Paddle Festival 2025—India’s only international Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) championship! Held at the stunning Sasihithlu Beach in Mangalore, this year’s festival concluded in spectacular style, bringing together elite athletes from around the world and showcasing the growing enthusiasm for SUP in India.Here’s everything you need to know about the event highlights, winners, and what makes this festival one of India’s most exciting water sports events.

Event Highlights: A Celebration of Skill, Spirit, and SUP

  • Dates: March 7–9, 2025
  • Location: Sasihithlu Beach, Mangalore
  • Organizers: Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, in partnership with WrkWrk, and presented by Incredible India and Karnataka Tourism
  • Special Guest: Bollywood icon and sports enthusiast Suniel Shetty, who felicitated the winners and emphasized the importance of ocean sports in India.

The India Paddle Festival 2025 was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of passion, perseverance, and community. The event featured high-intensity races, thrilling performances, and incredible camaraderie among athletes and spectators.

India Paddle Festival 2024 - Event Highlights

The Champions of India Paddle Festival 2025

  • APP Pro Sprint Finals (Men): Denmark’s Christian Andersen delivered a stellar performance to claim victory.
  • APP Pro Sprint Finals (Women): Spain’s Esperanza Barreras dominated the field, once again proving her prowess in the sport.

Overall Champions

  • Men’s Overall Champion: Spain’s Antonio Morillo – 18,000 points
  • Women’s Overall Champion: Spain’s Esperanza Barreras – A perfect score of 20,000 points

Indian Stars Shine Bright

  • Sekar Patchai: Finished 4th overall in the men’s category, making a mark for Indian SUP athletes on the global stage.
  • Aakash Pujar: Crowned U-18 Overall Champion, showcasing the bright future of Indian paddling.

A Platform for Growth in Indian Water Sports

The India Paddle Festival isn’t just a competition; it’s a movement that’s putting India on the global water sports map. With the support of the APP World Tour, this event has brought international attention to India’s potential in non-motorized water sports like Stand-Up Paddling.This year, the festival celebrated significant milestones:

  • India’s growing presence in water sports, especially after securing its first-ever Surfing quota for the Asian Games.
  • The rise of Indian athletes like Sekar Patchai and Aakash Pujar, who proved they belong among the world’s best.
  • An inclusive platform for recreational paddlers via the Community Race, showcasing the sport’s accessibility and appeal to all.

    Words of Inspiration from Suniel Shetty

    Bollywood superstar Suniel Shetty graced the event, applauding the efforts of the organizers and athletes. He shared his thoughts on Mangalore’s potential to host world-class events:

    “Your faith in us means everything. Though small, this place is sacred and magical. It has the potential to deliver events of this magnitude, and it is incredible to see the global community coming together in such a beautiful location.”

    Shetty also paid tribute to the late Swamiji, whose vision and dedication transformed the region into an epicenter for water sports.

    Supporters of IPF 2025

    Why India Paddle Festival Matters

    The festival is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the rising tide of ocean sports in India. It’s a place where world-class athletes and local talents come together to inspire, challenge, and grow.As India’s only international SUP championship, the India Paddle Festival has become a beacon for water sports enthusiasts, offering:

    • A platform for young Indian athletes to compete on a global stage.
    • A chance for recreational paddlers to experience the thrill of competitive paddling.
    • An opportunity to witness world-class SUP athletes in action.