The India Paddle Festival 2025, India’s sole international Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) event, was inaugurated by Priyank Kharge, Minister of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, IT & BT, at a function at Sahyadri Campus on Saturday.
Hosted by Incredible India and Karnataka Tourism, the festival released its official creatives alongside a promotional video of its inaugural success. Scheduled from March 7 to 9 at Sasihithlu Beach, the India Paddle Festival 2025 aims to position stand-up paddleboarding and surfing tourism while carving Karnataka’s shoreline into a leading destination in water sports globally.
India Paddle Festival 2025: Encouraging Adventure Tourism In Karnataka
Addressing the launch, Minister Priyank Kharge underlined the festival’s contribution towards developing adventure tourism in Karnataka. ‘Karnataka’s beautiful coastline is the ideal backdrop for international competitions such as this.
The state’s rapid development of coastal sports, particularly surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, is quite impressive. We continue to support efforts that promote adventure tourism and local sports,’ he stated.
The event is being hosted by the Surfing Swami Foundation and will include top international paddlers from the Association of Paddle Surf Professionals World Tour, along with up-and-coming Indian players competing on an international level.
Creating A Thriving Water Sports Culture In India
Ram Mohan Paranjape, head of the Surfing Swami Foundation, highlighted the India Paddle Festival 2025 as a platform for sustainable growth and the development of water sports in India. “With top-level competitions, mass events, and workshops, the festival will fill an action-packed calendar and place India on the map for SUP,” he further added.
Through the fusion of competitive and community events, the India Paddle Festival 2025 is likely to attract major international players, adventure sports enthusiasts, and tourist attention, further cementing India’s status as a leading player in the sport of stand-up paddleboarding.
Whether you are a sportsperson, a water sports athlete, or a simple person seeking an experience unlike any other near the sea, there is something for everyone in this festival.
Where: Sasihithlu Beach, Mangalore, Karnataka.
When: 7th to 9th March, 2025
Entry Fee: ₹5,000 for Indian Athletes & ₹6,500 for Foreign Athletes
The question now is — will you be surfing the waves or watching from the shore?
Cover Image Courtesy: @surfingindia/Instagram
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.