Inaugural Int'l Stand-Up Paddling Championship to take place in Mangalore from March 8

The Association of Paddle Surf Professionals (APP) World Tour, in partnership with Karnataka Tourism, will host the first International Stand-Up Paddling Championship from March 8-10 at Sasihithlu Beach, Mangalore, Karnataka. The event is set to pave the way for the 2024 APP World Tour. Top international athletes and India’s own stand-up paddlers will participate in the championship, which aims to boost the sport in the region.

CEO of the APP World Tour, Tristan Boxford, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Surfing Swami Foundation and Karnataka Tourism, emphasizing the potential for the India Paddle Festival to expand the sport in the region. He also highlighted the opportunity for athletes to gain international exposure through the championship.

Japanese world champion Shuri Araki, at the age of 16, will be a key contender at the India Paddle Festival, alongside India’s World No.1 Sekar Patchai. Patchai, eager to challenge himself against top international athletes, sees the championship as a platform to elevate the profile of stand-up paddling in India and improve his skills.

Sekar Patchai expressed his anticipation for the event, stating, “We have always been waiting for an international event of this stature to be hosted in India.” He also emphasized the opportunity for Indian paddlers to learn from and challenge international athletes, highlighting his dedication to training for the championship. The India Paddle Festival is expected to be a significant milestone for stand-up paddling in India, and the participating athletes are gearing up to put on a remarkable show.

The inaugural International Stand-Up Paddling Championship at Sasihithlu Beach, Mangalore, Karnataka, promises to be an event that not only showcases top international talent but also provides a platform for Indian stand-up paddlers to learn and compete at a global level, ultimately fueling the growth of the sport in the region.