Sasihithlu to host 2nd edition of Indian Open of Surfing in May

MANGALURU: International surfers in all likelihood will make a beeline back to Sasihithlu beach, some 30 km from here in May 2017. After having displayed their wares in the maiden edition of Indian Open of Surfing earlier in May, the surfers are awaiting the second edition, which will see the participation of a large number of surfers from India and abroad, for the first time.
Mantra Surfing Club, in association with Kanara Surfing and Water Sports Promotion Council of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dakshina Kannada district administration and the Surfing Federation of India organized the maiden three-day event.
With World Surf League expected to host the second edition of Indian Open of Surfing, nearly 100 international surfers are expected to participate in the event, scheduled for last week of May 2017.
"The first edition brought a lot of prominence for Sasihithlu beach. Next year's event is expected to make this place a permanent destination for international surfing events," averred Shyam from Mantra Surfing Club.
The 22-year-old, who is a certified surfing coach and a judge at surfing competitions, said the second edition that will attract many big names and will provide an opportunity for local surfers to compete with international counterparts.
Gaurav Hegde, director of Kanara Surfing and Water Sports Promotion Council, said, "We received good support from the state government and the local villagers for the event, while they earned good revenue," he said urging government to recognize Sasihithlu as a beach exclusively for surfing and water sports.
Surfing Federation of India president Kishore Kumar said over two million surfing fans across the world will be able to watch live the second edition, through webcast.
Karnataka is the first state in India to organize an international surfing event, which is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors and 200 participants, he said. He added that detailed schedules for the five-day event, which will also feature food and cultural festivals, will be announced soon.