The coastal city of Mangaluru in Karnataka is once again in the surfing spotlight as the sixth edition of the Indian Open of Surfing kicks off at Tannirbhavi Eco Beach today.
Scheduled to run from May 30 to June 1, the event marks the second leg of the 2025 National Surfing Championship Series. Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and hosted by the Mantra Surf Club under the authority of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), this edition promises three days of intense competition featuring the country’s top surfing talent competing for crucial ranking points.
Originally planned to take place at Sasihithlu Beach, the competition was relocated to Tannirbhavi Eco Beach following unfavourable weather and wave conditions at the original venue. While Sasihithlu has long been associated with the Indian Open of Surfing, organisers are confident that Tannirbhavi will offer comparable wave quality alongside enhanced safety measures for both athletes and spectators.
The contest will feature over 50 surfers competing across four divisions: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Groms (Under-16) Boys, and Groms (Under-16) Girls. Among the event’s notable participants are defending National Champion Ramesh Budihal and top-ranked surfer Kishore Kumar, both of whom missed the previous edition but are returning this year to challenge for the title.
The Indian Open of Surfing continues to play a vital role in the development of surfing in India, attracting growing interest from athletes and fans alike.