Karnataka’s first three-day national surfing competition to be held at Panambur beach from May 29, appears to be getting bigger.
Though about 70 participants were expected initially, now the organisers are hoping that it could attract more than 100 surfers.
Vice-president of the Mangaluru-based Surfing Association of India Rammohan Paranjape said at a meeting with Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim on Monday that the event – for which participation is through invitation – could in fact witness participation of more than 100 surfers from across India.
A few foreign surfers are expected and there would be a separate category for them. Surfers from age group of 16 years and above could participate.
He said that the association had conducted similar events in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and each of the events had been attended by the former international cricketer Jonty Rhodes, who is also the brand ambassador for Indian surfing.
Mr. Rhodes, who has surfed in the Mangaluru waters earlier, is expected to attend the May event too.
The judges for the event would come from Australia so that international standards are maintained.
The State’s tourism department had shown keen interested in the event and he hoped that it would sponsor the event, which would involve an expenditure of about Rs. 24 lakhs.
Safety
To ensure that the event is conducted safely, only those who know surfing take part by invitation.
However, an ambulance and life guards would be stationed at the sight of the competitions. Ideally the event would start in the morning at 7.30 a.m. and go on till afternoon by which time wind speed could go up.
The association would also demonstrate wind surfing, Mr. Paranjape said. Mr. Ibrahim suggested that the organisations and associations and business establishments that have anything to do with sea could be approached for co-sponsoring the event.
Participation in the surfing event is through invitation only
The former cricketer Jonty Rhodes is expected to attend the event
