As many as 24 children participated in the “Mantra Grom Search” surfing event in under 13 and under 16 age categories at Panambur Beach here on Sunday.
The event was organised by Surfing Swami Foundation to promote surfing and beach cleanliness among the youth.
The aim of the event was to identify and nurture talented young surfers under the guidance of Surfing Swami Foundation. Sunday’s surfing competition had one of the best conditions for children who had to contest in 3-4 ft waves, high tides and currents.
Many children showed drastic improvement in techniques and performance from the last year, said a release from the organisers. For many, it was their first time participating in a surfing contest.
Surfing Swami Foundation plans to continue hosting such annual events to promote surfing and water sports among the young and also to protect the pristine beaches along the coastline of the State.
Deputy Commissioner S. Sasikanth Senthil, who distributed prizes to the winners, said that he was quite impressed by the performance of contestants. He said, “I wish these children grow in this sport and represent the country in international events in the future.”
Selvam, Praveen and Subbu emerged the first three winners in the under 16 boys category, while Naman, Akash and Prakash won the first three places in the under 13 boys category.
Chirali, Akhila and Sanvi were the winners in the girls open category.
The event was cheered by many citizens. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffic) Lakshmi Ganesh, Assistant Commissioner of Police Srinivas Gowda, the former KCCI president Ram Mohan Pai Maroor, Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project CEO Yatish Baikampady, foundation director Gaurav Hegde and Henry Britto, who flagged off the event, were present.
The foundation acknowledged the support from Mantra Surf Club, FireWife Surfboards, Adventure Worx and Thundermonkey Surf Gear for their support to the event.
The winners would receive further training from the foundation to participate in national and international surfing events in the coming days.
