State Govt. proposes funds for improvement of infrastructure at the beach
The second edition of the three-day-long National Open Surfing began at the secluded Sasihiltu beach, 30 km away from the city off the Mangaluru-Udupi section of National Highway 66. Around 120 surfers from across the country and few from Australia, France, Maldives and Madagascar are taking part in the event.
The inaugural contest was surfing heat for master surfers who faced problem with absence of good waves. “The waves are not so good as it closes down quickly,” said Austin O’Brien, a master surfer and trainer of Walking on Water – a free surf school for underprivileged children. O’Brien and fellow trainer Jamo Borthwick have brought 12 children of fishermen and beachside vendors for the event.
Kishore Kumar, the President of Surfing Federation of India and member of Mantra Surf Club, said the waves were moderate because of the wind coming towards the landside from the sea. “We cannot say much of the conditions. We hope conditions get better in the next two days.”
Among those participating in the event include 10 members from Covelong Surfers Club from Malabalipuram in Chennai. “The waves here are not so good as that along the East coast. But its fun surfing here,” said Eka, the leader of the Covelong team. Apart from showing surfing skills, members of Covelong club are also showing their skills on skateboards installed at the venue.
There are many surfers from Mangaluru and Puttur taking part in the event. Prominent among them are Tanvi Jagadeesh and Sinchana Gowda, who did well in the surfing and stand-up pedalling events in the first edition of the National Open Surfing at Sasihitlu last year. Ms. Jagadeesh and Ms. Gowda have excelled in national and international surfing events too.
Secretary to Tourism Naveen Raj Singh told reporters that the World Surfing League will be held next year in March at Sasihitlu. The Tourism Department will be supporting the district administration in holding the event. The State Government has proposed funds for development of Sasihitlu beach using Rs. 50 crore given by the Centre in 2014.
