Varkala to host International Surfing Festival from April 10

Thiruvananthapuram: The picturesque Edava beach in Varkala, Kerala, is set to transform into a hub of excitement and adventure as it hosts the second edition of the International Surfing Festival from April 10 to 13. The four-day extravaganza is expected to attract tourists and water sports enthusiasts from across the globe, bringing together the thrill of surfing with the serene beauty of Kerala’s coast.

Situated approximately 40 km from the state capital, Varkala is celebrated not only for its pristine beaches but also as a prominent pilgrimage destination, home to the spiritual legacy of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

Kerala’s Minister for Tourism, P.A. Mohammed Riyas, will officially inaugurate the event on April 10. Organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) under the State Tourism Department, in collaboration with the Thiruvananthapuram District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), the festival also enjoys technical support from the Surfing Federation of India and the International Surfing Association (ISA).

This edition will feature high-energy competitions in multiple categories, including SUP (Stand-Up Paddle) Technical Race, Paddle Board Technical Race, and SUP Surfing. Around 60 participants — both local and international — will take part in the contests, competing in divisions such as National Women’s Open, National Men’s Open, National Groms (16 & under – Girls and Boys), and International Men’s and Women’s Open categories. Winners in each category will receive a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.

Adding a special twist to the event, organisers are also running a unique contest offering 50 lucky individuals the chance to win free surfing sessions worth Rs 1 lakh. Participants will be chosen from five segments: the general public, educational institutions, techies, working professionals, and digital creators — including vloggers, photographers, and influencers.

Tourism Minister Riyas emphasised that the event highlights Varkala’s emerging status as a global destination for adventure tourism. “Surfing has become an integral part of Varkala’s identity, supported by a strong community of professional surfers, clubs, and coaches. Hosting an international festival further cements its place on the global surfing map,” he said.

Tourism Secretary K. Biju echoed the sentiment, stating that Kerala is actively positioning itself as a premier adventure sports hub. “Events like this not only promote thrilling sports like surfing but also contribute to cultivating a vibrant adventure sports culture across the state,” he noted.

With IANS inputs