Varkala Prepares for International Surfing Festival Kerala 2025
The much-anticipated International Surfing Festival Kerala—Varkala is set to commence on April 10, 2025, at Edava Beach in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram. Organized by the Kerala Tourism Department and the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), the three-day event aims to establish Varkala as a premier surfing destination. Recognized as India’s only global surfing competition, the festival promises exhilarating contests, engaging workshops, and unique training opportunities for aspiring surfers.
A World-Class Surfing Event Returns to Kerala
The festival’s second edition builds on the success of last year’s event, drawing top surfing talents from India and beyond. With Kerala’s coastline offering excellent waves and pristine beaches, Varkala is quickly gaining recognition as one of the best surfing spots in India. Surfers from different parts of the world will gather to compete, share techniques, and celebrate the sport in an electrifying atmosphere.
The event will be inaugurated by Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas and is being hosted in collaboration with the District Tourism Promotion Council, Thiruvananthapuram, the Surfing Federation of India, and the International Surfing Association. The festival will feature six competitive categories, including:
- National Open (Men’s and Women’s)
- National Groms 16 & Under (Boys and Girls)
- International Open (Men’s and Women’s)
Alongside the main competition, various side events, including paddleboarding and beach clean-up drives, will highlight the importance of responsible tourism and environmental conservation.
How to Register for the Competition
Registrations for the event are currently open, with fees set at ₹1,000 for national open categories and ₹2,000 for international open categories. However, the groms category remains free, encouraging young surfers to participate and showcase their skills. With 47 registrations already confirmed and a cap of 70 participants, interested surfers are encouraged to sign up early. Registration is available online via the official event website, ensuring a hassle-free process for participants from all over the world.
Surfing Enthusiasts Get a Chance to Train for Free
One of the most exciting aspects of the festival is the free surfing training opportunity for 50 lucky participants. Certified instructors from affiliated surfing schools will provide training, helping beginners and enthusiasts hone their skills. To qualify for this unique opportunity, participants must follow the Kerala Tourism Department’s Instagram handle (@keralaadventuretourismp) and enter an online competition. The training is available across five categories:
- General public
- Education professionals
- IT professionals
- Other working professionals
- Vloggers, content creators, and photographers
Additionally, experienced surfers attending the festival will conduct mentorship sessions for those looking to refine their techniques and compete at higher levels in the sport.
Varkala: A Rising Surfing Destination in India
Varkala is steadily gaining prominence as an emerging surfing hub in Kerala, drawing attention from international surfing communities. According to Binu Kuriakose, CEO of KATPS, this event plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing top-tier surfing talent. Selected surfers with exceptional skills will receive advanced training, preparing them for state and national-level competitions.
Apart from being a surfing hotspot, Varkala offers stunning coastal cliffs, serene beaches, and a vibrant local culture that attracts travelers from around the globe. The festival aims to integrate tourism with adventure sports, positioning Varkala as an ideal location for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Event Schedule and What to Expect
The competitions will take place daily from 6:30 AM to noon, ensuring optimal surfing conditions for participants. The event will also feature surfing exhibitions, live music, food stalls, and adventure sports, making it a thrilling experience for visitors and spectators.
In addition to the competitions, attendees can enjoy interactive sessions with professional surfers, workshops on sustainable coastal tourism, and local cultural performances, offering a blend of sports and entertainment. Evening entertainment will include beach bonfires, live DJ performances, and documentary screenings on the history of surfing.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the International Surfing Festival Kerala 2025
Whether you’re an aspiring surfer, an adventure enthusiast, or simply a beach lover, this festival promises something for everyone. It offers a rare chance to witness world-class surfers in action, experience Kerala’s stunning coastline, and immerse in a thrilling sports carnival. The festival also serves as a platform for networking among surf athletes, industry experts, and travel enthusiasts looking to explore Kerala’s growing adventure tourism sector.
How to Participate & Stay Updated
For more information and to register, visit the official website of the Surfing Federation of India at surfingfederationofindia.org.
Stay tuned for more updates on India’s biggest international surfing competition and make sure to mark your calendars for this exhilarating event!
