Daesappan Manikandan has conquered the Spice Coast Open, India's first official national surfing contest, held at the renowned beach town of Kovalam in Kerala.
The three-day event offered several surfing divisions, from Under-25 to Local Juniors. More than 100 surfers from state surfing associations, clubs, surf schools, and enthusiasts from around the country and abroad took part in the Spice Coast Open.
"This is a chance for India to get its youngsters interested in a sport that is thrilling and fun and keeps you healthy and fit," explains Jonty Rhodes, an avid surfer and South African cricketing star.
"Surfing has something that even cricket does not, and that's the 'cool' factor. Everything about surfing is cool, from the outfits to the style", adds the Spice Coast Open ambassador.
Rhodes, 43, also praised the beaches in Kovalam and said they were fantastic spots for surfing. Despite having an extensive coastline, excellent beaches, and young talent, surfing is yet to catch on as an adventure sport in India.
The first edition of the Spice Coast Open marks the beginning of the rise of surfing as an adventure sport in the country. Kovalam Beach was packed with surfers, fans, and waves pumped the whole event held by the Surfing Federation of India.
Discover the mysterious waves of India.
2013 Spice Coast Open | Results
Local Groms
1. G. Ragul, Mahabalipuram
2. Krishna, Kovalam, Kerala
3. Remesh, Kovalam, Kerala
Local Junior
1. Nissam, Kovalam, Kerala
2. Deekshith, Mulki, Karnataka
3. Dharani, CoveAlong Point, Tamil Nadu
Local Senior
1. D. Manikandan, CoveAlong Point, Tamil Nadu
2. Santosh, Mahabalipuram, Chennai
3. V. Vignesh, CoveAlong Point, Tamil Nadu
Local Master
1. Shankar V, Tamil Nadu
2. Murthy, CoveAlong Point, Tamil Nadu
3. VeluMurugan, Tamil Nadu
Local Women
1. Jyothi, Mulki, Karnataka
2. Chetana, Mulki, Karnataka
3. Atita, Banglore
Open Men
1. Samai Reboul, Pondicherry
2. Jelle R., Kovalam, Kerala
3. Murthy, CoveAlong Point, Tamil Nadu
Open Women
1. Kate, South Africa
2. Jyothi, Mulki, Karnataka
2. Chetana, Mulki, Karnataka
Open Under-25
1. D. Manikandan, CoveAlong Point, Tamil Nadu
2. V. Vignesh, CoveAlong Point, Tamil Nadu
3. Dharani, CoveAlong Point, Tamil Nadu