Tourists and water sports enthusiasts are in for a treat as Varkala’s scenic Edava Beach gears up to host the second edition of the International Surfing Festival from April 10-13. The event will be inaugurated by Kerala’s Tourism Minister, Shri P A Mohamed Riyas, on April 10 at 4 pm. Varkala MLA V Joy will preside over the inaugural ceremony, which will also be attended by Adoor Prakash MP, AA Rahim MP, Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran, and Anu Kumari IAS, District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram.
Organized by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) in collaboration with the Thiruvananthapuram District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), the festival promises thrilling competitions, including SUP Technical Races, Paddle Board Technical Races, and SUP Surfing. Around 60 local and international surfers will compete in various categories. Technical support for the event will be provided by the Surfing Federation of India and the International Surfing Association (ISA).
The competition will feature several categories: National Women’s Open, National Men’s Open, National Groms (Girls and Boys aged 16 & under), International Men’s Open, and International Women’s Open. Winners in each category will receive a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.
Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas emphasized that the event will not only boost Varkala’s reputation as a surfing hotspot but also attract more tourists to the region. Varkala, known for its beautiful beaches, lively cafes, and diverse culinary experiences, is already a popular destination on the international tourism map. He noted that surfing culture has deep roots in the area, with many professional surfers, clubs, and coaches, making it the ideal location for an international surfing festival.
K Biju, Tourism Secretary, mentioned that the department is committed to transforming Kerala into a hub for adventure sports, with events like the surfing festival playing a key role in promoting such activities. Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran added that the festival would firmly establish Varkala as one of the top surfing destinations in the country.
Varkala offers world-class accommodation options and excellent connectivity by air, road, and rail, making it a convenient destination for tourists looking to enjoy the festival and other attractions. Situated just 40 km from the state capital, the town is also known for its significance as a major pilgrimage site.
In addition to the surfing festival, the Tourism Department is also planning the Mountain Terrain Biking Championship (MTB Kerala 2025) in Wayanad in May and the International White Water Kayaking Festival in Kozhikode from July 24-27.