CHENNAI: Two of India’s most talented stand-up paddlers Sekar Petchai and Tanvi Jagadish will be seen in action in the fifth TT Group Covelong Point Surf, Music and Yoga Festival from August 25-27, at Covelong Point, Chennai.
About 125 surfing enthusiasts will take part in the event in six age groups. Tanvi is India’s first female SUP (stand-up paddling) athlete and national champ, who bagged third place in the U-17 category at the West Marine Carolina Cup in the US this year.
“It’s great to be in Chennai. I’ve been coming here for four years. The tournament has grown leaps and bounds. There were only a handful of participants when I first came here. Now, there are much more and the competition level too is good,” said Tanvi.
“I developed interest in the sport while watching it in Mangaluru. I began surfing when I was 10 and I find the present atmosphere challenging. There are more opportunities to participate in international events,” added the 17-year-old.
The event has gained prominence and gone from strength to strength, thanks to the support of Arun Vasu, CMD, TT Group. “Being a surfing enthusiast, I felt the need to support the sport. It’s growing with each passing year. More children are developing interest,” he said.
However, a major problem is the fear of sea, which forces parents to keep their children away. “That’s a major concern. Good swimmers can be good surfers. So we are in touch with aquatic schools and academies. We want swimmers to see the sport and develop interest,” said Rammohan Paranjpe, vice-president of Surfing Federation of India.
Ace paddler Petchai, who is also an instructor, says he has created a programme to help children get rid of fear. “I first teach them to enjoy the sport. Slowly I start with hip-level surfing and take them step by step to the next level. This alienates the fear and children start taking the sport seriously.”
Murthy Megavan, founder of Covelong Point Social Surf School and backbone of the event, informed that cricketers Jonty Rhodes and Murali Vijay will be around to lend their support.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com