Inaugural Little Andaman Pro 2026 to Kick Off India’s Surfing Season

India’s 2026 surfing season is all set to begin with a bang as the Surfing Federation of India announced the Little Andaman Pro 2026 – National Surf & SUP Championship, scheduled from April 9 to 12.

This much-anticipated event will be held at Butler Bay Beach in the Andaman Islands, bringing together some of the country’s best surfers and stand-up paddlers for four days of high-energy competition. The championship marks the start of a crucial season, especially as India prepares for its debut campaign at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.

Organised by the Surfing Federation of India and supported by Andaman and Nicobar Tourism, the event will feature competitions in both Surfing and Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) categories under the Senior Division. Registrations are already open, with strong participation expected from across the country. TT Group has joined in as the official sponsor.

India’s rise in surfing has been notable in recent years. The country secured its first-ever Asian Games qualification spots at the 2024 Asian Surfing Championships and went on to earn the maximum quota of four slots—two each for men and women—for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Calling it a milestone moment, Arun Vasu said the event reflects India’s growing ambition in the sport. He highlighted the importance of hosting competitions in diverse conditions to help athletes improve and compete at the global level. He also stressed the role of surfing as a community-driven sport that can create opportunities for local youth while strengthening India’s presence internationally.

Butler Bay, the venue for the championship, is considered one of India’s finest surf spots. Its reef break produces long, clean waves—ideal for advanced maneuvers and extended rides—making it a perfect setting for high-performance competition. For many Indian surfers accustomed to beach breaks, competing here will offer valuable exposure to more technical conditions.

Beyond the competition, the event is also expected to shine a spotlight on the Andaman Islands as an emerging destination for surfing and ocean sports. With its pristine waters, coral reefs, and consistent waves, Little Andaman is increasingly attracting attention from both surfers and tourism stakeholders. The championship aims to encourage local participation while supporting sustainable development through sport.

Indian surfers have steadily improved on the international stage, including a historic team silver at the Asian Surfing Championships and several strong finishes in recent years—signs of the country’s growing competitiveness in Asia.

Looking ahead, the Surfing Federation of India has also announced an expanded 2026 competition calendar, featuring multiple events across the country. The season began with the Mumbai SUP Championship in January and will continue with major stops in Little Andaman, as well as established surfing hubs in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, along with additional events later in the year.

Adding a new dimension to the circuit, 2026 will also see the introduction of the Longboarding Division, opening doors for athletes who specialise in classic surfing styles and traditional wave-riding techniques.

With inputs from IANS