The coastal hamlet of Manapad is all set to host the second edition of the annual National-level Sail & Surf Festival.
Titled ‘Manapad Classic’, the event will be a three-day affair that will see the participation of hundreds of water sports enthusiasts from across the country. Manapad Classic is said to be the only competitive festival to feature five water sports — sailing, surfing, kite boarding, kayaking and stand-up saddle — conducted simultaneously.
“Last year was a grand success, with over 120 participants, and, this time, we have widened our horizons by introducing a sixth sport, wind surfing,” says Arun Miranda, director of Manapad Surf Resort and festival organiser.
“The beach is blessed with favourable wind and wave conditions for all these sports. There are specific locations, such as Covelong Point, Mamallapuram, Thoothukudi and Manapad along the coast, with unique natural formations that make them ideal for adventure water sports. The idea is to promote adventure water sports among the younger generation, to promote tourism in Tamil Nadu and to help empower marginalised youth living in the coastal hamlets.”
Says Miranda: “Amateurs and professionals from many parts of the country have confirmed their participation for the event. We expect the numbers to cross 150; some have already arrived here to practise.”
This year, teams from the Indian Coast Guard and the Tamil Nadu Police’s Coastal Security Group take part in the regatta. The organisers will hold a special kayaking race and ocean swimming competition for the local villagers.
Alongside the main competitions, visitors can take part in special workshops and training sessions on extreme fitness, surfing, kayaking, slack lining and skate boarding.
Local artisans from women’s Self Help Groups will display palm leaf handicrafts and school kids will entertain visitors with cultural programmes.
Food stalls set up by villagers will serve a variety of local delicacies.
As part of the event, the organisers have also planned a massive beach clean-up campaign.
‘Manapad Classic’ is spearheaded by Manapad Surf Resort, in association with Tamil Nadu Tourism and the Tuticorin district administration.
An expert committee comprising adventure sports outfits Quest Expeditions, Aqua Outback, Covelong Point Surf School, Kiteboarding Federation of India, Surfing Federation of India and Tamil Nadu Sailing Association will conduct the different sporting events. Winners will be awarded certificates, cash prizes and trophies.
The sports regatta will be held from February 12 to 14, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Look up www.manapadclassic.com or dial 98403-47523 for details.
