Sea, surf & showdown: Surfers chase the perfect break at Mahabs
The Asian Surfing Championships 2025 is being held till August 12 in Mahabalipuram, bringing in top surfers from 20 countries. This championship isn't just about titles; it's the final qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games, and a golden ticket for the top male and female surfers in the Open Shortboard to secure a direct berth at the 2025 World Surfing Championship.
We caught up with Indian athletes and a few international surfers, who spoke to us about riding Mahabalipuram's waves, the local food, and more...
'This sport offers great opportunities for women'
We're really proud that such a big event is happening in our hometown, which makes it even more special for us. I urge more girls to take up surfing because we don't have many female participants yet, and this sport offers great opportunities
— Kamali Moorthy, a top surfer from Mahabalipuram, who is studying in the 11th grade
'In India, about 150 men compete professionally in surfing, but we have only around 20 women'
This competition is extra special for me as it's my first time competing internationally for India. Ten years ago, we didn't even know surfing existed here, and now we're on the global stage. In India, around 150 men surf professionally, but only about 20 women
— Shrishti Selvam from Kovalam, a graphic designer & surfing coach
'I even had to skip a few school classes for the competition'
Preparing has been tough because the conditions are challenging, and I even skipped some school classes. My brother Prahlad inspires me, and I want to stay focused on surfing and give my best
— Dhamayanthi Sriram from Chennai, the youngest Indian team member, aged 8
'There should be more sponsorship opportunities for players'
Our strength in this competition comes from the international exposure we've gained, which we must use to win a medal. Surfing is part-time for me; I help in my parents' clothing shop. The Tamil Nadu government supports us, but more sponsorships are needed for players to grow
— Ramesh Budihal from Kerala
'This championship will help me pursue my dream of joining the armed forces'
I want to join the armed forces, but surfing is my passion. I've only been surfing for a year-and-a-half, so I'm still learning. Representing India at the Asian Surfing Championship is a proud and rare opportunity, and I'm truly grateful for it
— Aadya Singh, a 10th-grade student from Karnataka
'The waves are good here'
It's my first time in India, and I'm really enjoying it. The waves are fun and good here. Our team may not be very experienced, but we're young, upcoming surfers, and I believe we'll perform well in this championship
— 17-year-old Kanoa Heejae Palmiano from South Korea
'In surfing, girls are often underestimated'
One challenge in surfing is that girls are often underestimated, but the sport is changing as more girls take it up. I've been surfing a lot here to learn the waves. Mahabalipuram is very different from Thailand — the waves are strong, the water is warm, and surfing here is really fun
— 16-year-old Izzy Higgs from Thailand
'Mahabs has amazing waves and a great vibe'
We have a long coast in Kuwait, but only small waves. Mahabalipuram has amazing waves and a great vibe. The chicken tikka masala here is excellent
— Essa Alessa from Kuwait
'I got stung by a jellyfish'
It's Malaysia's first time here, and I'm enjoying it. Mahabalipuram has a strong fish smell, and I got stung by a jellyfish, but the food, like mutton biryani and tandoori, is great
— 20-year-old Muhamad Nor Afiq Haikal
'Our presence here helps open doors for future generations'
The surfing scene in Lebanon is still quite young and developing, so we don't have as many surfers as some of the top Asian surfing nations. Our presence here helps open doors for future generations and builds awareness that we do surf — and we're not too bad at it either
— Alfred Badr from Lebanon
'We arrived 10 days early to get familiar with the waves'
The climate here is very hot, so we're drinking plenty of water and getting really good food to stay energised. Our team arrived 10 days early to get familiar with the waves in Chennai
— Luo Yang, coach of the Chinese team
This Afghan surfer wants to send a message of hope and change
Afghanistan, which has one of the largest exile populations in the world due to wars and conflict over the past decade, is also competing in this championship.
"Most Afghan surfing athletes are not currently based in Afghanistan; they are refugees who have recently left the country, and are living near shores in the US, Australia, and Europe. Given the political and human rights situation in Afghanistan, our surfers are not only passionate about the sport but also surf to send a message of hope and change," shares Afridun Amu, a surfer from the Afghanistan team.
Afridan adds, "In 2018, the first surfing expedition took place in Afghanistan.
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Although it is a landlocked country, it has many rivers, and training is possible even without ocean access. One of our surfers has only surfed in rivers, which is quite different from ocean surfing."
However, he informs that the team is currently facing visa issues. "Our team consists of four members — one official and three athletes — but so far, I am the only one who has arrived. One of our athletes still has refugee status, and it's uncertain if he will be able to come to India.
If their visa process does not succeed, I will be the sole representative for Afghanistan," he reveals.
For the first time, Asia's biggest surfing competition is being held in India, and Tamil Nadu was the natural choice for its consistent waves in Mahabalipuram. We have around 170 athletes and delegates participating this year. Our athletes, who now have greater international exposure, have a homebreak advantage here
— Arun Vasu, President of the Surfing Federation of India
Tamil Nadu's vision for surfing development is unparalleled in Asia. By combining high-level competition with meaningful global partnerships, we are accelerating the growth of surfing throughout the continent. The opportunity for our champions to compete in El Salvador later this year is a testament to the strength and unity of our surfing family
- Shu Miyabe, General Secretary, Asian Surfing Federation
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