India Paddle Festival was the first internationally sanctioned APP SUP event, organised by Mantra Surf Club in Mangaluru (Karnataka) on 7th-9th March 2024. Athletes from Europe and Asia showcased their skills in the amazing racing conditions.
Starboard Dream Team, led by Esperanza Barreras and Fernando Perez, stole the show with their exceptional talents, securing a dominant position on the international podium. These 2 bright victories serve as a promising indicator of the Starboard Dream Team’s readiness to dominate the paddling scene in 2024.
Looking back at the event, our team riders have shared their favorite memories.
Esperanza Barreras:
First of all, I was impressed with the Indian hospitality, taking care of everything.
In the mornings it was quite a glass but had nice waves…at midday thermal wind starts to blow to send us nice beach racing conditions and waves that made the races super funny!
On 9th of March we had Long Distance starting with a tricky course trying to avoid the strong current going inside the river, where local athletes showed the way to race there! Ending on a bouys beach brake to enjoy these great conditions!
I managed to lead the race until the finish line followed by talented athletes from Thailand (Irene), Italy (Binca Toncelli) & Corea (Lim).
The next say it was technical race with a 300m course in the beach break with no time to make mistakes and all the time to enjoy the nice waves in Sasihitlu Beach.
First position overall, happy to start the season like this.
Fernando Perez:
At first, I would like to say that India is an incredible country and the people are soo nice.
Talking about the races at first we had two long distances races with choppy conditions, but with the new All Star 14×21.5 it wasn’t a problem I feel it fast on the shop but not too much on the flat water
On the last day, we had the sprints races with some waves and the new All Star works really well in those conditions a little bit difficult to get out of the water but was okay successfully I got the first place soo it was a great trip!
Congratulations to Esperanza and Fernando and looking forward to the upcoming racing season with excitement!
