Youngsters rule the sea at annual ‘Mantra Grom Search’

Surfing Swami Foundation organised the annual ‘Mantra Grom Search’ at Panambur beach on Sunday.

The programme, which provided a major boost of opportunities for young surfers, aimed at promoting surfing and beach cleanliness among the youth.

“The programme, which provided a major boost of opportunities for young surfers, aimed at promoting surfing and beach cleanliness among the youth. It is also meant to provide a competitive platform for young surfers to gear them up for national-level events,” said Gaurav Hegde, Foundation director.

‘Having fun’

Adith, a Class 6 student from Presidency School, said, “I have been surfing for almost three years now. It is such a fun sport because we get to be in the water. It is important that we stay calm while surfing. The sport helps us understand how the currents work and accustoms us to the water in the ocean. I am not scared of water. Having fun is the most important part of surfing.”

Another surfing enthusiast Nikhil said that knowing swimming is not a prerequisite to learning surfing. “If you do not know swimming, you can always start with wearing life jackets. The key is to not panic in the water,” he explained.

Gaurav Hegde opined that surfing is getting popular in Mangaluru.

Fear of water

“India is probably the last destination for surfing as it is quite popular all over the world. Parents often do not send their children for surfing for fear of being in the water. They consider it a very hard sport because of the photos they see of the game. Surfing, however, is quite safe and easy to learn. It just needs practice,” he explained.

Hegde said one can even learn swimming after they learning surfing.

“The Foundation aims to set up systems that will encourage coastal children to get into the sea. Surveys have been undertaken to set up surfing centres along the west coast. The associated also provides the International Surfing Association certification course that can enable the youth to pursue a career in surfing as instructors, trainers and run academies of their own,” he added.

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, DCP (Crime and Traffic) Laxmi Ganesh, ACP Srinivas Gowda, KCCI Former president Rammohan Pai and Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project Chief Executive Officer Yatish Baikampady were present during the event.

Results

The first place was awarded to Selvam, the second to Praveen and the third to Subbu in the Under-16 boys’ category.

In the Under-13 boys’ category, Naman won the first place. Akash got the second place and the third prize was won by Prakash.

In the girls’ open category, Chirali, Akhila and Sanvi won the first, second and third prizes, respectively.