The inaugural Little Andaman Pro 2026 began with a clear narrative on Day 1 Tamil Nadu’s surfers stamped their authority across categories, delivering standout performances at Butler Bay to underline their dominance in India’s surfing landscape.
The national-level Surfing and Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) championship, organised by the Surfing Federation of India and backed by Andaman & Nicobar Tourism, opened with high-quality competition and promising signs for the sport’s continued growth.
Set against the unique reef break conditions of Butler Bay, the opening day tested adaptability as much as skill. With consistent two-to-three-foot waves, surfers were able to execute a full day of heats, making the most of conditions that differ significantly from mainland breaks.
Men’s Open sees Tamil Nadu take control
The Men’s Open Surfing category featured 38 competitors across 10 heats in Round 1, and it was Tamil Nadu surfers who set the benchmark early. Sivaraj Babu led the field with a strong heat total of 15.17, closely followed by teenage sensation Kishore Kumar, who posted 15.00, showcasing maturity and control beyond his years.
Ramesh Budhial (13.67) and Srikanth D (13.00) also impressed, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s depth in the discipline. Their performances were marked by effective wave selection and consistent execution key factors in competitive surfing, especially in reef conditions where timing is critical.
The format allowed the top two surfers from each heat to advance directly to Round 3, with 20 surfers progressing. Among those who secured qualification were Akilan S (10.50), Sanjay Selvamani (10.33), Sanjaikumar S (10.16), and Logesh S (8.93), all delivering controlled performances to stay in contention.
However, the competition remains wide open. The remaining 18 surfers, including Naveenkumar R, Yogesh A, and Sekar Pachai, will get another opportunity through the repechage round. This structure ensures continued competition intensity while allowing athletes to recover from early setbacks.
Women’s Open highlights growing depth
The Women’s Open Surfing category also produced encouraging performances, with several surfers advancing confidently to the quarterfinals. Sugar Shanti Banarase (9.63) and Shrishti Selvam (9.50) led the charge with strong scores, demonstrating consistency in wave riding and composure under pressure.
Kamali Moorthy also secured qualification, though with a comparatively modest score of 5.94, indicating that margins remain tight in the women’s field. Additional surfers progressing to the quarterfinals include Riva Aurora (4.16), Nitisha Sethia (3.46), and Arti S (3.24), reflecting a competitive field with emerging talent.
Meanwhile, experienced names like Ishita Malaviya and Avantika Mishra will have to navigate the repechage route after falling short in Round 1. Their presence adds quality to the second-chance round, setting up intriguing contests on Day 2.
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Alongside surfing, the Stand-Up Paddling events provided a different competitive dynamic, focusing on speed, endurance, and race strategy.
In the Men’s SUP Sprint (200m regatta), Sekar Pachai clocked the fastest time of 1:04.70, setting the pace for the competition. Dinesh Selvamani followed closely at 1:05.89, while Manikandan M (1:06.30) and Rajesh D (1:06.50) also advanced to the semi-finals.
Pachai continued his dominance in the Men’s SUP Technical category, recording the fastest time of 6:01.15 in the 2km race. He was closely followed by Manikandan M (6:05.66) and Rajesh D (6:08.02), with Dinesh Selvamani (6:14.28) also securing a place in the finals. The consistency of athletes like Pachai across formats highlights the versatility required in SUP, where both sprint speed and endurance play crucial roles.
Competition Director Nawaz Jabbar emphasised the importance of conditions and format in shaping the opening day. The consistent wave patterns allowed uninterrupted competition, while the non-elimination structure ensured that all surfers remain engaged through the repechage system.
Butler Bay’s reef break, in particular, introduced a technical challenge unfamiliar to many participants. Unlike beach breaks common on the mainland, reef breaks demand sharper positioning and quicker decision-making, offering valuable exposure for Indian surfers aiming to compete internationally.
A landmark moment for Indian surfing
The Little Andaman Pro represents more than just a competition it marks a strategic expansion of Indian surfing into new geographies. By hosting the national championship in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, organisers have highlighted the region’s potential as a premier destination for surfing and ocean sports.
The event has also drawn participation from across the country, bringing together experienced competitors and emerging athletes. This mix is crucial for building a sustainable competitive ecosystem.
With repechage rounds and knockout qualifications lined up, Day 2 promises higher stakes and increased intensity. Surfers will need to refine their strategies, particularly in wave selection and execution, as the margins for error narrow. For Tamil Nadu’s contingent, the objective will be to maintain their dominance. For others, the repechage offers a pathway back into contention.
As the competition progresses, the focus will shift from qualification to elimination, setting the stage for decisive performances. If Day 1 is any indication, the Little Andaman Pro 2026 is poised to deliver a compelling showcase of Indian surfing talent.
