The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) has announced the opening event of India’s 2026 surfing season, the Little Andaman Pro 2026, National Surf & Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Championship, is scheduled from April 9 to 12 at Butler Bay Beach in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Set against one of the country’s most scenic surf locations, the four-day championship will bring together India’s top surfers and stand-up paddlers competing in the senior divisions of surfing and SUP. Registrations for the event are already open.
Presented by Andaman & Nicobar Tourism and organised by SFI, the event is supported by TT Group, which comes on board as the official sponsor for the federation.
A key step ahead of Asian Games debut
The announcement comes at a significant time for Indian surfing, as the country prepares for its first-ever appearance in the Asian Games surfing competition in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan. India secured its initial quota at the 2024 Asian Surfing Championships and strengthened its position in 2025 in Mahabalipuram, ultimately earning four quota spots, two each in the men’s and women’s categories.
SFI President Arun Vasu called the upcoming season opener a landmark moment for the sport in India, highlighting its importance in building international readiness.
“This is a landmark moment for Indian surfing. Starting the national season at a world-class location like Little Andaman reflects our intent to take the sport deeper into our coast-rich country. Regular competition across diverse conditions is critical for our athletes’ growth at the international level,” Vasu said.
He added that India’s recent performances, including its first team silver at the Asian Surfing Championships, reflect the progress made through structured development and grassroots investment.
Butler Bay to host high-performance competition
Butler Bay, known for its reef break and long, clean waves, offers conditions that differ significantly from India’s more common beach breaks. The location is expected to challenge athletes with longer rides and more technical manoeuvres, providing valuable exposure ahead of international events.
For many Indian surfers, this shift in conditions is seen as an important step in broadening competitive experience and improving adaptability on the global stage.
Beyond competition, the Little Andaman Pro aims to position the Andaman Islands as an emerging hub for surf and ocean sports tourism. With consistent swell patterns, coral reefs, and clear waters, the region is increasingly gaining attention from both athletes and adventure tourism stakeholders.
The event is also expected to encourage local participation and support sustainable sport-based development in the islands.
Expanded national circuit for 2026
SFI has also unveiled an expanded national competition calendar for 2026, featuring more events across Surf and SUP disciplines than previous years. The season will begin with early competitions such as the Mumbai SUP Championship in January, followed by a series of national stops across Little Andaman, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and other coastal regions throughout the year.
In addition, 2026 will mark the introduction of a longboarding division in the national circuit, opening new opportunities for athletes specialising in traditional wave-riding styles.
With a packed calendar and a landmark season opener, Indian surfing enters 2026 with growing momentum and increasing international ambition.