Are you ready for a unique blend of sun, sea, sports, and soul-stirring experiences? Look no further, because the Goa Surf Festival 2023 is almost here to ride the waves of excitement straight into your heart! This extraordinary event promises to be more than just a beachside party; it will be a celebration of the growing interest in alternative outdoor sports like surfing and skateboarding. Get ready to be swept off your feet as we dive into the vibrant world of this festival, which will showcase Goa as an emerging hub for recreational outdoor activities.
Hosted by the Goa Surfing Association, the Goa Surf Festival will be a three-day extravaganza that will bring together athletes and judges from all corners of India. With over 100 athletes set to compete in surfing and skateboarding, it will be a playground for enthusiasts of all ages and proficiencies. Watch as surfers ride the waves in qualifying, semi-final, and final rounds. The competition will span various categories, including age, gender, and skill level. Goa's roots in skateboarding will come to life with India's first skate bowl. Veterans and pioneers will gather for thrilling competitions and workshops. Discover the beauty of SUP (Stand Up Paddle) activities with BEBO boards, North Goa's premier SUP school. This will be your perfect chance to witness the exhilarating talent of surfers, paddleboarders, and skateboarders as they carve their way through the waves and ramps.
While surfing, skateboarding, and stand-up paddling will take center stage because of their competitive aspect, the festival will offer so much more. Over twenty independent artists and facilitators will conduct workshops on a variety of specialized skills, recreational activities, and sports that will include DIY poi making, house dance and poi, hula workshop, sound healing and guided meditation, jewelry making, sculpture, pottery, body and contact improv, juggling, dapostar, acro yoga, outdoor gym, and children's workshop. There will also be workshops on coastal awareness and conservation by Terra Conscious that will impress upon you a profound connection to Goa's pristine beaches and wildlife. As you soak up the sun and artistry, you will also have the chance to support Goan-run establishments, artisans, and initiatives that will make this event a true community celebration.
The Goa Surf Festival will be all about inclusivity. With activities catering to athletes, youth, adults, children, and senior citizens, there will be something for everyone. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a beachgoer, an art and culture lover, or a supporter of coastal awareness and environmental conservation, you will find your tribe here.
The festival will prioritize nature conservation, with performances hosted away from the beach to respect the natural habitat. There will be no loud sound set-up or bright lighting on the beach, and beach clean-ups will also be on the agenda. As a socially responsible event, a portion of the festival's proceeds will go towards animal welfare in Goa and also enable underprivileged children to take up surfing, in partnership with local NGOs.
Behind the scenes is a dedicated team of individuals making the magic happen. Edy Rodrigues, a former international-level swimming champion, founded Goa's first certified surf school. His passion for surfing and dedication to the sport will make him the heart and soul of this festival. Satbir Nagpal, an operational consultant, surf instructor, and experienced event organizer, brings a wealth of expertise to ensure that every aspect of the festival runs smoothly. With a background in corporate exhibitions and property management, Satbir knows how to make an event truly special. Harmeet Sethi, the co-founder of Submerge, is bringing over 20 years of experience in events and music festivals to the table. As a former MTV stylist and fashion consultant, he will ensure that every detail is just right.
There are several reasons why this is the most opportune moment to host the The Goa Surf Festival. Surfing as a movement has seen a incredible leap in Goa in the past few years. With Goa's large coastline and one of the best coastal lifeguard infrastructure, it is the ideal spot for this event. Surfing and Skateboarding made its debut in the last Olympics. While Chennai is hosting the first official International World Surf League qualification round, Goa certainly has the potential to host the next. The success of this event will cement that position for Goa.
The Goa Surf Festival 2023 will not just be an event; it will be an unforgettable experience that will celebrate the spirit of adventure, community, and environmental stewardship. So, mark your calendars for it, pack your sunblock, and get ready to ride the waves at this adventure-filled festival.
Goa Surf Festival 2023
Venue: Silver and Sand Morjim Beach, Goa
Date: 29th September to 1st October
Find out more about the Goa Surf Festival 2023 here.
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