The Covelong Classic, the final national surfing championship of 2024, is set to kick off in style on Thursday. Over 75 surfers from across the country have gathered at Surf Turf to compete for top honors in four categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Junior Boys & U-16, and Junior Girls & U-16. The surfing season for 2024 began with the International Surfing Festival Kerala Varkala, earlier this year, followed by the Indian Open of Surfing in Mangalore.

The third stop, the Mahabs Point Break Challenge, took place on August 1st and 2nd at Mahabalipuram, and now the series culminates at Covelong Classic 2024.

The Tamil Nadu Surfing Association organizes this three-day surfing extravaganza under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India, which will be hosted by Surf Turf.

The event has garnered significant support from the Tamil Nadu Government and the Ministry of Youth Welfare and Sports Development. The Tamil Nadu Surfing Association is serving as the title sponsor.

Jawa Yezdi, a leading motorcycle company, is returning as a ‘Powered By’ sponsor for the third consecutive year, aiming to unite the worlds of biking and surfing. Additionally, the renowned TT Group of Tamil Nadu is extending its support as ‘Co-Powered By’ partners for the eleventh consecutive year.

Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, Harish M, Ramesh Budihal are amongst the top surfers to be seen in action in Men’s Open categories and are currently ranked 1, 2, 3 & 4 respectively in the country. While Ajeesh, Harish and Srikanth were recently named in the Indian squad for Asian Surfing Championship that will take place next week in Maldives. Additionally, Srikanth D will go into the competition with a pressure of defending his title.

In the Women’s Open category, Kamali P, currently ranked 1st, has already secured the overall championship title, so her performance at the Covelong Classic won’t impact her standing. However, she is expected to face strong competition from fellow surfers Sandhya Arun (ranked 2nd), Shrishti Selvam (ranked 3rd), and Sugar Shanti Banarse (ranked 4th). Kamali and Sugar have also been selected for the Indian squad competing in the Asian Surfing Championship, representing the Women’s Open and Junior U-18 categories, respectively.

Local surfers Tayin Arun and Kishore Kumar will be under the spotlight due to their recent performances and national rankings in the Junior Boys & U-16 category. Additionally, fellow local surfer Harish P, who has gained recognition for his impressive surfing skills, will strive to defend his Covelong Classic championship title with determination.

In the Junior Girls & U-16 category, defending champion Kamali P will aim to secure a double victory, as she is a strong contender for both the Women’s Open and Junior Girls & U-16 titles at the Covelong Classic. Meanwhile, Dhamayanthi Sriram, currently ranked 2nd, and Saanvi Hegde, ranked 3rd, will be putting forth their best efforts to claim the title.