Surfing Federation of India (National Governing Body for Surfing in India) has organised India's first ever official National Surfing and Standup Paddle competition.

Called Spice Coast Open, the contest will be held at Kovalam Beach in Kerala from the 3rd-5th May 2013.

"It is an International event and former cricketer Jonty Rhodes, our ambassador will be present for the inauguration ceremony on the May 3," said Deepti Jha, media and marketing head, Surfing Federation of India.

Jonty Rhodes, who is also the surfing ambassador for the Surfing Federation of India, is an avid surfer.

50 participants have already registered for the three-day event. Foreign participants are expected to attend too.

The event will be held in four age categories in surfing and two in standup paddle. Organisers says it's a campaign to include surfing into the Olympics and other international multi-sport events.

There will also be workshops and introductory classes on surfing and standup paddle for people to enjoy the sport of surfing.

There are also going to be screenings of water and surf films a photo exhibition, and other beach programmes for visitors.

What is stand up paddle?

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a realtively new paddling sport where the paddler stands up on a board similar to a surf board or a windsurf board. The paddler and the board are propelled across the top of the water by the use of a long single-bladed paddle

The video is an overview of the event.

Some Interesting Facts About Surfing

Here are a few surfing facts to boost your knowledge about the relatively new and upcoming sport in India.

According to Oxford Dictionary, "Surfing is the sport or pastime of being carried to the shore on the crest of large waves while standing or lying on a surfboard."

Surfing was originated by the oceanic culture island of Plynesia and was fist discovered by Captain Cook in 1778.

The first official surf contest took place at Corona Del Mar, California in 1928.

The biggest wave recorded was 530 metres in Lituya Bay, Southern Coast of Alaska.

The longest ride ever done on a wave was 37 minutes in Pororoca.

Kelly Slater is the highest paid surfer. He brought in three million dollars as the ninth time world champion surfer in 2009.

A dagger board is a large fin under the surfboard. It prevents the board from going sideways.

Surfing In India

India has a vast coastline of 7500 km (4600 miles) which offers opportunities for surfing. The best time to surf in India is said to be between May and September. The pre-monsoon and monsoon season produces the largest waves.

Murdeshwara and Kapu Beach are well-known surfing spots. Surfing Federation of India is the governing body for surfing in India. Though Indians are yet to put their foot in this field but it's a sport which is gaining attention.