Tides of Triumph
Tuticorin
The coastal city of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu is preparing to welcome “Kadal Kondattam 2025,” a three-day ocean sports festival that will run from September 12 to 14. The event promises a mix of thrilling ocean sports, cultural celebrations, and community engagement.
Organised by Aqua Outback, under the guidance of former national kiteboarding champion Arjun Motha, the festival is supported by the Tamil Nadu Government and Tourism Department. It aims to make Tamil Nadu a hub for ocean sports while celebrating local culture and traditions.
The competitions will feature five main events: Stand-Up Paddling (SUP), Kiteboarding, Kitesurfing, Kayaking, and a Beach Obstacle Race. Categories for juniors, seniors, and open divisions will ensure participation from both new and experienced athletes, men and women alike.
Over 150 participants are expected, including international athletes from Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and beyond. Indian participants will represent several states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The tagline, “Where Ocean Adventure Meets Tamil Heritage,” highlights the dual focus on sport and culture.
Beyond sports, the festival will create a carnival-like atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a Coastal Food Festival showcasing Tamil Nadu’s cuisine, sunset yoga sessions, fitness workshops, beach clean-ups, and ocean awareness programs. The local fishing community will also be actively involved, promoting new livelihood opportunities while building awareness about ocean conservation.
Arjun Motha described the festival as a celebration of “oceans, culture, and community,” adding that it will inspire young athletes and strengthen ties between sports, tourism, and sustainability.