Sinchana tested waters when she was in 3rd grade. Now at 15 she has many medals to display, won at various competitions. The nearest sea shore is 50 kms away from her backyard. Six months of rigorous training catapulated her on to a podium among victors. India’s youngest surfer is a resident of Kallega, near Puttur in Dakshina Kannada. Studying in Class 10 at Sudhana Institutions, she deams big and wants to win medals in surfing at international meets in senior category. What she needs is support to ride on waves to attain glory in a tough sport she loves i.e. surfing.
Mile stones on her surfing journey
·2014- First medal when she stood 2nd at Covelong point classic surfing international meet at Mahabalipuram beach, event organised by SFI
·2015- Stood 2nd in standup Paddleboarding and open ocean Kayaking competition at Manapad beach in Chennai
·2015- First in national level competition held at Covelong point.
·2015-Entered semifinals in first attempt representing India in Asian meet at Covelong point.
·2015- Four bronze medals at National level swimming competition at Bengaluru
·2105-Youngest surfer to win gold medal at All Cargo open of surfing competition
Sponsors can make a difference
It all began when she joined Balavana where she trained by Partha Varanashi in swimming. She joined Manthra surfing club in Mulki later where initially Dhruvdas trained her. Now she is led by another trainer Kiran Kumar.
According to mother Meenakshi D Gowda, “Surfing is an expensive affair which requires minimum of Rs 3 lakhs a year. Surfing boards cost in excess of Rs 50000. Other expenses related to stay and travel are involved”. Being an LIC agent she has managed to support her daughter, says her daughter is on the lookout for sponsors.
Fee Germans made a documentary on Sinchana after watching her surfing skills. Sister Shivani, a swimmer herself is source of inspiration for young Sinchana. She remembers Balavana where she underwent preliminary training, her mother’s rock solid support, Sudhana School for all the motivation and Mantra club every time she recollects her surfing journey.
There’s nothing like success
Sinchana dreams big and wants to touch greater heights, hence undergoes continuous and rigorous training. Its strenuous sport where she spends time surfing during holidays and looks for every opportunity to fine tune her skills.
For all novices interested in surfing following quotes by surfers may help
·There’s no greater feeling than surfing and that feeling of being part of the ocean, really riding on top of the world. Surfing’s freedom, adventure and creativity rolled into one.
·Surfing is “thrillingly surreal”.
·When you catch a wave your mind thinks of only one thing, that one thing is joy.
Helping Sinchana on her road to success may be more satisfying for the rest!
