Notice of Race 2025

The Palkbay SUP Challenge is the annual National StandUp Paddle races under the aegis of Surfing Federation of India. The organising authority (OA) of the event is QTT Adventure Sports Academy (Quest Academy). The Palkbay SUP Challenge is a part of the national stand up paddle championship series outreach for the growth of the sport in India.

This Notice of Race (NoR) serves as the official event document for the Palkbay SUP Challenge, a part of the National SUP Race Series 2025 under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI).

The event will follow the International Surfing Association (ISA) Rulebook, April 2025. All equipment, competition, and racing regulations shall follow ISA standards unless otherwise stated.

(ISA Rulebook: Coverage & Authority – Ch.2 Sec.3.A.i, pg 12)

The Race is governed by ISA Rulebook & Contest Administration Manual June 2024 (link)
If there is a conflict between languages, the English text will take precedence
No participant substitution is permitted once registered
Additional Rules referenced in the Notice of Race (NOR) and Race Instructions (RI) may apply
Each competitor must sign the indemnity declaration on the Athlete Contract Form before the event. If the competitor is under 18, the parent or guardian must sign the form
Online Registrations will open on 19th of September 2025
Last day for registration will be the 25th of September 2025
Each competing athlete must be present at the Official Race Briefing
Minimum of 6 competitors are required to run any race category. The OA can schedule a ranking race under its discretion in which case prize money will not apply
Non-Indian passport holders can take part in the Fun Races- no points would be allocated but prizes will be awarded
Participants must carry their own equipment, spares & repairs, no equipment will be provided in any category. If you wish to rent any equipment you should contact the host directly in advance
All competitors in the national category must be registered with SFI
The organizing authority reserves the right to reject or cancel any entry
Deductions will be applicable on the prize money as per government rules

Advertising is permitted in accordance with ISA Rules

Boards/athletes are required to display advertising chosen and/or supplied by the OA

Participants will be responsible for keeping such advertising visible throughout the championship

Athletes who are sponsored must get a clearance from the OA prior to the event with regards to any advertisement obligations to said sponsor

Participants from SFI/TNSA Registered Schools/Clubs can display their school/club logos during the event

The Organising Authority (OA) for this event is: QTT Adventure Sports Academy Pvt. Ltd. (Quest Academy), Ramanathapuram under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI).

The event will be governed by:

ISA Rulebook & Contest Administration Manual (April 2025 – SUP and Paddleboard Racing Rules)
SFI National SUP Race Series Regulations 2025
This Notice of Race (NoR)
Race Instructions (RI) issued by the Technical Director

Order of precedence: ISA Rulebook → SFI Regulations → Notice of Race → Race Instructions.

(ISA Rulebook: Authority & Amendments – Ch.2 Sec.3.A.a–d, pg 11)

National Sprint (200m)

Senior Men
Senior Women
Groms U17
Mixed Masters (40+)

National Technical (3 km)

Senior Men
Senior Women
Groms U17

National Distance (10 km)

Senior Men
Senior Women

Fun Races (Open, Non-Ranking)

Groms U17 (Mixed): SUP, Surf Ski, Beach Flags, Swimming
Seniors (Mixed): SUP, Surf Ski, Beach Flags, Swimming

(ISA Rulebook: SUP Race Disciplines – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.a–b, pg 50–51)

Senior Men
Senior Women
Junior Groms (U17) Mixed
Masters (40+)

A minimum of six (6) valid entries is required to organise a division. The OA may merge categories (e.g., Juniors with Seniors or Male/Female into a Mixed Division) and will notify athletes via the Race Instructions. Juniors may compete in Senior divisions; however, Seniors cannot compete in Junior categories. Juniors or Seniors cannot compete in the Masters category.

Age Definitions

Groms – U17

Rulebook Reference: Page 8, International Age Categories
Eligibility: Boys or Girls 17 years and younger.
They may not turn 18 between January 1st and December 31st of the competition year (2025).
Proof of age (passport, aadhaar or birth certificate) is required.
All U17 competitors must be under the supervision of an adult.

👉 This ensures that “Groms” refers to the youth development category, consistent with ISA’s U18/U16 system, but aligned here to U17 as a cut-off as per the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports age divisions.

Seniors

Rulebook Reference: Page 8, International Age Categories
Eligibility: Male or Female 18 years and older.
They may turn 18 between January 1st and December 31st of the competition year (2025)
They may not turn 40 between January 1st and December 31st of the competition year (2025)
This category is designed as the “prime” adult competition division, bridging between Groms U17 and Masters (40+).
There is no maximum age limit, so any athlete 18+ can compete here.

👉 Seniors represent the mature competitive field, distinct from Groms, but before Masters-level age groups.

Masters (40+)

Rulebook Reference: Page 8, International Age Categories
Eligibility: Male or Female 40 years and older.
They may turn 40 between January 1st and December 31st of the competition year (2025)
Masters divisions are the first of the veteran athlete categories

👉 This ensures fairness by fixing the cutoff date at the start of the calendar year, preventing mid-year age eligibility shifts.

(ISA Rulebook: International Age Categories – Ch.2 Sec.1, pg 8–9)

Athletes with an existing National Ranking retain direct seeding.
Prior Open Category podium finishers (1st–3rd) receive direct seeding.
Qualifiers will be held for new paddlers (raceboards ≤14 ft).
No boards will be provided by the OA unless specifically arranged.
Board sharing is not permitted in National Categories.
Limited rental boards may be available on advance request (priority for ranked athletes).

(ISA Rulebook: Eligibility & Registration – Ch.2 Sec.2, pg 10)

Contest/Race Director: Mr. Nawaz Jabbar
Race Officer: Mr. Dharani Selvakumar
Race Officials: Mr. Rammohan Paranjape & Sanjay Selvamani
Spotters: Mr. Hritik Raj & Mr. Sharath Uday
Beach Marshals: Mr. Navaz Currimbhoy & Mr. Vasantha Kumar
Timers & Tabulator: Mr. Rohan Kataria & Ajeesh R
Safety Officer/Coordinator: Mr. Balakrishnan
Technical Director: Mr. Jehan Driver
Organising Authority: Mrs. Upasna Driver & Mr. Jehan Driver

(ISA Rulebook: Technical Director & Contest Director roles – Ch.2 Sec.3.B.i–ii, pg 18)

National SUP Races:

Board length ≤14 ft (deck measurement)
Leash compulsory
Single blade paddle only
Stationary/non-correctional fins permitted, no rudders
Single hull only
Athletes bring their own boards

Fun Races:

SUP: Provided by OA basic HDPE SUP + leash + paddle + PFD, bring your own board paddle & PFD is optional, any size permitted, no raceboards/touring boards. PFD compulsory.
Surf Ski: Provided by OA (CTR), paddles & PFDs included. PFD compulsory.
Beach Flag: No equipment required.
Swimming: No equipment required.

(ISA Rulebook: Equipment – SUP Race Craft Specifications – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.a.i–ii, pg 50)

Start sequence: 3-min, 1-min, 30-sec, Start
Beach/Water start with visible start line flags
Commands: “Front foot on the start line” → “Racers ready” → horn/whistle start
First false start charged to the field; subsequent false start = DSQ of offender
Drafting permitted only within same gender/board class
Buoy turns must follow designated direction; interference penalised
Leash mandatory, PFD as per local law
No outside assistance

(ISA Rulebook: Start Procedures – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.x–xi, pg 51–52; Drafting – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.xiii–xiv, pg 52; Leash Policy – Ch.2 Sec.3.xvii, pg 34)

Written protest within 15 minutes of race end or DSQ notice
Protest Jury = Technical Director, Contest Director and a Race Official
Penalties: time, loss of place, or DSQ. Decisions final.
(ISA Rulebook: Racing Protests – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.xxi–xxiii, pg 53)

Race Instructions (RI) will include detailed courses, heats, and safety protocols.
Amendments posted on the Official Notice Board (ONB) at venues and/or online.
Mandatory Manager & Athlete Meetings before races.
(ISA Rulebook: Racer/Manager meetings – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.i.1–2, pg 51)

Registration via official registration link before 25th September 2025
NSRS (National Sports Repository) registration is compulsory for National categories
Late entries at OA’s discretion (additional fee may apply)
Registration Fees for the National category event per participant are:
- For members of SFI accredited schools/clubs
  - Rs. 1,500 per race | Rs. 2,500 for two races | Rs. 3,000 for three races
- For members of non-accredited schools/clubs
  - Rs. 2,000 per race | Rs. 3,000 for two races | Rs. 3,500 for three races
Registration Fees for the Fun Races category event mentioned on the following registration link https://www.supchallenge.in/register-fun-races

National results published live via LiveHeats
Verified results released by Race Director
(ISA Rulebook: Result verification – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.viii, pg 51)

Must be registered with OA
Unauthorized boats not allowed in race area
(ISA Rulebook: Outside craft assistance – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.xvi, pg 33)

National Sprint (200m)

1st – ₹10,000; 2nd – ₹5,000; 3rd – ₹3,000;

National Technical (3 km)

1st – ₹20,000; 2nd – ₹10,000; 3rd – ₹5,000;

National Distance (10 km)

1st – ₹25,000; 2nd – ₹15,000; 3rd – ₹10,000; 4th – ₹5,000

Fun Races (SUP / Kayak / Beach Flags / Swim)

1st – ₹5,000; 2nd – ₹3,000; 3rd – ₹2,000;

Ranking points will be awarded only in National Sprint, Technical, and Distance categories in accordance with the SFI National SUP Race Series Regulations 2025.

Fun races are non-ranking and will not contribute points to national standings.

All prize money is subject to applicable government taxes and TDS deductions as per Indian law. It is recommended that athletes must provide a valid PAN card copy at the time of registration/verification for prize disbursement. Prize money will be disbursed via bank transfer/cheque after verification of results, documentation, and tax compliance.

Participation at own risk
All competitors must sign indemnity (parent/guardian if under 18)
Personal accident insurance strongly recommended
(ISA Rulebook: Liability & Indemnity – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.xxviii, pg 54)

By entering, competitors grant SFI & OA ownership and rights to use images, video, and media.
(ISA Rulebook: Media & Comms – Ch.2 Sec.3.xviii, pg 35)

OA will provide rescue craft, lifeguards, safety boats & first aid

Race Director/Technical D may suspend races if unsafe
(ISA Rulebook: Safety & PWC Guidelines – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.i.1, pg 51; Sec.3.xix, pg 35)

The Event follows the ISA Anti-Doping Code (aligned with NADA and/or WADA)
(ISA Rulebook: Anti-Doping – Ch.2 Sec.3.A.v.e, pg 16–17)

Athletes/coaches book accommodation directly, the OA can be contacted for assistance with accommodation bookings.
Lunch will be provided for registered National Athletes on the 4th and 5th of October 2025

Competitors must not litter in or around the venue or in the water
(ISA Rulebook: Environmental policy – Ch.2 Sec.3.c.xxvii, pg 54)

This NoR may be amended by OA/SFI
Changes will be posted on the Official Notice Board (ONB) & event website

Organising Authority:
QTT Adventure Sports Academy Pvt. Ltd. (Quest Academy), Ramanathapuram
📞 +91 86571 95551 | booking@quest-asia.com