Mangaluru : A three-day surfing festival, Indian Open of Surfing, will kick start on Sasihitlu Beach here from Friday with about 100 surfers from the country expected to participate in different competitions.

Minister for Tourism R.V. Deshpande will inaugurate it at 9 a.m.

Addressing media here on Wednesday, A.B. Ibrahim, Deputy Commissioner, said that the event will help introduce the virgin Sasihitlu Beach to many tourists.

Holding the festival would cost about Rs. 40 lakh. The Department of Tourism has released Rs. 24 lakh for the event.

The balance amount would be raised through sponsors.

Now, 86 surfers have registered their names for the event. About 25 surfers from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are expected to participate in the competitions.

The event would feature the cream of surfers from the country as well as from abroad. The total prize money was Rs. 6 lakh.

The categories for the event are Under 16, junior boys (17-22 years), senior men (22-28 years), masters men (28 years and above). There is also a women’s category.

The event would be officiated by Steve Robertson, General Manager for World Surf League, as well as Tim Hain, General Manager of the Asian Surfing Championships.