Rahul Chiplunkar was part of The Sea Hawk Relay with Indian Air Force Wing Commander Paramvir Singh, retired Indian Air Force Sergeant Gullupilli Narhari, Sergeant Ankan Kumar Patel, Indian Air Force Aircraftman Vicky Tokas, Mumbai police sub-inspector Shrikant Palande, and 16-year-old Manav Mehta. The team completed an unprecedented 1,031 km non-stop relay swim from the Gateway of India in Mumbai to Mangalore, India over 22 days in 2016.

His passion for the open water has not only continued, but blossomed and expanded.

He not only created the Open Water Swimming Academy (@owsaindia) to promote and monitor open water swims of all types throughout India – including 40 certified marathon swim courses, but also the Open Water Adventure Aquatics Federation (OWAAF) as a national body to govern, develop, and promote open water swimming across all states and union territories of India.

Chiplukar explains, “In India, OWAAF has been working selflessly to build and regulate the open water swimming ecosystem, maintaining all international standards in athlete safety, route certification, and event organization. We are also in the process of obtaining official recognition from the Government of India for Open Water Adventure Swimming as a recognized sporting discipline  a major milestone for our community.”

He also announced the 2026 OWAAF National Sea Swimming Championship, scheduled to be held on March 28th and 29th 2026 at Colva Beach in Goa.

He describes the past and future, “Last year’s edition was a tremendous success, with over 700 swimmers participating across age categories ranging from 7 years to 65 and above. Building on that success, this year we expect participation from over 900 swimmers from across India, competing in distances of 1 km, 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km.

Our goal remains to make open water swimming accessible and popular while maintaining world-class standards. To achieve this, we have kept the registration fee as low as US$28, ensuring affordability for all participants without compromising on quality or safety.

We aim to inspire thousands of young swimmers to take up the sport with pride and discipline.

We truly believe India holds immense potential to become a key hub for open water swimming in Asia, and that we can collectively elevate this sport to greater heights.”

OWAAF Registered Marathon Swims

1. 34.6 km Dharamtar Jetty to Gateway of India Ultra Marathon Swim from Dharamtar Jetty to the Gateway Of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra during October to April season, contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Experience the Majesty of Mumbai’s Coastal Odyssey.
2. 16.3 km Revas Jetty to Gateway of India Open Water Swim from Revas Jetty to the Gateway of India in Maharashtra during October to April season. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Chart a Course through Mumbai’s Open Water.
3. 16.3 km Karanja Jetty to Gateway of India Open Water Swim from Karanja Jetty to the Gateway of India in Maharashtra during October to April season. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Embark on a Coastal Expedition from Karanja to Mumbai’s Heart.
4. 13.6 km Mandwa Jetty to Gateway of India Open Water Swim from Mandwa Jetty to the Gateway of India in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Explore Mumbai’s Coastal Majesty from Mandwa to Gateway of India.
5. 12 km Elephanta Island to Gateway of India Open Water Swim from Elephanta Island to the Gateway of India in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Swim Through Mumbai’s Maritime Legends from Elephanta to Gateway of India.
6. 9.9 km Mora Jetty to Gateway of India Open Water Swim from Mora Jetty to the Gateway of India in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Discover Mumbai’s Coastal Charms from Mora to Gateway of India.
7. 27.5 km Mora Jetty to Khenderi Island Ultra Marathon Swim from Mora Jetty to Khenderi Island in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Journey Through Mumbai’s Coastal Majesty.
8. 20 km Arnala Fort to Vasai Fort Marathon Swim from Arnala Fort to Vasai Fort in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Journey Through Mumbai’s Coastal Fortresses.
9. 16 km Dhabol Jetty to Guhagar Beach Open Water Swim from Dhabol Jetty to Guhagar Beach in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Traverse Ratnagiri’s Coastal Charm from Jetty to Beach.
10. 25.3 km Jaigad Jetty to GanpatiPule Beach Ultra Marathon Swim Jaigad Jetty to GanpatiPule Beach in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Conquer Ratnagiri’s Coastal Majesty from Jetty to Beach.
11. 21.5 km GanpatiPule Beach to Bhatye Beach Marathon Swim from GanpatiPule Beach to Bhate Beach in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Explore Ratnagiri’s Coastal Wonders from Beach to Beach.
12. 16.6 km Purnagad Fort Jetty to Ambolgad Fort Beach Marathon Swim from Purangad Fort Jetty to Ambolgad Fort Beach in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Navigate Sindhudurg’s Coastal Legends from Fort to Beach.
13. 23.2 km Vijaydurg Fort to Devgad Fort Marathon Swim from Vijaydurg Fort to Devgad Fort in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Discover Sindhudurg’s Coastal Legends from Fort to Fort.
14. 16.3 km Kunkeshwar Beach to Achara Beach Marathon Swim from Kunkeshwar Beach to Achara Beach in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Embark on a Coastal Expedition from Beach to Beach.
15. 28.7 km Sindhudurg Fort to Vengurla Fort Ultra Marathon Swim from Sindhudurg Fort to Vengurla Fort in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Conquer Sindhudurg’s Coastal Legends in an Ultra Marathon.
16. 12.6 km Vengurla Fort to Redi Port Open Water Swim from Vengurla Fort to Redi Port in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Explore Sindhudurg’s Coastal Delights from Fort to Port.
17. 10.5 km Arambol Beach to Vagator Beach Open Water Swim from Arambol Beach to Vagator Beach in Goa during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Discover Goa’s Coastal Splendor from Beach to Beach.
18. 10.1 km Vagator Beach to Candolim Beach Open Water Swim from Vagator Beach to Candolim Beach in Goa during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Traverse Goa’s Coastal Grandeur from Iconic Beaches.
19. 17.5 km Cortalim Jetty to Caranzalem Beach Open Water Swim from Cotanin Jetty to Caranzalem Beach in Goa during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Explore South Goa’s Coastal Serenity from Jetty to Beach.
20. 15.8 km Betul Beach to Colva Beach Open Water Swim from Betul Beach to Colva Beach in Goa during October tto April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Embark on a Coastal Expedition from Southern Gems.
21. 12.1 km Malpe Beach to Mattu Beach Open Water Swim from Malpe Beach to Mattu Beach in Karnataka during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Discover Mangalore’s Coastal Majesty from Beach to Beach.
22. 13.6 km Kasargod Beach to Bekal Fort Open Water Swim from Kasargod Beach to Bekal Fort in Karnataka during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Conquer Mangalore’s Coastal Legends in an Open Water Swim.
23. 28.8 km Porbandar Beach to Navibandar, Gujarat from Porbandar Beach to Navibandar in Gujarat during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Embark on an exhilarating adventure from the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi to the serene shores of Navibandar in Gujarat.
24. 24.2 km Mangrol beach to Aderi Beach, Guja, Gujarat from Mangrol beach to Aderi Beach in Gujarat during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Set sail across the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea in this remarkable swim in Gujarat.
25. 21 km Chorwad beach to Veraval Fishing Jetty, Gujarat from Chorwad beach to Veraval Fishing Jetty in Gujarat during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Dive into the untamed beauty of Gujarat’s coastline as you swim 21KM from Chorwad Beach to Veraval Fishing Jetty.
26. 24 km Mul Dwarka to Kodinar Beach, Gujarat from Mul Dwarka to Kodinar Beach in Gujarat during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Challenge yourself with a swim from Mul Dwarka to Kodinar Beach.
27. 19.9 km Mandwa Old Jetty to Elephanta Jetty, Maharashtra from Mandwa Old Jetty to Elephanta Jetty in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Swim across the vibrant Arabian Sea from Mandwa Old Jetty to the historic Elephanta Jetty, Maharashtra.
28. 25.6 km Trombay Jetty to Karanja Jetty, Maharashtra from Trombay Jetty to Karanja Jetty in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Embark on a 25.6KM open water swim from Trombay Jetty to Karanja Jetty in Maharashtra.
29. 31.4 km Juhu Beach to Gateway of India, Maharashtra from Juhu Beach to the Gateway of India in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. The iconic 31.4KM swim from Juhu Beach to Gateway of India offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
30. 20 km Dighi Port to Diveagar Beach, Maharashtra from Dighi Port to Diveagar Beach in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Maharashtra’s coast.
31. 29.3 km Harnai Beach to Dabhol Jetty, Maharashtra from Harnai Beach to Dabhol Jetty in Maharashtra during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Discover the hidden gems of Maharashtra’s coastline with its secluded beaches and ancient fishing ports.
32. 26.4 km Arambol Beach to Sinquierim Beach, Goa from Arambol Beach to Sinquierim Beach in Goa during October To April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Swim through the vibrant coastal beauty of one of India’s most iconic beach destinations.
33. 19.5 km Bavikeri Beach/Ankola to Gokarna Beach, Karnataka from Bavikeri Beach/Ankola to Gokarna Beach in Karnataka during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Opportunity to glide through Karnataka’s pristine waters, dotted with lush landscapes.
34. 31 km Shiva Beach Kumtha to Murudeshwar, Karnataka from Shiva Beach/Kumtha to Murudeshwar in Karnataka during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Test of endurance that combines stunning coastal beauty with the peaceful tranquility of Karnataka’s shores.
35. 21 km Bailur to Bhatkal Light House, Karnataka from Bailur to Bhatkal Light House in Karnataka during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Swim through Karnataka’s coast with tranquil waters and scenic views of the region’s untouched beaches.
36. 22.5 km Bekal Fort to Kumbla Beach, Kerla from Bekal Fort to Kumbla Beach in Kerla during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Dive into history and nature as you swim through one of the most scenic and culturally rich landscapes in Southern India, offering both a challenge and a visual treat.
37. 28.6 km Kannur to Mahe, Karnataka from Kannur to Mahe in Karnatak during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. An extraordinary opportunity to explore the coastal beauty of both Kerala and Karnataka.
38. 20.1 km Kozhikode Beach to Vallikunnu Beach, Karnataka from Kozhikode Beach to Vallikunnu Beach in Karnataka during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Combine the natural beauty of the Malabar Coast with the tranquility of the Arabian Sea.
39. 28.5 km Chellanam Beach, Kochi to Chethan Beach, Karnataka from Chellanam Beach/Kochi to Chethan Beach in Karnataka during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. An unforgettable adventure with a rare opportunity to pass through the backwaters of Kerala and the coastal waters of Karnataka.
40. 22 km Thangasery Beach, Kollam to Varkala Beach, Karnataka from Thangasery Beach/Kollam to Varkal Beach in Karnataka during October to April. Contact owsaindia@gmail.com. Swim through the clear waters of the Arabian Sea, past cliffs that rise dramatically from the ocean, and discover the spiritual and cultural richness of Kerala’s coast.

For more information, visit @OWSAIndia.

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