Adventure/Kayaking/Kuttanad

Enjoy the `rush' of kayaking in Kuttanad in an exhilarating mix of spills and thrills 
Though Deepesh Patel was born and brought up in London, basically he is a Gujarati and most importantly he had not forgotten his mother tongue. He came to Kerala to enjoy the warm season when London was freezing in cold. A kayaking through the Pampa River, bird watching in Thattekkad, then via Kochi to Mumbai and from there to London, his programme chart says so. His aim is to get some relaxation from the hectic work schedule of IT sector. 

The `Akkarakkulam Memoirs', a house in Chennankery Alappuzha, is 150 years old. He selected this resort to stay. The writings on Kuttanad evoked a fancy in him and eventually brought him here. The Kalypso Adventures in Kochi made arrangements for kayaking. 

The day became warm by 10 am but no one was realizing it in the cool breeze bustling from the lake. The paddles of the kayaking boats went on towards Nedumudi, accompanied by kayaking stars of Kalypso, Nainesh, Praveen Hari and us. 

While passing through the `Ail Heaven' resort, a family from a foreign country were sharing the joy of seeing us waving their hands. Seeing this Deepesh anchored the boat near them. They were Hans, his wife Riyan Nope and their kids Pello and India from Holland. As per Ryan there is an Indian connection behind the name of her younger daughter, India. `I am half Indian and my father is from Himachal Pradesh. I had not seen him but my mother said so. My mother was in Himachal for some time. My relation with India is behind the name of my kid, she explained. 

Seeing the Kayak, Ryan cherished her wish to paddle it. Holland is like the Kuttanad of Europe. She does not fear boat and the paddles .While she stepped onto the boat, Hans made a comment, `Now you look like a bollywood star, darling'. Like an experienced kayaking star, Ryan began to paddle along with Praveen.

After having rounds through the canals they reached back to the river, Hari crisscrossed the kayak and the kayak overturned. Though the Kayak was afloat, some time was needed to reverse and to turn it right. Ninesh rushed for help. The journey resumed after cleaning the water inside the boat. Ryan was expressing gratitude for gifting her such a happy memory. 

But Deepesh had no plans to conclude his journey. He intends to stay is Kuttanad for one more day to roam around . Then will go to Thattekkad bird sanctuary. Kayaking is the best way for lake bird watching as the bird watchers can paddle around without noise through the lake and can capture the beautiful pictures of birds. For all these reasons in mind, Deepesh, who is passionate about bird watching, set aside his Indian vacation for kayaking. 


Thinks to be noted: 
*Get some training under an experienced yatchman.
*The style of paddling can be learned easily
*Those who are paddling for the first time should choose a place with low waves and depth
*The atmosphere with good weather condition would be advisable for training
*Wear dress with less weight and which dries up easily
*Wear life jacket with a fluorescent color.
*Learn how to get out of the kayak when your leg gets trapped and the kayak is on the verge of collapse.
*When you think that kayak is going to overturn, smashing in the water with a paddle will help regain the balance
*It is best to keep the mobile phone on the shore
*Keep water, urgent food and a first aid kit while kayaking and there is space in front of the kayak to keep all these
*Those who do not know swimming should never go for kayaking
Text: G Jyothilal
Photo: B Muralikrishnan
Translation: Shamila KY  (Read more at mathrubhumi.com)