As the second largest coastal lagoon in the world and the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent, Chilika Lake has been attracting millions of tourists annually. However, there’s a whole new reason to be at this famous lake now. Chilika Lake is now home to kayaking, and in the past few years, it has gained immense popularity among both tourists and locals.
Till a few years ago, there were hardly any takers for kayaking, as it was considered a sport involving high risk. However, the perception seems to have changed with time, and kayaking has emerged as a favourite with adventure junkies. And Chilika Lake isn’t the only place that is attracting people to kayaking. Places like Puri Canal, Mahanadi at Cuttack, and Chandrabhaga and Nuanai near Puri too have emerged as popular destinations for kayaking in the last few years. Orissa POST asks a few trainers, kayaking enthusiasts and kayaking event organisers in Bhubaneswar about the growing popularity of this water sport.
It goes without saying that the adventure quotient associated with the sport has played a major role in boosting its popularity. Moreover, by now people are aware that kayaking doesn’t involve high risk. “For first timers, it’s always an adventurous and exciting experience. There are many who don’t know swimming and have not tried any water sport. So, when they put on their life jackets and get on a kayak, it’s an experience of a lifetime for them. Anyone who has done it once and sheds his fear is sure to come back again,” says Satyaki Bose, a certified trainer and founder of Odisha Maritime Watersports.
Another reason for the growing popularity of kayaking has been word of mouth publicity. People who have tried kayaking are recommending the sport to their friends. Moreover, kayaking isn’t too intricate a sport. “Communication between the kayakers and trainer is the most important part. There’s no sign language or signalling involved as the kayaker is always in a sitting position. However, there are a few simple protocols to attract attention if there is danger ahead and the kayaker wants to return or ask for help,” says Satyaki.
Keeping the safety of kayakers in mind, all life jackets come with whistles, and kayaks are mostly coloured bright red or orange so that they can easily be spotted. For those who are a bit weak hearted, the safest place to try kayaking is water bodies with still water. However, most trainers don’t recommend ponds. Instead, they prefer lakes or lake like water bodies for those who are more concerned about safety. And Odisha has that in abundance, with Chilika being one of the safest destinations.
“Most people were not really aware about kayaking until recently. The sport gained popularity after a series of events and workshops were organised. Odisha Tourism too organised kayaking camps on World Tourism Day,” says Soumya Prakash Rath, trainer and event organiser.
Soumya says that kayaking is a safe sport and age isn’t a factor, but kayakers should always maintain close coordination with trainers. Participants should ensure that that they are fit and healthy. “There are many aquaphobics who want to do kayaking. Trainers should be extra careful and try to dispel their fear. Mahanadi is a wide river and is both safe and comfortable for kayaking as one can kayak for longer distances,” says Soumya.
Understandably, the state that boasts an abundance of water bodies has seen a sudden growth in the popularity of the sport. Silvana SC, a certified Italian scuba driver residing in Bhubaneswar, has participated in quite a few events held recently. She says, “Kayaking can be done by everyone between the age group of 20 to 50. It’s good to see that a number of kayaking events are being held lately. This is fast making the sport popular.”
Sikshyata Chhatoi from Infosys, who is a member of Odisha Bikerni, has fallen in love with kayaking. “Kayaking wasn’t that popular in Odisha. But when I learnt that kayaking camps are being held, I joined up to learn the sport. It’s a perfect sport for nature lovers and the more health-conscious young generation. Kayaking helps improve cardiovascular strength and gives muscular flexibility particularly to the back, arms and shoulders,” she says.
For Avinash Patnaik of Bhubaneswar, kayaking and adventure are synonymous. He has participated in quite a few kayaking workshops and is happy that more people are showing interest in the sport. “Such events allow one to come out of one’s comfort zone and boosts confidence. At the same time, one gets to meet a lot of likeminded people,” says Avinash.
Satyaki finds kayaking a perfect activity to indulge in with family and friends. “It is a bit strenuous for your lower back, chest and shoulders but you will forget all that the moment you join your family and friends in kayaking,” he says.
Avinash feels that although age isn’t a constraint, kayaking is more popular among teenagers and young adults. Moreover, he rues that despite a number of events being held in the state, there is still a dearth of trainers. “The trainers cooperate a lot but unfortunately there are very few of them in the state,” he says.
In the same vein, Satyaki says that despite the growing popularity of kayaking, there aren’t too many training institutes. “It’s mostly sportsmen from the Sports Authority of India who are keen kayakers. I came across an institute in Jagatpur, Cuttack, but haven’t heard of any other,” he says.
That said, a few trainers have been taking initiatives to promote the sport along with French sports good retailer Decathlon. Silvana says that the sport has gained considerable popularity since Decathlon introduced inflatable kayaks in the local market and started hosting events and training people to use kayaks. “It’s good to see that organisers are providing the equipment and other accessories for kayaking. Hence, participating in an event becomes less expensive,” she says.
Sikshyata, however, doesn’t think that the dearth of trainers is a cause of much concern as the basics can be learnt by following the instructions available online.
“Odisha is fast emerging as a kayaking hotspot for tourists. There are a number of places that are good for kayaking and a few new destinations have recently been added,” says Pradyumna Kumar Rout who works at Decathlon.
Due to lack of awareness, many believe that kayaking is an expensive sport and meant only for the rich. Interestingly, it isn’t if one tries it at a camp or tourist spot. “One needs a kayak, a life jacket and paddles. There are four types of kayaks available — rigid kayak, inflatable kayak, in deck and out deck. Also, kayakers should always carry a small knife for cutting fishing nets and other obstacles. Most people prefer inflatable kayaks, but it carries the risk of leaking,” says Pradyumna.
However, buying a kayak is expensive and most event organisers say it isn’t a wise idea. “A kayak costs something between Rs 18,000 to Rs 90,000 depending on the make and quality. Standard paddles cost Rs 2,500 and life jackets come for Rs 3,000. Moreover, it’s expensive maintaining a kayak,” says Satyaki.
However, with organisers providing both kayaks and accessories, things have become easier. And with summer fast approaching, organisers have once again started gearing up to host events to lure kayaking enthusiasts.
BRATATI BARAL, OP