If
you love fun and want to chill out in peace and solitude, then go for water
sports in Goa. Blessed with a beautiful coast, Goa offers plenty of
opportunity to indulge in all types of water sport activities. Besides Goa's
splendid coastline, the picturesque rivers and lakes also make it a perfect
place for exciting water sport activities. When you reach this water sports
paradise, you cannot stop yourself from taking a plunge into the warm
inviting Arabian sea. In Goa, a wide range of water sports are offered by
the star hotels to a number private operators.
Water Skiing
If you want to sail through the high sea waters, then water skiing is
definitely worth a try. Strength and skill is prerequisite for water Skiing.
Proper practice is necessary for this sport, while learning, be prepared for
repeated tumbles and small injuries. After learning the basics you will be
able to take the sport. For water skiing, you need strong leg and back
muscles and a relaxed posture. Do not stiff your body and practice to
slightly bend your knees and maintain them parallel to each other. A number
of operators are available in Goa who will give you training until you learn
the techniques of water skiing.
Water Skiing Sites : In Goa you can take up water ski
sport at Calangute, Arossim, Candolim, Utorda and Mobor and Rajbaga.
Safety Tip : Always ensure that apart from boat operator,
there is an observer on the boat. If waters are rough, avoid water skiing
because rough seas affect the course and speed of the boat. Also learn the
important sign language because it will help you to communicate with your
operator without any confusion.
Rates : Rs. 400-1,200, it varies with the length of ride
and operator.
Snorkelling and Scuba-Diving
If you want to explore the cool blue Arabian sea, Scuba-diving can be a
fascinating and an amazing way. On the other hand if you want to enjoy the
water sports with your family members, Snorkelling is a good option.
Snorkelling is a simpler activity and perfect for kids, adults and families.
For taking scuba-diving you need great deal of practice and comfort level
alongwith the essential equipment. While diving, you are also accompanied by
two experienced scuba divers.
Although Goa's coastline does not have clear visibility or a spectacular
coral reef, but the picturesque and enough marine life are enough to keep
you hooked. Underwater visibility at diving sites range between 2 and 20
metres, it can vary with weather and sea conditions. The marine life which
you can spot here consists of Sergeant-major puffers, groupers, damsels,
barracuda, tuna, eels, goat fish, lion fish, scorpion fish, surgeon fish,
bat fish, snappers, jacks, blennies, lobster, sweetlips, trevally, gobies
etc.
Diving site : Grand Island off the Mormugao Harbour is the
ideal site for scuba-diving, because here the underwater visibility is good.
Rates : 2,500 per diver for Grande Island, including two
guided dives, full equipment and snacks.
Safety Tip : Prior to a scuba dive, you should throughly
check and understand the operation of underwater breathing apparatus. Don't
forget to carry the equipment provided by the operator like medical kit and
portable oxygen kit.
Parasailing
Parasalining
in Goa, is an exciting water sport option. As you soar in the air and let
the cool air to gently touch your face, the excitement really kicks in. In
Goa you can parasail in two ways - winch-boat parasailing and beach
parasailing. Winch-boat parasailing is usually done alone and it takes you
high in the air. In winch-parasailing you have to take off and land on the
winch boat. On the other hand in beach parasailing you have to launch and
land from the beach itself. While landing the beach parasaling requires good
coordination and expertise on the part of operator and the ground staff.
Parasailing Sites : Parasailing around
Sinquerim-Candolim-Calangute, is an incredible experience as you get the
spectacular view of the Fort Aguada. Other popular parasailing sites are
Arossim-Cansaulim and Utorda Stretch, Mobor Beach and Miramar.
Rates : A ride of 3 to 5 minutes cost between Rs.500 to
Rs. 1,250.
Safety Tip : Before taking off, double check your
harness, cord and other essential gears. Always ensure that there is another
observer in the boat apart from the boat operator to keep an eye on you.
Jet-Skiing
If speed thrills you, then Jet-skiing is the sport for you. In Goa the
100-135 hp powered jet-skis will surely provide you an exhilarating
experience. The jet-ski machine is very simple and easy to handle, but
operators in Goa send an instructor alongwith. If you have learnt the basic
skills and the operator is satisfied, you could go for a solo run.
Jet-Skiing Sites : You can take up the sport in the
beaches of Colva, Calangute, Candolim, Miramar, Arossim, Benaulim, Utorda,
Rajbaga and Mobor.
Rates : A ride can vary between 2, 10 and 15 minutes.
Usually a 2 minute trip costs Rs. 400, 10 minutes Rs. 1,000 and 15 minutes
Rs. 1,500.
Safety Tip : The part of beach which you use for
Jet-skiing must be within the operator's sight in a pre-defined area.
Speedboat Rides
A more powerful and faster sport than jet-skiing, speedboat rides provide
much more thrill to you. Speedboat ride is a group activity in which 3 to 6
people can participate. The duration of rides usually vary from 10 minutes
to an hour, in which you can explore the beautiful Goan coastline. If you go
for longer trips, your trip may also include leisure fishing, dolphin
spotting trip or visits to cliffs.
Sites : You can take speedboat rides on all the popular
beaches of Goa like Calangute, Candolim, Colva, Arossim, Mobor and Utorda.
Rates : Rs.800-1,200 for a group of 3 to 6 for 10 minutes.
Knee and Wake Boarding
Knee boarding is somehow similar to the sport of water-skiing, but its
technique is far simpler than the later. The knee-board has slot for your
knees, so you requires to focus less on the balance. Wake-boarding is
slightly different from knee-boarding. Instead of two narrow boards, the
wake-skier has one broad board to maintain balance.
Knee-Boarding Sites : Knee-boarding in Goa is limited to
the beaches of Candolim, Mobor and Rajbaga.
Rates : Rs. 700-1,200 for 15 minutes.
Safety Tip : You must be well versed in water-skiing to
take up the sport of knee-boarding. In addition to boat operator there
should be an observer.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing
is the most popular water sports in Goa. Though windsurfing is
non-mechanised but it is very tough to learn this sport. Windsurfing is
relatively inexpensive and it requires commitment, good health and an
instructor.
Windsurfing Sites : You can take up windsurfing in Baga,
Benaulim, Bogmalo, Miramar, Vagator, Calangute, Utordim and Arossim. If you
are learning the sport head for Dona Paula Bay.
Rates : Rs. 300-600 for an hour, the rates depend of your
operator.
Skills required : Windsurfing requires a high skill and
training. In Goa, Atlantis Water Sports offer a 3-day and 5-day windsurfing
training course for Rs. 4,000 and 5,000 respectively.
Catamaran Sailing
Catamaran sailing or Hobie cats is a relaxed but also a fun-filled sailing
activity. For catamaran sailing you need a catamaran made up of twin hull
with a trampoline in between and a mast for sailing. A catamaran has a
seating capacity of four people and you need a trained professional to sail
the catamaran.
Sailing Sites : Arossim, Benaulim, Calangute, Candolim,
Colva, Dona Paula, Mobor and Utorda are some ideal locations where you can
indulge yourself in this sport.
Rates : Rs. 600-1,500 for an hour.
Safety Tip : Before taking up the sport you should
understand all emergency procedures and signals.
Banana, Bump and Ringo Rides
Banana ride is a popular water sport for kids, but it is equally popular
among adults. The banana-shaped rider has a seating capacity of six people,
which is towed by a speedboat rolling. On the other hand Bump rides or Ringo
rides are somehow different from Banana rides. If you are first-times, be
prepared for the flip at the end of the ride. In addition to an exciting
sport, Bump rides are safe also, as everyone wears the life jacket.
Fun Ride Sites : These fun rides are available on all
major beaches of Goa.
Rates : Rs. 200 per head for 15 minute.
