Water
Skiing is comparatively a new adventure sport in India, but it is equally
thrilling, just like Snow Skiing. Since its inception, Water Skiing in India
is becoming very popular among Indians and foreigners as well.
Water Skiing is more or less similar Snow Skiing, the first major
difference is that instead of snow or mountainous slopes you have to glide
on water. Secondly, you must be a good swimmer because you don’t know
when you will require to let go off the tow-rope attached to the boat.
Water Skiing is very much a family-oriented activity and it not restricted
to sea only, you can enjoy it in rivers and lakes too. Some of the popular
places in India where you can undertake Water Skiing include Assan Barrage,
Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Water Skiing in Dal Lake
Located 32 kms away from Srinagar, the Dal Lake provides you excellent
facilities for Water Skiing. The Dal Lake has several sites, which have
privately owned ‘Bathing Boats’ offering Water Skiing equipments.
From these sites, you can hire motor launches, water-skis and also the
trained instructors.
Undertake a Water Skiing expedition in Dal Lake, observe the pristine
beauty of the lake and enjoy the refreshing natural surroundings. May to
June is the ideal period for Water Skiing in Dal Lake, when the lake remain
full of water. You may also stay at a nearby hotel or houseboat to make an
overnight getaway.
Water Skiing in Mansabal Lake
32 kms from Srinagar, Mansabal Lake is approachable by road. Mansabal Lake
is secluded from the rest of world by the mighty hills and looks very
beautiful with a mirror like sheen on its surface. An attractive water
sports resort, Mansabal Lake offers excellent water skiing option. Between
May to August, the water of Mansabal Lake remains pleasant for water sports,
during this period you may enjoy Water Skiing here.
Water Skiing in Nagin Lake
Usually
thought as a separate lake, the Nagin Lake is divided from Dal Lake only by
a causeway. Like Dal Lake, Nagin Lake is also a popular spot for the
adventure sport of Water Skiing. During summer season, water sports lover
flock the Nagin Lake to enjoy the exciting sport of Water Skiing.
Skiing across this picturesque lake alongwith the magnificent views of
mountains is truly an above the world experience. You may enjoy Water Skiing
in Nagin Lake right from dawn until after dusk. At the Nagin Lake, there is
a Government run Institute of Water Sports which has trained instructors and
provide essential equipments for water skiing.
Water Skiing in Assan Barrage
28 kms southwest of Dehradun, the Assan Barrage Water Sports Resort lies
near the confluence of two perennial rivers, Assan and Yamuna. This resort
is flanked by Doon Valley to its northeast, the Shivaliks to its southwest,
the Yamuna river to its northwest and the Ganges to its southeast.
One of the best water ski resorts in India, the Assan Barrage offers plenty
of options for enjoying the adventure sport of Water Skiing. Apart from
Water Skiing, you can also try other water sports such as Sailing, Rowing,
Paddle Boating, Motor Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Water Skating, Mono-
Skiing, Double Water Skiing etc.
In recent years, the Assan Barrage is turning into a birdwatcher’s
Paradise, as it serves as a gateway for trans Himalayan migratory birds. You
may spot here a variety of birds between October to March.
All the essential ski equipments like paddle boats, rowing boats, kayaks,
surfing boards and motorboats are available at Assan Barrage, you may hire
them at very nominal charges.
Essential Gears Required
GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) and Jammu & Kashmir Tourism
Department (JKTD) provide essential water skiing equipments and trained
instructors to adventure seekers. You may hire the equipments from GMVN and
JKTD at a reasonable price. You are advised to bring other gears like
swimming costume, swimming trunk, bathing cap, coconut oil, light medicines
and a torch.
GMVN conducts 5 days basic / Intermediate and Advance certificate Water
Skiing training programmes from mid April to October.
Guidelines for Water Skiing
- Water skiing is an exciting and challenging sport and it possess an
element of risk. Usually, a beginner gets a little nervous and sick, but
if you know how to swim then you can easily ski on water.
- If don’t know how to swim, it’s not a big deal, you can
also undertake this sport by learning the basics of balancing act on
water.
- Of course, Water Skiing is a tough sport, but if the excitement of
water skiing become too much for you, there is good option of letting go
the tow-rope.
- Weather also plays an important role in Water Skiing, avoid the sport
when the water is rough due to high winds.
- Always keep an observer in the boat and never go for skiing after
dark, because it is hazardous and illegal.
- A minimum depth of 5 to 6 ft of obstacle-free water is recommended
for safe water skiing.
- The size of the water area in which you want to undertake
water-skiing determines the number of skiers that can operate within it
at the same time.
