Kayaking Camps In Full Swing During Monsoon
Althougth there is absolutely no sign of the monsoons starting anytime soon but, as per the sailing schedule all the boats, yachts, and other vessels have been safely nested in their yards, docks etc and will only return in Sept after the monsoons.
Q. So what can a Landlubber do next??
A. Kayaking!!!
Kayaking is probably one of the easiest sports to learn and become pretty good in short time. Infact its even great for non swimmers as most of the times kayaking is conducted in inbound well protected lakes with minimum possibility of damage and casualty.
Currently there is a kayaking weekend camp (takes place every weekend) being conducted by YMCA on the outskirts of Mumbai near Lonavala which is equidistant between Mumbai and Pune where campers would acquire basic skills of kayaking along with 2 days of practical on water experience.
For the sake of our interested readers we asked the organizers some basic questions which may help while making a decision.
The package they are offering –
- Transport from Mumbai to & fro the Camp site. Board and lodge.
- Use of boating related equipment : Life jacket, boat, paddles, trolley etc.
- Basic instructions -
- How to wear a PFD. d. Capsize drill.
- Safety on water. e. A race.
- Getting into and out of a boat, straight line paddle, turning rounding a marker,
Pic taken at site
Q. How is kayaking different from rafting?
A. A raft is just a floating structure. A kayak is originally a hunting boat. Hence the kayak is refined and kayaking can be done in a lake, river or the sea.
Q. Is this a year long activity which happens every weekend?
A. We are having this on all weekends of June. Then on every alternate weekend from July. Depending on demand, kayaking can be a year round activity at our camp site.
Q. What are the safety measures taken to avoid any calamities? (e.g. life jackets, lifeguards etc)
A. We have handled 423 campers in May ‘09 without a single mishap. The campsite is run as per international standards and is managed by trained staff. Anyone entering the water is required to put on a PDF / life jacket. We have one supervisor per six people standby for rescue work.
Q. Is there a max capacity of people for 1 weekend?
A. Yes! The present capacity is for 36 persons on a kayaking camp. By year end we plan to expand this to about 100 persons.
Q. How many people can sit on one kayak?
A. One person in a single kayak and two in a tandem model, kayak.
Q. Will the rain cause a problem while kayaking? is it safe?
A. Kayaking can be done in normal rains. In case of a thunder storm……we would have to take a break. It is perfectly safe to kayak in the rains.
Q. How many days in advance one needs to book for signing up?
A. The earlier the better. Signing up at least a week or more in advance (before the camp commencement) is recommended. The camp site has accommodation for 200 persons but gets full bookings at most times.
Q. What are the amenities available at the camp site for campers?
A. Accommodation is in tents and cabins. There are separate Male / female toilet and bath facilities, attached with the cabins while separate with the tents. A dinning hall for food service which serves Veg and Non-Veg food.
Q. Do we get any certificate on competition?
A. Yes! Every body gets a participation certificate.
Q. Can i also buy kayaks in case i get hooked on to the sport?
A. We will help you buy kayaks best suited for your capabilities and needs.
Q. Why do people like kayaking?
It’s fun! Kayaking can made as fast and exciting as you like – or as gentle and relaxing as you like. Racing against others gives great competition, or you can use a kayak to explore an area of water. You’ll also meet new friends, and get fitter. You become more self-reliant and disciplined.
Below is the schedule of the camp which also includes a feast of other activities beside kayaking.
Camp Schedule :
Day One :
0645 Assemble at Dadar T.T.
0700 Bus leaves Dadar with further pick-up points at Sion and Belapur. – Refreshments served in the bus.
1130 Reach the Camp site.
1145Accommodation allotted in tents – Settle in.
1200 Assemble in Dinning hall for Ice Breakers & Camp tour.
1300 Lunch.
1400 Theory of Kayaking
1500 Kayaking begins
1800 Kayaking ends
1815 Tea break
1830 Wash and change
1930 Debrief for the day
2000 Dinner
2100 After dinner group games and activities
2230 Pipe down to sleep
Day Two :
0600 Wake up - Wash and have tea.
0630 Breakfast
0700 Kayaking begins
1000 Kayaking ends
1030 Kayaking Race
1130 Wash and change
1230 Regroup for Camp site events
1300 Lunch
1400 Leave for Bombay
1900 At Dadar.
Cost for the camp – Rs2,500/ per person
Interested persons can contact –
For bookings Contact at : Department of Camping,
Phone : 2382 4534 / 2385 4468 / 9867210313
e-mail : ableboats@yahoo.com; camp@ymcabombay.com
As a tip for our readers we have created a list of things that you should bring along with you at the camp -
- Sun screen
- Waterproof sandals or beach shoes
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Quality rain gear
- Swim suits and towels
- Camera or video
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Flash light
- Environmentally friendly shampoos and soaps
- 2 extra changes of clothes
- Extra shoes
Name of Organizer- -
Kayaking camps
By Bombay YMCA & AAble Boats
at YMCA, Camp Lakeside, Nilshi.
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