Kayaking on Kali river

River adventure

Kayaking, the water adventure which includes paddling on a canoe-like boat, will restart in Kali river from September 3.

Dr Rabindranath Tagore Beach Development Committee in Karwar, in association with Leisure Routes in Mangaluru and Uttara Kannada District Tourism Development Committee, will jointly organise kayaking for the visitors.

As a prelude to the regular kayaking, the organisations had conducted a kayaking festival in June, which evoked a overwhelming response, with the participation of more than 100 participants from India and abroad including the US, UK, New Zealand, Australia and Nepal.

The route for Kayaking will be from Siddar to Karwar on Kali river via lush greenery and tiny islands. There will be two island stop over for the kayaks during the trip and a visit to Kali Matha temple situated on one of the twin nameless islands.

The river Kali runs about 184 km through three taluks - Haliyal, Joida and Karwar, before joining the Arabian sea in Karwar. The river is best suited for water adventures. It has been planned to conduct kayaking on weekends starting from September 3. Usually, the activity is carried out from morning till afternoon.

The participants’ safety will be ensured during the ride. The kayakers are expected to be medically fit as the route for kayaking will cover about a distance of 18 km. Paddling technique is important to keep the canoe moving. The rider has to move the double bladed paddle in to and fro and rotation patterns.

There are about 35 kayaks with life jackets. A couple of life guards will monitor and ensure safety of riders. Quite interestringly, the participants need not know swimming for kayaking.

Added attractions

A park, pathway, watchtower, food park and other water sports at the bank of Kali river just before the river joins the sea are an added attraction.