Kerala’s scenic beauty and warm waters make it a standout destination for kayaking, rafting, and other water sports, says three-time Extreme Kayaking World Champion Sam Sutton.
The rivers and backwaters in the State offer some of the best spots in India for kayaking but they need to be developed as well.
“I understand that the rivers in some of the other States are extremely cold, which makes the sport hard,” Sutton, one of the world’s fastest extreme paddlers, said.
The New Zealander was in the city after taking part in the second edition of the Malabar River Festival, jointly organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council, Kozhikode, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, and the Kerala Kayaking Academy in Kozhikode.
Sutton, accompanied by Jacopo Nordera, an Italian kayaking trainer, called on Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday and requested him to develop kayaking and rafting infrastructure in Kerala. Minister for Tourism A.P. Anil Kumar was present.
“The rivers, waterfalls, and slides are ideal for professional kayaking, and the greenery is a big plus point for Kerala,” Sutton, who is visiting the State for the first time, said.
He said the government should create space for youngsters so that they could get into the environment of rivers.
The government needed to start some rafting operations for everybody to enjoy the rivers.
“For creating interest in kayaking and rafting, it is imperative to develop activities and attractions,” he added.
Comparing his kayaking experience here to that in Mexico, he said for Kerala to become a world class destination for adventure tourism, authorities need to generate and sustain interest by organising kayaking events regularly.
He also stressed the need to train employees of adventure tourism companies and create a platform for the enthusiasts.
“One of the biggest challenges in Kerala, I think, is the permission to kayak in rivers. The government should consider opening new kayaking centres on the banks. The sport has the potential to bring national and international laurels to the State,” he added.
