Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) An exciting pulse-racing event, kitesurfing, awaits adventure lovers in the costal district of Raigad next weekend.
It is for the first time in India that as many as 70 Indian kite-surfers will take part in the showpiece event, which will be guided by 20-year old Ines Correia, the 2011 Women’s World Kitesurf champion and current top-ranked in Kite Surf Pro World Ranking and Wave Riding World Ranking.
Next Thursday-Friday, she will take to the sea at Mandwa, in Raigad and judge the participants based on speed, manoeuverability and attitude, before eliminating 20 kitesurfers on both days.
The remaining shall travel to the famous Murud-Janjira Fort for the final round Saturday (May 25), in the event organised by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Red Bull and Quest Adventures Pvt Ltd.
“This is a one of its kind kitesurfing event which is hardly known in India and will enable the kitesurfers to circle the skies above the Murud-Janjira Fort, situated nearly a kilometre in the Arabian Sea off Raigad,” said a spokesperson.
The final lot of participants selected after the Murud-Janjira Fort event, entitled “Red Bull Quila Surf”, will travel to Tuticorin Port for an exclusive two-day training with Ines Correia.
There, Correia will teach them how to enhance their kite surfing techniques, details on cross-shore and on-shore winds, safety, fitness regimen and other aspects of the tough adventure sport.
Situated around 170 kms south of Mumbai on Konkan coast, the Murud-Janjira Fort was built around 1490 by the Siddis of Abyssinia.
It remained unconquered during its heydays and till India’s Independence despite efforts by the Portuguese, Marathas and British.
The marine fort, standing tall and imposing even today with 19 bastions, is in a relatively good condition even after five centuries of battering by natural and human forces.
According to the organisers of Red Bull Quila Surf, the ancient fort is ideal for kitesurfing as it allows the wind to curve off the fort walls and enhances the windsurfing experience.
Presently, lovers of windsurfing in India have to spend huge amounts and travel to certain countries like the US, Australia, South Africa where there are strong winds, for the enjoyable experience.
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by authors, news service providers on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Hill Post. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.
Hill Post makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site page.
