When it became his way of life
M Kumaran unveiled his kit, which also consists a makeshift dressing room, making it easy for a dress change.
Chennai: A maxi size car with paddle boards on its top, imprinted with a statement, ‘Sea is for life’ would speak much about the person in it.
A cloudy Sunday facilitated M. Kumaran to start his paddling session as late as 11am in a quarry lake at Ottiyambakkam, Tambaram that holds two tags – a shooting spot and a deadly water body, which claimed many lives.
He unveiled his kit, which also consists a makeshift dressing room, making it easy for a dress change. The 35-year-old explores the lakes through google maps and sets into it with a paddleboard. His knowledge on history has facilitated his passion as he names the water bodies after Chola kings.
“All these water bodies were maintained by Chola Kings, I name it accordingly. Ponniyanselvan, Kundavai (Chola prince)…goes the name list,” the geologist said.
He had explored more than 20 water bodies including quarry lakes, ponds and lakes. He had also explored the water sources from other parts of the world. He paddles into the water to check the algae formation and to ascertain the soil constituents. “Being a geologist, it is easy to know about the geological setting of the water body. Water bodies in Chennai and its suburbs have less clay, making it easy to paddle,” he informed.
Kumaran, who is also a certified first responder, uses water sports as a tool to quench his passion in wildlife and environment. “Through snorkeling, we study the flora of water bodies. Absence of life inside the water in city’s water bodies is a tight slap on human development,” he said. He is also a trekker and a wild life enthusiast and could be reached at 9971091541