Without a shadow of doubt, one of the highest adrenaline-rush experiences you get is paramotoring. A form of paragliding, this activity is powered by an engine and you can take off from anywhere and not just off a hill. Now Chennai has its very own paramotoring facility — thanks to Adventure Aero Sports Association which is the first to bring this exhilarating sport to Tamil Nadu.
Have only one day off the grind and don't wish to waste it at home? Here are some adventurous ways to make the most out of your day, away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan life.
Speaking to DC, the organisation says, “This is an extreme kind of sport and anybody can fly. The only prerequisite is that the person’s weight must be between 40-80 kg. But the participant should be comfortable flying and should not be acrophobic . We fly at approximately 1,500 feet.”
This joyride is 7-10 minutes long. “For sheer adventure seekers, we offer tandem flight where the participant is accompanied by our founder and pilot Mani Kannan. And those seeking to learn the sport, we organize extensive training sessions in an open air space near Puducherry for 10-15 days at a stretch.”
Paramotoring is a powered paragliding and comes in two forms: foot launch flying, and trike flying which has a three-wheeled vehicle. The engine is attached to the backside of the fan which in turn is attached to the pilot.
Meanwhile, surfing continues to boom as a sport and Moorthy Megavan, co-founder of the Covelong Point surfing school in Kovalam, believes it only requires the willingness and commitment to ride the waves.
“It is okay if you are non-swimmer but the passion is required”, he says.
“We provide the softboard and the non-swimmers who are coming just for adventure are allowed 1-1.5 hours on the shallow water along the beach. As they gain expertise, they are allowed to go further but there is always an instructor.”
Exoticamp, a camping startup, promises a night sans worries under the starry sky.
“Beach camping starts in the evening at Kovalam as we provide all the camping essentials”, they say. “Next morning, participants get to either surf, standup paddle or go kayaking under professional guidance”. The organisation in association with Madras Crocodile Bank organises crocodile bank night safari.
It also organizes a set of fun camping activities like camp aqua near Kollidam with kayaking and stand-up paddling; night hiking, kayaking, cycling, bird spotting, creek swimming and catamaran ride at Tada waterfalls, boating at Pichavaram mangrove forest.
Alcohol or smoking is strictly a no here.
