Let’s go kayaking in Hyderabad this weekend
The Hindu
Water School at Durgam Cheruvu is a spot for water sport activities in Hyderabad
Rakesh Sharma chose Durgam Cheruvu for his morning jog rather than his neighbourhood park as he wanted a change of view. What he ended up doing instead was kayaking because it looked like fun. Along with the change in view,he could also have a change in workout from his routine walk/jog.
At the end of 60 minutes of kayaking, he is not sure of the calories burnt but he says, “For now I am satisfied with trying out something new, unplanned.” Get the idea?
If your idea of a weekend means getting busy with food surfing, fridge googling or heading out to the latest food joints, then a little workout seems like a good idea. Add fun to the workout and you will not complain . Rakesh says “When it comes to water sports, I was of the notion that Hyderabad has nothing at all.”
A lot f you may agree. Where is the sea or a river for water sports activities in Hyderabad? Dispelling that notion is the recently renovated Durgam Cheruvuspread over 63 acres. The lake is now buzzing with water sports like kayaking, sailing and stand up paddling.
Water School, a centre for water sports run by Suheim Sheikh is allowing water sports enthusiasts to try these activities and gain experience in water adventure sports. Founded by Suheim, an IIT Madras alumni who started the charitable sailing club in 2009, Water School (WS) works with disadvantaged communities by helping many become sailors.
At Durgam Cheruvu in Madhapur, WS works with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in collaboration with the Yacht Club of Hyderabad. Kayak and sailing are not new to Hyderabad, thanks to the activities of the Yacht Club at Hussain Sagar.
Suheim says, “This is the first time the city has seen something like this. Once in the water, you get to see a different face of the city; it is very picturesque. We decided to throw it open to all (above the age of eight years) because this property was developed to make more and more people have access to the space.”