SUNDAY HINDUSTAN TIMES, MUMBAI 18 | sport | AUGUST 16, 2009

REDEFINE rush YOUR LIMITS A FITTER, BOLDER YOU [email protected]

Off Track PHOTO: AP

Dhamini Ratnam ing through the water and the more ■ [email protected] extreme the conditions (wind and YANA BEY water) the higher the danger quotient. HIGH dventure sport junkies There’s always the inherent danger of swear by activities like being dragged or lofted while hooked and surfboard- to the , says Dartnell, but in Goa, If you have A ing. Now you can combine conditions are usually sedate. the two and throw away the Staying alert is key. “It’s the lines you tether into the . Yo u’ve just land- should take care of as they get taut in the will, you’ll ed in kite zone. There are few the wind and can cut sharply if you’re ways as good as this to lord it over the not careful,” warns Bedi. elements and let both wave and wind The thing to remember, as you set combine to take you on a wild ride. off to fly over the sea, is to “go out only find the time as far as you are willing to swim back,” SOUNDS INCREDIBLE Dartnell points out. “A distance cov- What is the eligibility criteria for the two flier It is. Kite surfing combines elements ered in 10 minutes with the kite is an seats for civilians in the Directorate of Air of kiting and surfing, letting the wind hour’s swim back to shore.” Force Adventure skydiving course that pull you along the waves. There’s a you mentioned in your column last time? board with straps for your feet and a THE MAGIC INGREDIENT What is the scenario for adventure rac- HERE’S A whole new spin on flying a kite with either two or four lines con- So, if you must have a prayer on your ing in India? I want to get into adventure nected to a bar that you will grip. Yo u lips, let it be for a mild to strong wind sports full time as a professional, or start kite. Ever tried surfing with one? Read on are required to wear a waist or seat of at least 8 to 12 knots. And then just my own club. But I can’t get leave to go harness and a personal floatation device explore the coastline, letting the wind get training from an institute. for a taste of this radical high for safety. and waves do the hard work. HARISH PANJWANI Wade in to shallow water, strap on You must be physically fit for sky- the board, wiggle into the harness, and . You should not have heart then wait for the wind to fill your kite ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW problems or hypertension. There is and do the rest. ■ For kite surfing lessons in Goa, call no fee requirement. Since most peo- Philippe Dartnell at 9860452162 or email ple don’t know about these two seats, DON’T KNOW HOW TO SURF? him at [email protected] . often only relatives of defence per- Don’t worry, you don’t need to. But you sonnel apply. must know how to swim. If you’re in ■ Classes start by mid-September. You Pure does not good physical health, with no major can also get kite landboarding lessons (a use mechanised transport and there knee or back injury, you’re good to go. kite attached to a skating board) in Delhi is no such event in India as yet. Although, as Phillipe Dartnell, who (Richard Dartnell at 9810310509). There are many people who have teaches kite surfing in Goa, points out, ■ If you decide to teach yourself, visit juggled office jobs or family busi- that last requirement didn’t stop a boy http://kitesurfingschool.org /safety.htm. nesses and managed to do adven- with a prosthesis from completing a ■ To buy yourself some gear, you can call ture sport courses. Some have then four-day beginner’s course with him Rajiv Bhatia at 9920088873 or email him quit their jobs and made a living as last summer in Goa. at [email protected]. Or go to Selec