PIC:In my diving gear off Bali coast
PIC:In my diving gear off Bali coast
A splash with water has been more of a childhood addiction for me rather than interest. I take special interest in water sports at all the levels; Adventure, Sports and Recreation. My specific interests and achievements in each of these is listed below:
1. SCUBA DIVING
Diving has been my latest infatuation. For the layman, this activity basically involves strapping around 3-5 kg oxygen cylinder to your back and heading for a blissful experience under water. I have undertaken scuba diving 3 times till date. My first (and my cheapest!) dive was off the coast of Nusa Penida (Bali, Indonesia). I had a date with sharks and manta rays in my very first dive, with schools of butterfly fish and the famous 'mola-mola' completing my best dive till date. My next dive was weeks later along Langkawi coast of Malaysia . The marine life here was starkingly different, with abundant corals nurturing beautiful fishes like sea anemones, cllownfish, angelfish and nudibranchs. My latest experience was at Mauritius coast, here the marine life was dictated by schools of tropical fish, whose names i haven't still figured out exactly.
2. SWIMMING
What began as a simple passtime during my vacations turned into a serious sport for me first time when i was in 11th standard. This is when i first represented my college SIES in Mumbai District Swimming Championships. Later, I have represented my club "Club Aquaria" in inter-club championships and then also went on to represent my college SPCE at Mumbai University Aquatic Championships. Most of my races have been for Freestyle and Team Medley.
3. RIVER RAFTING
Of all the water sports I indulge in, Rafting happens to be my favourite and my first love! The best aspect about rafting is that it teaches you all important life skills with 110% adrenaline rush. Rafting has taught me important lessons in team building, risk taking and even fluid dynamics!! Ofcourse, physical stamina and courage to face daunting rapids puts you on top of the world. I've done river rafting twice, all on River Ganges at Kaudaliya,40 kms from Rishikesh. I did Grade 4 in my very first attempt, and every time I chalk out a travel plan, i try to accomodate one rafting trip. A detailed experience of my first rafting expedition was also published in my college magazine. You can access it here : A WET WILD RIVER CALLED GANGES
