| Sailing and surfing is no longer a sport that you | | | | Pre-monsoon period is the right time to learn the |
| just see in the movies. Today, you can enjoy the | | | | sport as in monsoons usually only professionals sail |
| thrilling experience yourself too. For those of you | | | | and surf. Confidence is required. It does not |
| who have apprehensions of trying out this sport, | | | | matter if you know swimming or not. Wearing a |
| we have spoken with him to allay your fears. He | | | | life jacket at all times is necessary because the |
| has been wind sailing and surfing since several | | | | water and the density differ from place to place |
| years and according to him with the right guidance | | | | and season to season. If you are a beginner, |
| and safety precautions, the sport can be easy, full | | | | make sure that the academy you enroll in follows |
| of fun and extremely safe. He is also the owner | | | | the safety standards of lifeguards, rescue boats, |
| of Inland Wind Surfing and Sailing Academy at | | | | and offers a certified course. A background check |
| Varasgaon Backwaters. This government | | | | is always important. Balancing is extremely |
| recognized academy, offers certified courses for | | | | important and also a lot of fun. Do not be |
| aspiring wind surfers and sailors. It is the only | | | | disheartened if you can't pick up the sail on the |
| professional teaching institute in Maharashtra for | | | | first day. Do not sail in the direction of the wind. It |
| this sport. | | | | is important to be well versed with the boat |
| What is it all about? Wind sailing - Wind sailing is an | | | | terminology. There are traffic rules in water as |
| art of controlling a boat. Done on a small boat | | | | well which are very important to adhere to. This |
| with a sail it can be done individually or with a | | | | includes overtaking from the right hand side. Also |
| group of 2-3 people. There are different aspects | | | | it is wrong to block the wind of fellow sailors or |
| of sailing like dinghy sailing, cruising etc. | | | | surfers. Take care of the equipment as it is very |
| Wind Surfing - Wind Surfing is done on a | | | | expensive and not easily available in India. A |
| non-motor board which involves standing and | | | | surfboard costs about Rs. 1,50,000. |
| balancing the board against the wind. The sport | | | | Places where you can do wind surfing and sailing |
| combines aspects of both surfing and sailing. | | | | For beginners and professionals |
| Guidelines for beginners | | | | Inland Wind Surfing and Sailing Academy |
| Wind surfing and sailing can be done by anybody | | | | For professionals |
| eight years and above. The weight and height | | | | Royal Bombay Yacht Club |
| parameters do not matter. A T-shirt, swimming | | | | Secunderabad Sailing Club |
| trunks or costume, shorts, canvas shoes and a | | | | Places like Goa, Chennai and Lakshadweep are |
| cap can be worn. A sun block above 30 SPF is | | | | great for professionals or advanced surfers and |
| also recommended. This activity burns up a lot of | | | | sailors who do not need any help. |
| energy. So eat well and drink a lot of water. | | | | |