Kayaking and Sailing at Marine Drive

Seeing the Queen’s necklace extending from Malabar Hill all the way to Cuffe parade along Marine Drive while rowing and windsurfing on the gentle Arabian Sea is an unbelievable experience!

Thanks to Raj and Supriya for providing us this wonderful opportunity.

Malavika their older daughter is a National Windsurfing champion. This was her Birthday treat to her homeschooling friends.

We assembled at the Club, and changed into our swimming costumes. It is advisable to wear water proof clothing, and the club provides bright orange life vests too.

The beach is right in front of the club. A short walk and we were at the sea side.

Malavika explained the basics of rowing and kayaking, and then we set out into the sea!

 

There were single and double kayaks. It is fun and also a great way to exercise.

After rowing for some time, Raj gave us some food for the sea gulls which were soon crowding around us in the deep sea. Seeing the mass of sea gulls was exciting and in the excitement Maahir jumped out of his Kayak into the sea. Malavika tried to pull him out of the water and her Kayak also capsized. Anyway the water was chest deep and they both managed to clamber on to their Kayaks.

After rowing around and exploring the sea, we returned to the shore.

By then everyone was really hungry and there was lovely breakfast served at the Club.

We had Idli, Medu Vada, Sandwich, Papaya pickle, Fritters, Coffee, Coke, Dosa and juice.

A lot of sea gulls also were around, as also crows, to eat whatever we offered them.

After breakfast we set out to the beach with a football, and played football and tag.

We also saw some strange characters on the beach like this old man with his spying glass!

Malavika then brought her Sailing equipment and we all gathered to see how she assembled it.

The black water at Marine Drive Girgaum Chowpatty

Raj Joshi the sailor

Two enthusiastic Kayakers

Far away from the rat race and the city’s hurry and worry, Raj enjoys sailing in the bay of Bombay

Malavika the sailor with the other kids on Kayaks

Two satisfied Kayakers

After Kayaking to their hearts content, the children walk back along the beach. Wonder when people will stop throwing garbage into the sea though.

At the end of the day I could rest back contented and satisfied with all that I had done today J