Watersports are the dots that adorn the coastline of Goa. It started for pleasure, turned to profit and somewhere down the coast is leaving some with painful memories.
Fortunately, most of those involved in the business know that to err constantly is not acceptable and hence the sporadic black spot makes all pause to think, but life goes on.
“Let me be straight. We have no access to a beach and hence not thinking of watersports when in Goa does not arise. For us, this is a special experience and my daughter wanted to have a go at it and I couldn’t say no to her,” says Zeba, who watches as the watersports operator removes the straps from her 13-year-old daughter who has just finished winch parasailing.
“Mummy,” says the child to her mother in Hindi, “I felt I was like a cotton in the sky and everything looked so beautiful. Can I go again?” The mother’s smile says it all and soon the girl is being prepared for another sail.
Right from cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to others, many have partaken of watersports activities on the Goan coast primarily because most are operated by local fishermen and safety has always come first.
Goa, however, was not a tourism destination for watersports – though the State has hosted many watersports international and nationals – as for the foreign tourist being in the sea is for pleasure.
“I am old for watersports and, anyway, I was never drawn to it all through my eight years that I have been here. I love swimming or just bobbling in the water and soaking in the sun afterwards,” says Miriam after rubbing sun tan on herself.
“I do not know if it is because of the health or safety factor or it is just because it does not interest me. Sometimes I just enjoy sitting on the beach with a beer and watching the bulls enjoy their swim,” she smiles.
Watersports draws many Indian tourists to the shore and, as in the case of Zeba and others, being in the sea is now a dream that can be realised and hence many watersports facilities along the coast.
Price for windsailing starts from Rs 1,300 and may vary slightly from beach to beach, where it is available, but operators, specifically in South Goa are particular in adhering to the rules.
“In our business, we have to be as careful as the guest or even the other way round. There are times, if only seven people are allowed in a boat a guest will plead that his kid be allowed. If that happens, both are guilty,” explains Andrew, who oversees watersports activities on a beach in South Goa.
In our business, we have to be as careful as the guest or even the other way round. There are times, if only seven people are allowed in a boat a guest will plead that his kid be allowed. If that happens, both are guilty
Andrew, Watersports operator
“I do not mind if I lose a customer for not adjusting by taking a child. It is better to lose a client then to lose a life or lives. A few rupees do not make a difference but it helps gain trust,” assumes Andrew.
Watersports activities normally start by 9 am and tend to end by sunset with the bulk of the business happening as the sun begins to set. “We are having a good season,” concludes fisherman Pele on Benaulim beach.