Nature, with its quicksilver attributes, has always inspired awe and has remained as the greatest enigma to mankind. Snow- capped summits of towering mountains, thorny deserts to the underwater surfaces; nothing could or can stop humans from exploring the unknown! And exploring the Aqua world is one of the greatest challenges to humans. The startling assortment of rich, multi-hued marine life overwhelms a man who tries to "seek knowledge like a pole star".

The feel of crushing foamy waves over one's body, the sight of colorful coral reefs, planktons, small hydroids, sea anemones, starfish, glassy jellyfish and other biodiversity is truly enticing. You can never be alone in the sea. The best way to explore this varied aqua life is to dive under water and watch nature in its different incarnation. So if you are tired after touring the hills, plains and plateaus and want to indulge in different types of pleasure or adventures, then nothing can be better than the thrill of scuba diving in the azure backwaters and seas of Kerala. Besides Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, Kerala with its large number of emerald lagoons, untainted beaches and rivers is an ideal destination for water sports like Kayaking, Para Sailing, Canoeing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Wind Surfing and so on.

These water sports are offered by different sport clubs and beach resorts of Kerala. One such beach that offers scuba diving, parasailing, deep sea fishing and windsurfing is the Varkala Beach which is less inhabited and is located about 51 km from the capital of Kerala- Thiruvananthapuram. The Alappuzha Beach also offers water sports activities. It doesn't matter if you are a novice or a professional; there are veteran guides who will be always ready to help you.

Origin of Scuba diving-Scuba diving was first introduced by the Europeans who was inspired by the straddling Indian Coastline.

Things required- Scuba diving needs some essential things or equipments. The essential requirements are-

Fin,
Tank,
Mask,
Snorkel,
Knife,
Dive tables
Dive watch
A pair of leather or canvas gloves
Underwater flashlights for night diving
Wet suit that varies with the temperature of the water

Physical requirements- While scuba diving you should comply with certain conditions-

You should not be a heart patient
You should not have high blood pressure
Don't do diving if you are pregnant
You should be minimum 10 years of age

Tips About Scuba Diving

You should keep the following safety points in mind while going for a dive under the water-

Never dive alone, any friend, guardian or professional should be accompanying you.
Seek help when you are in danger
Always place a "Diver Below" flags to keep boat and ship drivers away
Make sure you are completely fit
Stay away from venomous creatures, octopuses, sharks and so on
Check out whether your diving equipments are functioning properly

Have an unforgettable time exploring the underwater diverse flora anf fauna, the fragments of a sunken ship and viewing the astounding coral reefs of the turquoise, cobalt blue waters of Kerala.

Last Updated on 26 May 2011

Water Sports in Kerala