Watersports in Goa

Parasailing, Water-Skiing, Windsurfing & More...



Watersports in Goa:

With such a beautiful coast, it's easy to see why water sports are the most popular adventure pursuit in Goa. Since the early 1990s, they have spread from an exclusive feature of star hotels to a wide range of offers from private operators.

Most Happening Beaches for Adventure Sport

The coast is dotted with beautiful locations for water sport. The most popular is the stretch from Calangute to Sinquerim. The big hotels on South Goa's serene Arossim and Mobor beaches offer many choices in quieter locales. Beaches in the north are more crowded, where you can club the partying with sporting - not highly recommended since most extreme sports require that you don't have a hangover. You'll also find plenty to do off Dona Paula, near Panjim.

Age Limit:
Unless specified, all water sports are open to children aged 10 years and above.

Legal Disclaimer:
All water sports require you to sign a legal disclaimer that states the procedures are being complied with and that you are aware of the risks of the sport and absolve the operator of any responsibility.

Parasailing

Parasailing in Goa is an incredible experience. As you soar in the air and feel the wind on your face, the excitement really kicks in. There are two ways to parasail - winch-boat parasailing, generally done solo, where you take off and land on a winch boat, and beach parasailing, where you're launched from the beach itself. The beach landing can be tricky and requires good coordination and expertise on the part of the ground staff and the powerboat operator. But not every operator is up to scratch when it comes to safety and so a sub judice case is asking for a ban on beach parasailing. Winch-boat parasailing lets you go higher, anyway.

Where to Parasail
Parasailing around Sinquerim-Candolim-Calangute beach gives you a spectacular view of Fort Aguada and also of the grounded tanker River Princess. The other views to take in are off the Arossim-Cansaulim and Utorda beach stretch, with a stunning coastline and isolated Grande and Bait islands off the Mormugao Coast nearby.

Skills Required
You should be comfortable with heights and water.

Safety Tips
Double check your harness, cord and other gear before taking off. Apart from the boat operator, ensure there is another observer in the boat, because the boat operator cannot keep an eye on you.

Jet-Skiing

Jet-skiing is truly for those who love speed. The 100-135 hp-powered jet-skis used in Goa deliver high-adrenalin thrills. With a pretty uncomplicated machine to handle, you could easily get carried away, which is why most operators make it mandatory for an instructor to accompany the rider. If the operator is satisfied with your skills, you could negotiate a rare solo run.

Where to Jet-Ski
Colva, Candolim, Calangute, Miramar, Arossim, Utorda, Benaulim, Mobor and Rajbaga

Skills required
Comfort with speed and water, fundamental riding skills.

Safety Tips
The part of the beach used for jet-skiing is always within the operators sight, in a pre-defined area.



Water-Skiing

Water-skiing requires strength and skill. While learning, be prepared for repeated tumbles and resulting soreness. To water-ski, you need strong leg and back muscles and a relaxed posture - being stiff doesn't help at all, and practice bending your knees slightly and maintaining them parallel to each other. The operators in Goa will train you until you become good enough, or give up. Either way this sport is definitely worth a try.

Where to Water-ski
Candolim, Canalgute, Arossim, Utorda, Mobor and Rajbaga

Skills Required
Comfort with water, physical stamina.

Safety Tips
Apart from the operator, ensure there is another observer on the boat. If waters are rough, avoid skiing - choppy seas prevent the boat from maintaining a steady course and speed. Go over the hand signals with the operator to avoid confusion and miscommunication. One of the most important signals is to let the driver/observer know you are all right after a fail, by clasping both hands above your head.

Knee and Wake-Boarding

Knee-boarding is similar to water-skiing. The board has a slot for your knees and that's all there is to it. It requires less focus on balance than water-skiing and is a far simpler technique. Wake-boarding is a variation; the skier has one broad board instead of two narrow ones, one which to maintain balance.

Where to Knee-Board
Candolim, Mobor and Rajbaga

Skills Required
Comfort with water. You should be well versed in water-skiing to take up this sport.

Safety Tips
Apart from the boat operator there should be an observer.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is the most well-known water sport and by far the toughest, despite being non-mechanised. It is relatively inexpensive, but windsurfing can be a very frustrating sport to learn. It requires commitment, good health and a good instructor.

Where and when to windsurf
Bogmalo, Miramar, Calangute, Arossim, Utorda, Benaulim, Vagator and Baga are ideal locations. The Dona Paula Bay is one of the best sites to learn. Mornings have a light and gentle breeze while mid-afternoons have stronger winds, creating a perfect setting.

Skills Required
Windsurfing requires a high degree of skill and training.



Speedboat Rides

Speedboats are the next best thing to jet-skiing, more powerful and faster than the jet-skis. With a capacity for 3 to 6, this is a great group activity. Rides normally last 10 mins. to an hour, in which you explore the Goan coastline. The longer trips may also include leisure fishing, dolphin trips or visits to sheer cliffs.

Where to get rides
Speedboats are available on all major beaches like Candolim, Calangute, Arossim, Utorda, Colva and Mobor.

Skills Required
Comfort with water.

Banana, Bump and Ringo Rides

Banana rides are popular with kids. Sitting on a six-seat banana-shaped contraption and being towed by a speedboat rolling and pitching over undulating waves, is indeed appealing. Ringo rides, or bump rides, are variations. First-timers, be prepared for the flip at the very end of the ride - it adds that bit of extra excitement, and with everyone in life jackets, it's pretty safe too.

Where to get fun rides
Fun rides are available on all major beaches

Skills required
Comfort with water

Safety Tips
Apart from the boat operator ensure there is an observer in the boat.




Catamaran Sailing

Catamaran sailing, also referred to as Hobie cats, is a more relaxed sailing activity. A catamaran is made up of a twin hull with trampoline in between the hulls and a mast for sailing. With a normal seating capacity of four, this sport requires a trained professional to sail the catamaran.

Where to Sail
Candolim, Calangute, Dona Paula, Arossim, Utorda, Colva, Benaulim and Mobor are ideal locations for sailing.

Skills Required
Sailing requires a high degree of skill and training

Safety Tips
Understand all emergency procedures and signals explained.

Enjoy Watersports in Goa on your Goa Holidays.
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