Kayaking through the placid backwaters of Kochi, flanked on either side by mangroves, is meditative. Jumping off a cliff at about 30 feet, makes one let go of fear. And few things would compare with the thrill of navigating through foamy rapids in an inflatable raft. Kerala has developed an appetite for water adventure activities, and it definitely saw an uptick in 2025.
One can try anything from stand-up paddling to surfing, rafting, kayaking, sailing, rowing, scuba diving and skimboarding in Kerala, which has a geographical advantage with its abundant lakes, rivers and long coastline.
Recreational water sports has caught up as the professional level water sports has set a benchmark, says Anoop KP, an ISA-certified SUP flatwater coach and founding member of SUP Kerala (sup.kerala) in Kochi. With professional level kayaking, canoeing, rowing in place at SAI centre at Alappuzha, surfing at Varkala, whitewater kayaking in Kozhikode and stand-up paddling in Kochi, opportunities for indulging in recreational water sports has opened up. District tourism boards started organising hobby events associated with different water sporting items. Sailing clubs in Kochi now attract hobby members, says Anoop.
Sand-up paddling in Kochi
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Stand-up and paddle
While kayaking remains one of the most popular water sports in Kochi, stand-up paddling (SUP) is witnessing a steady increase in demand. “SUP treads the space between kayaking and surfing, both of which are now possible in Kerala. Those who prefer serene waters can SUP on backwaters or rivers whereas those who love the sea can try SUP in the sea,” Anoop adds. Kochi’s picturesque islands including Chitrapuzha, Kadamakkudy, Panangad, and Mulavukad have emerged as hotspots for SUP.
Scuba diving in Kochi
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Fresh water deep dive
Scuba diving is a much-sought-after experience, too. Joseph Deleesh, director of Aqualeo PADI Dive Centre in Kochi, says the number of people coming in for scuba diving has grown steadily. “While the Andamans and the Lakshadweep islands were the most preferred spots for scuba, people have opened their eyes to what we have here in our own city,” he says. Deleesh recently trained a group of 40 women in scuba at the Shasthamugal Lake at Thiruvaniyur, about an hour from Kochi. “The sea in Kochi is not ideal for scuba diving, as the visibility is very low. In the Shasthamugal Lake, at a depth of about 30 metres, the visibility is great and one can see schools of freshwater fish,” Deleesh adds.
An authorised PADI (professional association of diving instructors) centre, Aqualeo offers training programmes in diving and rescue operations in addition to recreational water sports. “Though scuba diving and kayaking always have takers, there is growing interest in cliff jumping, as well. Those who try it here say it is a great stress buster,” says Joseph. Participants are required to jump off a cliff, about 30 feet high, into the water. Every activity is done with property safety measures in place, Deleesh adds.
Surfing in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram
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Surf’s up
When Anandhu SG started Sur N Sea at Varkala in 2019, with his friend Amal, most of his clients were foreign tourists. Six years down the line, he has a number of Indians who love the waves turn up for surfing. “We have a strong surfing community now. This year, we have formed an association to create awareness about surfing and offer training to children in local schools,” says Anandhu.
Varkala is one of the best spots for beginner, intermediate and expert surfers, he adds. Surf N Sea offers training in surfing and stand-up paddling. “Surfing is exciting and adventurous, and when there are options to try it in one’s own land, why not? The feeling one gets while riding a wave is inexplicable,” says Anandu.
Sikmboarders in Fort Kochi
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THULASI KAKKAT
Skim across the water
A lesser-known, yet extremely popular water sport catching on in Kochi is skimboarding. Not to be confused with surfing, it is a sport where the skimboarder glides over the surface of the water and meets the surf to ride it back to the shore. Usually done in shallow waters, it is gaining popularity as a family fun activity, says Bimal Xavier, a coach at Skim B, an outfit that offers workshops in skimboarding in Kochi.
Founded by Francis Kurien and Sreekumar Santhosh, Skim B manufactures the boards used for skimboarding. “People love it, because it is not a deep water activity and one does not have to know swimming. It is also ideal for children,” adds Bimal. SkimB has already built a passionate community of skimboarders in Kochi, who meet up at Vypeen beach.
Whitewater rafting in Kozhikode
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Thrill of the rapids
Social media has contributed a great deal in popularising these sports among the larger public, says Prasad Thumbai, founder of Jellyfish Watersports, a Kozhikode-based water adventure company. Founded in 2013, it has been gradually cultivated a community that enjoys rafting, rowing, stand-up paddling, kayaking and sailing on the waters of the Chaliyar. Over the years, awareness about water adventure activities has gone up and there is a marked difference in the way people approach these events, says Prasad. The Malabar River Festival, an annual water sporting event organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society and the Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council with support from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, is an example, he points out. “In 2026, it would enter into its 12th year, and it is now a looked forward to annual event,” Prasad says.
“With certified professional trainers, instructors, and lifeguards with first-aid/rescue training, families including children can indulge in water sporting activities because it blends excitement, laughter, and makes memories,” he adds.
Published – December 30, 2025 01:37 pm IST
