Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 27: The Department of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in collaboration with Sports Authority of India and Andaman Water Sports Adventures Pvt. Ltd., will organize exciting Kayak Event for Commercial Operators as part of ongoing series of events i.e. Kayak Festival under the theme “Paddle to Paradise: Explore, Engage, Conserve”, to be held at North Bay on the 1st of November, 2025. This unique initiative aims to encourage skill development, teamwork, and safety awareness among the Islands’ growing community of licensed kayak tour operators. The event is designed as a friendly competition that promotes camaraderie and the exchange of best practices within the local water sports industry.
All registered Kayak operators from North Bay and SVP are requested to participate in the competition, with at least one representative from each company taking part.
Event Schedule Highlights
•09:00 AM – Obstacle Course (Singles): A 100-meter precision steering race through color-coded “Port” and “Starboard” markers, designed to test maneuvering and control.
•09:30 AM – Capsize Challenge (Tandem): Teams execute a capsize and re-entry followed by a 50-meter dash to the beach finish.
•10:00 AM – Capsize Challenge (Singles): Solo re-entry and sprint emphasizing self-rescue skills.
•11:00 AM – Out & Back Beach Start (Tandem): Participants carry, launch, paddle, and run to the finish in this dynamic race.
•12:30 PM – Closing Ceremony: Results, acknowledgements, and group photo.
The event underscores the Department’s commitment to raising professional standards in adventure tourism, fostering safe and sustainable water sports and celebrating local expertise in kayaking — an activity that has become central to the islands’ eco-adventure identity. All participants are required to bring their own personal flotation device (PFD) and paddle. Safety checks will be conducted before the races, and lifeguards and safety boats will be stationed along the course. The competitions will also serve as a refresher in navigation awareness, rescue readiness, and environmentally responsible practices, reinforcing the Department’s emphasis on building competence and confidence among water sports operators.
The Department of Tourism has invited tourists, stakeholders, and the local public to attend and cheer on the Island’s kayaking community as they showcase their skills in the scenic waters of North Bay. Parallel to this, the Kayak activities at North Bay on 1st of November will be available for tourists/visitors/general public after the event at Rs. 400/- per person whereas the current rate is Rs. 1000/-. Registration to the event/completion is free. Forms can be obtained from In-charge, Registration Section, Adventure Water Sports Cell (AWSC), Directorate of IP&T, Mobile No. 9434290132 & Shri. Karma Toppo, Coach (Kayak & Canoe), SAI, STC, SVP, Mobile No. 9933224090.