The
stunning beaches of Goa are known as much for their picturesque beauty
as for the myriad of water sports facilities they offer. The azure
waters of the Arabian sea lure adventure buffs with the prospect of
exciting water sports ranging from windsurfing to parasailing. The
credit for transforming the tranquil beaches of Goa into watersports
zones goes to Englishman John Lucas who descended on these beaches in
the 1970s. Lucas' passion for windsurfing rubbed off on other tourists
who gradually took to the water sports in Goa in large numbers.
Dinghy Sailing
In contrast to the rigorous sport of windsurfing, dinghy sailing
provides for a relaxed outing in the seas. Dinghies are 15-feet long
crafts that easily accommodate three to four people. Though the thrill
of windsurfing is missing, dinghy sailing is perfect for families
wanting to surf the seas at a leisurely pace.
Parasailing
One of the most enthralling water sports, Parasailing means floating
high in the sky with a parasail. The parasail is ususally attached to a
speedboat with the help of a long rope. As the speedboat traverses the
placid waters, the parasail lifts the person into the air. The Taj and
Bogmalo Resorts offer parasailing facilities.
Windsurfing
Essentially a surface water sport, windsurfing requires stamina and
physical strength on part of the surfers. Using a sailboard attached to
a sail, the surfer skims the waves by precariously balancing himself to
the changing currents of wind and water. The Dona Paula beach is
regarded the perfect venue for windsurfing among the Goa beaches.
Water Skiing
Water skiing involves traversing the high seas in speedboats. As these
high speed boats skids through the waves, one feels a rush of adrenaline
up the spine.