Overhang rappelling at Kanheri Caves
When Geeta Nair, resident of Ashok Van, got bored of reading, sleeping and watching TV all through the weekend she knew she had to break away.
She joined an informal adventure club in Goregaon and since then weekends have never been better. Now she rappels, treks, hikes, walks and does everything that excites her.
Geeta is not the only one. More and more professionals are waking up to the realisation that they dont want to spend their weekends indoors.
And catering to this segment is Adventure First (AF), an association started by Gorai resident Parag Chavan.
Started six years ago, AF offers rappelling, trekking, jumaring, hiking, nature trails and everything related to the outdoors. Chavan, who conducts these sessions has completed various courses including the Scouts Masters Course, Basic Mountaineering and the Himalayan Woodbadge course.
Ive always been a lover of the outdoors and like interacting with people, says Chavan who also has a tour and travels business. For him AF is not a moneymaking business but a passion that has developed over the years.
Chavans first experience with adventure sports came when he took the students of St Francis DAssisi High School on a trek to Matheran.
Parag Chavan (right) rappelling at Kanheri Caves at a height of 120 feet
However, most of his clients today are working people.
Its keeping working people in mind that I have designed weekend programmes where we leave on Sunday, visit places close to Mumbai like Mahabaleshwar, Khopoli, Lonavla, Ratnagiri and return on the same day and the activities are also not really hectic, says Chavan.
Twenty-six-year-old Supriya Suvarna could not have been happier. A resident of Gorai, Suparna works for a call centre in Malad.
These kind of activities completely rejuvenate me for the week ahead, she says. Its physically tiring but mentally relaxing, she adds.
A chartered accountant from SVP Road, Rekha Bagrys association with Chavan started in Dec 2003.
Besides the fact that rappelling and rock climbing are thrilling, these activities also boost confidence and self-esteem, says Bagry, who claims that initially she was scared of rappelling. But I finally did it and I was so happy. Now I am not scared anymore, she says.
The fun a person has compensates for the fatigue one might experience, points out Anirudh Barde, resident of LIC Colony. Hes trekked and rappelled with Chavan thrice and hopes to do it more often.
Its nice to have different options for the weekend rather than just lazing at home, he adds.
According to Chavan, the monsoon offers fabulous opportunities for activities like waterfall rappelling and rain treks. The rains make everything so splendid; its the best time to get up and get out, says Chavan.
Call Parag Chavan on 9820771155
Fact file
Age No Bar
Approx cost of one-day trip Rs 750 with transport in air-conditioned vehicles, meal and equipment
Health requirements People should be medically fit as most activities involve walking. Arthritis patients are not allowed. Asthmatic patients should carry their medication
Tips for adventure sports enthusiasts
Its best to wear clothes that are light and loose and shoes that grip the ground, especially in the rains
A cap, water bottle and a light snack should always be carried
While trekking one should maintain the pace that one generally walks in. Don't try to change it by walking too fast or slow
Always inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth; try not to inhale through your mouth
If one runs out of breath, stop for a few minutes, eat a peppermint and then continue
janaki@mid-day.com
