‘Chaliyar River Paddle’ begins today, aims to promote water sports, protect river

Kozhikode: ‘Chaliyar River paddle’, a unique boat expedition aimed at promoting water sports such as kayaking and creating awareness on the need to protect the Chaliyar River, will start at 2 pm on Friday from the river bank near Manavedan Higher Secondary School, Nilambur in Malappuram district. Legislator P V Anwar will flag off the event.

Different types of kayaks, standup paddles and yachts will take part in the trip, which is being organised by Jellyfish Water Sports Club in association with Kerala Tourism Department, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, Paragon Hotel, Green Worms and Kayakasia.

The event will witness the participation of around 100 water sports enthusiasts from India, Russia, Australia, Singapore, Germany, the UK and other countries. Beginners in water sports events can join renowned kayaking sportspersons during the expedition. Participants, whose age ranges between eight and 60 years, will cover 68 km by boat along the Chaliyar in three days. Kayaking will take place between 6 am and 6 pm.

“During the trip, we hope to take the message to remove the garbage from the Chaliyar to the local people. A call to protect rivers and promote water sports such as kayaking is among the other goals,” said Koushik Kodithodika, founder of Jellyfish Water Sports.

The organisers also plan to collect 2,000 kg of garbage from the Chaliyar during the three-day trip. The garbage would later be segregated with the support of Green Worms and sent for recycling.

During the journey downstream, awareness classes will be organised for school children on the conservation of rivers. Local residents and children will also be familiarized with various water sports events. The trip will conclude on October 8 (Sunday) at Jellyfish Water Sports Club at Cheruvannur in Kozhikode by 2 pm. The valedictory function will be inaugurated by Tourism Minister P A Muhammed Riyas at 4 pm.