Adventure of Snake – boat travel

Adventure sports
Some important adventure water sports are Scuba diving, White river rafting, Sea surfing, Hang Gliding and Mountain King.
Look out for age restrictions while taking up an adventure sport. Some adventure sports are not open to people of all ages.
River rafting
Certain adventure sports can take place only in specific locations, during a particular season. We have to travel to a place on the banks of a river for white river rafting and to a place near the sea, for sea rafting.

Silambam
This involves the art of fencing with both hands on the Silambam (staff). This Silambam staff has also enjoyed international fame. Romans, Greeks and Egyptians bought the Staffs in Madurai! This art form traveled to Malaysia where it is a recreational activity and also a method of self – defense.
Kerala’s `sanake – boat’ race is the largest team sport in the world. On the second Saturday of August, every year, boat men vie for the Nehru trophy on the waters of Alapzzha.
The `Chudan Vallams’ ( Snake – Boats) are 100 – 130 feet long. They can carry 4 helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 -125 Oaramen! The oars push through the waters keeping in stride to the beat of the fast rhythm of the Vanchipattu or boatman song’. Boats are smeared with oil so that they can glide smoothly in the water. Prayers are offered in temples prior to the race. Smaller boats like Churulan, Veppu, Odi etc., also take part in the races. Women too row the boats!