Kochi marina to become water sport arena

December 16 (TravelAndy): In a bid to promote adventure tourism, the city of Kochi in Kerala is set to turn its marina into a water sport arena from January, said The Hindu.

The marina operators have introduced speed boats and jet kayaks to facilitate water sports.

Jet kayaks are vessels that operate by means of a jet engine; it does not require an oar. These vessels can float in open sea, rivers and estuaries.

“We have obtained mandatory safety and other clearances from the ports department, Kerala Tourism and Cochin Port Trust, to operate in the Bolghatty-Marine Drive corridor,” said Simon Murthaty, chief operations officer of Ocean Blue Boating that operates in the marina adjacent to Kerala Tourism Development Corporation’s Bolaghatty Palace Hotel.

This initiative intends to attract young tourists and children.

Plans are on to introduce similar water sporting activities in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Kasaragod.