Make a splash this summer

First, the bad news: The crippling heat is only to get worse next month. Now, The good news: This is the time to hit the waters. The guide scouts the city to get you some fun aqua options

Make a splash this summer

First, the bad news: The crippling heat is only to get worse next month. Now, The good news: This is the time to hit the waters. The guide scouts the city to get you some fun aqua options

Summers in Mumbai are hardly what chick-lit novels are made of. Being a beach bum is highly impossible (Juhu beach, really?) while summer love is often covered by a film of sweat and stench. As midyear approaches, all we can think of is hitting the pool and lounging in the cool waters for hours together. But this year, instead of taking mindless laps, we suggest you have some serious fun in the water. Here are some options you can choose from.

Windsurfing, kayaking and paddling
It doesn't matter if you have dodgy aqua survival skills. Rajiv Bhatia from Rae Sport will make sure that you come out of the water looking like a pro after lessons at H2O, Chowpatty. You would've often spotted youngsters paddling their neon-coloured boats in the water here. Start off with a two-person kayak and, as you get better, proceed to the single-seater. Once you have a hang of it, you can ride your kayak on almost any water body, be it the sea, lake, river or a nearby canal. Kayaking does not need licensing, is not dependent on the breeze, waves or currents. Consider it on the same terms as a bicycle rideu00a0-- all you need is the gear. Plus, the super upper body workout is a bonus. Windsurfing, a surface water sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing, will have you get in action from session two and go on to windsurf without any assistance soon. Stand-up paddling will develop those balancing skills as you hit the waters standing up from session one itself.u00a0
At Rae Sport Academy, near Mafatlal Clubhouse, Chowpatty, Girgaum.
Call 23677584/ 9920088873

Swimming and diving
We believe, there are three things in life thatu00a0 everyone should learn: cycling, skating and swimming. If you are among the unfortunate ones who don't know what it is like to splash around, sign up for swimming lessons at your neighbourhood pool right now. If you are already a swimming pro, then gang up with your friends for a fun game of water polo, that is sure to leave you with stronger arms and better lung capacity.
At Body Rhythm Swimming Classes (Nariman Point): 22848011; Mickey Mehta's Swimming Classes (Andheri): 26104271

Scuba diving
We know it's no fun to scuba dive in a swimming pool, but if you want to get a feeler of the fins, a wetsuit and an attached breathing apparatus, then this is your best bet. City-based companies like Lacadives (run by adman Prahlad Kakar) and Orca Dive Club conduct fun sessions in pools to orient you to this sport, and hopefully encourage you to travel to places like the Andamans for the real thing. Lacadives conducts its sessions at pools in Vile Parle, Churchgate and Breach Candy, while Orca has its sessions at Andheri and Khopoli.u00a0
Cost Rs 14,000 to Rs 16,000
Call 65177381 (Lacadives); 24921541 (Orca)