Tourists, locals paddle through Goa before rains arrive

As the last stretch of sunshine gives way to Goa’s much-awaited monsoon, locals and tourists alike are squeezing in one final dose of adventure on the water. From paddling through quiet backwaters and mangrove-lined creeks to soaking in spectacular sunsets, kayaking has emerged as one of the most popular ways to experience the state's natural beauty before heavy rains arrive and most watersports activities pause for the season.For Sameer Nair and his friends, the kayaking trip was about exploring a different side of Goa."I had never gone kayaking before, so it was tough for us at first, but we had a lot of fun," shares Sameer.For Prajakta Chauhan, kayaking offered the perfect setting to capture Goa's famed sunsets."No video in Goa is complete without the sunset. The best view is while you are kayaking. Though I was scared of drowning, I kept ensuring the lifeguards were there," she says.For Mapusa resident Kalpana Shukla, kayaking is a favourite family activity before the school term begins."I go very often with my kids to Baga and my sons love to kayak. We wanted to make the most of it before schools reopen," she says.Rental operator Albert Gonsalves believes the activity allows visitors to experience nature at a slower pace."Tourists paddle at their own pace and explore different types of birds and other aquatic animals," he says.Safety remains a key focus for operators, says Dominic Fernandes."We get many bookings and each group is given a set of rules. The water is around 6-7 feet deep, but we make sure to keep an eye on all the tourists in case of any emergency. We have trained swimmers who can assist in any rescue," says Dominic.