The frothy white rapids of the Iruvazhinji river and Chali river in Kozhikode are getting ready to receive some of the best kayakers from around the world. Come monsoon and the small town of Kodencheri in Kozhikode district, home to these two rivers in Kerala, prepares for the annual Malabar River Fest, one of Asia’s largest whitewater kayaking competitions.
Into its ninth edition all set to begin next month, the event draws world champions, experienced kayakers, amateurs and water sport enthusiasts alike. Organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) along with the District Tourism Promotion Council with technical support from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA), this year’s competition will have ten competitors from outside India; it would also be a showcase of local talents.
Over the past few weeks, the region around Kodencheri has been bustling. Over 50 kayakers from states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other countries have been staying in and around, practising in the waters in order to get used to the ways of the rapids. The event has an open category for men and women, whose paddling skills should be Class 3 and above. The intermediate category is for amateur boaters with a paddling skill of Class 2. Based on their power, the rapids are categorised into classes one to six.
