Daredevilry for Fun’s Sake

Precisely why his Manali-based adventure company,Climb the Himalayas,has been taking many on an unforgettable journey. For Sood,it’s not a business but a passion to make people of all ages get hooked to the adrenalin high of mountain climbing,trekking,biking and enjoying nature.

Sood believes that adventure sports are for everyone. So,he designs programmes and facilities to cater to a diverse audience,from children to seniors,seasoned adventure enthusiasts to first-timers. “The prerequisites: you should be open to challenges and respect nature,” he says. Apart from foreigners,says Sood,there’s a growing base of Indians who have now started enjoying the outdoors.

At the Dikshant Global School in Panchkula,adventure sports are an integral part of the curriculum for both teachers and students,with activities spread over the entire year. It’s Mitul Dikshit’s love and experience of parasailing,gliding,paragliding,scuba diving,river rafting and sky diving that makes him believe that every child must feel this thrill. “Every sport,at any level,gives a child so much to learn. Adventure sports help children develop a kind of fearlessness,which is so important,” says the director of the school,who is not fazed by the so-called “risk factor” in these activities. There are many things which can go wrong,says 35-year-old Dikshit,adding,“But if you follow some basic instructions,you won’t fail,and that holds true for life too.”

Having recently experienced sky-diving in California,US,Dikshit says the experience has opened many windows for him. River rafting in Rishikesh,scuba diving in Andaman Nicobar Islands,gliding at the the Pinjore Flying Club and now skiing in Auli,Dikshit would love to experience all this with students. He says all this also helps as a “great team-building exercise”.

Agrees Supreet Dhiman,a mountaineer by passion and an interior designer by profession. Inspired by the terrific experiences that she’s had – trekking in Leh – Ladakh,biking trips in Manali,river rafting in Rishikesh,nature trails – the young woman was keen to share the “feel of life on the wild side” with others. So,in 2007,she established the Chandigarh Adventures,Treks and Sports (CATS),a group of adventure enthusiasts from all walks of life.

For quick getaways from city life,CATS organises regular treks,biking trips,nature walks et al. “From the age of five up to 60,we welcome everyone to get far way from the madding crowds,’’ says Dhiman,recalling the 32-kilometre trek through a wildlife sanctuary to the enchanting Churdhar mountain range in Sirmaur that had everyone asking for more. Apart from the obvious health benefits,CATS members feel such outings are a great way to bond. The winter will see a spurt of hectic activities,including participating in the Delhi Half Marathon on November 27 and then a Christmas expedition in December.