Kayaks blaze a trail as Malabar river fest kicks off

Kozhikode: The Grand Malabar River Fest got to a start on Wednesday with free-style kayaking on the Meenthulli river in Chakkittappara panchayat. Thirty-five kayakers, including five women, are taking part in the inaugural event of the championship.

Along with the international kayakers, two men from Kerala, Nisthul Jose and Nithin Das, are also taking part in their first major championship.

Freestyle Kayaking at Meenthullipara of Kuttiyadi river in connection with Malabar river festival. Photo: Russell Shahul

In the free-style event, points would be given for the kayakers' ability to stay still in the wave for 45 seconds. The world championship would continue till July 22 (Sunday). Female kayakers for the inaugural event are: Martina Wegman from the Netherlands, Nouria Newman from France, Hanna Bruno from the US, Molly Agor from the UK and Nicola Mansfield from the US. The championship is being held on the rivers Pulikkayam (Kodenchery), Meenthullippara (Chakkittappara) and Iruvazhinjippuzha (Thiruvambady).

The event is coordinated by the Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) with support from the Kozhikode district panchayat and the three gramapanchayats – Kodenchery, Chakkittappara and Thiruvambady.

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