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Beach Sports in Goa
- Beach Volleyball
- Beach Basket Ball
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Other Sports in Goa
- Jet-Skiing
- Super cross Racing
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Goa has umpteen number of options for water sports. Microlite
flying is the latest addition. A motorized machine with a forty feet wing
span, microlite can accommodate two to three persons including one operator.
You need not to know gliding for microlite flying because it is a operators
job. You are just expected to sit and enjoy unfolding Goa beneath you.
Microlite-flying is a new fad among a clutch of aviation enthusiasts in
India. A basic microlite, in fact, can be assembled for just around Rs 5-6
lakh, somehow equivalent of buying a car for a middle class person. The
hobby of flying is infectious in nature. The moment passion catches on, it
becomes too hard to give it up. Microlite flying is a variation of
hang-gliding. It was initially introduced by Nikki's Travel Services at
Anjana, Goa from November, 2004.
Ability of being able to assemble a microlite with commercially available
parts is half the fun in itself. Microlites typically use motorcycle or
lawnmower engines although certified but costly engines are also available.
Their normal speed is about 120 kilometres per hour, consuming around 14
litres of petrol per hour. These can stay in the air for five hours at a
stretch. Microlites can be also be designed to be open to the elements, with
the wind rushing past you.
Microlites are new to Indian skies. Rajiv Gandhi, India's late Prime
Minister and a trained pilot himself, cleared the use of this addictive
sport in the civil sector way back in 1989. Microlite flying has gained the
phenomenal popularity since then. Almost all the human beings have always
envied the birds for their ability to fly. "Aviation is very addictive",
says one microlite flier "Microlite flying is like experiencing an
orgasm," he continues.
A single-seater should ideally weigh less than 330 kg and a twin-seater,
450 kg. It can reach a cruising height of around 11,000 feet although most
fliers prefer to stick closer to the ground, 3,000 feet or so. But these
can't be flown at night and unfriendly weather conditions. These cannot be
used for aerobatics also. If the government eases regulations a bit, it
would be popularized more.
Where to go for Microlite Flying
This facility is only available at Calangute.
When to go for Microlite-flying
Anytime when the weather conditions are friendly. Ideal conditions for it
are as follows.
Maximum wind speed 15 to 20 mph
Visibility more than 5 km in flight
Cloud base above 1000 feet
Medical Requirements
You should get a declaration of fitness form by your doctor. Medical
requirements are almost similar to those in case of driving. It is
restricted only for adults with no upper age limit.
Equipments needed
Headsets, helmets, flying suits, gloves, warm clothing, thick pair of socks
during winters
Rates
Rs 1,500 per person for around 15/20 minutes and Rs 2,500 for 30 minutes
approximately
