“The experience of white water kayaking in Pakistan has been wonderful. “Just as the high mountains of the northern regions attract adventurers from all over the world, so the river and water resources here are very attractive and we have enjoyed the adventure to the best of our ability.”
This was said by Benjamin Luck, an expeditionary from the United States, who along with three of his colleagues carried out white water kayaking in the waters of the Indus from Skardu to Gilgit.
While Benjamin Luck and his colleagues were kayaking white water on small plastic boats, viewers would press their fingers into their teeth.
Whether it is the river Indus flowing in the northern areas, the river Gilgit or the river Kehnar, their waves look very beautiful from a distance. But approaching them is extremely dangerous, and the chances of the most skilled swimmer falling into the river by mistake are slim.
The waves of these rivers in the northern regions are several feet high. The visible and invisible rocks in them and the fast flowing water bring the message of death in moments. It is not considered possible to play sports like boating in most of these rivers.
But Benjamin Luck and his colleagues, Cody Beach, Louis Norris and Bernard Engleman, faced all these dangers.
He and his companions started their journey from Skardu two weeks ago and reached Gilgit River at Gilgit successfully according to their plan and schedule. During this time he completed a journey of 140 km in six days.
What is Whitewater Kayaking?
Whitewater kayaking was a means of transportation for some communities and people in the region when other means, such as roads, were closed. Over time, such communities dwindled, but in modern times it has taken the form of adventure and sport.
The sport is now popular in many parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other regions, and a modern form of the sport is now available at the Olympics.
Essentials for whitewater kayaking include plastic boats and oars, while the only people capable of carrying out this adventure are those who have the ability to sail fast with both arms in difficult situations, as well as skilled swimmers. I am
Safety equipment is now more so than ever before and can include helmets, life jackets, ropes, and more.
This is the sixth team of foreign adventurers to come to Pakistan for white water kayaking in the last few years.
According to Ali Anwar Khan, managing director of Golden Pack Tour, a tour company that manages white water kayaking in Pakistan, there is not much awareness about white water kayaking in Pakistan yet.
“We launched the campaign a few years ago in collaboration with the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department, as a result of which we have managed to bring a team of white water kayaking adventurers to Pakistan.”
The future of white water kayaking in Pakistan
According to Ali Anwar Khan, there are no more experts in this adventure or sport in Pakistan so far, due to which foreigners would have made all the arrangements on their own while his company would only provide logistical support. Is.
He said that if the game was adopted in Pakistan and its experts were trained locally, a large number of foreign adventurers could turn to Pakistan as a result.
According to Ali Anwar Khan, it seems that it will not be possible to hold this game in summer when the water level in the Indus, Gilgit or Northern Areas is very high and high.
“But in the winter, when the water flow is low, these rivers in the northern regions can be very good for this adventure.”
According to Ali Anwar Khan, by promoting this sport and campaign, winter adventures can be further enhanced by increasing foreign exchange and employment locally.
Benjamin Luck said that these beautiful rivers of Pakistan are still hidden from the eyes of those who are keen on white water kayaking.
Benjamin Luck said that he and his team have just started their adventure on very little water. We have fallen in love with this beautiful water and its lofty waves, mountains and valleys. There is still a lot of water inside the northern areas on which we have to venture, for which we will go back and make a plan.
Benjamin Luck said that he has done white water kayaking in different countries of the world along with his colleagues.
“Every country has its own environment and situation but we believe that there are many opportunities in Pakistan for this adventure. One of the biggest opportunities is that in other countries of the world this game is played in summer but in the situation of Pakistan, winter is suitable for it.
Benjamin Luck added that this is just the beginning in Pakistan.
“There are many waters, rivers and routes that no one has traveled on yet. There is a lot that is still hidden from the eyes of the world and the campaign. Campaigns that would definitely like to travel on them. That requires proper planning.
He said he would return to the United States and tell his comrades that the natural beauty of the northern parts of Pakistan awaits them.