Take a good traveling anytime!
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Scenic southern Thailand offers a host of learning courses in the great outdoors |
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I know that flying over the south of Thailand piqued my curiosity as to what lay below. The view from the plane’s small window only allowed me a fleeting glimpse of some of the most impressive scenery in the world; surely there would be ways to enjoy such splendor at a more leisurely pace? I would quickly discover the answer in Phuket. Pastimes requiring physical dedication usually follow training programs, some concentrate around water; either on it or beneath the surface. Scuba diving, for instance, brings the world of color out of the imagination and into reality, while sailing majestically around limestone monoliths in such locations as Phang Nga Bay brings the views caught from the aircraft to life. Moving away from the water but continuing around those karsts, rock climbing has become one of the main attractions to the beaches of Krabi Province, climbers of all levels of experience descend here only to re-ascend,, albeit to a lesser height. Those viewpoints in the clouds? They’re reserved for the areas newest sport, paragliding. One thing that all four of these seemingly unapproachable pastimes have in common is that they can all be learnt at reasonable cost in glorious surroundings, and the majority is awarded with an internationally recognized certificate of competence. Starting at the bottom – the bottom of the ocean, that is – is scuba diving. Dive centers on both Phuket and in Krabi offer a choice of two. First are non-certification packages running over two days, giving a hint of breathing underwater, with chances to see all manner of marine life in relatively shallow water? The second option qualifies you as a novice diver, again under direct supervision of a professional. The majority of courses are taught under the internationally recognized PADI banner, with the entry-level Open Water Diver Course running over three or more days. You learn the basics such as how to swim underwater, which is no mean feat with all that unfamiliar equipment strapped on. Of course, you are taught how to breathe as well, and there are safety drills. These courses are good fun and are performance based, so there’s no task loading or time limits to uphold. The only thing that can be confusing is remembering all those fish and coral names. As an Open Water Diver, you can dive virtually anywhere, though you will be restricted to a reasonable depth and to daylight hours. If the sun is too appealing to ignore, but the water still beckons, then why not stay on the surface? You could do a lot worse than learn to sail. The only noise is the wind in the sails and there’s a breeze to cool you down and move you on to the next mealtime. Phang Nga Bay separates Phuket from Krabi, and is punctuated with some of the most staggering scenery found anywhere on the planet, a sailing course here combines fun and relaxation while you learn the ropes. Five-day sailing trips will turn you into a competent crew member, the first of the RYA (Royal Yacht Association) qualifications. As with the diving courses, there are no backbreaking chores that demand beating the clock, scything through tidal waves, or placing yourself horizontally above perilous seas. The lessons begin as you climb onboard; safety is explained, pre-sailing checks made and you’re off to the first mooring. The next day finds you maneuvering around large floating balls, “mooring buoys,” followed by “holding course” to the next destination. Over the next few days you soon get the hang of all sorts of necessary tasks such as weighing anchor and letting out the sails, securing various bits and pieces with knotted ropes, plotting courses to moorings and even tending to the onboard barbeque. Sailing also opens up opportunities to explore otherwise inaccessible beaches and coves, their location ensuring that they maintain their natural beauty and solitude. Upon completing the course, you will receive an internationally accepted certificate, stating that you are indeed a “Competent Crew” member, someone who can be depended on to follow and understand the instructions of the Skipper. This also allows you to participate in the “Day Skipper” course, which entitles you to charter your own sailing boat, and furthermore, be the person giving those commands. As already mentioned, the learning curve in southern Thailand also takes place on land, or at least above it. The destinations in this case are the two Railae beaches in Krabi Province; and the focus is rock climbing. Their stalactites, as you soon discover, assist in many a climb. It’s not that they carry you up, but they do provide sufficient places for hands and feet to grip onto. Don’t be put off by the thought of scaling great heights with only the ground below to break your fall, as sport climbing is actually very safe. All the climbs are pre-determined by routes of anchor points, or gates, which mean that your rope passes through secure places on the way up. If you slip or your body is screaming for a rest, then just let go, you will only swing away from the rock without falling. Climbing courses are offered by a number of avid local climbers, who cover all the necessary safety precautions and all carry good equipment. Courses run from half-day affairs of simply climbing under guidance, to intense multi-day courses intending to make you competent enough to be the first one up, and hence, thread the rope. Although climbing courses fundamentally cover the same topics, the low-risk factor undermines the need to meet internationally set standards, so there is no age limit, which opens it up to all the members of the family. Although there are no recognized certificates, you do gain enough personal experience to appreciate what the sport involves. Lastly, and quite literally, at the top of the adventure scale is paragliding, which remains in its infancy throughout the country. There are only a few places in Thailand currently offering recreational flying, and Phuket is one of them. Being reasonably fit to paraglide is not a prerequisite, but it does help. During the early stages of training you hardly ever leave the ground, although you do cover a lot of it; running and hopping down hills and slopes, with what feels like an oversized kite behind you. Just remember that when you get the hang of this flying lark you can take off and land in the same place; there’s no walking back up to the top again. Ground handling gets you out of the habit of being dragged along the ground and making the canopy do exactly what you tell it to, which is to move you upwards, but only when you are ready. After you have mastered “rising up” the canopy, it’s time for flying. The courses follow the Japanese Hang Gliding Federation system and are offered in four parts. To entitle you to fly with supervision, you need to complete Student Pilot A and B. Certificates are awarded and will be recognized internationally. After mastering such exhilarating endeavors, you might feel that you deserve to join those legions of sunbathing beach worshippers; quite handy, as you’re already there. As for me, I felt like a secret agent, soaring the skies, scurrying up rock faces and sneaking about underwater. I felt I should pay homage to the man more accomplished than anyone in such fields, so instructed my competent crew to set sail for “James Bond Island.” | ||||||
| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 October 2008 ) | ||||||
