A few days ago, an old friend of mine (you know I don't mention names on this blog) asked me whether I'm up for a weekend getaway to Rishikesh. Dying to do something different with my life, I said yes.. and we drove all the way from Delhi to Biyasi in my faithful Maruti Esteem. The first evening at our campsite was spent around a bonfire with Old Monk, a guitar and old Hindi songs. Early in the morning of Day 2, the both of us scrambled our way to Shivpuri, for a 16km white-water rafting trip that was included in our package deal.
This stretch on the tumultuous Ganga, from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, has famous Grade IV rapids like the Roller Coaster and Golf Course. As a non-swimmer, I was obviously super nervous, and yet never more sure that I wanted to do this. The next hour and a half was an experience I'll remember for a long, long time. Not so much because of the thrills.. to be honest, I've been on amusement park rides that are scarier.. but because of what our raft guide Rohit taught me that day.
When approaching a rapid, remember that the splashing water will try to push you over, and you need to counter that force. So, instead of holding on to the safety rope.. just lock your feet under the air tubes, sit on the outer rim of the raft, and paddle forward as fast as you can.
And that, ladies and gents, is now my Mantra to life.
