New Zealand kayaker returns to Kerala to reclaim Raja title despite soaring war-driven travel costs

Ryan O'Connor wears many hats back home in New Zealand. He works as a motorcycle mechanic, tour guide and kayaking instructor. But in India, he is better known as the 'Kayaking King'. The New Zealander has returned to Kozhikode's Kodenchery to compete in this year's Malabar River Festival, hoping to retain the 'Rapid Raja' title (the title given to the overall male champion of the international whitewater kayaking competition) he won last year.

Although he had no event scheduled on Friday, O'Connor took to the Pulikkayam river for practice and to assist with safety operations. Spectators greeted him with loud applause as he paddled through the course.

Pullurampara course promises a stern test

O'Connor says his favourite kayaking destination is the Shotover River in Queenstown, New Zealand. He has also kayaked extensively in the United States and Canada.

However, he believes Sunday's final at Pullurampara will be among the toughest challenges. According to him, competitors must find the right racing line from the very beginning, as recovering from a poor start on the demanding course is extremely difficult.

War pushes up travel costs

Last year, O'Connor travelled to the festival with 11 friends from different countries. This year, only three of them could make the trip.

He attributes the drop in numbers to soaring airfares triggered by the ongoing conflict, which has made international travel significantly more expensive. O'Connor said this year's journey cost him considerably more than last year's.

Kerala feels like home

With New Zealand currently in its winter season, O'Connor took up different jobs to save money for the trip. He also received financial support from his parents. In New Zealand, he trains around 100 children in kayaking.

He says Kerala gives him a sense of being at home. Unlike many international kayaking competitions that attract mostly professional athletes, the Malabar River Festival also draws enthusiastic local children and families, creating a unique atmosphere.

During his 12-day visit, O'Connor plans to spend about a week in Kodenchery and Thiruvambady before travelling to Kochi and returning home.

On Saturday, he will compete in the Men's Extreme Slalom event at Pulikkayam. If he qualifies, he will return to Pullurampara on Sunday to defend his 'Rapid Raja' crown.