OutdoorUAE - January 2014

Price: 10 DHS

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Conquer Kubrah

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DARRYL’S ROCK CLIMBING ADVENTURE in Oman

Patrice’s wadi trip MTBing

in the UAE

Tried & Tested

LifeProof

Salmon fishing

IN ICELAND

phone case

Top of Triglav SURF SAFELY Don’t be a kook!

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Issue 37, January 2014

WAECO CFX Portable Fridge & Freezer For car & home use

Genuine WAECO compressor with integrated AC electronics

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Suitable for solar operation

12/24 volts DC and 240 volts AC

www.waeco.ae – info@waeco.ae Available at

Suitable for vehicles with a single battery

Variable Va ri ab le Motor Speed Optimisation Mk 2

3 stage battery protection

USB charging outlet

German engineered

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

On the cover: Rock climbing in Oman Photo by: Darryl MacDonald Managing Editor Daniel Birkhofer Editors Glaiza Seguia, Tara Atkinson Designer Oybek Daniyarov Administration Jane Mesina Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries) Linda Turcerova Tel: 04-447 2030 Mobile: 055 9398915 linda@outdooruae.com Published by Outdoor UAE FZE In cooperation with D32 Events P.O. Box 215062 Dubai, U.A.E. Tel. 04-447 2030 contact@outdooruae.com www.outdooruae.com Distributor Tawzea, Abu Dhabi Media Company P.O. Box 40401, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Printed at Dubai Printing Press P.O. Box: 6820, Dubai, UAE Tel: 04-3370344

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Same procedure as every year

Every year, people tend to do their New Year’s resolutions which will remain not much more than ideals, dreams and expectations. I’ve made some resolution last year just to recognise that I could easily copy-paste them for this year as well. So I will not link my plans to the start of the New Year, instead declare them as general resolutions or almost a kind of a bucket list.

This actually sounds worth more than it is; 2013 was a great year for me personally, with many great and even life changing events. But it is these little things: to do more sports, to lose some weight and so on which come up year and year again, and it seems we never manage to achieve those targets. For me personally, the problem lies in loose definitions. I need a proper plan and a clear and visible target. Just saying I want to do an adventure is not enough, I need to know which adventure to be able to work towards it.

The other problem is that if you analyse your resolutions, which are usually given out of impulse, they may conflict with each other. For example traveling the world and having a baby in the same year might get in the way of each other. And last but not least, life never goes according to your plans, which is also the beauty of it. So for this year, I’m not making resolutions, I’m keeping my bucket list and see what awaits me at the next junction, behind the next hill or dune.

I wish you all to be safe, healthy, happy and to have a great New Year with or without adventures.

Daniel

© 2014 Outdoor UAE FZE Issue 37 January 2014

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BETWEEN THE LINES

Daniel Birkhofer Founder and Editor in Chief daniel@outdooruae.com

Jane Mesina Administration jane@outdooruae.com

Linda Turcerova Sales and Marketing linda@outdooruae.com

Oybek Daniyarov Graphics & Programming oybek@outdooruae.com

Glaiza Seguia Editor glaiza@outdooruae.com

Tara Atkinson Travel Editor tara@outdooruae.com

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The information contained is for general use only.

While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this magazine has been obtained from reliable sources, however the publisher is not responsible for any errors. All information in this magazine is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information. In no event will the publisher, its related affiliates or anyone else be responsible for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this magazine.

Kit Belen Our fishing pro

Pete Aldwinckle Climber and all-round adventure seeker

Gordon T Smith Desert Diver and wannabe Marine Biologist

Mike Nott The 4x4 expert

John Basson Moto/ATV and all round adventure seeker

Tori Leckie Writer, runner, blogger and adventurer.

Sandy Joy Rubin Pilates and yoga expert and general thrill seeking move-aholic

Darryl MacDonald Photographer, journalist, climbing and hiking junkie currently living in Oman.

Ian Ganderton Kayaker, climber, mountainbiker and snowboarder. Enthusiastic jack of all trades, master of none.

All contents are under copyrights and may not be reproduced in any kind without written permission. © 2014 Outdoor UAE FZE Reg. at Creative City Fujairah P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.

WHEN YOU’RE DONE READING, PLEASE RECYCLE!

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EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? CONTACT US! contact@outdooruae.com

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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS 15 COLOUR RUN

18 HIKING IN THE UAE

EVERY ISSUE 05 BEST SHOTS 06 EVENTS CALENDAR 32 LIFESTYLE 36 PRODUCTS 44 PEOPLE 55 DIRECTORY

EVENT REVIEWS & REPORTS 10 UAE MTB 12 7 EMIRATES RUN 22 OMAN WADI TRIPS

TRAVEL + ADVENTURE 30 MT TRIGLAV CLIMB

20 CHARITY PADDLE

46 EXPLORING LIWA 2

LIFESTYLE 34 HABITUALLY HEALTHY 35 EXPLORING HATTA

OUR EXPERTS 42 RAK ATTACK WEEKEND – JOHN

TIPS + TRICKS 51 BIKE FIT 52 SURF SAFE

26 FISHING IN ICELAND

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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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BEST SHOTS WINNER!

Here are the best shots sent in by you for the

monthly “Want Fame?” photography competition! Thank you for all your entries, they were all great and it was hard selecting the best photos this month. Congratulations to the top 3 winners, who will each receive Buff headwear and five free copies of the magazine: Amrita Ghanty, Darren Rycroft and Gordon Rech. Well done!

To submit your entries, simply email us at competitions@ outdooruae.com with the subject “Best Shots.”

Amrita Ghanty

WINNER!

Road trips are not measured by mile markers, but by moments. A bike road trip to Ladakh.

WINNER!

Gordon Rech

Cormorant migration at Al Hamra. John Rech fishing.

Darren Rycroft

Taken one morning down at Sunset Beach, just happened to capture this “Sushi Roll” performed by David Richards.

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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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EVENTS CALENDAR Stay up-to-date with the latest events

Urban-Ultra Big Stinker 2014 January 10, 7:30 a.m., Ras Al Khaimah

Are you ready to climb, get stinky and test your mettle at probably the toughest solo footrace in the UAE? This event is run up and over a beautiful mountain (540m) ascent and descent per 12k loop.

Entrants can camp on Thursday night on top of the mountain or drive up on the morning and run one, two or three loops of the well-marked course. No GPS required! For more information and registration, visit www.urbanultra.com.

Zayed Sports City 5km and 10km Race 2 of 3 January 10, 7:00 a.m., The Room, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi

The second of the three-part race is a unique 5km or 10km run that takes place in the sports facilities of Zayed Sports City including running in and around the hallow turf of Zayed Sports Stadium whilst raising funds for the Special Care Center. The series supports runners of all abilities and age groups.

For more information, visit www.abudhabistriders.com.

Dunlop 24Hrs Dubai 9th Edition January 10 to 11, Dubai Autodrome, Motorcity

Over 80 teams from around the world will compete against one another in this highly anticipated international motorsport event. The race will start on Friday at 2:00 p.m. and will end, as scheduled, 24 hours later. This event has been, over the years, made into a must-see for not only driving enthusiasts and fans but the public as you witness drivers’ limits put to the test. Free entry to grandstand. For more information, www.24hdubai.com.

ZOGGS Aquathlon Series Race 2 of 3 January 11, 7:00 a.m., Mina A’ Salam Hotel, Water Sports Hut

A part of the Super Series races, this aquathlon invites all interested runners and swimmers from across the UAE to participate in this action-packed and competitively fun race organised by the Super Sports Events. With categories divided into Super Sprint (200 or 375m swim and 2.5km run), Sprint, and Olympic. The race is open to all juniors and adults, novices and professionals. More information at www.supersportsdubai.com.

Newton Running Course

January 17, 7:30 a.m., Jumeirah Zabeel Saray This two-day event is for runners wanting to improve their running performance and stay injury-free. It is also aimed at endurance coaches, physiotherapists, osteopaths, physicians and any other medical practitioner treating running injuries. Dr Mark Cucuzzella, a professor of family medicine at West Virginia University School of Medicine, and Ian Adamson, a world-renowned endurance athlete, event director, published author and motivational speaker based in Boulder, Colorado will present the event.

For more information, contact supertridubai@yahoo.co.uk.

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EVENTS CALENDAR Giant Duathlon Series Race 4

January 17, 10:00 a.m., The Dubai Camel Racing Track The nine-race series aimed at triathletes, duathletes, cyclists, runners and fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Kids are welcome too as the courses are “traffic friendly,” providing the greatest degree of safety for all competitors. The format for each race is run-bike-run and open to individual (aged 13 and above) athletes and teams of two. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ groups/duathlonseriesuae.

Dubai Desert Road Run

January 18, 6:30 a.m., The Sevens Stadium This race will feature two distances: 10km race and 3km fun run. Both distances will be timed and award medals for all finishers. The 10km winners in each age category will receive trophies, there will be awards for the first three male and female finishers in the fun run. Fore more information, visit www.premiermarathons.com.

Wadi Adventure Race 5

January 18, 9:00 a.m., Wadi Adventure, Al Ain The fifth race is going to be another step up from the last race with additional two more obstacles, a route change and ChampionChip timing. With 600 competitors expected, Wadi Adventure have made three different categories. Heat A, high level of fitness and expecting to finish in the top 199; Heat B, good level of fitness and expecting to finish between 200-399; Heat C, average level of fitness and expecting to finish between 400-600. For more information, email race@wadiadventure.ae.

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2014 January 24, 7:00 a.m., Jumeirah Beach Road

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Marathon is one of the biggest events in the racing calendar and it has become bigger and better with each year, attracting many local and global sponsors. There will be three categories: 42km at 7:00 a.m., which is open to only 18 years and older runners; 10km at 7:15 a.m. which is open to 15 years or older runners; and the 3km at 11:00 a.m. which is open to all.

For more information, visit www.dubaimarathon.org.

Dubai Show Jumping Championships 2014 January 30 to February 1, Emirates Equestrian Centre

Three days of free show jumping action gets underway at Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) when Olympic medalists and the UAE’s brightest showjumping stars compete. During the three actionpacked days, visitors to the event will enjoy a variety of family entertainment and activities including food and beverage stands, pony rides, activities for children and prizes. For more information, visit www.emiratesequestriancentre.com/eec.

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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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NEWS + COMMUNITY

The race is on!

Dubai Tour 2014 All is set for the inaugural Dubai Tour 2014 in February.

The press conference last month held at the One&Only Royal Mirage revealed the details of the riders and routes for what will be the first important new race in the 2014 International Racing Calendar. Organised

by Dubai Sports Council in partnership with RCS Sport, the 417-kilometre Dubai Tour 2014 will run 5th to 8th February and the course is divided into four stages.

The first stage – a 10km Individual Time Trial – will be held within the new city and named “The Down Town stage.” The second stage called “The Sport Stage” – 122km long – runs through the area with the most important sports building in Dubai, including as the Hippodrome, the Olympic pool, the Al Qudra cycling path, the Autodrome and the amazing Golf Club. The third stage, the longest of the race at 162km, will go outside the city and through the desert to finish in Hatta. This will be “The Nature Stage.” The fourth and final stage – 124km in length –

will cross the old part of the city, passing alongside two of the most iconic Dubai buildings: the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the World at 830 metres high. This will be “The Old Dubai Stage.”

Some the world’s top cyclists have already confirmed their participation such as reigning World Road Race champion Rui Costa from Portugal, sprinter Mark Cavendish from Britain, Fabian Cancellara from Switzerland, Marcel Kittel from Germany, Joaquin Rodriguez from Spain, Peter Segan from Slovakia and Ji Cheng from China.

Chairman of the Dubai Tour High Committee Saeed Hareb said, “We are pleased to host the inaugural Dubai Tour 2014 as it puts the spotlight on Dubai as a hub for important international sporting events. We thank

those who have made this possible, from the leadership of the Dubai Sports Council to our event partners RSC Sports, as well as sponsors and the media. We are looking forward to a dramatic and exciting race featuring some of the most popular names in the sport as they battle to win the honour and prestige of winning the first Dubai Tour title.”

During the presscon, RCS Sport Commercial Director Lorenzo Giorgetti added that, “The city, its citizens, the buildings, their houses is the stadium in which we will see the best riders of the world challenging and competing to win the first edition of the Dubai Tour. We have also already received confirmation from journalists from 20 countries that they will physically attend the event as part of the communication strategy.”

For more information, visit dubaitour.com.

Musandam Adventure Race

21st February 2014 The Musandam Adventure Race is a one-day adventure race in the North East of the peninsula. It completes a 120km loop, starting and finishing at Khor Najd.

It consists of a 35km sea kayak/ surf ski leg, a 20km mountain run and a 65km mountain bike leg. Each team

must consist of three members and you can either do it as a relay or do you can do the Full Monty together. It is a serious undertaking and, for those choosing to do the Full Monty, it is probably the toughest one day event of this nature in the region. For members of the relay teams, you must be able to cope with the worst eventualities alone.

You will need to be entirely self-sufficient in all things; there will be no checkpoints and no assistance along the route (no water and not even rescue), however, a dhow will shadow the kayakers and your car will shadow your riders. A good time for the relay team is about 10 hours and, for those doing the Full Monty, a good time would be under 14 hours. This will be the third year of the race and places are purposely limited.

Participation fees are 600 AED per team and full details of next year’s race are hosted by one of the sponsors, Global Climbing, here: www.globalclimbing.com/ musandam-adventure-race-21st-february-2014/. The other sponsor is Absolute Adventure. Registration for this event is open at: www.premiermarathons.com.

Andy on the final push to the ridgeline

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Words + Photos By: Abdel Elecho

The calendar was the idea of my friend Marissa Evans of Love + Decoration Designs based in Australia.

Marissa’s mom and her partner lives right at the beach in Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, where typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) made first landfall.

Her mom and partner survived the raging sea and howling wind, but lost everything.

They were lucky to be alive.

Since I have loads of photos from this place and the surrounding areas, Marissa ask me if it’s possible to supply her the photos for the calendar, and she will sell it back in Australia

and the proceed will go to typhoon victims in Eastern Samar.

I realised that it’s possible to sell the calendars here in Dubai as well, as some of my friends were interested.

The calendar titled “Life Before Typhoon Haiyan” will show the natural beauty, magnificent landscape, amazing surf and the warm people of Eastern Samar.

I was there five days before the typhoon hit for my yearly holiday. I was already in Dubai when I heard the news and then I went back right away as I haven’t heard from my family.

Luckily, my family was safe and my town Borongan, Eastern Samar was spared from the typhoon. But the southern towns of Eastern Samar was badly damaged and many lives were lost. Until now, the basic necessities, specially shelter and food, are still needed.

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The proceeds of the calendar will be donated to typhoon Haiyan victims in Eastern Samar under Kate Go’s relief fund and Surfriders Club of Eastern Samar Inc. The calendar is 100 AED per copy; 13 pages, size A4 photo and A4 dates on spiral bindings.

Available at Surf Shop Arabia Al Manara Road. Al Qouz, Dubai, Tel: 043791998 or contact Abdel of Abdel Elecho Photography (Al Barsha), telephone: 050 467 3227.

The calendar is also available on www.outdooruae.com/shop/.

We would like to thank the following sponsors who made this calendar happen: Love + Decoration Designs, OutdoorUAE, ISEE Eyewear, Pinoy Surfers of Dubai, Go4Ward International Expansion, Surf Shop Arabia, 1stbux by PayBux App and Mo Rahma.

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ACTIVITY REPORT

Then there were three

Mountain biking in the UAE Words + Photos By: Sean James

Mountain biking in the UAE is growing fast. In the past three years it has exploded. Being Dubai, most people have state-of-the-art bikes and most people have more than one bike.

They expect the best in everything and the mountain biking does not disappoint. Due to the geography of the UAE, the scene is extremely compact and friendly. From Dubai, the majority of the biking areas can be reached in an hour. It is not uncommon for large groups upwards of 50 to get together and enjoy the riding. Every weekend, more and more city residents are driving to the wadis, deserts and mountains to hit the trails.

If you are a visitor to the UAE or just starting, there are numerous clubs with typical Emirati hospitality that will make you feel at home immediately. The composition of riders is truly international. You will ride with Europeans, Filipinos, Emiratis, Saffas, Australians and Americans, both north and south. The range of experience is also vast from beginners through to national level competitors. This has led to an extensive racing scene on the peninsula.

The TransHajar, a four-day race near Muscat, is now considered a preparation event for Cape Epic in South Africa and attracts

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Twisting and turning roads

Olympic grade entrants. In the UAE, there are also endurance, XC and technical races in the cooler months. This February there will also be a series of Fat Bike races.

It is an acquired taste, but it is possible to ride during the very hot months of the summer. This makes the UAE a year round destination rivaling many of the established hotspots of the world such as the French Alps, Utah, Whistler, New Zealand and Finale Ligura in Italy. Where else in the world can you ride trails that start in the desert, rise into the Hajar Mountains before dropping through wadis

filled with palm trees and camels. As you fly down steep gravel tracks you look up and see the Indian Ocean. Iran is only 60km away in the haze. All this before returning to the sparkling city of Dubai for brunch and a quick swim around the most spectacular hotel in the world.

One of my favorite starting points for rides is Masafi. A town that has a history of bottling water is always going to be green and verdant and offer a visually pleasing route. From Masafi, you can ride in almost any direction.

All of the rides are superb. Parking at our

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Such a variety of scenery on one ride

regular meeting place beside the hospital, we are assembling our bikes as the calls of the Fajr starts. These are the first prayers of the morning that must take place between dawn and sunrise. It is still dark but the relative cool will help us, at least for a few hours. It is still over 35°C. We have planned a ride of about 120km and to be back by midday. There are five of us. The ride starts through low walls of conglomerate that have been washed but not cleared of gravel by the heavy rains. Every ride is different. Sometimes the gravel is hard and compact, at other times it is like riding along a beach in heavy sand. This is one of my favorite routes and we are soon racing down steep gravel tracks of the Masafi Hills, the desert dunes shimmering in the distance. Crossing the desert looks impossible, but there is a hard track that allows our passage. Within such a short space we are covering a variety of terrain. Our first stop is at a mosque to refill our water and we realise how fortunate we are to live in a country with so many opportunities for outdoor adventure. I first started riding in the UAE five years ago, there were many quiet

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The UAE has something for everyone

wadis. Originally these wadis were natural trade routes that allowed ancient traders to pass through them. Now they are perfect for riding mountain bikes. However now with an expansive road building program, the UAE government is connecting all points of the country with a network of fast highways.

One season there could be a track down a quiet valley, the next season you may turn the corner and find a six-lane highway. Mountains that once existed have been razed to the ground to provide rock for the construction industry.

We carry on, racing each other and pushing the pace wherever we imagine there might be a Strava section. The route is a figure of eight, comprising of two loops. At the end of the first, we check the time and the heat. We are showing over 40°C already. It is definitely hot and the riding has been hard. The first cracks appear in the group. The question of a shortcut back to the cars is aired. Brunch and wife are demanding of one of the riders this afternoon. Most mountain bike routes cross roads at some stage and it can be easy to pedal back along the road rather than the heat and dust of the country. The devotee leaves us and like a magnet, another follows him mumbling something about family and points. We are down to three.

Nothing better than the sun rising behind the mountains The riding continues and is

truly world class. We pass below Jebel Yibir on a winding, diving track that makes us whoop with delight. Every minute is a photo opportunity. Another hour and we stop again.

Coca-Cola and Pringles. Sugar and salt is what I crave. I know what we still have left to ride so pour milkshake and orange on top of the fizzy carbonation already in my stomach in search of extra inspiration. One of the party is forgoing any added sugar due to recent changes in his marital arrangements and instead has dried apple pieces and coconut water. The other is attempting to train his body to consume its own fat supplies so abstains completely, taking only water and salt tablets. All very strange behavior for grown men.

A final monster climb of over 600m is rewarded by stunning views over Dibba and the East coast. From here it is mostly downhill, along a quiet road and then back towards the swaying palms of Masafi. The heat has become a furnace but to stop is to make the heat worse. Moving we generate our own 25kmph wind. We arrive back at the cars and pour bottles of water over our heads, superheated from being in the cars all morning. We wash off and head to the restaurant.

Fresh juices and vividly colored fruit smoothies are our rewards for the effort we have expended. We look forward to the next time we explore the UAE on mountain bikes.

EVENT REPORT

The 7EmiratesRun report Words By: Wendelin Lauxen

I still cannot believe it.

Indeed, I did it again! I have run across the seven emirates for the second time. A dream that became a reality. I managed to inspire six more runners to join me in the 7EmiratesRun under the banner “Run for Help, Run for Health, Run for Fun.” The mission for the second edition of the 7EmiratesRun and for the charity was to run to help children back on their feet. Enthusiasm, impressions and emotions are the three keywords which came first to my mind at the beginning of the second part of my book about an extraordinary, adventurous experience.

The enthusiasm that I experienced with my wife Petra before and during my solo run in 2012, I also wanted to transfer to other people besides the 2013 participating runners. Was it conviction or only the enthusiasm and the challenge to be able to achieve something exceptional and even combine this with a good purpose for needy children? Crazy, exceptional individuals, who are willing to provide high performance because they believe in themselves and in success. The sparkle in my eyes while I reported on my Guinness World Records and the first edition of 7EmiratesRun during the first meetings have certainly led to this eagerness affecting others and convincing them to do it too. You can only ignite what burns in thyself! To pass 575km in 12 days through the seven emirates is indeed a challenge to a maximum power that cannot cope

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easily without adequate preparation.

I enjoyed doing it to inspire people to do it also and they did it going over their limits.

I enjoyed once again crossing this beautiful country with big cities, small villages and towns, different coloured sands, mountains, the ocean, friendly and enthusiastic local and expats of different nationalities. I enjoyed raising awareness and sharing the mission and the message for the charity to support Al Jalila Foundation.

My feeling at the finish line was like that of a hero. I was so happy to close my arms around my kids and friends, and felt no shame to let the tears fall. “The Call of My Heart” will be the name of my book about this unforgettable adventure.

Many questions were asked and some I asked myself like: how did the idea 7EmiratesRun come about? What impressions you have during and after the run? Which track was the hardest? And so on.

It’s a long story and an amazing adventure, so I will give you a few insights from my fellow runners:

Clemens Kastner, Germany: “I did not really know what to expect; 7ER was my first multi-day/stage race. It took two or three days for me to find a rhythm, but after that, I was able to enjoy every day. First, to do such an event with six friends is something special, you can share your experience, the high points as well as the low points and you know the other person knows exactly what you are talking about. While we are all quite different, our experiences throughout the run have been very similar. During the day I spent a lot of time on my own, the first couple of days it was just happening like that, but after a while I really cherished these hours. That was the time when I was able to soak everything up: the landscape, people, houses, shops, weather – running is the best way of experiencing a country and culture. The pace you are moving is rather slow and you are ‘in’ the culture as supposed to driving or flying by.

The one thing which stands out for me above all were all the amazing people we met and their encouragement. Everyone was interested, super friendly and extremely supportive.

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This brought back my core belief: all people are good at heart. No matter where you go.

As for the emotions at the finish, this one will be a bit disappointing I guess for readers; yes, my legs hurt for the last couple of days every morning and yes, I was happy when Day 11 came and we knew at the end of the run that day we would cross the finish line and have achieved our goal (and much more I think); but when I crossed the finish line, there was no feeling of relief that it was over. It was fantastic and a bit emotional to see my wife and kids after those days, but the impressions the 11 days of running left in me were too strong to give way for anything else at the finish line.

On the other hand, I think I am just a normal, average person. Everyone can do and achieve what we have done. And I would be so happy if we have inspired at least one person in the UAE to believe in him/herself and go out there and get (more) active and encourage others to do the same.”

Servee Palmans, Netherlands: “‘Pain is inevitable suffering is optional;’ my daughter reminded me on this quote daily (as I do with her when she races in swim competitions). I never realised the positive power of this expression until experiencing ultra-running. It kept me going, and going, and going!

The most beautiful sceneries of desert and mountains in peaceful landscapes. Friendly people offering a chat, water and even an invite for lunch. The positive feedback on our run from all over the UAE has been amazing.

What an experience! 537km, 11 consecutive days, 70 hours and 40 minutes of running, seven fellow athletes with the best team spirit ever. If you are physically and mentally fit, and nurture and respect your body during the run, I recommend everybody to go for it. It has been a once in a life time experience, and wouldn’t want to have missed it.”

Aida Othman, New Zealand: “This running adventure is a discovery, it’s about me connecting to this magical country - it’s stunning and varied landscape, passing through small villages, town and cities, as well as the extraordinary people and culture that I encountered along the way. I tremendously enjoyed the sense of freedom with this crosscountry running, going outside of ordinary day-to-day life, finding my strength in the solitude and silence (through sometimes busy and noisy road) which the unpredictable roads has forced the utmost out of me. So, despite the growing pain, it has been electrifying! The other element that I treasure is the bond formed and the company I got from my fellow runners and other important crews where I learned invaluable lesson not simply about running but also about life. Absolutely rapt running on the last day, and felt very emotional seeing Burj Khalifa for the first time from a distance and the special memorable homecoming by local folk dance with melodic singing. This entire journey proved that I can achieve beyond my imaginable capabilities, it taught me about patience, gratitude and humility at the same time as this is not possible without support from others. An overall sense of accomplishment beyond words for my endurance dream and truly euphoric moment to be able to do it with other amazing runners who I have great respect for and finally, the

icing on the cake is crossing the finish line with Ekhman, my super supportive husband. I will cherish this moment for rest of life.”

Ekhman Mahmud, Malaysia: “After running a few marathon events in the last few years, you meet up with like-minded people that you normally go training run with during early morning weekends. One particular runner has done this event before and was so excited about it and wanted to share his experience with other runners.

Myself and others were hooked on it and thus felt that since it’s for a good cause why not give it a go. ‘Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.’ We also wanted to let outsiders know of the misconception around people in the UAE, there are still people in need and in dire situation around the country, not everyone is living the comfortable high life of Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Training is a key part whenever you enter such an event. You should never attempt it if you’re not prepared for it. Not just physically but also mentally.

The more you build confidence mentally the more prepared you are for it. That can only be built if you also physically train your body to it. We’ve done several back-to-back long runs in the weekend, and running up and down the mountains/hills also help. The most rewarding part is the finish by the end of the day! We never know if we can make it until the end of the day before the cut off time we’ve set ourselves with. It’s always a great feeling when you can see the finish line and your team members and supporters waiting for you there. Every time we see it for some reason or another we forgot all the pain that we had to endure during the day!”

Deirdre O’Leary, Canada: “This was my first time doing any ultramarathons at all, so I was very nervous at the start. The first day (52km) turned out to be one of the toughest – miraculously, it seemed to get easier until the ninth day in the Ras Al Khaimah hills (our longest day at 62km, left me a trembling wreck and jumping at the sight of my own shadow). Running through the emirates with my team for Mohammed

Ayoub was motivating in a way that was beyond what I ever could have imagined. So many people supported us and so many kind gestures are blazed into my memory (one lady even gave me Arabic coffee from a car window!) The biggest surprise for me was that running the seven emirates was more fun and rewarding than I imagined. Even though I reached various levels of pain, and guilt for our support crew, and even crying on Day 9 when I temporarily lost my mind, I am still overwhelmed by how kind people were to us, and how inspiring my teammates, labourers, and the elderly chap in Fujairah who still tends his goats every day are.”

As the founder and race director of the 7EmiratesRun, I am so proud of all runners (Aida Othman, Clemens Kastner, Deirdre O’Leary, Doris Matlok, Ekhman Mahmud and Servee Palmans) for they did it and many thanks to the volunteers, to all supporters, to all the donors and for the partnership with Al Jalila Foundation. It’s great that we raised 73,000 AED so far for the needed surgeries and orthoprosthesis of the little boy Mohammed Ayoub. Third edition 7EmiratesRun will come in 2014 and for more details you can check on www.7emiratesrun.com.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, was established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.

Al Jalila Foundation was established in April 2013 and is named after Her Highness Sheikha Al Jalila Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein. For more information please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.

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EVENT REPORT

Spinneys Cycle Challenge 2013 Words By: Doug Fleming

Tradition has it that Friday the 13th is an unlucky date. Imagine then arranging the biggest cycling event in the Middle East on Friday 13th 2013.

Clearly, Stewart Howison, the event director of the Spinneys 92 Cycling Challenge is not the superstitious type. Either that or he bulk ordered lucky white heather, rabbits’ feet, horseshoes and so on because this inauspicious date saw the fourth running of the event around the streets of Dubai.

Perhaps Stewart was tempting fate just a little too much as a few gremlins crept into this year’s event: the lights at Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park failed to turn on and so for safety reasons the start was delayed until daylight; a last minute route change was enforced only five minutes before the start meaning that the “Old Town” was off limits; some of the lead cars escorted the riders around NAS Cycle Park for more than one lap meaning that different groups rode different distances. That said the fourth running of the event was huge and a huge success. The

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Sean Kelly with the Fitness Hacker

first event back in 2010 had 400 competitors. This year over 1,600 registered making this easily the largest event of its kind in the Middle East. It is a mammoth undertaking.

Nine months of planning went into the event and in addition to the riders there were 20 emergency services vehicles, 10 traffic police vehicles, six RTA cars, 20 Hertz cars for rider escorts, seven ambulances on standby and six physios waiting to ease the riders aching muscles at the race end.

The race village grew substantially this year with 18 stands ranging from ice cream vans, to food stalls, to bike shops, and a stand from the Dubai Tour Pro Cycling event. Three thousand bottles of water were supplied, along with 1,500 bananas, and 175 kilos of ice to keep the water cool.

Around the course some 75 marshals and 60 directional indicators were posted to ensure riders followed the correct route.

Once the race started, things went fairly smoothly out on the road. Generally the police did a great job at junctions holding up traffic when groups of riders approached allowing us to fly through red lights without losing momentum. Inevitably though when large groups of people ride bikes there is always a chance of wheel touching and people taking a tumble. So while a few riders came in with bumps and scrapes there was only one serious injury in the form of a broken collarbone.

One of the amazing things about the 92 is just how inclusive it is. There were groups of Elite Men and Elite Women holding UCI licenses, plus a host of seeded groups based

on their times in a series of four build-up rides. Also riding were three superstars from the world of cycling, Irish man Sean Kelly former winner of the Vuelta España Grand Tour, multiple stage winner in both the Tour De France and Giro D’Italia, another Irish legend Stephen Roche, the 1987 winner of the Tour De France, Giro D’Italia and World Championship, plus Petra Wiltshire triple Masters Downhill Mountain Biking World Champion and dual Masters Downhill Mountain Biking European Champion. Wow, what a field.

Of course not everyone in the field was an elite athlete and many were there for the personal challenge and the opportunity to raise funds for a good cause. Special mention then to everyone who rode on behalf of the charity Finding Your Feet and also to the Muc-Off Team that raised 10,000AED for cancer charities.

From a personal perspective, this was something of a triumph. Two years ago I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome and spent nine months paralysed. I only returned to cycling in January this year after a relapse that saw me spend my second consecutive New Year in ICU. From January on I tried to ride every Friday and Saturday with Cycle Safe Dubai in addition to three or four physio sessions a week.

Over the summer, I hooked up with a lovely bunch of people nicknamed the Loopers as our main ride was the 50km loop at Dubai Cycling Course. I rode with the Loopers at least twice a week all summer and gradually my fitness levels improved. I also rode the hills in Hatta three times in a six-week period getting faster each time. My training prior to the 92 was disrupted slightly by a visit to Scotland to see my father who was keeping poorly and when I returned my workload was off the charts so I didn’t get as much time on the bike as I would have liked.

On the day, I rode strongly and pretty consistently averaging 38.4kph some 1.5kph better than my time in 2010 when I last took part in the 92. Not bad considering where I was coming from so big thanks to everyone at CSD and the Loopers for keeping me going. Target for next year is to average over 40kph. Training has already begun.

Well done to everyone that took part in the 92K. See you all for next year’s bigger and better event.

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EVENT REPORT

LifeSpark ladies take on the Colour Run Words By: Candice Ford

The “Happiest 5k on the Planet” arrived in Dubai in December. For the LifeSpark ladies, this colour extravaganza disguised as a 5km run was the ultimate opportunity to celebrate their hard-earned fitness.

The day kicked off as 8,000 runners descended upon the Dubai Autodrome early Saturday morning. Unlike your usual Dubai running events, there was fun in the air, and as the day progressed, colour was added, with runners in fancy dresses, wigs and the now essential Color Run tutu! The starting line was both a spectacle and a celebration of fun and fitness.

The Colour Run was founded in January 2012 as an event to promote healthiness and happiness. The “paint party” has literally exploded onto the running scene with 170 events worldwide in 2013! The premise is simple, set out on the five-kilometre track, and at every kilometre get doused in a different colour of paint! At the end of the event, each runner is a colourful extravaganza in their own right as they arrive at the festival-like finish line with a stage, DJ and even more colour explosions!

This event however, is not only about the fun, it is also for a good cause. The Colour Run, to date, has raised over 1 million USD for their chosen charities.

The Colour Run, is an amazing event, and one which can only truly be encapsulated through the different experiences of the LifeSpark ladies who took part. Tori, running

with her 12-year-old daughter, said her favourite part of the race was dancing around with her daughter and her teenage friends at the end of the race. When covered in colour, she said, you couldn’t tell who was who, how old people were or where they were from, it was all about the community and age-less fun!

For Tara, being showered in colour, surrounded by thousands of dancing, cheering

people at the end of the run was an experience unlike another and of course there was the opportunity to dress up in a tutu for a very rational reason!

Anne’s favourite part was participating in the run with a friend who hates running, and who, as a result, very nearly didn’t show up. She surprised everyone, most of all herself, by running over 3.5km of the course and setting the pace for the rest of us! Her celebration was brilliant - rolling around in the colorful powder. In the Colour Run, there was no pressure to perform or to compete, but it still enabled people to do something completely extraordinary and discover new things about themselves. Anne’s friend had one of the best mornings, and Anne doesn’t think she has ever seen her so happy!

Amanda loved the fact that, thanks to her CrossFit training, she was able to run the whole 5km without stopping and put her pacing skills to the test! She also loved the colour and the costumes, which certainly added to the fun!

All in all, everyone who took part in the event, has loved the “colour-tastic” fun of the run. There are already calls for another event in the New Year, as people want to get out and express their fitness, health and vitality in a fun way, with friends, family and gym buddies alike.

So, for a colourful outdoors experience, the Colour Run is an absolute must!

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EVENT REPORT

UAE runners’ favourite

Johnson Arabia Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2013 Words By: Claire Hill

From humble beginnings in 2002, which saw just a handful of runners take part, the Johnson Arabia Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon is now a firm favourite among the UAE’s running community and the wider Middle East. This year, over 1,500 participants from 76 different nationalities eagerly awaited the start of the 12th event.

The athletes’ village at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club was teeming with activity as hundreds of lively runners limbered up, ages ranged from 18 to an impressive 67 years-old.

As if the pre-event race pack wasn’t good enough, a selection of stalls and pop up shops including a beautifully equipped Adidas shop presented a great opportunity to bag some bargains from trainers, sports supplements, running watches and last minute snacks and coffee care of Costa.

A mass warm up by Fitness First kicked off proceedings before everyone, including the legendary pacemakers, were ushered into the starting pens for the staggered start. After a short delay, the race began amid many cheers and applause from the participants.

Albeit slightly warmer than previous years, it was a beautiful winter’s day and the runners filtered out of the golf club and over to Al Garhoud bridge taking in incredible sweeping views of the creek just after sunrise – a view reserved only for those prepared to brave an early start and one that many people in Dubai may never have had the pleasure of witnessing.

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The runners then followed the path over Al Maktoum Bridge and eventually into the souks and old Dubai, through the winding alleys which led out to the creek. As the route passed the water taxis and rickety abras, the occasional smell of fuel filled the air but nothing detracts from that beautiful view of one of the oldest and most historical parts of the city.

The dreaded Shindagha tunnel was next and presented somewhat of a challenge after 10km on the road. Up and out the other side, the air felt cooler, fresher and the ground, thankfully, flatter. As we passed the Heritage and Diving Villages, the sun was beating down, I pulled my hat down over my eyes to avoid its angry glare. The race then headed back past Al Maktoum bridge which was by now littered with bemused fisherman who watched as hundreds of runners glided past their normally secluded spot. Feeling unexpectedly strong at this point, I decided to pick up the pace and turned up the tunes

in an attempt to block out the pain and inevitable onset of lead-like legs.

Finally the end was almost in sight and the golf club just a few kilometers away.

My body was by now aching, then I saw a woman holding a sign “unleash the cheetah in you now!”

A lovely touch which made me smile and gave me the final push required to grit my teeth and go. In the final few hundred metres, the cheers of the crowds gathering could be heard, the emcee on the microphone boomed in the background and names and numbers were shouted out as they crossed the line.

Seasoned pro Ismail Ssenyange set a new course record in 1:08:02 and the fastest woman Anne-Mari Hyrylainen took first place with 1:18:43. But whatever the motivation, whatever the goal, the sense of achievement remains the same. For me, a personal best of 1:47:05 was safely in the bag, but for some, time was not important, simply finishing was enough, the daunting task of their first half marathon was now complete.

At the finish, the atmosphere was alive and kicking. Some limped, some grimaced while others beamed, proudly sporting their medals and enjoying post race drinks supplied by Isostar and Hertz. Those who were more switched on, took advantage of the free sports massages and physio treatment from Dubai Physio, I kicked myself for not joining the queue sooner, next year, I told myself.

The music blared, elated runners chatted and supporters milled about before settling down to refuel and to rest their weary legs at breakfast overlooking the beautiful creek and city once again. Another outstanding event, perfectly delivered and an ideal stepping stone to the Dubai Marathon in January, onwards and upwards we go.

ACTIVITY REPORT

Get outdoors in the UAE: Words By: Sean James

Hiking

A series of articles to help you start

or progress your hiking in the UAE.

The hiking season in the UAE has already started and in the months since October, many UAE residents have been enjoying the beauty of the UAE landscape. The New Year brings many resolutions and in January these promises are still fresh in the mind. Many of these resolutions are based around getting fitter and healthier. Losing weight and starting an exercise program doesn’t have to be a chore. You can enjoy yourself at the same time. So why not take up hiking. This series of articles will take you from the very beginnings of hiking to more advanced techniques.

Every month there will be key information that will enable you to enjoy the great outdoors in the UAE and to start hiking. In addition there will be a suggested hike to get you outdoors and active.

Why hiking?

Firstly, hiking is cheap and accessible. You don’t need to sign up for a membership from a club and the doors are open 24/7. Many UAE residents overlook the outdoor environment here and have no idea what a fantastic limitless resource there is available on their doorstep.

Hiking is great with friends. Everyone has their favorite hike and each time you go out you can do a different one. Discovery and taking people to places that they have not been is a pleasure in itself and will also improve your own confidence. For me, one of the pleasures of hiking is planning to explore an area that I haven’t been to before.

Hiking can take all day and if you are lucky you can see the sun rise and set. If you don’t have all day you can pop out for a stroll in the afternoon after the chores. Hiking is versatile. It’s easy to learn and has been part of our evolution both as a necessity and as a recreational activity.

Sadly, daily walking as part of everyday life is declining and the effects on society in the last 10 years are all too obvious.

So why should we hike?

There are many reasons. Studies have shown that regular walking lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. It helps you cope with the demands of work and family life. Running has similar effects as walking or hiking. Hiking however has less of an impact on the body and we can hike for longer. Data shows that we become more relaxed and our ability to concentrate increases after we have been hiking.

Living in an urban environment like Dubai or Abu Dhabi is energy sapping. There are so many stimuli that compete for our attention constantly bombarding our senses. Hiking also competes for our attention but at the same time it allows scope for reflection. This is known as involuntary attention and provides positive outcomes. Something called soft fascination is invoked when we have contact with nature. It helps us to be more creative and supports the recovery of our mental health. Walking exposes us to many new and unique experiences and emotions. All of these boost our state of mind.

After your first hike you will feel energised and ready to planning the next one.

So how do you start?

The easiest and most sociable way is to join a club. In the UAE, there are many social networks, many online that organise day trips and weekends. Taking advantage of the expertise of others is a great way to progress. Once you become proficient and confident, you can return the favour to others who are looking to start.

Taking a course with a company that has qualified, experienced and motivated instructors is also a good way to start. A good company will customise the hiking experience to suit you, ensuring that you are comfortable with what you are doing in addition to developing your skills.

Hiking is for everyone

There is something in hiking for everyone. A short 30-minute walk around the mangroves to observe the flamingos or along the corniche to watch the fisherman can be just as rewarding as scrambling up steeper terrain in the Hajar mountains.

All of the hikes in this series do not require technical equipment and no knowledge of ropes or climbing. Only the basics.

So what equipment do you need to start?

Believe it or not, your first steps can be done with what you already have in your closet. Just get outdoors and walk. When you do you will find that there is a massive push towards sport and exercise in Dubai. Along the beach you will find dedicated walking tracks, explore the old town of Bur Dubai early in the morning and feel the city come to life or wander around the outer fringes of The Palm and look back at the million dollar view that is envied all over the world.

There are so many places in the UAE that are possible to hike without having vast experience.

The most important thing is to get yourself out

A weekend walk in the wadis with friends.

Early morning starts are very rewarding. Often the sounds of the villages are sharper and the skies clearer.

Here you can see the first rays of sunlight touching the mountains as it rises. The mist below in the trees mingles with smoke from the fires that are burning the branches from the palm trees. You can see the tracks are wide and even. It is possible that you will pass vehicles but meeting the locals will only increase your experience.

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Oman E 11

Ras Al Khaimah E 18

E 311

Ajman Sharjah Dubai

Khor Fakkan

E 611

E 11

Al Dhaid

E 88

E 311

Masafi

E 88

E 89

E 11

Al Awir E 44 E 11

E 611

Lahbab Nazwa E 77

E 99

Fujairah

E 44

E 311

Kalba

Off-road driving required

No

Distance and time from Mirdiff to start

100km 50min

Navigation on hike

Basic. Out and back

Time required for hike

90 – 120mins

Distance

7km

Elevation gain on hike

120m

High point

445m

Grocery store on hike

No

E 55

Possible to encounter a vehicle on trail Yes

E 44

Download the the GPX file for your GPS device here: www.outdooruae.com/downloads/newyearshike2013.zip.

Hatta E 311

Quick checklist route planning:

Dibba

E 11

Umm Al Quwain

JANUARY 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

E 611

E 66

Suitable for all the family

Yes

E 44

of the door and explore.

However, everybody likes shopping, and the outdoor industry has some fantastic clothes and equipment with which to entice hikers.

Feet

Your feet are important. The rougher the terrain, the more robust boot or shoe you should consider buying. The UAE is warm for most of the year so many people opt for lightweight shoes, particularly on level, even ground. If you sign up for a course in the mountains or wadis, a rigorous instructor will insist that your footwear supports the ankle. This ensures that you do not turn it that will result in a sprain. Boots are essential in this case on rockier, uneven ground.

The UAE has many good shops from which to choose. Unlike walking in Europe or America you will not need shoes that are waterproof.

Definitely not recommended are loose fitting shoes, sandals or flipflops.

Clothes

Lightweight and loose fitting clothes are more comfortable and cool for hiking. Females may also feel more comfortable if they have something in their backpacks to cover with if they are hiking through more traditional villages. Some hikers who have crossed over from sports such as running or triathlon may prefer the Lycra fit. Although most of the time the anxiety and unease will be on your part. What is important is that you dress in comfortable clothes that are not going to rub or chaff and allow adequate cooling. Applying Vaseline is a good idea on those areas where rubbing may occur.

I have taken Emirati groups hiking who wear

traditional Arabic dress and this should not be a hindrance. All I asked is that they wear shoes appropriate for the terrain and sports clothes under the abaya.

You might not think it but it can be cold in the UAE. You need to consider the weather when planning a hike both in the summer and the winter. Some of the mountains in the UAE are over 1,500m. A hat, a pair of gloves and a warm jacket to put on are essential for long hikes in the winter. The “lapse rate” is a formula that is used to calculate the decrease in temperature as you hike higher. The temperature drops by about 0.5 to 1°C for every 100m in elevation. Imagine you start hiking at Ras al Khaimah in January. The temperature is 20°C at sea level. When you reach 1,000m, it is possible that the temperature could be close to 10°C. If it is windy and starts to rain, the temperature will drop even further and you may find yourself very cold. Check the weather forecast before you leave.

Backpack

The length of your hike and time of the year will determine the size of your backpack. If you are going overnight and carrying food, sleeping equipment and water you will need a larger backpack e.g. around 50L. If you are just out for the morning, a small pack that fits around your waist and can hold your camera, phone, some snacks and water will be sufficient. What is important is that your hands are free which will give you better balance and stability.

For the warmer months in the UAE and on hikes where you don’t expect to find water stops, you may be carrying a lot of water, up to 4L. 1L is 1kg so that is a lot of water. There are backpacks that also double as water bladders.

These are great for drinking whilst walking. A rubber tube hangs over your shoulder and you can take sips frequently. They also have pockets for snacks, keys and cameras, etc. As you hike make sure you check how much is left in the bladder as it’s easy to keep drinking and not realise you are empty until you hear a sucking noise.

Emergency kit New life appears from the desert and dry wadis.

Many Emiratis who live in the cities also have farms and plantations in the country. You will see a completely different lifestyle from the glitz and glamor of Dubai. Walking through these small communities, may at first seem intimidating but gradually you will feel more comfortable and look forward to an exchange of pleasantries.

The more remote your hike, the more extensive should be your emergency skills and equipment. If you are regularly hiking in isolated areas and with friends it may be well worth taking a first aid course. The group will feel more confident knowing they can cope with incidents that occur.

The UAE has an extensive communications network and you will be in phone coverage nearly all of the time. Sometimes in hidden wadis or valleys the signal may disappear but moving to a higher location may solve that.

In the case of Stairway to Heaven, a classic hike near Wadi Ghalilah you start to receive welcome messages from Oman Telecom as you near the plateau.

Head torch

You may intentionally plan to finish or start in the dark. At sunrise and sunset you will see a lot more than during the heat of the day when the animals appear. A head torch or flashlight is indispensable. Again it’s best to get one that leaves your hands free, especially if you are travelling over rough terrain.

Food

A 70kg male hiking in the mountains will burn nearly 600 calories every hour. Your body can only store 2,000 calories in readily available energy. After that you will feel weak, dizzy, and lightheaded and your decision making ability will be impaired. Don’t starve yourself when you exercise. You need to fuel continuously so your tank does not run low. You will not enjoy yourself if you feel constantly weak. Gels and sports bars are great but if you don’t like the taste, don’t take them. If you don’t eat them at home, why would you eat them when you go hiking? I have one particular friend who everyone enjoys hiking with because his wife prepares excellent lunches that has become customary for us to share.

Make sure you match your energy requirements with the food that you take.

The author has guided hikes, treks and climbs all other the world. He gained his qualifications from the British Mountaineering Council, a national representative body for England and Wales that exists to protect the freedoms and promote the interests of climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers. At present he lectures in a college in the UAE. Before that he worked for a private company that trained the UAE military forces. He has also appeared on TV programmes in the UK and Brazil talking about outdoor activities.

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EVENT REPORT

Surf Dubai’s

around The World charity paddle Words By: Donna Masing

Now in its fifth year, the Surf Dubai charity paddle around the Nakheel World Islands was the biggest yet, with 59 paddlers taking part. Setting off at dusk, we were an army of race boards, standard SUPs and even two prone paddleboarders. Gathering for a group photo before the start, there was a buzz of excitement and anxiety, with the majority of paddlers never before attempting the gruelling 35km distance.

Discussions of CamelBaks, GoPros and how many packets of Gu chews one could fit into their pocket filled the early morning air, amidst several high fives and well wishes from the support crew.

As we set off for the 5km trip to the edge

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of The World, the sun rose over the iconic Dubai skyline, turning the Burj Khalifa an iridescent orange. Cheers and jeers erupted from the group, as many stopped to admire the breathtaking view. Already breaking far from the pack, Jon Walley on his 14’ prone board was off like a rocket. Making up for lost time was Scott Chambers on his Bark prone board, checking up on the back of the pack.

Once entering the calmer waters of the breakwall, there was time to stop for a refuel.

Paul Frangie and James Harvey shared Gu gels and coconut bars, lamenting over something that would be slightly more palatable.

But the rest period did not last long – passing the east hub into the north we were hit with unexpected wind and choppy conditions.

The change in conditions delayed paddlers and proved difficult to stay on course.

Dan Van Dooren made his way up from the rear to join his brother, Nick. Both extremely strong paddlers they powered through the chop, making a break for “North America.”

It was impossible to paddle on the left side, the wind and current so strong it took all our might to stay on course. After two hours paddling solely on the right side, reaching our half way mark was heaven. The sun was now blistering – far too hot for December!

The unusual conditions allowed for a welldeserved rest on “Alaska” where paddlers restocked water and sunscreen from the safety boats.

Entering back into the water, the wind had thankfully calmed down and made for much easier paddling. It did not take long to reach the breakwater of The World, paddling back out into Open Ocean.

Experienced paddlers had warned that this final 7km would be the hardest. Seeing the Burj Al Arab appear on the skyline, almost as a shimmering mirage would trick the mind to thinking you were much closer than you were.

It seemed to last forever, but the now glassy waters made for fast paddling. Eventually, more figures became noticeable – the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, 360, the spires of Umm Suqeim Mosquel; the end was in sight, finally.

I paddled into shore together with fellow Yellowback, Rachael Sherriff. We were met on the sand by cheers of congratulations, our arms nearly too tired to embrace the wellwishers.

We had done it. We set out as a team and finished strong with a sprint to the sand.

Our hands were blistered and our mouths parched, but every second was worth it; an incredible experience for a worthwhile cause.

Many thanks need to be given to the event organisers, Surf Dubai; Quicksilver and Roxy for their ongoing support as well as Nakheel and UAE Red Crescent. Without you all, this would not have been possible!

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My Charity Paddle Words By: Tati Coco

I have been living in Dubai for more than one year and when I arrived I was embraced by Surf Dubai as a new SUP sister in the family. Since the first day, they were my main support in Dubai and helped develop my passion for SUP.

Every year, they organise this charity paddle to raise money for a good cause. I love long distance paddling and when they told me about this event I felt very honoured to paddle next to Scott and Daniel. They helped me develop my skills and during all this year I was training hard and sharing this sport with kids.

This year Guy Welchman, my rider and also my student at DESC, who is diabetic asked me to participate. So I did my best to help Guy achieve this big challenge. During the Charity Paddle, I was focused on Guy to make sure he achieves this dream and he did it. I felt immensely proud as his trainer but also to have around me the Red Paddle Co, who believed in my sporty qualities.

Chat with Guy Welcham

What was your parents’ advice before the race?

Both of my parents said to just take it easy.

When I got to the beach, my mum was there to congratulate me. My dad was getting off the support boat. Both my parents were so proud that I completed the paddle.

To whom do you dedicate this race? There are so many people helping me but I have special thanks for: my parents as they were always taking care of me; my trainer Tati Coco SUP, without her all this was impossible. She always believed in me. Julien Ansidei from Red Paddle Co Middle East who helped us with the boards.

The 12’6” Explorer is really a good board for this; Live Love SUP with Jen and Nick Yates.

Scott Chambers and Dan Van Dooren from Surf Dubai. Nina Maine’s dad and Dan Hobson in the support boat. Thanks to everybody who was there!

Photo: Darrell Wong Rider: Chuck Patterson

How did you feel after finishing the 30km race? After about seven hours, I just felt proud to be able to finish. Proud of myself because

I was training hard everyday with my trainer Tati Coco. On the weekends, she makes me wake up at 5:00 a.m. to go out for some long distance training. So I found the race easier as I have had very good training and also the support of my family and friends.

Did your sugar level go up and down during the race? Around 7:30 a.m., my sugar did start to get uncontrollable and really high. So my dad and my trainer decided to take a small break and make sure my level went back to normal. After the break, I felt strong enough to restart. Other than the high blood sugar there were no other obstacles.

What’s the best part of the race? Probably on my way back from The World as I was looking at the whole of Dubai from a far distance is just amazing. When we arrived, my mum, DESC teachers and friends were waiting at the beach for our arrival. It was just so good, I felt special.

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ACTIVITY REPORT

Oman wadi trips

Patrice and Marcel back on (off) the road Words By: Patrice de Wergifosse

After nearly two year of silence, Patrice and Marcel are back in the pages of OutdoorUAE (after his featured Land Rover journey from Dubai to Belgium and back “Slow Lane to Nowhere”). Patrice has reluctantly jumped back in the business world, full of committed deliverables, deadlines and a lot of other awful words you don’t want to hear about. And Marcel is waiting patiently in the car for the weekend fun in the dunes and wadis.

This month, he tells us about his drive in Oman in the three days of rain we had in November.

The first day was real madness: we left Dubai at 5:00 p.m. and took five hours to do Hatta-Sohar, crossing countless streams of water 60-80cm high with a current you cannot imagine. There were cars flooded everywhere, police stopping cars at every wadi (meaning every low point on the tar road) and all the villagers where out on the side of the highway watching, as it was the once-in-a-year attraction.

The villagers tricked me once and got me to test a water crossing (yes, yes, go, go, mafi mushkilla!). Of course, they were all watching for the car of the Dubai tourist to be washed away from the road. I didn’t give them that pleasure; the Patrol Safari is a bloody good

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car. However at some occasions, with an olive in the crack, I would have produced 3L of oil.

Muscat was unreachable and we had to stay the rest of the night in Sohar.

On the second day, there was still water crossing the road in few low points, while the blue sky was clear from any dust, having been washed all night by incessant rain. Oman sky was offering that light that you can normally get only in Africa. Thanks to the experience of the night before, crossing the mud streams was a walk in the woods, holding the wheel with one finger only.

Then after 25km of an easy track to build the confidence of my two tourist drivers, we entered the mountains at Wadi Dayqah

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Dam, some 70km past Muscat. I had carefully researched on Google Earth an itinerary linking several tracks that don’t show on any maps to go all the way to Sur. However the terrain made us change our plans. The rain of the previous day (that continued sporadically) had transformed the track in a mud field. The soil was heavy and spongy. As there were the tracks of two vehicles, we decided to continue anyway as far as the tracks were going. No error was permitted as parts of the track were washed away in some places, and the space available between the cliff and the ravine was just wide enough for the car. With the tyres secured on the rock, it is already stressful enough, but floating in the mud, it calls for all your driving science.

Arriving in a small village, flooded wadis were blocking all the tracks exiting the village and we had to backtrack for few kilometres before existing to the seaside. It was really impressive: all the wadis existing in the mountain range were offloading brown streams visible few kilometres into the turquoise sea. Our plans to visit Wadi Shab had to be postponed as it was also transformed in a brown stream carrying palm trees and other stuff. We arrived at the new hotel nearby under the heaviest rain I have experienced in the region.

On the third day, we gave a try to Salmah Plateau and got on top from the south entrance (if you haven’t tried it yet, you should: how to climb from zero to 1,000m in five hairpin bends). Some parts were pretty rock ‘n roll, the mud had dried, but the rain had washed away the soil and only the underbed of rough rock was apparent. The village 10km away, when you take on the left in the first settlement, was not reachable, or at least we didn’t feel compelled to try as there was no vehicle tracks going ahead when we reached a point on the “road” that looked really rock ‘n roll. Reaching Qurran, we were told that none of the two tracks leaving were drivable.

We decided to trust the villagers, even though they may have just been trying to trick some tourists not to enter their village. They were not especially welcoming.

Since it was not possible to cross the mountains, we backtracked to the sea. I hadn’t been

to Salmah Plateau for a few years, and the construction that has been going on there is crazy, pretty buzzy for the middle of nowhere.

Then we hit the road to Nizwa via Sur. It was uneventful, and the occasion to see that the rain had not spared a single square centimetre of the country. Roads were full of sand and other sediments brought by flowing water.

We stayed in Mirfah, an old oasis 40km of Nizwa, just above Hamra. I would consider only camping in Oman as a consequence of the poor value for money of accommodations on offer. However, as my two guests were totaling 130 years and were on holidays, we decided to spend the nights in hotels. This is the only place I would recommend to you. It is the closest experience of Old Oman that you can offer to your visiting guests. You have to park at the entrance of the village and walk 10 minutes down (and back in time) through one of the best-preserved oasis and dried mud village through narrow alleys, unevenly cobble-paved. In my world, 250 AED per person to sleep on a mattress on the floor and eat chicken and rice is still bloody expensive, but so far the best value for money I found in Oman, and it is a pleasure to wake up surrounded by banana trees, breathing pure 1,000m-high air. It used to be the house of the grandfather of the owner (an English teacher in Hamra), and he decided that it was the best way to keep the oasis alive. You can find it on booking.com when looking for hotels around Nizwa (Mirfah old house).

However, don’t think of bringing your old auntie in her wheelchair. How big were these Omani guys 200 years ago to build stair steps 50cm high? On the fourth and last day, we drove to the highest drivable point on Jabal Shams (2,003m), not after I had to walk again down to the hotel to get the map that my two tourists had forgotten (and that is the only thing they had to think of that morning, beside taking pictures).

The drive in the wadi in the canyon was not possible. We were told by a lady in red in the first village that the track had once again been washed away. Jabal Shams tracks were less damaged than what we have experienced in other parts of the region. It was my first time up there and the view down the canyon is really impressive. I am looking forward to coming back to climb the 3,000m summit. Then we hit the road back to Dubai and as for all Oman trips, we stopped for dinner and shisha at Bab Al Shams.

JANUARY 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Conclusion: Water crossing and mud driving like I had never experienced (and enjoyed!) before in the region. It beats the three days of rain we got in Dubai in January 2007 where cars where floating in 3m of water under the bridges on SZR. A welcome change from the usual sand and rocks.

However, difficult to plan and we had to stay on black-top roads far more than we would have liked to. Please, please, we will never say it enough – be extremely careful and get out of wadis when there are too many clouds.

Even with a clear sky above you, it can rain 20km away and it creates a water or mud wave that will go through the wadi and wipe everything on its way. It took me eight years living in Dubai to see a wadi full of mud going at racehorse speed. You understand how this big boulders end up in the middle of a wadi, and believe me, you don’t want to be stuck in there. Your flooded engine will be the last of your worries.

And one last note: the non-residents used to pay a 100 AED visa fee when entering Oman. Now, when they have landed in Dubai airport, they are exempted from this fee, while us, residents, still have to pay 50 AED. How unfair.

Get out there! Winter is too short to spend weekends at home!

Patrice (and Marcel, of course)

OUTDOORUAE

23

DMX

Review is kindly sponsored and supported by

Masters and 125cc

DMX Round 4 Results 2013-2014 race season MOTO 1 MX2

DMX Round 4 that happened on December 6th once again saw speedsters battle it out on the track.

Position

No.

Laps

Total time

1

1

Ross Runnalls

Name

12

22:00.527

2

2

Dale Jullien

12

22:30.824

3

12

Sean Gaugain

12

22:45.084

4

23

Mohammed Jaffar

12

23:20.134

5

14

Mitch Malpass

12

23:36.474

65cc and 85cc Position

No.

Name

Laps

Total time

1

19

Eugenio Barbaglia

7

15:13.748

2

22

Nick Kefford

7

15:32.302

3

174a

Abdullah Al Nuaimi

7

15:46.008

4

7

Samuel Porter

7

16:05.092

5

88

Tom Hudson

7

18:02.805

No.

Name

Laps

Total time

1

11

Erik Landgren

8

15:44.289

2

10

Dean Jullien

8

16:16.592

3

22

Nicholas Kefford

8

16:26.488

4

27

Corrado Meneghello

8

17:02.802

5

13

Shannon O Connor

8

17:03.180

MOTO 2 Position

No.

Laps

Total time

1

22

Nick Kefford

Name

6

12:43.268

2

19

Eugenio Barbaglia

6

13:11.986

3

174a

Abdullah Al Nuaimi

6

13:37.477

4

88

Tom Hudson

6

13:49.576

5

199

Harry Suddards

5

12:43.685

MX2 Position

No.

Laps

Total time

1

1

Ross Runnalls

Name

12

20:38.949

2

2

Dale Jullien

12

20:41.777

3

12

Sean Gaugain

12

20:42.731

4

23

Mohammed Jaffar

12

21:31.347

5

24

Abdullah Al Shatti

12

21:46.716

Laps

Total time

Masters and Clubman

Clubman

Position

No.

Name

1

13

Shannon O Connor

8

16:26.325

2

6

Nic Bac

8

16:30.246

Laps

Total time

3

28

Hamdan Al Raimi

8

16:31.382

Jarno Mikaelelo

8

16:18.888

4

27

8

16:33.530

28

Hamdan Al Raimi

8

16:18.888

Corrado Meneghello

3

100

Adam Ridgway

8

17:36.041

5

895

Brent Gregson

8

16:56.959

4

79

Richard Cornfield

8

17:39.382

5

174

Anwar A Nuaimi

8

17:40.549

Laps

Total time

Position

No.

1

310

2

Name

MX1

24

Position

Name

125cc Position

No.

Name

1

11

Erik Landgren

9

16:11.015

2

10

Dean Jullien

9

16:59.301

Position

No.

Laps

Total time

3

22

Nicholas Kefford

9

17:24.052

1

1

Ross Runnalls

12

21:38.335

4

73

Darren Berry

9

17:53.053

2

12

Sean Gaugain

12

22:23.433

5

101

Charlie Root

9

18:01.205

3

18

Ben Menzies

12

22:40.117

4

11

Dale Jullen

12

22:56.236

Laps

Total time

5

7

Mohammed Al Balooshi

12

22:58.728

6

50

Jinan CD

12

23:11.619

7

15

Mark Ackerman

11

21:50.631

8

33

Josh Brodalka

11

22:26.737

9

49

Shelby Ingrilli

11

22:49.392

OUTDOORUAE

MX1 Position

No.

Name

1

1

Ross Runnalls

12

20:12.944

2

18

Ben Menzies

12

20:35.418

3

12

Sean Gaugain

12

21:11.217

4

50

Jinan CD

12

21:14.714

5

7

Mohammed Al Balooshi

12

21:21.745

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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

STORA LAXA:

World-class Icelandic salmon fishing Words By: Rasmus Ovesen Photos By: Rasmus Ovesen and Martin Ejler Olsen

Iceland boasts some of Europe’s most beautiful and productive salmon rivers, and StoraLaxa is among the very finest.

I SEND ANOTHER EXPECTANT CAST out over the river’s fluttering and glass-like film. The small # 14 Sun Ray Shadow lands with a discrete “plop” near the opposite bank and weighs itself down into the water column, before the current and the first retrieves hitch it up and make it rear towards the surface.

The river valley’s steep and lush-green expanses mirror themselves subduingly in the water and flickers in competition with the skies’ abysmal blue. Meanwhile, the volcanic landscape’s majestic and dramatic surroundings sort of intrude – welcomingly, hypnotic and reconciling. It is a heartrending beautiful place, but I don’t have the peace of mind to fully appreciate it – not yet at least. My ailing salmon fly fishing career, that has never really

gotten off to any kind of fair start, requires my full dedication, and every fateful cast with the light #5 single handed fly rod is charged with the greatest of concentration and the most intense hopes imaginable.

After several fruitless trips to more or less doubtful Norwegian and Swedish salmon rivers, I have ventured to the river, Stora Laxa, in Southern Iceland to realise my chrome salmon fly fishing dreams.

It is still rather early in the season but, already, impressive amounts of fish are heading up river – amounts so massive that I can hardly believe that they are going to intensify. They undoubtedly will, however, especially later this month and all through September. By then every pool will be teeming with activity.

A couple of days ahead of my arrival, two local Icelandic fly fishermen have caught several shiny chrome fish – many of them with sea lice, so everything seems promising enough.

The fact that I’m still a slave to my feelings; marked by too many salmon fishing trips without a trace of salmon and a thinly worn sense of self-confidence is an entirely different

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

matter. As fate will have it, I will overcome all of this in due time…

A CROSS-CURRENT CAST followed by a quick line mend now guides the fly through a riffle, where the water is being accelerated over big and defiantly resting boulders. My gaze is firmly fixed on the end of the line, and even before I feel the cathartic pull, I see how it suddenly holds back a bit – defying the water’s gushing flight downstream. Slightly mechanic, I lift the rod and instantly feel the weight of a fish that has just clamped its jaws around the minute fly. Hectic flashes of silver in the surface follow as the salmon attempts to throw off the hook with ill-tempered slaps of the tail and violent rolls. It doesn’t help much, though. The fish is solidly hooked, and several tumultuous airborne leaps with abrupt, collision-like landings won’t alter the outcome of the battle, which is soon to be over.

As if driven by an invisible force, the fish is reluctantly guided into the rocky shallows where it finally capsizes. Here, it lies defeated for a short while with quivering muscles under a chrome skin overstrewn with contrasting black spots. Split seconds later, I manage a good grip around the root of its tail. It is no monster fish, but the euphoria is unmistakable. My first Icelandic salmon is a reality: a compact Stora Laxa fish of about three beautifully proportioned kilos, which – like a combat-ready knight - has adorned its shiniest armour. A more stylish and elegant fish is hard to imagine!

The indignant fish is carefully released

with plenty of raw muscle power to spare for the on-going migration upstream – and with a roaring warmth in my body, renewed self-confidence and lots of adjusted drive I start ripping line off the reel and preparing for new casts. Five days of fishing on the river’s four different beats await, I have just started warming up, and I still have no clue about the extent to which this river will end up spoiling me.

THE NEXT FIVE DAYS, my buddy Martin and I fish some of the most spectacularly beautiful rivers, we have ever seen – and we catch more salmon than even the most persistent Scandinavian salmon fisherman is likely to catch in a full season. Furthermore, we make close encounters with some indomitably fighting and hypnotically beautiful brown trout and arctic char in full-grown sizes – fish that throw themselves at our flies, when we least expect it.

From Beat I and II’s numerous gentlemen pools - where everything from the river access to the wading and fishing is unproblematic and convenient - we now journey further upstream. By now, we have become relatively experienced in controlled drifts with small hitch- and standard tube flies, and we are ready to try some of the more challenging pools on Beat III and IV. Up here, the amounts of salmon are more moderate, and as a result, the pending work will not limit itself to climbing steep cliffs and canyons, hike through rolling terrain and wade in heavy currents.

It will also involve tireless efforts in terms of

JANUARY 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

locating the fish and actually inducing some heady strikes. Not surprisingly, we struggle quite a bit with the latter, because the pools in this abstruse and remote area are as difficult to read, as they are impeccably beautiful and enthralling.

The fact that the Stora Laxa salmon are generally quite aggressive becomes our rescue. Because even though we are treading uncertain waters, we still manage to find some huddled schools of salmon in a few seams, pools and eddies. One of the spots, where we consistently have great fishing is the Heljathrem pool on Beat III. Here, a monumental rustred cliff towers above a fast run with relatively deep water and lots of cover. The pool itself is rather small, but it must have a special magnetism on the fish. Because even though the fish on Beat III and IV seem especially keen on travelling further upstream towards the spawning grounds, the Heljathrem pool consistently holds smaller schools of fish. Why they defy their impulse-driven urges to push upstream and settle here in stead is difficult to say. It is definitely no interval of rest, however, because the fish are constantly chasing each other around and becoming more and more stressed and aggressive.

In order not to disturb the pool too much, we only fish it early morning and late evening.

Everything seems completely self-explanatory here, and for the last three days we hook up with several chrome fish in the six-kilo range that push our light single-handed equipment to the maximum. For me, the fishing here comes to epitomize the essence and allure of

OUTDOORUAE

27

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

salmon fly fishing. No mysticism or hocuspocus is involved, no underlying uncertainties or unresolved speculations! As long as we swing our small tube flies cross-current at a slow pace, the strikes follow with the greatest of obviousness and truism – like meaningful surface explosions of flickering silver and chrome.

STORA LAXA, which is undoubtedly among Iceland’s most beautiful rivers, hasn’t got a reputation for delivering catches of downright monster salmon. (This isn’t really true for any of the Icelandic rivers). Instead, there are massive amounts of fish from the beginning of August until October, where the season comes to a closure. The average size of the fish usually lies somewhere between three and four kilos, and when the fishing is really good, you frequently connect with contentious bundles of muscles in the six-kilo range. Catching these fishes is extremely entertaining, and catching them in generous amounts never gets tiring. However, if you’re one of those salmon fly fishermen, who have a propensity for big fish, it is comforting to know that – with a bit of luck – Stora Laxa salmon up to 15 kilos can be caught, and that 10-kilo fishes are landed with regular intervals in the high season. Salmon in this calibre put up a bitter and heated fight, and that is exactly what I get, when I fish a promising pool on Beat 1 and come into contact with one of the river’s big fish – a fish that ends up etching itself onto my memory.

ALREADY AFTER A FEW HANDFUL OF CASTS comes the strike - like lightning from a clear sky. A crackling chrome shape flashes behind the fly, and suddenly the fly line becomes critically taught. I lift the rod tip, set the hook and feel the trembling counterweight of a fish that surges irresistibly back towards its holding spot along the river’s craggy bottom.

A series of brutal pulls propagate through the blank, like series of deep carbon fibre-cramps followed by a sudden and blunt dead-weight.

The fish cannot be budged – and I suddenly find myself worrying about the fish being fowl-

28

OUTDOORUAE

hooked. No matter what, I need to force the fish away from the sheltering bottom textures and into the free water masses – but the question is whether or not the light #5 gear, the 0.30mm tippet and the frail #14 treble hook will be up for the task. I apply whatever sidepressure I can and pull heavy-handedly back on the fish until the cork handle squeaks and the line sings cacaphonically in the guides and finally – after a bit of toing and froing back and forth – the fish yields. It moves into the main current, surges bewildered downstream and throws itself headlong out of the water with the small Sun Ray Shadow firmly lodged in its glistening gums. Now, the fight is truly on!

The fly line cuts through the river’s fleeting water masses with surgical precision carefully mapping the fish’s escape route. After having given up the false security of the holding spot it thrusts itself down river with violent strokes of the tail and with me rushing behind in hot pursuit over slippery rocks. Further downstream, the river and the terrain suddenly drops, the water accelerates dramatically – and foaming water whirls and gushes downwards licking big and dangerously rugged boulders. It is pivotal that I prevent the fish from getting there. To avoid this potential catastrophe, I need to apply some serious side pressure, so I opt to run swiftly downstream, while doing my best to pick up slack line and keep the fish on a tight leash.

Immediately above the cascade I manage to turn around the fish, which now changes tactics and starts rolling chaotically in the surface film. Slowly but surely I bring the fish towards land, where Martin is ready to assist with the landing. A lot can still go horribly wrong because the fish isn’t really tired yet, and every time it rolls bewildered in the surface, it is being carried further downstream, where the frothing water masses of the cascade awaits. It is now or never, so I push the gear to the limit, bring the fish into the shallows and in his second attempt, Martin manages to grab the fish by its massive tail and drag it onto the bank. Here, we celebrate and marvel at an immaculate and beautiful 97cm hen, which has to weigh 10+ kilos. I carefully lift up the iridescent chrome fish for a couple of quick photos and immerse it into the water, where it quickly regains its full strength. A sizzling warmth flushes over me as

the fish makes its way into deeper water and becomes one with the river again. I’m left with a sudden appreciation and understanding of what salmon fishing is really about. All the work – every neat cast, every tense retrieve, and every watchful glance is charged with the greatest of meaningfulness. I have lost my soul to salmon fly fishing and not least to Stora Laxa – the place, where even the most disheartened salmon fisherman can find renewed self-confidence and get to experience what salmon fishing is essentially about.

STORA LAXA

The Stora Laxa River in the southern corner of Iceland is administered bythe Icelandic salmon fisherman, Arni Baldursson, and the company Lax-A (www.lax-a. net). Lax-A disposes over 40 kilometres of the StoraLaxa River, which is a tributary to the massive glacier river Ölfusá.

A total of ten rods are available on the four beats: 4 on Beat I and II, which are rented out together, 2 on Beat II and 4 on Beat IV. Depending on the beat and the season, a rod costs between 250 – 700 Euros per day and it includes accommodation in one of the big, comfortable and well-equipped self-service cabins that belong to each beat. These cabins sleep up to 12 guests, and they are right on the river bank, which means that they work very well as a starting point for the fishing.

Stora Laxa is a medium-sized and extremely clear river that is well suited for light single-handed and doublehanded fly fishing. It is among the 10 most productive salmon rivers in Iceland, and in the 2013 season an impressive 1776 salmon were landed – which is in the vicinity of 2,5 salmon per rod/day. In the main season, which stretches from August to the end of September, daily catches of up to 10-15 salmon aren’t unusual. At this time of year, there are massive amounts of fish in the river, and if your fishing coincides with some downpours and rising water levels, the fishing oftentimes explodes completely.

Additional info can be had by contacting Lax-A via email: lax-a@lax-a.is

TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

Triglavski The only National Park in Slovenia Words + Photos By: Sean James

Triglavski National Park is in northern Slovenia on the border with Austria and Italy. It is the only National Park in Slovenia. By the sheer beauty of the area it is evident that the Slovenes have been blessed.

Luckily for adventure seekers, it is a much overlooked area by those not in the know who habitually head to the French Alps, The Spanish Pyrenees or the Italian Dolomites.

Once you start looking you will find libraries of trekking guide books, excellent hotels, tourist offices, well maintained trails and a nation of people committed to outdoor adventure sports; hiking, swimming, biking, caving, climbing, sailing... visiting Triglavski National

Only watch the flowers and watch out for the bears

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OUTDOORUAE

The survival hut at the summit of Triglav

Park is like unwrapping a wonderful new Christmas present.

Slovenia has slipped under the radar of many but delve a bit deeper and you will find something very special. I had visited the area many years ago in the 1980s as a child and images of old buildings, grey and dark landscape, poverty and an unwelcoming military presence were still in my mind. That was Yugoslavia. Now redesigned, Slovenia appears affluent with prices high, hotels fully booked and the chic resorts of Bled and Bohinj bursting with well-heeled tourists and celebs. In 2007, Slovenia was per capita the richest of the Slavic states and the fastest-growing Eurozone member. Since then, like all of Europe, it has been hit by the global crisis due to its dependence on exports, a lower demand for its own produce, a credit crunch and falling domestic consumption. This month the IMF said that Slovenia must immediately address the issue of injecting more money into its banking system. If it does not, it risks heading towards a bailout similar to that of Greece, Portugal, Spain, Ireland et al. On the surface in Slovenia, there is none of the feeling of poverty that you experience in those countries.

However there is light on the horizon. The variety of natural and cultural attractions will support increased tourism in the future. Thanks to its geographical position, what is known as “the tourist gravitational area” is extensive and offers potential for growth unlike Spain, Portugal or Greece where the tourist industries are at a more mature stage of development and may have peaked. In contrast to the rural areas of the Western Alps and the Dolomites, tourists are less evident here and still come on a small-scale. Thankfully they are not causing any obvious environmental issues. If you are looking for isolation when you hike, with only 101 inhabitants per square kilometre, Slovenia ranks low among the European countries in population density and experiences are wonderfully tranquil and peaceful.

I was visiting Slovenia in July 2013, two weeks before the Roth Iron Distance Triathlon. I was looking for an area where I could rest, take advantage of the altitude to further increase my red blood cell count and do some easy exercise. Tapering, the process of winding down and reducing the intensity level of training prior to a race is always difficult for any athlete. Having some gentle hiking and climbing up to about 3000m is perfect. As well as all the great food, hams, cheese, bread, weather…

The mountain range is known as the Julian Alps and is compact, clean and full of well sign

Mountain huts make accomodation easy

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Wild animals roam free

posted trails. The system of mountain huts makes life easier. The highest peak in Slovenia is also in the park. Travelling somewhere with a purpose is always nice and to climb the highest peak in Slovenia was my intention.

Mount Triglav is only 2850m high so weather patterns are more stable and the whole area feels less threatening and intimidating than the French Alps. It is however equally as stunning and rewarding. The area is limestone and has one of the most extensive cave systems in Europe.

I had flown into Munich, Germany with Emirates. It is a direct flight from Dubai and I had chosen to stay in Velden, Southern Austria. The fast roads meant only a four-hour transfer from Munich to my hotel. Velden is at the western end of the Worthersee, just over the border from Slovenia and convenient for visiting Triglav. At the other end of the Worthersee from my hotel was Klagenfurt. I had been to Klagenfurt the year before and knew that the lakes were smooth and perfect to swim in and the roads quiet, smooth and rolling for biking.

Four major European geographic regions meet in Slovenia: the Alps, the Dinarides, the Pannonian Plain, and the Mediterranean and the majority of the country is hilly or mountainous. Around 90% of Slovenia is above 200m high and it has a 47km coastline that borders the Adriatic. Even more wonderful is that over half of the country is covered by forests, making Slovenia the third most forested country in Europe, after Finland and Sweden. As I ran and hiked through these natural playgrounds I could feel the recent history of the landscape and the massive changes that happened here in the 20th century. It is a complicated history

Lake Bled and the beautiful castle

The ascent is easier than it looks with fixed lines on exposed sections

but now many museums and attractions show the help to spread understanding of what happened.

As recently as 1991 after a 10 day war, Slovenia gained its independence from Yugoslavia and became what we recognise now.

Before that it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the end of World War I. In 1918, Yugoslavia was formed by a coalition of the Slovenes, Serbs and Croats. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the slightly altered Yugoslavia. Since independence, its economy has grown strongly thanks to its geographical position and the fact it controls some of Europe’s major transit routes. Being closer to Western Europe has assisted its transformation to a democracy and Slovenia is now a member of NATO and the Eurozone. We must assume being a member of the last two organisations has been a good thing, and now Slovenia’s education ranks as the 12th best in the world and fourth best in the European Union with a 99.6% literacy rate and signs of lifelong learning also increasing.

Mount Triglav is by far the most climbed peak in Slovenia and dominates its immediate surroundings. The closest higher peak is in Austria, some 90km away. The mountain is so important for Slovenes that it is even at the center of the national flag, in white against a blue background. A hat worn by the resistance fighters against the Nazi and Fascist in the 1940s was also known as the Triglav cap. Triglav (tri glave) may mean three heads and is also thought to be the “home of the Gods.” Looking from the south I could indeed see three distinct summits or heads but no Gods. There are many huts around Triglav and even though it was summer we found them

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Amazing vistas over the Julian Alps

almost empty, comfortable and very accommodating. There are many routes by which to climb Triglav and which mood you are in will determine which you choose. The southern approaches are gentle and meandering in comparison to the steep and wild cliffs in the west and north. All are stunning. There are no permanent glaciers remaining in the park and the only glacier in the Julian Alps has sadly been reduced to large snowfield.

Like all good experiences, the best is saved for the last. The final couple hundred metres can be described as a scramble. Hands are definitely needed but convenient handholds and wire cables have been placed all the way from the final hut to the summit. They are very welcome and make the exposure of the knife edge ridge a lot more pleasant.

After your summit you are well advised to head for the towns of Bled and Bohinj. They are approximately 60km from the capital Lljubilana on good roads. Both have picture postcard lakes with ancient castles looking down on the turquoise blue waters. Recently the Queen of Japan visited Bled and it is a frequent hideaway of many celebrities who are tired of Cannes or The Caribbean. Bohinj is less busy and enjoys an almost 60s hippie vibe to it. From here there are many trails, less ambitious than Mount Triglav, that crisscross the National Park. Even the short 6km flat trail around Lake Bled took us over half a day as photo opportunities and small beaches were so numerous.

You would probably struggle to name a famous Slovene in any arena; sporting, art, business, media, music or film but once you have visited this fantastic country you will definitely wonder why you haven’t been before.

Isolated peaceful valleys

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Find your ultimate road bike with Silverback Bicycles With the cool winter weather upon us there’s no better time to get adventurous, and if you’re on the lookout for a new road bike to kick start the New Year in athletic style, make sure you check out Silverback Bicycles top tips for selecting the right bike for you.

Exclusively distributed by Sport In Life, Silverback emerged on the world’s cycling stage in 2004 and has never looked back. A leader in its field, the brand brings cycling excellence at competitive prices, so you can find the right ride and get cycling!

A must for avid road cyclists, here are four pointers to look out for when buying a new road bike: 1. Check for a high-quality frame, this is the most important part of a bike. There are three different frame options to choose from with Silverback Bicycles: • If you’re a racing cyclist, the Scalera range offers a highperformance carbon platform to combine durability and

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aerodynamics into a speedy package. The strong yet lightweight frame has been tuned to meet the high demands of racing cyclists for an accurate and agile ride throughout the race.

• For a high-performance yet comfortable road bike, the Space range uses a premium carbon frame with a finely tuned layup for the most efficient bicycle framework possible.

• The Strela range has a lightweight frame, which uses the same sturdy structure as its carbon siblings with a thin seat to allow for a more comfortable ride. The result is a fast and efficient ride combined with comfort.

2. The groupset is the heartbeat of the bike, and having a good quality groupset will allow you to change gears efficiently and speedily. All Silverback Bicycles come with a full Shimano groupset to ensure there is no compromise when it comes to gear shifting, performance or breaking.

3. Wheels and tyres keep your bike in motion. Look for deep section aero profile rims – these will cut through the air and provide great momentum on faster roads for that adrenaline pumping ride.

4. Price is a factor we all consider when buying expensive items, so make sure you get the best value for your money.

Silverback Bicycles believe in delivering the best price to specification and quality ratio offering the “Best in Class Metrics” for all bikes. You can get the most innovative and desirable technology with Silverback Bicycles at an affordable price – what’s better than that?

The Silverback range starts from 1,499 AED and is available from the following retail outlets: Go Sports, Dubai Mall and Go Sports, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi.

For further information on the brand please visit: www. sportinlife.aeand www.facebook.com/SilverbackUAE.

ZX-10r

WE’RE Rolling oUT nEW 2014 PRodUcTs 800 LIBERTY kawasaki@liberty.ae

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LIFESTYLE

Commanding view from the fort

Hold on to your hats – we’re on the run Exploring Hatta

Words + Photos By: Helen McClure from expatexplorers.org

Many an expat has dashed to Hatta on the Omani border to get their passport stamped, but few have stayed to explore. Some stop for lunch and a swim at the Hatta Fort Hotel.

I know someone who has been doing this every month for five years. The lunch must be very good.

However, there is more to the “Hatta Run” that a border queue, if you’re looking for culture or fun in the great outdoors.

The first time most people leave Dubai by car, they realise that the mountains are only an hour away. You drive past the large orange sand dunes, and the aptly named Big Red, scattered with the revving 4x4 ants scuttling around, and then the rocky outcrops start to appear.

When you first arrive in Hatta you might think that there is not much to recommend it. On a prominent roundabout, the hotel is one of the first buildings you see, with a parade of shops opposite and then you wonder, “is that it?” Turn right at the roundabout and the narrow lane takes you into the village where you start to get a peak at real Hatta life.

Our first stop was the Hatta Heritage Village nestled between two fortified hills that, although only a short climb, offer lovely views of the surrounding area. This is considered to be one of the oldest habited areas in the area, and the Heritage Village gives a glimpse of the Bedouin past with restored traditional mud barasti houses surrounding the fort complete with bedrooms, majlis and kitchen.

Once you’ve found your historical grounding, head to the hills for a picnic.

There is quite a lot of road development, but the way is easy even if mostly off-road.

You’ll follow water courses, or falajs, and eventually park at Hatta Pools. The deep refreshing pools and waterfalls are revivDaring to jump

Respect the environment: Leave only shadows

ing, but the calm mirage can mask the danger: given their narrow design, flash floods are possible in rainy weather.

Hatta Pools has two reputations. It is a wonderful, geographically interesting, canyon carved by cooling water, where you can take a wander up and down the rock faces and through the pools, have a picnic and watch local boys jump from the cliff tops, leaving their common sense behind them.

Then there is the mess. Bottles, rubbish and graffiti unfortunately litter some of the popular rest spots. It’s a shame that people can’t respect their natural habitats.

However, it’s worth the day trip, even if you only do it once. We’ll be going back.

The practical bit: What to read: Make sure you have a map.

The mountain roads can be difficult to navigate and there are no signposts.

Visa: Although Hatta is in the UAE, you will be briefly passing through Oman. This means you’ll be going through checkpoints and will require your passport. The UAE exit checkpoint is a good distance from the Oman entry checkpoint and there is nothing stopping you driving through.

You’ll only realise your mistake when you arrive at the Omani checkpoint and get sent back. Driving towards Hatta you’ll come across some low-rise buildings on the right. Stop and make sure you get your exit stamp. You will also be required to have Omani car insurance for your brief

drive through Oman.

Hatta Heritage Village: Turn right at the Hatta Fort roundabout (04 852 1384).

Admission is free.

Hatta Pools: From the Dubai-Hatta highway, turn right at the fort roundabout and follow the Mahdah road through Hatta village. With the Heritage Village on your right, drive down the hill and turn right toward the village of Jeemah. The tarmac disappears after the UAE checkpoint. Follow the gravel track to the pools. You can continue passed the pools and continue along the gravel track passed the villages of Ray and Shuwayhah. At the T-junction turn right back towards Dubai-Hatta Road.

Helen McClure is the journalist behind www.expatexplorers.org, a travel and expat website offering free independent insights, ideas and inspiration. Follow her on www.facebook.com/expatexplorers and www.twitter.com/expatexplorers.

Her travelling experiences have included backpacking in South America and the Far East, touring Europe in a camper van, working in villages in Africa, travelling with the British Army in Kenya, Oman and Northern Ireland, working in Saudi Arabia, living in Kuwait, Chicago and the United Arab Emirates. She is known for being sport mad (all sports), running long distances (just mad) and being competitive (in everything).

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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LIFESTYLE

Habitually healthy

Organic Farmhouse Salad with Free Range Chicken and Pesto Words By: Chef Christopher Zerbe Photos By: Glaiza Seguia

Now that the holidays are about over, it’s time to think back on last year and see what changes we can make for the New Year for the better!

I for one have all but given up all forms of bread, cow’s milk, all soda and sugar in my coffee! It’s been tough since our bodies grow used to these things and tend to crave them once they have been eliminated from our diet.

I find that my blood sugar is way more balanced and I have much better digestion and even sleep a bit better. So what have you decided to change in your dietary “routine?”

Have you added any form of exercise? I con-

tinue to cycle every other day for 21km with a goal to increase to 28km mid January. So far, 4kg have been dropped and I find myself a bit more energetic and have a much greater desire to hit the gym finally!

So, to start off my New Year, I am working on some new high protein salads made from some of the most amazing produce I have found in Dubai! A couple weeks ago, I came across an article on Facebook that mentioned Elena Kinane. After reading about her work at Greenheart Organic Farms, I immediately sent her an email. Within 48 hours, we had sat and discussed life in the desert, farming, organic produce, ethical farming and of course weather! What a great lady and when you combine that with her love of farming and growing amazing produce, mix that into the food that I cook here at The Cycle Bistro, what you get is an explosion of incredible tastes, textures and of course nutrition in everything

we make! Each and every day I come up with new and amazing ways to utilise the fresh organic fruits and vegetables that Greenheart sends me. So to wrap this up, I will leave you with a little of my Greek and Italian influence, an “off-the-cuff” Organic Farmhouse Salad with Free Range Chicken and Pesto! Enjoy!

We hope you enjoy this creation and if you are looking for some of this wonderful organic produce, feel free to contact Greenheart Organic Farms! Find them on Facebook.com/greenheartorganicfarms or just check them out on the web at www.greenheartuae.com The Cycle Bistro GPS location: Latitude: N 25° 02.792 Longitude: E 055° 14.384 Phone: 04 425 6555

Quantity

Ingredients

Preparation

1 ea

Baby beetroot

Peeled/quartered

2 ea

Baby carrots

Scrubbed/quartered

1/2 ea

Baby yellow courgette

Sliced

1/2 ea

Baby green courgette

Sliced

1 ea

Assorted heirloom tomatoes

Cut into wedges

1/4 ea

Baby fennel

Sliced

5g

Wild Italian rockett

Washed

40g

Mixed organic lettuces

Washed

5g

Baby organic spinach

Washed

5ml

Raspberry vinegar

15ml

Extra virgin olive oil

120g

Grilled free range chicken breast

20g

Fresh pesto: basil leaves, sea salt, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil and garlic

Blend up in your blender!

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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PRODUCTS A round-up of quality products available right here in the UAE Indian Chief Classic Available at www.polarisuae.com The new Indian® Chief® Classic is a pure, powerful cruiser forged from key heritage design elements yet wrapped in advanced design, engineering and technology. It features iconic styling like valanced fenders, rich genuine leather saddle, classic tank-mounted instrumentation, tear-drop fuel tank design, and sculpted and lighted front fender war bonnet.

Indian Chief Vintage Available at www.polarisuae.com The new Indian® Chief® Vintage is a soft bagger that takes iconic Indian Motorcycle styling to a whole new level with handcrafted detail and a signature heritage aesthetic. The Indian® Chief® Vintage offers top-quality quick release soft-sided leather bags, leather fringe, chrome fender tips, vintage chrome badging on the front fender and a quickrelease windshield for easy installation or removal.

Indian Chieftain Available at www.polarisuae.com The first Indian Motorcycle of its kind, the 2014 Indian® Chieftain™ maintains the legendary Indian® Chief® styling, while taking this progressive machine to new heights with advanced features and premium comfort. Unlike any Indian Motorcycle ever made, the Chieftain features a fairing with integrated driving lights, and its power windshield is an industry-first for a fork-mounted fairing. Standard features include hard saddlebags featuring remote locks and quick-release anchors, a high-output audio system featuring integrated Bluetooth® smartphone connectivity, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

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PRODUCTS Silverback Scalera 3 14,499 AED

Available at GO Sport (UAE) The Dubai Mall, (Abu Dhabi) Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, and (Qatar) Villaggio Mall and City Centre Doha The Silverback Scalera 3 is a race-bred high-performance carbon road bike, which combines stiffness and aerodynamics into a highly attractive package. The carbon layup is stiff and lightweight and has been carefully tuned to meet the high demands of racing cyclists.

The geometry is finely tuned for every size, resulting in an accurate and agile ride feel at all speeds. The Scalera 3 features internal cable routing, integrated seat post clamp, aero form flow tapered head tube, truncated aero carbon seat post, a full Shimano Ultegra 11 speed group set and Mavic Cosmic wheel set.

Silverback bikes offer a customer the best spec to weight to price ratio, which means customers get the most desirable technology at an affordable price. These metrics include: frame design, weight, bike finish and aesthetics, specifications all at the right price.

Nolan N44 Classic N-COM series

1,200 AED special offer; before it was 1,500 AED Available at Al Yousuf Motors Showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah Feel the magic of riding in stylish safety. The N44 is the new “Crossover” type touring helmet by Nolan. N44 is a fully modular helmet, ideally responding to the needs of expert motorcyclists and suitable for both summer and winter use. Designed for urban riding and outof-town touring.

N44 is equipped with the Microlock2 (patent pending) double lever retention system. This system consists of a thermoplastic ergonomic opening lever and of a second aluminium toothed and holding lever.

The toothed lever releases the micrometric strip, this device minimises the possibility of unintentional opening of the retention system.

The VPS sun screen can be adjusted in two positions to provide best comfort: the first notch allows you to use the VPS in a slightly higher position, while the second notch - up to the limit stop - allows the VPS in a fully lowered position.

Buff Balaclava 125 AED

Available at Ski Dubai • 100% microfibre balaclava tubular, high-stretch and seamless at the neck, with just a flat seam on the headpiece • Excellent breathability and humidity control • Polygiene treatment: the fabric remains clean for longer without releasing odors caused by bacteria

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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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PRODUCTS G-Shock Rangeman 1,295 AED

Available at G-Factory Lamcy Plaza (043352979); G-Factory Al-Ghurair (042525217) and all other leading watch outlets in UAE Introducing Rangeman, the latest addition to the Master of G series of tough and rugged timepieces that are designed and engineered to stand up to the most grueling conditions imaginable. Rangeman is Triple Sensor equipped, which makes it capable of keeping altitude, barometric pressure, temperature and direction readings at your fingertips. Cylindrical buttons provide outstanding operation and improved resistance to impact. The frequently used sensor button (center right) has a metal cover that protects it against lateral impact and keeps foreign matter out. Pressing the sensor button in any mode takes you directly to a sensor screen. Each sensor mode has its own audible tone, which means you can determine which mode you are entering without even looking at the watch.

All of this plus one-touch timer recording, one-touch elapsed time measurement, worldrenowned G-Shock toughness and durability, and much more makes Rangeman the perfect choice for rangers, rescue crews and anyone else whose profession or activities demand unfailing reliability. Midasia Trading is the authorized distributor of this model.

Bont Riot 550 AED

Available at Adventure HQ Times Square Center Adventure HQ has a new favourite product in store.

Introducing the Bont Riot, the world’s first carbon composite heat mold-able entry level cycling shoe.

The Riot combines Bont’s pro series technical features including their power transfer platform and anatomical shaping with competition grade materials to create the most technically advanced entry level road cycling shoe.

PS: You put them in the oven to mold them into your foot size perfectly!

Casio Protrek PRG270 895 AED

Available at G-Factory, Ghurair (042525217), G-Factory Lamcy Plaza (043352979) The new Protrek PRG270 has Triple Sensor Version 3, advanced Casio original technology that makes it possible to pack sensors that are 95% smaller than those of previous models into a totally new type of compact PRO TREK. Despite their small size, the new sensors in these models deliver higher accuracy and improved energy efficiency.

The PRG270 model delivers altitude, barometric pressure and direction readings that are more accurate than previous models, and a Barometric Pressure Tendency Alarm alerts the wearer to sudden changes in pressure readings. Design features include a case designed for outdoor gear performance. Large side buttons and one-press access to digital compass, barometric pressure and altitude readings.

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2014 Polaris Youth Models Available at www.polarisuae.com

For 2014, Specialized Sports Equipment LLC, importer and distributor of Polaris products in the UAE and selected Gulf markets, is offering three youth models of off-road vehicles (ORV) based upon the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America’s (SVIA) Youth ATV categories; the RZR 170, Outlaw 90, and Outlaw 50. The Outlaw 90 ATVs, classified as Y-10+ for riders 10 years old and older will continue to be offered. The Outlaw 90 ATV will be available in Voodoo Blue and Pink. The Y-6+ age

group, for riders six years old and older, will have the Outlaw 50 ATV available in Voodoo Blue and Pink. The RZR 170 side-by-side is available for riders 10 years old and older. For the T age group (transitional riders 14 years old and up), the RZR 170 will be available in Indy Red and a Voodoo Blue Limited Edition model.

The RZR 170, Outlaw 90, and Outlaw 50 ORVs will continue to include a wide variety of safety features such as an adjustable throttle limiter to enable adults to set a maximum speed control limit, daytime running lights to increase daytime visibility, full floorboards and heat shields. Other vehicle features include an electric start, automatic transmission, and 4-stroke engine. The RZR 170 will continue to have seatbelts, color-coded pedals, parking brake, hand holds, and side nets. All youth model ORVs come with a high visibility whip flag, speed limiter and safety video. Accompanied with these models is a DOT-approved helmet (two for RZR 170) to teach kids the importance of wearing the proper safety gear. Polaris Youth model ORVs lead the way with safety features which make them one of the best-selling youth lines available. Adult supervision is required for all riders under 16.

7,800 AED (Polaris Outlaw 50)

25,000 AED (Polaris RZR 170)

10,800 AED (Polaris Outlaw 90)

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TESTED ODUC THIS PR

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OUTDOO ED BY

RUAE

LifeProof Waterproof Phone Case for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy Words By: Daniel Birkhofer

There are certainly some people among us who have broken or damaged their phones by dropping it on solid ground or into water. Sometimes you don’t even need to be in a “hazardous” outdoor environment to do so.

I have personally had such an experience when I spilled some lemonade on my phone, which resulted in a ruined motherboard that had to be replaced at quite a hefty cost. When outdoors, I usually protect my phone with a waterproof bag. It keeps the phone safe, but make accessibility very difficult.

LifeProof is on a mission to give users of smartphones or other devices the opportunity to fully utilise and enjoy their gadgets in an outdoor and indoor environment, without the risk of damage. Their focus is on protecting your electronics from four forces: dirt, water,

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Source: www.lifeproof.com shock and snow. The latter which is not of much interest to us here in the Middle East, but dust and humidity, which we experience daily, create a bad environment for your phone. LifeProof will protect your phone from all these forces with a super light and easy to install case. There are two options to choose from. One with an open touch screen, The Nuud, which we tested, as well as another fully encasing cover for your phone namely, The Fre. The Nuud can be sealed around your phone’s screen so that you can touch the actual screen. It is waterproof for up to two meters and shock resistant to a height of two meters as well. The case is super light with

a weight of only 41g and adds only millimeters to the phone, so the difference in size is minimal. It will have full functionality even when plugging in your phone through a specially sealed adapter cable, thus maintaining the water resistance capability. You get easy protection without loss of any properties and functions of the phone.

Since Nuud doesn’t fully encase the phone, it takes some courage to submerge it in water, which is maybe the reason why the case comes with a test frame to check water resistance first. During our test, the case was waterproof and sealed perfectly. But you should always check the seals for sand particles before closing it to ensure they are secured properly. The only downside of the case is that the sound of the loudspeaker is not as good as without it. The camera works great and the case even enables you to take underwater videos or pictures.

Additional accessories are also available for your phone to be even more enjoyable and more importantly, safer when used outdoors.

Nuud is priced at 529 AED for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S4. Fre is priced at 399 AED for iPhone and 449 AED for Samsung Galaxy S4.

For more info, check out www.lifeproof. com. The LifeProof Waterproof Phone Case is available at Go Sport (UAE) The Dubai Mall and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall; (Qatar) City Centre Doha and Villaggio Mall.

OUR EXPERTS

Just Gas It did it again with their RAK Attack weekend!

John

Moto/ATV and all round adventure seeker

No, I am not being paid to promote JGI, but these guys are doing a lot for the riding community and are definitely worth mentioning to all. After the success of their first fun ride (remember the one where we obtained bragging rights?) they realised the demand for similar events. This was when they came up with the “RAK Attack weekend.”

The ride was from their facility in Dubai to the Bin Majid Beach Resort in Ras Al Khaimah for an evening of “relaxation” in RAK. Again they had several markers with tags and these had to be collected by the teams. I was very keen on this event as I decided it was the perfect event to introduce my son John-John (11 years old) to “competitive” riding. I was however reminded several times by Bradley that it was a fun-ride and not a race.

The event got healthy attention and a total of 20 bikes and 15 quads joined the “assault” on RAK. This might not seem like high numbers, but these events have “complicated” logistics that limit the riders. Only those who have wives that are willing to drop them early in the morning and then continue to the final destination, only to await dirty, smelly and tired loved ones are fortunate enough to go. JGI did offer a “bike return” option, but still you needed to get back to where your bike was going to be. Considering this the numbers

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were very good.

I attempted a practice ride of just over 100km with John-John the weekend prior to the RAK Attack.

Less than 2km into the ride, the quad was pouring fuel from the carburetor and the ride had to be abandoned. This problem I had to

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE rectify during the week and after work.

After the third attempt of taking the carburetor off, re-adjusting it and reinstalling it, the darn thing was still slowly leaking fuel.

This was when my temper got a hold of me and I made one final adjustment before possibly setting fire to the thing. Eureka, the leak stopped! I was however a bit nervous that maybe I over adjusted the float and took the quad for, what I thought was a far enough, test ride. All was fine and we were ready for the RAK attack.

Just for those who don’t quite understand the technical detail, let me explain as it becomes relevant later in the article.

The purpose of the float level in a carburetor is to ensure that there is enough fuel accumulated and flowing into the carburetor, that you always have enough to supply the engine. If the float does not work then the carburetor will overflow and could flood the engine with fuel. If the float has been set to close too early, then the quad does not have sufficient fuel and especially at high power settings could cut due to fuel starvation. (Can you see where this is going?)

As this event had more of a social agenda, there was no rush to get going and only once we were all ready did Bradley present the safety and general information briefing we needed to attack RAK safely.

Our team with Oliver, Hilton, John-John and myself were the last to receive the starting signal, as I did not want to put any pressure on John-John. We were off to a good start, but as we got to the sand JJ fell behind. I was leading and saw Oliver assisting JJ with starting the quad and taking it for a short test ride. By the time I reached them, JJ was back on the quad and off we went. Less than 2km later JJ was again stationary. He told me that the quad would go fine and then starts to run rough till it cuts. I immediately knew that I had over adjusted the carb and that there was no way to fix it at the time. I knew what could be done to “compensate” for this, but there was no way JJ could do this.

The problem now was that I had to ride JJ’s quad, Oliver mine, as the GPS was

fixed to a special bracket on the Suzuki, and JJ had to take Oliver’s quad. Oliver was maybe not over the moon about JJ riding his quad, but knew there was no other way.

How did I compensate? Well the moment you are not using power the fuel flow into the carb is higher than the consumption. This would then “semi-fill” the carburetor. I would thus ride in short powerful burst accelerating as fast as possible, then pull the clutch, let the engine idle whilst the bike decelerates, and thus allowing the carburetor to again “semi-fill” with fuel. By the time there was enough fuel in the carb, you drop the clutch and go again. After a while I had it down to pat and managed to

JANUARY 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

keep a good average. I think I must have used the clutch a thousand times and my left wrist knew all about it. Despite this we did very well and our team was the first quads to arrive! I was very proud of JJ’s riding and he also enjoyed every kilometre on Oliver’s “custom quad.” Oliver said something to the extent of “it was like driving a bus” but I think he enjoyed my quad (haha).

The resort was a great final destination where the riders and families spent the afternoon relaxing around the pools and bar area. As part of the arrangements, JGI secured an area for those who wanted to camp, rather than stay in the resort. This the South Africans took to heart as Alex and Driekus set up an impressive camp for the night. This seemed to also become the main attractions as most riders joined them for a braai (BBQ) on the beach.

As Bradley stated in the morning briefing: “We are not doing this for the money, but rather to support the riding community.” This I can concur, because what we paid for the ride was almost nothing considering that we received not only the fuel at one of the stops, the support vehicle and their effort in arranging everything, but also an awesome Just Gas It cap and t-shirt. Great value!

Thank you for this! We, the riding community, truly appreciate it. For those who want to learn to ride bikes or quads in the desert, I can strongly recommend Just Gas It. You can find them on Facebook.

Ride safe and go for gold,

John OUTDOORUAE

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PEOPLE

Fabio Tomi Occupation: General Manager Nationality: Italian Age: 34

What was it like winning the UAE championship from kitesurfing?

Just happy to be at the highest level. But the best accomplishment is to work beside to manufacturing companies and keep improving the equipment that next year will be on the shelves. It gives you a great feeling to know your expertise can help safety and quality of our equipment.

He won his first UAE championship for kitesurfing in 2011 and last year, he was named freestyle champ at the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival. Fabio is flying high in this sport and he is also actively pushing for new wake-style to any interested kitesurfer.

How many hours do you usually spend in the water training?

As much as the wind blows. I do complementary training to keep a balanced training.

I love being active and mainly extreme sports are among my favourites, like motocross during non-windy days.

When did you start kitesurfing?

It was 2004 back in Brasil where I got the passion to surf. It was not possible to surf often in Italy, so kitesurfing was the solution to my adrenaline needs.

What do you love most about this sport?

From the time you launch your kite in the air, it is all about you and the nature. Just focus and concentration until you end your session.

What’s your kitesurfing style?

Mainly wake-style. I love power tricks. If conditions are offering good waves, I keep home the Twin Tip and I give all my energy to wave strapless riding.

What has this sport taught you?

To be respectful of the wind and the sea and to never underestimate the conditions out there.

What board and kite do you use?

I’m riding Airush Razors, the best freestyle kite out there in combination with Ride Clash 138 board, with boots in flat and windy spots. Huge pop and slack of the lines with the combination of this set. In wave riding, Wave Kite and Starboard Amp 5’7” – precise, light and strong carbon construction, the best for the Indian Ocean waves.

What’s your favourite kitesurfing spot here?

UAE offers some good waves in particular conditions. I prefer to ride my SUP or surf in those conditions as kiting is not allowed in those spots. Best wave riding spots in the region are in Oman: Asilah and Masirah Island among the best known to most of the riders – a secret for few riders. Conditions are pretty good and winds are strong and consistent during the monsoon season.

What’s your advice for people aspiring to get into kitesurfing, whether competitively or as a hobby?

Make sure to find your way to have fun. In competition or in a trip with friends, go out safely and have the best of it!

How do you see the sport of kitesurfing progressing in the region?

Since I arrived in the region, the style and the skills have improved a lot. Finally, the level is getting better and better, especially the kids out there. They love the sport – their mind and body allow them to improve a lot and I’m pushing them to rip as much as they can.

What are your goals for this year?

Two main improvements are my goal: in freestyle, add power and style to all the tricks; in waves, improve my style. Beside my own training, I’d love to push the kids, see their skills getting to new levels.

PEOPLE

Angelika Whitaker Occupation: Health and fitness coach Nationality: Russian Age: 31

The Dirt Skirts came together early last year with the goal of empowering women to learn and practice together. From two ladies, the group grew to more than 30 keen MTBers who are ready to ride and get a bit dirty.

What brought you to the UAE? I grew up in a beautiful, wild and stunning region of Russia, Kirovsk, bang right in the centre of Kola Peninsula, a stone’s throw away from the Finnish border where the outdoor activities were just part of my daily routine – skiing, snowboarding, hiking, running cross country and generally being active. In my hometown, I met my future husband Andy, a passionate skier and cyclist, who was already a Dubai resident at the time. I was still studying in the State University then, so Dubai became my home only after the graduation day in 2004. This coming September 2014 will be my 10th year here!

How did you get into mountain biking?

I grew up with a limited exposure to bicycles as a mode of transport from home to school, but once I moved to Dubai I was immersed in the whole culture of biking and the outdoors.

All our friends were keen riders, so I just wanted to check it out. My husband has given me his Zaskar hard-tail bike, which turned out to be a perfect size for me to ride on, so after a little practice on the smooth 4x4 tracks I was hooked and joined a small and friendly “Edgar’s MTB group” (it doesn’t exist anymore, but some of your readers might still remember it).

Is there a bit of competition between you and Andy when it comes to MTB? Andy is the best rider I have ever known and my role model. In the sport of MTB, there are people who ride and then there are those who absolutely rip —charging through every turn, longing for every extra second of that glorious air time. Andy rips, while I’m still at the ride stage. No competition there. Although I do try to gain ground in that omelette paratha “Man Vs Food” challenge at a local village café, but he wins there too!

How were the Dirt Skirts formed?

Last year when I began my come back to mountain biking after a four-year break following a series of failed rides, simply feeling intimidated by stronger riders and struggling to find a buddy to ride with. I searched unsuccessfully for a women’s biking group to join so I created one. The Facebook page was put up to allow members to plan rides, introduce themselves and discuss everything biking related. Dirt Skirts began with only two members riding regularly – Nadia Petrossi and me. Since its inception, the news about the group of girl riders has spread really quick, with more than 30 now signed up to receive weekly group updates. In the very beginning I would literally stop women on the trails and encourage them to join this “great new women’s biking group,” reciting our new name. And a lot of riders remembered it and soon more women started signing up online and showing up to scheduled rides.

What is the goal of the Dirt Skirts?

We are a non-profit group that believe mountain biking is an enlightening sport. Our goal here is to get more women riding bikes, racing bikes in a positive and encouraging environment. We would like to build a strong community of women cyclists, who wish to learn, improve and practice their skills in the rocky terrain of the Hajar Mountains.

Where do the Dirt Skirts usually ride?

Club rides happen every Saturday morning at Showka, a small village located about 45 minutes drive from Dubai. Distances and routes vary every time, from 15 to 30 km. We ride a network of XC trails, which are a mixture of rolling hills, rocky climbs and descends with some optional structures to practice your technical skills on.

What are the benefits of MTBing for you?

Mountain biking is challenging, frustrating, exciting and rewarding. It reveals a person’s true character and inspires personal growth and confidence. I wish more women would experience what it can do for their lives… and don’t forget those toned legs! Cycling strips the excess fat off you, but best of all is what happens inside — better cardiovascular fitness, an improved cholesterol numbers, more stamina for daily activities, and the post-ride calm of a Jedi master.

Plus, you get to form this fantastic friendship with new pals who share your passion and get to chat about what you are really interested in – new biking routes and celebrity gossip. Perfect!

How are you encouraging the local ladies to ride more?

We have some Arabic-speaking ladies that have joined our FB page and even been out on the trails. As the group is shaping up for this winter season, we hope to see more local ladies join us and give this sport a try!

How do you see the sport progressing in this country especially for women?

Mountain biking is extremely powerful in the way of inspiring women. I’ve felt it. In UAE, the society is rapidly opening up to all new experiences and opportunities. Once the women of UAE get exposed more and more to new horizons, it will ignite the ambition in many of them to get up, push their limits, and go beyond their comfort zones to realise their strength and potential as an athlete, and most importantly as a person.

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LOCATIONS

Exploring Liwa 2 To the Corner Route

Photos By: Vicky Zavros and Marina Bruce

Think of Liwa and most people imagine huge dunes, massive slipfaces and sabkhas peppered with oilfields and other restricted areas. However the other face of the Liwa is remoteness, dark skies with no light pollution, and the chance to do some really long and varied driving.

Marina Bruce

is The Desert Diva – read her blog at www.thedesertdiva.com Oasis Offroad is a free to join offroad club based in Al Ain offering family trips and overland adventures in the beautiful sand dunes of Al Ain and beyond. Their website is www.oasis-offroad.com and their Facebook page is www.facebook.com/ OasisOffroad

It was time to explore the most distant part of the Liwa desert – the southern part of the Maghrib Sands, and I was lucky to have a sterling team comprising Mark, Andrew and Andy to support me on this scouting trip into the unknown.

Arriving late on a Thursday afternoon, we camped near the Ghayathi Road, which incidentally has to be the quietest dual carriageway in the Emirates, ready to make an early start in the morning. The planned route took us eastwards to hit two plantations in Mike Nott’s “Adventure Routes” book, then south and east to the “corner” of the UAE before returning to the Ghayathi Road a little north of our start point.

The convoy pauses for photos at the second plantation

Hot pies al’automobile for lunch!

The straight line distance was around 170km and all cars carried 40 litres of extra petrol – the area is so remote drivers have to be completely self-sufficient.

The four cars made easy work of the smooth medium dunes between the road and the first plantation, which is tucked into a bowl under a huge crescent slipface. Pausing briefly we said hello to the farm workers before continuing to the next plantation via a faint sandtrack and after photos we pressed on to our third waypoint which was our cue to turn 90° south.

The next part of the route – a long and wide plain, so typical of this area – was a joy to drive. No need for convoy formation here – in many places the flat sand was so wide our four cars could drive side by side at 80km/h as we moved towards a huge communications mast which was the point where we had to turn 90° east.

Staying mostly 2-3km north of

the border fence – there is a blacktop road runs alongside it but this is to allow the border guard access and civilians should not drive along it – we tackled some short dune line crossings which were interspersed with plains and we were surprised to see some had lots of small plants and bushes covering them. The driving was relatively easy with very few tricky bowls and slipfaces, but the sand was very soft and we had to choose our path carefully to avoid multiple stucks.

We feasted on hot pies for lunch when we stopped approximately 1km from the most south westerly point of the UAE, and wondered when the last people, other than the border guard, had been in this area. There were no other tyre tracks, no farms, no camels and no rubbish!

On the return leg, we had a fast and easy drive north with the sun behind us, making the most of some plains to eat up the kilometres as half of our convoy needed to be back

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Rare sighting of a Houbara Bustard

First night’s camp spot

Sunset over the Maghrib

Caramel latte dunes

on the Ghayathi Road before nightfall. After stopping at an old water tank, our route took us north past a solar-powered telecoms mast followed by a plantation which has featured as a Desert Challenge waypoint in the past.

From here we continued on a previously unknown sand track, thinking we would be back to the blacktop before 4:00 p.m., but our hopes were dashed when the track stopped at some very soft, technical white sand dunes. One thing I’ve learned from my desert forays over the past five years is that white sand is invariably super soft, whether it be in Oman, Sweihan or Liwa, and we had more refusals and stucks here than we had for the rest of the day.

Thankfully our group managed to forge a path through them which led us to a busy sand track and ultimately to the Ghayathi

Road, just in time to watch the sunset as we re-inflated our tyres.

The aim of the weekend trip was to create a long route at intermediate level, something we had almost achieved on our first day. Mark and I returned to the desert on Saturday hoping we could find an easy path back to either the plantation or communications mast and we were pleasantly surprised how easy the task was.

We located a major sand track south and with one eye on the dunes and the other on the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloaded onto my Garmin Montana, we managed to turn off on a faint track heading in the correct direction.

There are tracks all over the desert, some incredibly well used, and others very faint; often they are marked every kilometre or so,

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or at least at dune line crossings by a pole or an old tyre. This helped us to stay “on track” whilst traversing some short dune lines over to our previous day’s route and it’s good to be aware of this practice should you ever need to leave the desert over an easy route with a broken car. Generally old tyres aren’t abandoned randomly in the desert – they normally mark something.

Our adventure wasn’t finished yet – we were both desperately low on petrol, in my case so much so that my car was stuttering every time I attempted an incline on the sand track.

Mark managed to find an alternative, more level path so I could continue and on the one rise that couldn’t be avoided I took a run at it taking some air below all four tyres as I cleared the top. Moral of the story: if you think you will need 40 litres of spare gas, take 60 just in case!

Powering over easy terrain at the height of the day

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LOCATIONS

OMAN escapes Words + Photos By: Darryl MacDonald

In 1990, a group of explorers from various backgrounds came together in the Sultanate of Oman to form a government funded organisation with a simple goal; to explore the country and use their findings to provide recommendations for the development of eco-tourism in the country. One of the conclusions that this Adventure Tourism Team came to, given the large mountain ranges and diversity of rock formations, was that Oman could likely be a world-class destination for rock climbers.

In 1992, a book was published by one of fellows associated with this group, RA McDonald, which is titled “Rock Climbing in Oman.” This book covers a few key areas in the Hajar mountain range and has both sport (pre-bolted walls) and traditional (preassessed routes with no bolts or only an anchor) climbing routes. In 2010, I managed to get my hands on a copy of Mr McDonald’s book and thus began my exploration of rock climbing in Oman. My wife and I began exploring the routes described within the book, climbing everything within our ability. We have both been climbing for over 10 years and prefer sport climbing, primarily because it’s half the gear and a third the cost. Since arriving in Oman, we have gone quite frequently because it’s eas-

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ily accessible. There is at least six months of perfect climbing weather, and the areas are always void of people, which is a rare occurrence in North America where it can be normal to wait in line at the more frequented destinations. A few weeks ago, we headed to one of the more popular sport climbing areas in Oman, called Kubrah Canyon, with our friends Chris and Charlene, who were

visiting from Canada at the time.

In recent years, there have no longer been professionals paid to set up new areas for climbing. So, instead, residents in the area, with a passion for climbing, import the hardware at their own expense and put in countless hours of their own time bolting new routes for the community to enjoy.

Because of its easy access and proximity

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to Muscat, Kubrah Canyon has seen more of this attention than other areas, boasting over 40 routes, the majority of which are bolted. Being only an hour drive from the city, we left Muscat late in the afternoon leaving just enough daylight to get into the climbing area and set up camp. It’s quite easy to head to this area as a day trip, but the early morning temperatures are ideal for staying in the shade and putting in a

bit of a longer day on the wall. The hike into the Canyon is only 15 minutes with a relatively obvious path, starting above the wadi on the north side near the parking area. After setting up camp and enjoying a leisurely dinner, we settled down for an early evening, enjoying the stars and cool temperatures.

Early the following morning, we packed up the camping gear and unpacked the

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climbing gear. I set off to find an easy route to start off the first climb of the season. I set up two routes with the ropes anchored at the top so that two climbers could climb simultaneously and take turns trying the various routes. Our friends, Chris and Charlene, are not climbers but are adventurous enough to let my wife and I drag them out on a variety of escapades and are keen to try almost anything. I should also mention

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that they are both not very fond of heights, which make them pretty good sports!

One of the aspects of rock climbing that I enjoy the most is the casualness of it all.

I find the entire experience very soothing and peaceful, even when you’re 30 metres up, trusting something the size of a pebble to keep you from falling. On a big pitch, it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to climb. If you take small breaks in between, you’re climbing for 40 minutes then resting for 40 minutes, making it a very relaxing sport. After climbing for several hours, until my fingers and toes could no longer hold me off the ground, we called it a day and headed back to Muscat.

Oman is definitely a rock climber’s paradise and is becoming increasingly more popular every year as adventure tourism in the area continues to grow. If you are already a climber, the best resource for information is at www.OmanClimbing.com which is a local forum and has detailed information posted for free on the local climbing areas. If you are not a climber but are interested in learning, there is only one climbing wall in Oman at the Muscat Diving and Adventure Center where lessons are also provided as well as opportunities for local climbing trips. There are also multiple climbing gyms in the UAE as well where lessons can be purchased. If you decide to undertake this weekend adventure, remember that climbing can be a very dangerous sport and should not be attempted without the proper equipment and formal knowledge or training. It can also be a fun and challenging sport, both mentally and physically and is very safe when done with the proper knowhow. So remember, get out there, have fun and as we like to say in Canada “keep your stick on the ice.”

Darryl

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TIPS & TRICKS

upto

MXFORCE Hydro Pack

Good fits make great cycling recreational riding, there is no doubt that your biggest investment will be the bike. Therefore it is of utmost importance that you can get the most out of your ride.

As a seasoned rider you may want to consider a bike fit if any of the following applies to you: Stiff neck and shoulders or sore back after 40 minutes of riding; Numbness in your feet; Soreness in your lower region; A change in riding focus, e.g. as a road cyclist, you have decided to give Triathlon a go and have had Aerobars fitted to your bike;

Just like a runner could not expect to win a marathon by simply slipping into a gold medallists’ shoes, a cyclist could not expect a great performance without having the bike correctly set up for their needs. Luckily, we live in a town where this service is readily available from qualified bike fitters.

A bike fitter’s services come into use well before buying a bike. Given that you are about to make a sizeable investment, both financially and in time, it is important that your future bike is the right size for you. A qualified bike fitter would be able to measure you up and confirm what size bike would suit you best as well as tell you whether the bike that you desire can be set up to your needs.

All modern bikes have quite a few sites that can be adjusted to give you the best ride. Whether you are looking at becoming more powerful or aerodynamic or just simply in search of a comfortable ride – the bike can be adjusted to get you your desired results.

So having the correct size bike is just the start. Correct adjustments will get you the best ride.

What to expect from a good bike fitter: • Expect to be asked questions about your lifestyle and any factors that could affect your riding experience. Cycling does not happen in isolation to everything else in your life. Factors such as extended time behind a desk, spine misalignments and old injuries could all affect the way you ride your bike.

• A flexibility check; • A shoe check. Many cyclists’ problems stem from the way that the cleats have been attached to their shoes.

• An invitation to come back if not comfortable.

Like any other adjustment, adjustments to a bike take time to get used to. If, however over a certain period of time you are still not entirely comfortable with the changes, you should be able to go back to your bike fitter for further adjustments.

Here’s to finding your perfect fit for your best performance!

Words By: Trace Rogers, Coach and Founder of SuperTRI

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TIPS & TRICKS

How to be surf safe Words + Photos By: Carl de Villiers, founder of Surf Shop Arabia and Ignite Surf School UAE Photos By: Abdel Elecho

In this article, we wish to highlight how to keep you safer in the surf as well as provide some great practical tips to familiarise yourself with the rules of surfing.

This is a great way of contributing to the community as an individual and making the line-up in the water safer and more harmonious for others.

Rules of surfing you ask? Surfing, like any other activity, has rules which have evolved over many years as the sport has grown. It is a tradition and an integral part of the sport, so best to get to know them!

Ask yourself, if you saw a group of people playing football in the park and you ran and joined in, would you just carelessly start kicking the ball in any direction with no thought to the other players? No, of course not, as it would make you very unpopular! Surfing is the same, so most people would try to play by the rules in order to do a better job and to fit in with the game, therefore creating better fun and harmony in the playing area.

There are a set of rules, guidelines and etiquette that are designed to minimise injury to yourself, your board and also to others.

In some countries around the world (such as Hawaii) where conditions can be physically dangerous at times, the rules of surfing are heavily enforced and a large violation or lack of concern for the rules can lead to confrontation from other surfers. So knowing the rules is essential, especially if you wish to travel to areas where surfing and the etiquette is already well established.

Let’s start with the basics: What is a “Kook?” A “kook” is a term loosely used around the world to describe the following: “a person who disregards the basic rules of surfing, making it unsafe for others and disrespecting watergoers in the line-up by doing so, whether through just plain ignorance or failure to adhere to basic rules which aim to keep all watergoers safe, whether surfers, paddleboarders or bathers.”

How not to be a kook? Just follow the rules below to the best of your ability.

The next group of guidelines is to give you five practical tips before you even enter the water as safety starts at the beach.

1. Survey the conditions – one rule we teach in Surf School to all ages of students, is to view Simply look before you paddle and avoid collisions.

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Enjoy and share the ocean, but learn the rules and be surf safe.

the surf for at least 5-10 minutes before you even enter the water. Do this when you arrive and make it a habit. Try to determine how big the waves are, what are the potential dangers (rocks or rip currents perhaps) where the best waves are coming in and where the crowd are.

Check all these factors to determine where you will be going out before you actually get in the water.

2. If it’s crowded, go elsewhere – a lot of people complain about the crowds at popular beaches and this is a worldwide phenomenon.

What’s the solution? If it’s crowded just go elsewhere. This is especially true in Dubai where everyone crowds the popular surfing spot called Sunset Beach in Umm Suqeim.

There are a lot of other beaches in the UAE that have surf so ask around and go score some empty waves rather than moaning about the reasons it’s so crowded! The popularity of surfing needs to grow in this region in order for the sport to be recognised and invested in by the relevant authorities, so it’s just going get more crowded. Go explore the coastlines of the UAE! 3. Surf smart – pre or post work or school is the same time everyone else is going to go down to the beach making it the most crowded time. Be smart and surf out of popular times to score uncrowded sessions.

This is especially true when you travel so use clever timing to get the best out of your surf sessions.

4. Don’t surf above your ability – if the waves are very big, very rough or very crowded, then sometimes it’s best to wait till conditions or crowds change. Many beginners get into trouble and injure themselves surfing beyond their ability. For most people, the rule of thumb is you are actually not as good as you think you are! Keep enjoying the surf though but ensure it’s within your limits.

5. Prepare before you go in – some great practical habits for going surfing are: • Tell someone you are going surfing. If you go missing someone knows to look for you.

• Hydrate – nothing worse than dehydrating while surfing. A common problem here in UAE, so drink up before you go out.

• Eat – fill your stomach with a light snack to energise while surfing - nuts, fruits and other lights carbohydrates are great.

• Wear sun protection – get a waterproof sunblock that will stay on your skin for long periods of time such as Island Tribe. Nothing worse than not being able to surf when you look like a boiled lobster!

Once all the above is done and you are ready to go in, here are 15 rules on surfing and etiquette that you need to know to be Surf Safe: 1. Wear a leash – very important rule, especially here in Dubai where serious injury (especially with bathers) can lead to banning of sports such as SUP in popular areas. So taking the responsibility to wear a leash at all times will not only keep you safe but keep others safe too. Don’t go into the surf without one, even if there are no bathers around or conditions are gentle. Make it a habit – trying to be cool without a leash won’t be cool at all when someone gets hurt or the sport is banned in the UAE. 2. Don’t be a sardine – a good rule to note before you go in is don’t crowd an already crowded area. Don’t be a sardine, find your own spot to surf by surveying the surfing area and finding a less crowded spot to surf in. It’s a way better idea than blindly paddling into the busiest area! As a beginner or novice surfer, this is going to lead to problems such as injury, damage to your board or confrontation, so be smart before you go in. Where the most people are, is not necessarily the best place to surf.

Find your own space and get your own waves.

3. Be friendly - I find a great way to ease any tension in the surf is to introduce yourself into the line-up by just saying hi to others or even just giving a smile. It’s a great way to ease bad vibes, start a conversation about the conditions and to make new friends. This is a great tool to use when travelling too.

4. Don’t drop in – this is the number one rule of surfing. Dropping in is where a surfer is already riding or paddling on a wave and you drop in ahead of them and spoil the wave.

This is determined by whoever is closest to the breaking part of the wave. A massive infraction of the rules so make sure you know this one well or it can lead to serious confrontation in the line-up.

5. The rider has priority at all times - a very important rule. The person riding has the priority (not you) so keep out their way at all times. Don’t spoil their wave by paddling in the way to get over their wave, ditching your board where they are riding or even standing in the breaking area staring. It’s hard for the rider to concentrate on critical waves when you are scrambling to get over them or standing in the way.

6. Get out the way – as above, get out of the way of the riding or paddling surfer when they are on a wave, they have the priority.

People will do the same for you. Avoid moving

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE towards the point where you and the rider will collide – think of the rider as a moving truck and avoid getting in the truck’s way! Take a wave on the head if you need to – don’t try to save yourself by spoiling someone’s ride.

7.Use your voice – when you are taking a wave, make some sort of noise like an “oi!” or a whistle to let others know you are coming.

This is a great way to let surfers paddling for the same wave, know that you are on it.

8. Don’t snake – “snaking” is where a surfer paddles for a wave ahead of you in the line-up when you are already paddling for it. They are closer inshore and are closer to the breaking wave. Some experienced surfers use this as a way to sneak waves off other surfers and it is a violation to the rules.

9. Bigger is not better – just because you have a 10ft longboard or have a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) doesn’t give you the right to take all the waves from further out. The inside or closest to the breaking wave has priority so if you are using your craft to get into waves on the outside of surfers closer to the breaking part, you need to give them priority and pull out.

10. Don’t waste waves – the main reason surfers are so precious about all these rules is one of the biggest concepts is to not waste waves, these are gifts from the ocean and are not to be wasted. Don’t take off too deep. If you won’t make it, let another go. Also, if you have priority and you miss the wave, you lose your turn; you don’t keep holding priority when you keep missing waves.

11. Sharing is caring – share waves with others. Surfing and stoke is a gift for everyone in the water so share it around. There is nothing better than giving a wave to someone else and seeing them have a great ride.

12. Look before you paddle – this is probably the best habit you can have to keep safe and is the number one violation in the line-up in Dubai. When a wave comes in do not just blindly paddle for it, look left and right and see if you have priority or if someone else is riding.

The absolute best way for you or your board to get injured is to collide with another so avoid this by just looking before you paddle.

13. Don’t paddle up the line-up – paddling through the riding area is a massive violation of the rules. The riding surfer has priority not you so don’t spoil their ride by paddling through the riding area. If you have just caught a wave, then paddle back in a wider path than you came along so you avoid spoiling the ride of others.

14. Don’t spoil the ride, paddle away from the rider – if you find yourself paddling towards a wave that is breaking and someone is riding on it, do not paddle to the area where it’s not breaking and risk spoiling the rider’s wave (or a collision). The rider has priority and you not getting washed by the wave (ie saving yourself) is not priority. Sometimes you need to just take one on the head to avoid spoiling someone’s ride.

15. Don’t throw your board away – beginners or those who cannot duck dive often have to throw their boards away in order to get under a breaking wave. Do so by first checking

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Never ever drop in on another surfer.

behind you or if someone is going to collide with it so you avoid these collisions.

These 15 rules will get you started to understanding the basics of safe surfing and how to have great water etiquette. If you break a rule, the best advice is simply to apologise to the surfer you have violated. Most surfers are relatively chilled and will offer up some helpful advice and this is often how friendships and conversations are started which leads to good vibes and stoke.

For those of you who know the rules well, make an effort to talk diplomatically and politely to anyone who is breaking the rules. Nobody likes being criticised and most beginners are ignorant so take the time to explain and to educate others politely, thereby contributing to a more educated and harmonious line-up.

And most of all, don’t be a kook. Be surf safe and keep the stoke. For more information on surfing in the Middle East, please get in touch with us at www.surfshoparabia.com.

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TIPS & TRICKS

PARTNER stretches

Remember how you feel after a good body massage? Well, your digestive system feels much the same after a sequence of yoga postures. Your mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines make up your digestive system, with your teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gall bladder and pancreas acting as accessory organs.

Phoenix Rising shows us how to improve our digestion after the season of festive feasting by activating these areas of the body with some partner stretches.

Partner side twist

Twisting poses are one of the best ways to support your body’s needs naturally – they get things moving! Sitting back to back, each person twists to their right to look behind themselves making sure that they lengthen up through the spine as they do so. Placing your right hand on the partners left knee behind you and your left hand on your own right knee, use your hands to pull yourself into a twist. Release and change direction to perform the twist on your opposite side.

Back bend with spine lengthening

Back bend (with spine lengthening). Back bends help to open the front of the body and stretch the abdominal area. They tone often-weak abdominal muscles and digestive organs. Sitting back to back, the first person sits on their knees, with their feet at the base of their partner.

First person lifts their arms up overhead and the partner reaches up to take their hands. The second person bends forward while keeping hold of their hands, providing a back bend and lengthening effect in the spine. Keep breathing and relaxing!

Standing partner side twist

Using each other’s weight to balance in this pose is the key! Start by standing in front of each other and taking hold of each other’s opposite arms in a wrist grip. The arms will be crossing over each other. Release one pair of hands and take this arm out behind you, turning to twist in the direction of the arm. Bend your knees to sit down as if you are in a chair. Stand back out of this pose, changing arms, twisting in the opposite direction and sitting down.

Forward bend Standing back bend

Standing in front of each other, take hold of your partner’s arms. Using each other’s weight, lean backwards into a backward bend, lengthening up through the spine and keeping core muscles strong to support the spine. Dropping your head back completes the pose. Stretch and enjoy!

Standing slightly apart, bend forward to let your hands meet in the air. Keeping the hands high, continue to bend forward while slightly arching the back. Pressing against each other’s hands helps to increase the back bend and you’ll find a strong stretch coming through the hamstrings as an added bonus!

Sandy Joy

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

DIRECTORY General Sports Equipment Megastores

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Climbing

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Diving

Equipment

56

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Fishing & Kayaking

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General Sports Equipment Distributors

800 Sport, Al Quoz, Dubai +971 4 346 7751 www.800sport.ae Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Flip Flop Arabia, flipme@flipfloparabia.com, www.flipfloparabia.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai +97148829361, www.globalclimbing.com Goal Zero, +971509128353, www.goalzero.ae Jack Wolfskin Mirdif City Centre Dubai, +97142840228; Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi +97144437802 Ocean Sports FZE, +971559352735, www.kitesurfsup.com Sakeen General Trading, +97147094224, www.sakeen.ae Sport in Life Distribution, Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Khor, Dubai, UAE, +97142896001, +97142896002, info@ sportinlife.ae, www.sportinlife.ae Tresspass, The Dubai Mall 2nd floor above ice rink, +971 4 339 8801

Horse Riding

Equipment Al Asifa Horse Equestrian & Requisites Trading, Al Khawaneej 1, Dubai, +971554733110, www.asifa.ae Black Horse LLC, Abu Dhabi, +97126422237, www.blackhorseuae.com Bonjour Equestrian Supplies, Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Kho, Dubai, UAE, +97142896001, +97142896002, info@bonjourequestrian.com, www.bonjourequestrian.com Cavalos Equine Care and Supplies, 16th Street, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, +9172 2222433, www.cavalosuae.com Emirta Horse Requirement Centre, Sheik Zayed Rd, Dubai, +9714 3437475, www.emirtahorse.com Horse & Carriage Equestrian Equipment LLC, Dubai, +97142895069, www.horseandcarriageuae.com Mirzan Equestrian Equipment, Dubai, +971 4 4472808, www.metdubaihorse.com Equestrian Clubs/Centres Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +97124455500, www.adec-web.com Al Ahli Riding School, Al Amman Street, Dubai-Sharjah Rd., +97142988408, www.alahliclub.info Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.com Al Jiyad Stables, Behind Dubai International Endurance City, Dubai, +971505995866,

info@aljiyad.com, www.aljiyad.com Al Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +97144274055, equestrian.centre@alsahra.com Dubai Polo Academy, Dubai, +971508879847, www.dubaipoloacademy.com Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, Arabian Ranches, +97143618111, www.poloclubdubai.com Desert Equestrian Club, Mirdif, Dubai, +971503099770, +971501978888 Desert Palm Riding School, Near Al Awir Road (going to Hatta-Oman), Dubai, +97143238010, www.desertpalm.peraquum. com Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971505587656, www.emiratesequestriancentre.com Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +97125629050, www.grpc.ae Golden Stables Equestrian Club, Al Khawaneej, Dubai, (Nouri) +971555528182, www.goldenstables.ae HoofbeatZ, located just inside the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, +971501810401, www.hoofbeatz.com Mushrif Equestrian and Polo Club, Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai, +97142571256, www.mushrifec.com Qudraland Community, info@qudraland. com, www.qudraland.com Rahal Ranch, Al Wathba Racing Area, Abu Dhabi, +971566127914, www.rahalranch. com Riding for the Disabled, Dubai, lessons@rdad.ae, www.rdad.ae, Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road, +97165311188, www.serc.ae Racecourses Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +97124455500, www.adec-web.com Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +97125629050, www.grpc.ae Jebel Ali Racecourse, off the main Abu Dhabi - Dubai Highway (Sheikh Zayed road) beside the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, +97143474914 Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, +97143270000, www.meydan.ae Sharjah Racecourse, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah, +97165311155, www.serc.ae Equine Hospitals/Clinics Dubai Equine Hospital, behind World Trade Center, Zabeel 2, Dubai, +97143178888, www.dubaiequine.ae Gulf Vetcare, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, +971508617590, www.gulfvetcare.com Sharjah Equine Hospital, Bridge no. 6, Al Dhaid Road, next to Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Center, Sharjah, +97165311881, www.seh.ae Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, next to Dubai Equestrian Hospital, Zabeel 2, Dubai, +97143375165, www.cvrl.ae

Jet Ski

Dealers Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine. com Japan Marine General Trading, Al Garhoud Road, Liberty Building, Dubai, +97155 9299111, +97142828255, uday@ japanmarine.jp, www.japanmarine.co Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143419341, www.libertykawasaki.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Rentals Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai, +971 5 3244 550, www.funbeachsports.com The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah, +9717206000, www.rotana.com Xventures, Dubai, +971555404500, www.x-ventures.ae

Motocross & ATV’s

Dealers Al Badayer Rental (Rental),

JANUARY 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Dubai-Hatta Road, +971507842020, www.albadayerrental.com Al Shaali Moto, Ras Al Khor, +97143200009, sales@alshaalimoto.com. www.alshaalimoto.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha KTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42, +9714323151, www.ktm.com Golden Desert Motorcycles Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +971551532550, www.goldendesert-dubai. com Polaris UAE (atv’s), Ras Al Khor, Nad al Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex, Dubai, +97142896100, M4, Sector 13, 10th Street, Mussafah Industrial, Abu Dhabi, +97125555144, www.polarisuae.com Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, 04-3419341, www.libertykawasaki.com Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental), Al Quoz, Dubai, +97143470270, www.sandstorm-motorcycles.com Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, +97143393399, www.sebsports.com Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai, +97148321050, www. wildx.ae Equipment Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +97142959429, www.arabiantours.com 2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai, +97144548388, www.2xwheeler.com Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental), Al Quoz, Dubai, +97143470270, www.sandstorm-motorcycles.com Sebsports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, +97143393399, www.sebsports.com Wild X, Dubai, Um Al Ramoul Industrial Area, +97142852200, www. wildx.ae

Motorcycling

Distributors and Dealers Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, www.aym.ae/yamaha Ducati, Mussafah 4, Street 10, Abu Dhabi, +97125535771, info2@ducati.ae, www.ducati.ae Duseja Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143476712, www.dusejamoto.com Harley-Davidson, Mussafah 4, Street 10, Abu Dhabi, +97125540667, hd.auh@harley-davidson.ae, www.harley-davidson-abu-dhabi.com Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange4, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97142822144, www.libertykawasaki.com Polaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex, Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor, +97142896100, www.polarisuae.com Tristar Motorcycles, +97143330659, www.tristaruae.com Workshops and Services 2xWheeler Adventures, Dubai, +97144548388, www.alainraceway.com Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.com Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, +97143678700 www.dubaiautodrome.com Emirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain, +97167681717 Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Bling My Truck, +971503634839/+971505548255, info@blingmytruck.com, www.blingmytruck.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +97143382744, www.icon-auto.com Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +97148321050, www.wildx.ae Yellow Hat, Nad Al Hamar, and Times Square Center, Dubai, +97142898060, www.yellowhat.ae Tour Operators Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +97142959429, www.arabiantours.com Arabian Adventures, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +97143034888, www.arabian-adventures.com Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +97142628889, www.opdubai.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Off- Road Club, www.ad4x4.com ALMOST 4x4 Off-Road Club, +971507665522, www.almost4x4.com ME 4X4, www.me4x4.com JEEP Wrangler JK Fun Club, suffian.omar@ yahoo.com, www.jk-funclub.com Dubai Offroaders, www.dubaioffroaders.com

Running

Clubs ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi, www.abudhabitriclub.org

Off-Road

Dealers 4x4 Motors LLC, Shk. Zayed Rd, Dubai, +97143384866, www.4x4motors.com Bling My Truck, +971503634839/+971505548255, info@blingmytruck.com, www.blingmytruck. com Liberty Automobiles, Dubai, 8005423789, www.libertyautos.com Repairs and Services Off Road Zone, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143392449, www.offroad-zone.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +97143382744, www.icon-auto.com Saluki Motorsport, Dubai, +97143476939 www.salukimotorsport.com Equipment Advanced Expedition Vehicles, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +97143307152, www. aev.ae

OUTDOORUAE

57

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Al Ain Road Runners, Abu Dhabi, +971504188978, alainroadrunners@yahoo. co.uk Mirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.info Abu Dhabi Striders, admin@abudhabistriders.com, www.abudhabistriders.com Dubai Creek Striders www.dubaicreekstriders.org

Stand up Paddling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai,

+97142894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Picnico 04 3941653 Jumeirah Beach Road Opposite Sunset Mall, Dubai Pearl Water Crafts, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, +971553749398, www.pearl-watercrafts.com Surf Dubai, Dubai, Umm Suqeim, +971505043020, www.surfingdubai.com Surf Shop Arabia, Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai, +97143791998, www.surfshoparabia.com UAE Kite Surfing, +971505626383, www.ad-kitesurfing.net Distributors Ocean Sports FZE, +971559352735, www.kitesurfsup.com Kitepeople Kite & Surf Store, International City, Dubai, +971504559098, www.kitepeople.ae Operators Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.com Dubai Kite Surf School, Dubai, Umm Suqeim Beach, +971 504965107, www.dubaikitesurfschool.com Duco Maritime, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, +971508703427, www.ducomaritime.com Dukite, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqeim, Dubai,+971507586992, www.dukite.com Kite Fly, Dubai, +971502547440, www.kitesurf.ae Kitepro Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and Al Dabbayyah, Abu Dhabi, +971505441494, wwww.kitepro.ae Kite4fun.net, Abu Dhabi, +971508133134,

Add your free listing to the

ONLINE DIRECTORY Do you have a business related to outdoor activities, sports, lifestyle or travel? Or are you an active club or social group who is looking for new members? Then list your businesses, clubs or groups with us.

The listing should give all people interested with the outdoors a good overview of what is offered in the UAE, easy access to contact details and a reliable location map.

To ensure that all entries are genuine and complete, we review any listing before it will be posted online. We also review all entries on a quarterly basis, to keep the directory up to date.

58

OUTDOORUAE

JANUARY 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

www.kite4fun.net Nautica1992, Dubai, +971504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Shamal Kite Surfing, Umm Suqueim Dubai, +971507689226, astrid@shamalkitesurfing. com, www.shmalkitesurfing.com Sky & Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +97143999005, www.watersportsdubai.com Surf School UAE, Umm Suqeim Beach and Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai,+971556010997, www. surfschooluae.com Watercooled, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Dubai, +97148876771, www.watercooleddubai.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle, www.abudhabisup.com, abudhabisup@gmail.com UAE SUP www.uaesup.com

Water Parks

Aquaventure Atlantis, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, +97144260000, www.atlantisthepalm.ae Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al Quwain, Emirates Road, +97167681888, www.dreamlanduae.com Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, +97137818422, www.wadiadventure.ae Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai, +97143484444, www.wildwadi.com

Other leisure activities

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, + 97125588990, www.adgolfclub.com Al Tamimi Stables, Sharjah, +9716743 1122, +97144370505, www.tamimistables.com Blokart Sailing, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, +971556101841, www.blokartme.com Children’s City, Creek Park Gate No.1,

Dubai, +97143340808, www.childrencity.ae Dolphin Bay Atlantis Dubai, +97144260000, www.atlantisthepalm.ae Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park Gate No. 1, +97143369773, www.dubaidolphinarium.ae iFly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +97142316292, www.iflyme.com Sadiyaat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, +97125578000, www.sbgolfclub.ae Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah, +97143999005, www.golfandshootingshj. com SkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of The Emirates, +97144094000, www.skidxb.com Spacewalk Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, +97124463653, www.spacewalk.ae

Health, Safety & Training

Safety Lessons Marine Concept Yacht Charter & Sea School, Rania Business Centre, Dubai, +971559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.com Safety & Leisure Training Middle East, Dusseldorf Business Point, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +97144502418, www.sltme.com Sport and Health Centres Bespoke Wellness, Dubai, +971553724670, info@bespoke-wellness.com, www.bespoke-wellness.com The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, +97144370570, www.physiocentre.ae Original Fitness Co., C6 Tower Al Bateen Bainunah St, Abu Dhabi, +9712406 9404, info@originalfitnessco.com, www.originalfitnessco.com Orthosports, 5B Street, Jumeira Beach road, Dubai, +971 4 355060, www.orthosp. com