OutdoorUAE - May 2016

Surfing in Wadi Adventure

15 Things to Save the Waters!

Learn to Kitesurf Splashdown

UAE’s coolest waterparks Price 10.00 AED 10.00 QAR 1.00 OMR

THE CLIMACTIC FINISH TO DMX 15/16

Plenty of

PRODUCTS TO CHECK OUT

First GCC National Spartan Race Winner Rashid Butti:

Vol. 6, No. 5 May 2016

ON THE HOT SEAT www.OutdoorUAE.com

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DISTRIBUTORS QATAR Protech Powered Sports Co Street: Salwa Road PO Box: 91, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44398030 Fax: +974 44398030 Sales Email: info@protech.com.qa

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DUBAI Showroom No. 8, Al Ghandi Complex Nad al Hamar Road, Ras al Khor Tel: +971 4 2896100 Fax: +971 4 2894914 Email: sse@polarisuae.com

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

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OutdoorUAE Team

Enjoying it While it Lasts We have been blessed with great weather in the last weeks. The temperatures are not as high as the years before around this time and we had windy days and even rain. We all know too well this will change soon and we will have months of continuous heat ahead of us.

Even though this outdoor season was longer than usual, it felt as short as a blink. So make the best of your time and enjoy hot but still pleasant days on the beach or in one of the many water parks you can find in our listings.

We have been busy testing for you new products and you can read all about it on the following pages. From May onwards, we will also start providing some interesting and useful videos about outdoor, travel, adventures and active lifestyle. So look out for OutdoorUAE on YouTube soon.

Even if getting out in the region will be limited over the hot summer months, we will do our best, to provide you information and hope to inspire you to get outdoors, travel, share with us stories and photos, be active and just enjoy life. With all the hazards and challenges surrounding us at home and at work, we need a few times a week for our salvation - going or just simply dreaming about our next adventure. No matter how limited your time is, make the most of it and never look back on the days and Daniel Birkhofer opportunities you might have missed, this season is over but many Founder and more lay ahead of us. So get out in this wonderful world, appreciate General Manager daniel@outdooruae.com each day and enjoy.

Editor For editorial content and press releases Tel: 04-447 2030 Mobile: 055 5760322 editor@outdooruae.com Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries) Tel: 04-447 2030 Mobile: 055 8647125 nela@outdooruae.com Mobile: 055 9398915 margo@outdooruae.com Published by Outdoor UAE FZE In cooperation with A2Z EVENTS P.O. Box 215062 Dubai, U.A.E. Cover photo by: Max Buzin

Tel. 04-447 2030 contact@outdooruae.com www.outdooruae.com Distributor Dar Al Hikma LLC P.O. Box 2007, Dubai, UAE Tel. 04-266 5394 Printed at GN Printing P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE © 2016 Outdoor UAE FZE Vol. 6, No. 5, May 2016

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Eulogy van Dyk Editor Qatar eulogy@outdooruae.com

Keith Pereña Junior Editor & Social Media keith@outdooruae.com

Nela Macovei Business Development Manager nela@outdooruae.com

Margo Ciruelos Sales and Marketing margo@outdooruae.com

Ireneo ‘Jung’ Francisco Designer and Photographer jung@outdooruae.com

Katherine Cañedo Patangui Administration kathy@outdooruae.com

Ian Sebeldia Circulation

EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

Kit Belen Our fishing pro

Nico de Corato Diver and heli rescue swimmer with Bergamo Scuba Angels

www.OutdoorUAE.com Facebook.com/OutdoorUAE

Dan Wright Freelance wilderness guide in the UAE

Twitter.com/OutdoorUAE Instagram.com/OutdoorUAE

The information contained is for general use only.

We have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this magazine has been obtained from reliable sources. The publisher is not responsible for any errors. All information in this magazine is provided without a full guarantee of completeness, accuracy and chronology. In no event will the publisher and/or any of our affiliates be held responsible for decisions made or action taken in reliance on the information in this magazine.

All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission.

Rachael Bruford Travel Editor rachael@outdooruae.com

Jake Lyle Diving and Watersport Expert

Helle Bachofen Von Echt Elite Women Cyclist

Marina Bruce The Desert Diva and off-road expert

WHEN YOU’RE DONE READING, PLEASE RECYCLE!

Ivana Chiles Health coach and outdoor enthusiast

Bandana Jain Outdoor and Lifestyle contributor

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

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

CONTENTS

10 JUST ADD VOLCOM

14 DMX – DUBAI MOTOCROSS FINAL ROUND

26 NOMAD’S ROAD: OVERLANDERS FOR LIFE

EVERY ISSUE

14 DMX – DUBAI MOTOCROSS FINAL ROUND 16 DUBAI HOLDING SKYRUN 17 TEENAGE SUP STORIES 18 THE NEXT CHALLENGE – 7/7/7 19 COAST TO COAST - SURFING IN THE UAE 20 THE RISE OF THE UAE DRAGON BOAT NATION 21 DEFY GRAVITY WITH KITESURFING!

06 EVENTS CALENDAR 07 BEST SHOTS 08 OFF-ROADER’S CORNER: AHMAD’S NO-NONSENSE, ALL-POWER FJ TRD EDITION 42 PRODUCTS 63 DIRECTORY

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EVENT & ACTIVITY REPORTS

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

09 NORTH FACE ROCK RUN 2016 10 JUST ADD VOLCOM 12 DOWNWIND CLASSIC 2016 13 CUSTOM SHOW EMIRATES

22 THE KILI QUARTET: EGO 24 MALDIVES: A TRIP TO HEAVEN ON EARTH 26 NOMAD’S ROAD: OMAN, THE CAMPING PARADISE 28 CROKANGO, OR THE DEADLY KISS OF THE TIGERFISH: THE CONCLUSION

OUTDOORUAE

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MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

34 OUTDOORUAE SUMMER GUIDE

52 ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE 2016 - MARINA

62 OUTDOOR EDUCATION

LIFESTYLE

OUR EXPERTS

30 NATURAL HISTORY 32 HEALTH POWERHOUSE: THE SELF HEALING REVOLUTION 34 OUTDOORUAE SUMMER GUIDE 39 HABITUALLY HEALTHY: RISE UP AND CONQUER YOUR BREAKFAST

50 XCAT RACING ACTION IN THE UAE - NICO 52 ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE 2016 - MARINA 54 THE SUSTAINABLE DIVER - JAKE

TRIED & TESTED 41 CHALLENGE GRAVITY & FLY ABOVE THE WATER 43 TORQEEDO ULTRALIGHT 403 45 2XU ICE X SINGLET 47 FREEDOM ON THE DUNES - KTM MOTOCROSS EXPERIENCE WITH MXDUBAI 49 POLAR M400 GPS RUNNING AND CYCLING WATCH

PEOPLE 56 MARK MCCABE –ALL AROUND WATERSPORT ENTHUSIAST 58 RASHID BUTTI AL QUBAISI – UAE REPRESENTED CHAMPION RUNNER

TIPS & TRICKS 60 WATERSPORT EXERCISES BY FITNESS FIRST 61 TOP 10 HOME MAINTENANCE DO’S AND DON’TS BY REVOLUTION CYCLES 62 OUTDOOR EDUCATION

OUTDOORUAE

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MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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

EVENTS CALENDAR

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST EVENTS

MAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

08

M A Y

WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN

The Dubai metropolis is running for a second time for those who can’t When: May 8 Where: Dubai, UAE Contact: www.abudhabi.triathlon.org

06

M A Y

NIGHT HOWLER

A unique dog and owner run through the RAK mountains.

When: May 6 Where: Wadi Showkah Contact: www.urbanultra.com

MAY

03

TRAINYAS

Get training every Tuesday night in safe and cool spaces.

22

AL GAFFAL TRADITIONAL 60FT DHOW RACE The iconic dhow race in honor of pearl divers is making a return.

When: May 22 Where: Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi Contact: www.dimc.ae MAY

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06

HAMILTON AQUATICS LAST CHANCE MEET

This is your last chance to cool down before the spring season begins!

When: May 6-7 Where: Hamdan Sports Complex Contact: www.hamiltonaquatics.ae

G4G SNOW HIKE

If you’re going to hike elsewhere in the world, this free training session is for you!

When: May 13 Where: Ski Dubai Contact: www.gulf4good.org

When: May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Where: Yas Marina Circuit Contact: www.damanhealth.ae

MAY

M A Y

MAY

26

SUNMAN FOR RICH 2016

You have three days to complete an honour based full or half Ironman. Ready?

When: May 26-28 Where: Anywhere in the world Contact: trace@supertriuae.com

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

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

BEST SHOTS Here are the best shots sent in by you for our monthly 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 three winners, who will each receive Buff headwear, five free copies of the magazine and the Advance Off-road Guidebook: Sanjay Pradhan, Uros Mazej and Ernesto Viesca. Well done!

Sanjay Pradhan

Captured during a Jet Ski championship at Sharjah

Uros Mazej

Fatbiking with the family out in Al Qudra

Ernesto Viesca

Afternoon in Musandam

OUTDOORUAE

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THE

OFF-ROADERS corner

Ahmad’s No-Nonsense, All-Power FJ TRD Edition Name: Ahmad Pervez Nationality: Indian Occupation: Founder of Dubai Offroaders, Managing Director at Blaze Computers L.L.C. and TECHSOUQ.COM Ride: 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser TRD Edition

Don’t let the vanilla appearance fool you, Ahmad’s FJ runs the TRD Package which for all intents and purposes is one of the best versions of the venerable Toyota FJ Cruiser people can get. Add to that the intimidating stance and you get a daily driver with more than enough guts to take on anything the desert throws at it.

Tell us a little background story about the car...

I got interested in the FJ after helping Toyota check it out in the pre-launch testing in late 2007. Then I was part of the team that helped Toyota/Al Futtaim launch the FJ Cruiser as well as the Land Cruiser 200 back in 2008. I was driving a LC 80 Series at that time, which is an iconic vehicle and one of the best offroad vehicles ever built. However, I wanted a stick shift and Al Futtaim did not have an option for a Manual FJ at that time so I had to import one all the way from USA. It cost me an extra 1,200 USD plus a six week wait until the vehicle arrived and was registered in UAE.

Could you tell us all about the modifications that were made?

Performance and cosmetic-wise?

I believe and know that the car was designed by the manufacturer after a lot of research and testing and do not believe in cosmetic modifications, period. Performance modifications too need to be kept at a minimum and extreme performance modifications are an absolute negative. However, due to this being an American specifications FJ, I had to take care of a few issues basically pertaining to the engine cooling and air intake system.

I replaced the radiator installing a dual core, high capacity aluminium radiator, changed the water pump and installed the Sy-Klone 9001 pre-filter.

The FJ, being TRD specs, was already fitted with a TRD Bilstein suspension system, TRD cat-back exhaust system, A-track system, central and rear diff locks. The FJ was thus ready with minimum modifications.

I have recently changed the suspension on the FJ, upgrading to a Fox Stage 1 suspension as the original suspension had become less responsive lately.

Do you have something that you would consider to be a “special feature” of your car?

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Being the founder of Dubai Offroaders, I’m very active in the off-road scene in UAE and Oman, and due to this, the FJ sees extensive off-road usage both in the deserts and the mountains. This means that the FJ is a convoy lead car on almost all the drives that we participate in.

The car also has to be fully prepared for any rescue situation that anyone in the

convoy may encounter. Or group belief is that we do not leave anyone behind. Our group officials and marshals make sure that any car that goes in with us, comes out of the off-road situation, with us.

That said, I believe in absolute minimalism and consider any tool be it the car or a motorbike to be able to contribute a max of 20% to the sport, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU - the driver/operator/ rider behind the machine that is the “special feature”.

What were your other options before you bought this car?

I am a Toyota fan, after having kept and experienced a Jeep Cherokee XJ, Jeep Cherokee WJ, Nissan Patrol Capsula, LC 100, Jeep Wrangler and LC 80. I was thus very clear on my choice. I am really impressed with the new generation of 4.0 Litre V6 Toyota engines, which are light, easy revving and with an excellent torque curve that’s especially well suited for off-road driving, developing max torque at the relatively low 3000-3400 RPM band. As your readers may be aware, this particular engine is being used on different models by Toyota from the Land Cruiser, LC Prado, Fortuner, FJ Cruiser, Four Runner, Hilux and even the legendary LC pickup!

How do you spend time with the car?

The FJ is daily ride and my off-road companion. Most modern vehicles are very well designed and will provide years of reliable service as long one takes care of them. The FJ is also the base station and a carrier of all the camping, off-road and rescue equipment that may be required on 2-3 day camping and hiking trips that we frequently do.

What 4x4 do you dream of owning?

The next vehicle whenever the FJ needs to be upgraded will either be the MercedesBenz G-Class G500 Gelandewagen or the LC Double Cab Pickup with the V8 Diesel engine. The two of them are both on the extreme ends of the spectrum with one being a perfect marriage of luxury and functionality and the other being a no-nonsense, reliable work horse.

Want your 4X4 to be the next feature?

It’s all simple! Just send us an email at editor@outdooruae.com with the subject “Off-Roaders Corner” and you and your car might just be the next one on this page!

EVENT REPORT

The UAE’s biggest Trail Run of the Year

The North Face Rock Run 2016 at Wadi Showka, RAK Words + Photos supplied by: North Face Middle East

Explorers and adventurists alike completed the biggest trail run to ever take place in the UAE recently with The North Face Rock Run which saw over 1,200 trail runners. Now in its second year, The Rock Run has witnessed massive growth, more than doubling the number of participants from the first race in 2015. The runners completed the race in the beautiful surroundings of Ras Al Khaimah’s rugged terrain which was the perfect picturesque backdrop.

The annual The North Face Rock Run took place at Wadi Showka, Ras Al Khaimah, and included mountainous terrain, short climbs and wonderful wadis. The trail run welcomed athletes from around the Emirates and participants began at 4:35 p.m. and completed three distances, 5km, 10km and 21km. The finish line came alive with music, entertainment and F&B where the participants celebrated their achievements.

The winners were Ismail Ssenyange (21K Male), Yasmine Ouchatar (21K Female), Darryl Chiles (10K Male), Maria Anisa (10K Female), Francois Maureta (5K Male), Refref Mohammed (5K Female) and Lucas Cohen (5K Male Junior) and Anna Maureta (5K Female Junior) who won cash prizes of up to 2,500 AED.

Miquel Pancorbo, President of Sports at Gulf Marketing Group said: “We are extremely pleased with the success of the second edition of The North Face Rock Run, and are already looking forward to returning next year even bigger and better.” He added; “We’re honored to be able to grow the trail running community and bring such a unique event to the UAE, and are delighted to see this community grow throughout the Emirates.”

Prior to the event and to support athletes training for the event, The North Face hosted a series of training sessions lead by the Founder of the Trail Running Group, Coach Lee Harris. The brand also launched the “Mountain Athletic App” in the region which provided specific training, exercise demonstrations and tips for the trail runners.

Ismail who took first place in the 21km distance of The Rock Run added: “I had such a wonderful day and experience at the race.

The Rock Run is a truly exceptional event with a challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable trail, and I am proud to have won first place.

I can’t wait to run it again at next year.”

EVENT REPORT

Just Add Volcom: Photos supplied by: Max Buzin

Volcom, Wadi Adventure, and RAGE brought the surfing and skating culture alive in the UAE at “Just Add Volcom” at Wadi Adventure in Al Ain over the weekend. The competition is one of the biggest surfing and skateboarding events in the Middle East. The day-long event concluded its fourth edition on Friday bringing more than 45 skateboarders and surfers together to relish a day of outdoor sports at Wadi Adventure, the Middle East’s first man made whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing facility.

Waves, good vibes and the last of the gorgeous UAE winter left over 100 spectators rapt as the region’s best board riders battled it out on the shores and the mini ramp.

Commenting on the event, Alex

Medvedev, Brand Manager for DDE Action Sports said, “We are all very pleased with the event participant turnout and spectators who came down to support the event. It’s amazing to see the constant growing board sports talent in the region and the positive vibes from all surfers and skateboards involved. Hope to be doing more of these events and seeing new faces in the near future.”

In the winner’s circle, Karina Bensemann, Winner of the Women’s Surf category, said “It was an epic day with great people! I would like to thank the RAGE and DDE team for letting us have fun doing what we love

— Waiting for the next one.”

The competitions were split in two categories - Surf Jam, where male and female surfers competed together in Under 12, Under 18, and Above 18 categories; and Skate Jam Juniors (Above 14) and Seniors (Above 14) and Best Trick.

The winners in each of the categories were: Skate

Mens Surf

1. Baxter Jackson 2. Uros Kovacevic 3. Omar Al Abbar

1. Lance Dicks 2. Daniel Van Dooren 3. Alexandre Oliviera

Girls Surf

Groms Surf

1. Karina Bensemann 2. Malu 3. Tasha Young

1. Lucas Bay 2. Theodore Desclee 3. Matthew Rhodes and Alexandre Sherwin

Squids Surf 1. Noah Offord 2. Luke Hussey 3. Noah Dongier and Jared Cockle 10

OUTDOORUAE

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EVENT REPORT

Downwind Classic 2016 Making Surfski a Big Thing in the UAE Words by: DSKC Committee

Organised by the Dubai Surfski Kayaking Club, the Downwind Classic 2016, is beyond a surfski race. This wet get-together gathers the most enthusiastic paddlers in the region to test their skills, socialize and enjoy the last drops of coolness out in the sea.

The DWC attracted several paddlers along with a crowd of supporters staying back on the shore preparing a traditional after-race braai.

The Race

A fleet of 4x4s are snaking into the car park at the Dubai International Marina Club, all outfitted with their Fenn and Epic Surfskis.

The DSKC trailer was the first to arrive at the scene ready with the cooler box with ice cold drinks and some snacks, watersport equipment and lifejackets while the earliest ones patiently wait for the rest of the group ready to head out for some fun in the sun!

As paddlers greet each other like long lost friends that they probably are, a few kids jump out of the cars and they too can’t wait to play with the surfkis and other watersports equipment. Everyone unloads quickly and in no time the DIMC is littered with Epics and Fenns. The sun is quickly setting but the wind was nowhere to be seen. PFD’s, leashes and race briefing are absolutely imperative at this point to ensure all participants smash the course

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safely. The convoy gathers at the beach for the race briefing, this awesome energy and pre-race excitement was palpable. A couple of minutes later as paddlers get on the water a few enthusiastic cheers are heard from the DIMC. The hard-charging fleet of surfskis swiftly gathers at the start line, the adrenaline is high and the heart is pumping. Paddlers plan their last minute race strategy and evaluate the conditions all to finish the hottest of the season 11km course as fast as possible!

Colin Campbell, club veteran, blows the whistle and together with Gary Luke and Doug Bitcon the race front pack was formed. Paddling out next to The Palm Jumeirah was refreshing as paddlers could still enjoy a bit of fresh air and catch the occasional run. Once you reach the turn point and paddle back it’s when you feel the heat! Paddlers really have to give 100% and push their physical fitness to the limits.

The distance between the front pack and the remaining of the group kept increasing during the race with a few newcomers attempting to come closer to the front pack.

The gruelling 11km finished in no time with top paddlers completing the course well under one hour. Paddlers start gradually arriving to the finish line at DIMC and quickly share what we call in the community “war stories”. Previous war stories include boats colliding against rocks, paddlers crashing against each other, 30km/h max speed but this race was all about pushing your body to the limits and beat the heat!

All paddlers did the course in excellent form and they all shared a great sense of accomplishment which makes it all worthwhile. The paddle itself is fairly quick, but the spirit remains for much longer once back at the shores. Friends discuss the course and previous races, rookies take notes of every word of wisdom from the more experienced ones, plans for barbeques and future trips are discussed; the spirit of surfski is alive! This is what this great community is all about. Discussions for the next season are already in place, promises to have bigger events with more people on-board of this great sport are made.

To get involved please email us at dskc.dskc@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/Dubai-Surfski-Kayak-Club for more details. See you on the water!

EVENT REPORT

Custom Show Emirates 2016 UAE custom culture at large

own upgrades! Amidst the lowriders, the Words by: Keith Pereña Photos by: Nela Macovei and Charles Pereña muscle cars and tuners, our Silverback Scoop Fatbike was proudly displayed on all days of the show and it was a welcome treat to everyone who saw it! This interest even For the second time coming, reached the point where people wanted to the OutdoorUAE team was proud snap photos with it, and even inquire where to be a part of the 2016 Custom they could get to experience fatbiking. The Show Emirates. Now in year two, team was more than happy to answer any queries about it as well as giving people free the Custom Show expounded on and offering the Second Edition its strengths last year and brought magazines of the Advanced Off-Road Guidebook at more cars, bikes, 4x4s, stunts and discount prices to the joy of many off-road enthusiasts that visited the show. enthusiasts from all over the GCC Speaking of the cars, the number of region to ADNEC, Abu Dhabi over vehicles displayed during the event was the course of five days. astounding. And that is an understatement. From the entrance alone, there were Compared to last year, this year’s show classic cars, a Camaro turned into a dually boasted a 40% increase in event space and and even classic pickup trucks! Inside the welcomed more than 25,000 visitors, 104 hall was where it was mind blowing, Jeeps local and 63 international brands across 17 customized beyond recognition with even countries. With a 450,000 square feet floor one inspired by vintage airplanes. A lot of space, this is the biggest festival of UAE car off-road groups also saw this as an opportuculture to date. nity to gather and show off their cars. There With this improvement to the show in was UAC4X4 and the UAE Hummer Team general, of course we too had to do our - who was also a part of the 2015 Dubai OffRoad and Adventure Show showcasing their modified and dune ready Hummers, and FJ to name a few. The outdoor vibe within the UAE car community is impressive.

Another highlight of the show is the live drifting and stunt driving event which was widely attended by visitors last year. Like last year, the outdoor arena was where most footfall occurred. For this year’s show they brought in over 70 professional drifters roaring into action as they kept people on the edge of their seats. The arena included various stunts such as 4x4 and saloon

drifting, gymkhana and the fan favourite stunt driving.

Of the 950 cars that participated in this year’s show, it was quite difficult to choose the best of them all. With each vehicle modified based on the liking of their owners. But despite the difficulties, the King of the Show was hailed to be a golden Nissan GT-R that came straight from Japan and at a whopping cost of 3.5 million AED; it was the most expensive vehicle in the entire show.

With all these being said, everything about this year’s CSE is literally bigger and better even bringing out the best of not only local talent but also international talent as well. We’ll see you next year in CSE 2017!

EVENT REPORT

UAE Motocross and the Final Round of DMX Words by: Lacey Sexson Photos by: Lacey Sexson, Jay R Mendoza and Fabian Hoehn

Motocross is widely considered to be the world’s most popular form of motorcycle racing. It is a form of off-road racing that is done within an enclosed course. This sport is so exciting to watch and the whole course can be seen from the sidelines. Dubai Motocross Club is Dubai’s original motocross track.

It was created by a group of motocross enthusiasts and continues to run purely on the passion and hard work of our volunteers and members. We welcome all our motorcycle friends to join in on the motocross fun.

This season has wrapped and the championships earned. This was an exciting season in for DMX. We started our season in October on a completely remodelled and

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newly designed track. Thank you to Sean Gaugain of SRG Motorsports, your vision was our club’s reality and it did not disappoint. The sport of racing motorcycles over a rough course with many obstacles; hills turned jumps for our fast and skilful riders, sharp turns, deep sands (we are in the desert after all) and surprise hidden and uncovered rocks has kept our riders focused and our spectators an unbeatable combination of thrills and gut wrenching nervous energy - especially for those of us with little riders; like our family. Our Junior classes have seen the most growth in the club this season, with over 41 riders this season. We have riders starting at age four and they do not disappoint. My own boys have been racing with Dubai Motocross Club for four years now, each starting their race “career” at age four. They are Myles Sexson, age 9 on bike number 86 - KTM 65cc Class and Liam Sexson, age seven on bike number 31 - KTM 65cc Class. These kids, all of them are equal parts; heart and true grit.

Here at DMX (Dubai Motocross Track), we have already begun the planning for next seasons schedule and changes. Here is some basic information on our track and club membership.

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

We are a non-profit club. The Dubai Motocross Club Committee is made up of strong and passionate volunteers. We encourage club memberships to financially support the development and maintenance of the track and facilities. We welcome other motocross sport enthusiasts to volunteer their time and professional skills to benefit our track for all to enjoy. Dubai Motocross track does NOT provide insurance to the riders. It is mandatory that each rider carries full comprehensive personal insurance. These regulations are posted at the track. You will also sign the indemnity form releasing the DMX track from liability. Ride at your own risk.

Practice fees: Non-members AED100 per day per rider (weekday or weekend).

Members pay 50 AED per day per rider. The track is closed on Thursdays and Sundays for maintenance.

We use Facebook exclusively to update information on our track. Please check the page for information. DMX (Dubai Motocross Club) It is a club for everyone; all nationalities, all age groups and all levels of riders. Our race classes are testament to this.

DMX has two tracks: one main track and one exclusively for our junior riders, both are located at the Club’s Motocross Park in Jebel Ali across from Jebel Ali Golf Resort.

The UAE racing season runs from September to April during which DMX hosts multiple round motocross championship.

Membership fees: Single club membership 1,200 AED (1 Sep to 31 Aug), Single member unlimited practice 1,500 AED, Family club membership 1,500 AED, Family membership unlimited practice 3,000 AED. Motocross is growing across the region.

There is news in the air of another great Motocross track in the works. We look forward to growth of this wildly competitive, spectacular sport in the UAE.

See you in the dirt,

Motocross Mom, @laceysexson

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

EVENT REPORT

Going the Vertical Limit

2016 Dubai Holding Skyrun Words + Photos supplied by: Dubai Holding

On the 8th of April, Dubai Holding, in partnership with Jumeirah Emirates Towers welcomed Polish runner, Piotr Lobodzinski to the podium after setting a course record for the 2016 Dubai Holding Skyrun after scaling 1,334 steps; 265 metres and 52 floors to reach the top of the Emirates Towers building. He completed the iconic and popular race with a time of 7 minutes and 18 seconds.

An official event of the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Holding SkyRun saw a record participation of 363 runners at the 14th edition of the race, which is organised in support of Al Jalila Foundation’s obesity research. The event is the second race in the Vertical World Circuit (VWC) of skyscraper runs in iconic towers in famous cities. The VWC 2016 kicked off in London in March before moving along to Dubai, and will continue onwards to Paris, Manila, Sydney, Beijing, Shanghai to conclude with the Grand Finale in Hong Kong.

His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council awarded the prizes to the fastest winners. Other than Piotr, who has set the current fastest record other winners include the fastest female runner, Suzanne Walsham who reached the top in 8 minutes and 38 seconds. For the team leg of the race, the win was given to Talise Fitness JBH who completed the race in 12 minutes and 6 seconds.

Participants included UAE residents, international elite runners and wellness-focussed companies, as well as Dubai Holding’s very own team led by Ahmad Bin Byat, Vice

Chairman and Managing Director of the company. All proceeds of the event go to the generous cause of supporting obesity research in the UAE. Talking about the causes that are being supported by the Skyrun, Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “It is very gratifying to see our partnership with Dubai Holding on promoting health and wellbeing in the UAE go from strength to strength. All funds raised at the Dubai Holding SkyRun will support obesity research, a major concern in the UAE and the region. Over the years, we have been able to successfully invest in and advance medical research to address lifestyle related diseases, namely diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. This further complements the positive steps that companies like Dubai Holding are taking to foster a fitter, healthier and more productive workforce and community.”

The Dubai Holding SkyRun was organised

by Talise Fitness and hosted by Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Other sponsors includedTechnogym, SHARP- ITL COSMOS GROUP, Dubai Eye 103.8, Physique TV , Coco Pro, Costa, Dubai Bone and JointCenter, du, MonViso, noviplus, OutdoorUAE, Reebok and Spinneys.

Dubai Holding SkyRun is a key pillar

of Dubai Holding’s Corporate Wellness Programme, an award-winning wellness programme that is completing its 10th year in 2017.

Results Male Place Name

Time

1

Piotr Lobodzinski

00:07:18

2

Emanuele Manzi

00:07:36

3

Ignacio Cardona Torres

00:07:51

4

Gustavo Ayres Netto

00:08:58

5

Paul Drury

00:09:54

Female Place Name

Time

1

Suzanne Walsham

00:08:38

2

Dominika Wisniewska Ulfik 00:09:22

3

Lenka Svabikova

00:09:49

4

Cristina Bonacina

00:10:51

5

Ivana Kolaric

00:11:15

Teams Place Name

Time

1

Talise Fitness JBH

00:12:06

2

KHDA Warriors 1

00:12:08

3

Dubai Holding Fit N Roll 00:12:51

4

Talise Fitness MJ

00:14:12

5

Skywalkers

00:14:50

ACTIVITY REPORT

Teenage SUP Stories Words by: Guy Welchman

Paddleboarding in Dubai has grown massively over the past five years. I personally started the sport in which I have become so fond of back in 2012, introduced to it by Tati, my trainer at the time as well as my teacher at the Dubai English Speaking College. Whilst I was in year eight she had started an after school club and we would go to Sunset Beach and non-competitively race around and try some of the different paddleboarding techniques.

Sadly, the after school activity stopped but I continued to train in a bid to become better for my own personal fitness and also as the sport was growing and I knew I needed to push hard to become competitive.

In 2014, Ocean Sports, the Naish Middle East distributor gave me an opportunity that would completely change the way I had to train and meant that I had to show extra commitment from myself and towards paddleboarding. I became a sponsored team rider and was fully exposed to the sport at a competitive level. Naish gave me a good range of paddleboards to further my ability and strengthen my paddling technique and winning capability. For that I am very grateful as I am sure without my current equipment, I would not be coming first in junior races and scoring top five results in the adult classes. Thanks to my 12.6” Naish Javelin LE, a true motorless speed machine!

Training plays a key part in the development of one’s ability to do anything, regardless of the sport. However, for me training consists of early mornings and medium to long distances. My trainer at present is Amer Dandachi. He guides a small team of paddlers, normally starting from Kite Beach and going 10km along the coast in the mornings before the heat would get too much. All of this would be done to build up a level of fitness that would assure results at any competition. Recently the team training days have been less with our usual team as we were informed the joyful news that Amer and his wife were having a child.

So now, my father and race day companion, takes me training every Friday and Saturday. I train with my good friend Conrad Bay and we normally train for around 7km along the coast. Although the 10km has decreased to 7km, training has not been made easier as in addition that I am now doing training during the week with FittHPC a gym that offers specialist training for any sport that you partake in. Danil Bourneventure, my personal trainer, is a great supporter in my sport and makes it his priority to make me a top level athlete and a paddler with brute force. Equipment plays a vital role in the way that I do my sport and Naish have supplied a paddle and board that can be used in the gym - both are much needed components.

Also I have recently received sponsorship from Adventure HQ who kindly equipped

me with a Suunto sports watch to help me keep track of and observe how I train. It shows my distance and average speed via GPS, helping me to track my progress and become better each time I race.

I am proud to be a young athlete in the UAE especially taking into consideration that I am Type 1 Diabetic. I hope to inspire, captivate and motivate young up and coming athletes and especially diabetics who feel intimidated about entering such a sport. I hope that we can help grow the sport and build the next generation of paddleboarders here.

OutdoorUAE congratulates Guy Welchman to his titles at the UAE Teen Sports and Fitness Awards held on April 21!

• 3rd place in the Fittest Teen U16 Male category.

• 1st place in the Sports Personality of the Year U16 Male category.

OUTDOORUAE

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ACTIVITY REPORT

The Ultra-athlete Braces for the Next Challenge - 7/7/7

Words + Photos by: Bandana Jain

“Every sporty challenge should have a bigger idea behind it. Sports benefit not only on a personal level, but can also be a great contributor towards goodness. If one can do some outstanding challenge that garners public attention, then why not dedicate it to matters that really deserve attention,” observes Olga Zolotova, who is all set to take on her next challenge!

Challenges are not new to Olga. In October 2015, Olga took up her first challenge of cycling 400km across seven emirates in 24 hours. Next, came the 200km solo run in 24 hours in December 2015. And coming May will see the twenty-five year old Russian ultra-athlete brace up for her next charity challenge - 7 ultra-marathons in 7 emirates in 7 days! Slated to take place in the first week of May 2016, this solo challenge is dedicated to Jusoor, a charitable organization working for the education of Syrian kids.

Olga has always dedicated her challenges for social causes. Earlier it was to support kids’ education in developing countries and for the treatment of children in a cancer hospital in Pakistan. This time, she will be focusing on raising awareness for the education of the Syrian refugee kids.

For Olga, there is another aspect of seeing the challenge - a great opportunity to explore each emirate in a 18

OUTDOORUAE

different way (as she has never run marathons in any emirate except Dubai). And lastly, a challenging aspect from the physical perspective as she has to run literally every day with hardly any time for recovery.

“My next charity challenge is dedicated to supporting Syrian kids’ education in cooperation with Jusoor. Jusoor is an NGO of Syrian expatriates who help refugee children to receive primary education. They are currently running two schools in Bekaa Valley (Lebanon) where 650 kids are receiving primary education. It costs approximately 700 USD per year to educate one child and both schools are running entirely on donations. Some of these kids have lost their families, others missed years of school due to the tough political situation in their country. For most of them these refugee schools are the only chance to get educated.”

Olga will be running 7 ultra-marathons in 7 emirates in 7 days in order to raise awareness on this matter. “My target is to collect at least 25,000 AED (7,000 USD) which will hopefully help ten children to complete a year of education,” says Olga who had recently travelled to the refugeecamps in Lebanon (on the Syrian border).

“I was moved to see children as young as five years old selling tissue boxes on the streets!These kids are so happy to come to the school, they are happy to mingle with other children and most importantly, they have a hope for better future. I want to help them because these children, for sure deserve a far better life!”

When asked, what Olga aims to achieve from this challenge on a personal level, she replies, “The main idea is self-development. Challenge is a great catalyst of evolution. You need to step out of your comfort zone and expand the boundaries in order to develop yourself and grow. And every tomorrow we try to be better than what we are today.”

Details of the 7/7/7 Challenge Date: 5th May to 11th May. Time: 2:00 A.M. until 8:00 A.M. daily (due to weather conditions, Olga will start her run in the wee hours of the morning) Route: Starting from Abu Dhabi-Dubai – Sharjah- Ajman-Umm Al Quwain-Ras Al Khaimah and finishing in Fujairah.

Distance to be Covered: Olga plans to run 50km each day in each emirate, which she will finish in six hours, so the total running time within the week will be 42 hours and the total distance to be covered is 350km.

Running Technique: During first 20 km, she will take a break once in 10 km. After that every 25-30 min, she will take a five minute break.

Hardships in Olga’s 7/7/7 Challenge • Physical challenge - Olga will be running continuously for seven days, so she barely has any time for recovery (because the body experiences pain and soreness the day next to marathon) Olga says - “The challenge is to train my body to be able to take that pressure and to recover as much as possible under the constricted time frame.”

• Logistical challenge. For the ultramarathons, a straight route is always preferred, avoiding routes in circles and sharp turns as that puts extra pressure on the legs.

Olga says - “It is quite tough to find such a route in some of the emirates, so most probably I will have to sacrifice my convenience and adapt to the situation.”

Training: Olga runs for 3-4 days per week which is a combo of interval trainings with long aerobic runs. Another three days are allocated for the gym where she practices strength and general physical exercises.

“But the preparation goes far beyond physical aspect… it is more of dedication, discipline and perseverance,” reckons Olga.

ACTIVITY REPORT

Words by: Carl de Villiers Photos by: Abdel Elecho

The UAE is an absolute freak of nature for surfing and incredibly unique as the shape of the Gulf is perfectly long and thin and it funnels the northwesterly shamals we get over the winter months into some good size waves for surfers. Warm waters and mild to wild waves make it a great place to learn to surf too.

Despite numerous construction projects causing the opening and closing of beaches for surfing along the coastlines, the sport has grown in popularity in the UAE with surfers, longboarders, bodyboarders and paddleboarders attacking the waves with vigour whenever a swell is on the horizon. The best time of the year for surfing in the Gulf is anytime out of the summer months, although we do get swell almost all year round but infrequently and for only a few days a month. The best months are however the cooler winter months from November to March.

Occasionally, the east coast of the UAE gets incredible cyclone swells and makes this area look like a topical paradise with long point breaks and epic surf that most people would never expect from the emirates, which is usually looking like a lake every day! A few times a year, the east coast also gets messy storms which produce some rideable waves and surfers flock from across the emirates to score some fun rides.

There is surf just about everywhere in the UAE but in various forms, strengths and shapes and at different times of the year you just need to know where and when to look. Here is a list of the most commonly known spots: Abu Dhabi: There is not too much to surf here barring at Saadiyat Island where there is a small wave. It generally breaks far out and fades in to be a shore break. Best on the SUP or longboard. Rumours of offshores islands in the area producing surf too.

Ghantoot: Some small waves here but when it’s bigger it tends to break far out in the middle of the bay and roll in with less power.

JBR: This used to have some excellent waves and the DEWA plant at the bottom of the

Marina was a good place to surf but access is now limited by construction.

Black Palace Beach: There are waves in front of the palaces all the way down to the Burj Al Arab but don’t expect to surf them with your surfboard as these areas are privately owned so off limits to surfers. You can however sneak the occasional wave while Paddleboarding up and down the coastline here.

Sunset Beach: Dubai’s long standing main surf beach next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel with a beautiful backdrop to the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. This place used to have epic waves however over the years has become incredibly crowded with the beach being permanently changed by the ongoing construction of the bay. It is now a very dumpy wave which can however offer up some barrels in the right conditions but beware of the dreggy steep waves and overcrowded surf.

Kite Beach: The addition of groynes on this beach has developed a few surf spots so scout the area next time there is a big swell, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the neat left handers coming through.

North Beach: A popular surf spot on a manmade island offering good waves for intermediate and advanced surfers. Its flat bang in the middle of some highly sought after areas for property development so enjoy it while it’s still accessible.

Mamzar: Access for surfing is limited to this beach (you may even be denied permission to surf) but on the off chance you get some waves, this spot has a great peak and works when there is a bigger swell. It can also be a little wind protected during messy swells and offer a slightly cleaner waves with less crowds.

Sharjah: There are 2 beaches here which of-

fer good waves. Al Khan 1 is near to Mamzar (and behind the Sharjah Aquarium) and has a great beginner and intermediate wave on the left hand side of the beach; lots of good lefts on the high tide and mixed peaks down the beach on the low tide. Al Khan 2 has some waves and is close to the port. Not too many crowds on either of these areas so ideal for those surfers wanting to have a mellow surf and some waves all to themselves.

Ajman: This places gets really good when you get a big thick overnight swell and offshore winds. You can get long rides and big barrels in this emirate. Works best on mid tide and the best spots are near the jetty on the one side and the adjacent side next to all the fast food take out restaurants.

Ras Al Khaimah: Some breaks near Al Hamriyah with fun waves and lots of exploring potential. This would be a good one to visit when the swell is on, as there are some hidden spots to find.

Kalba: On the Fujairah/Kalba border there are some fun beach breaks. On the left hand side of the DU building is a long beach which is slightly protected from the wind and offers up some fun waves on a messy wind swell.

Khorfakkan: Some classic beach breaks in this area with a world class A-frame wave which forms on the left hand side of the bay, only when cyclone conditions hit the East cost of this Emirate which is only every few years…well worth the wait!

Sandy Beach: On the far right hand side of this popular holiday destination is the premier point break “Tim’s Reef” which is an excellent place to surf when the swell is on.

However, it does get crowded with most of the Dubai surf scene driving across Emirate to chase the swell.

In between all these places are spots where you can explore on your own, just follow the surf reports, obey the law of the land and go searching! There are also a number of resources for swell reports, surf trips, gear and learning to surf. For more information on the surf scene in the emirates and surrounding regions, get connected on www.surfshoparabia.com.

ACTIVITY REPORT

The Rise of the UAE Dragon Boat Nation recently concluded 10th Club Crew World Words by: John Panuelos Championship held in Adelaide, Australia.

Photos supplied by: UAE Dragon Boat Nation With the growing numbers of paddling enthusiasts, the dragon boating community is becoming a big family and the birth of Dragon boating traces its roots from ancient China as part of UAE Dragon Boat Nation is conceptualized to bond all teams and provide the social religious rituals dating back more media platform of all dragon boating activithan 2,000 years. From an ancient ties, news and information.

It provides directories for all UAE dragon practice of venerating a deity, boat teams to guide all would be enthusiit now evolved into a sport that asts to locate the different team’s training tests the skills, techniques and location and timings which they will find endurance of a person. It is a team convenient if they wish to try. The sport welcomes everyone from all fitness levels sport which comprises the helm, and doesn’t discriminate whether you are the drummer and the paddlers a couch potato who decided to start being active or an adrenaline junkie who wants to working out together and aiming try another sport. to reach the finish line faster using The community page also gives an upthe boat. date for the calendar of events on incoming races locally and internationally to keep all Its prominence as an adrenaline filled the teams informed and to prepare them if human-powered watersport became phethey are sending contingents for the races. nomenal worldwide and the United Arab It also apprises everyone as to the latest Emirates is not spared; from the very few happenings on the race itself including teams at its onset, it has grown into more results of the competitions. than twenty teams actively participating The Facebook page is now the unofficial and competing in local and international source of what’s the in and out of dragon arenas, as well as producing world class boating and a way to connect with other paddlers and champions as evident on the

fellow paddlers and other teams in the United Arab Emirates. It provides an avenue to express the shared passion on the love of the sport. It captures the zeitgeist of the race event and shows not just the competitive side but also the quirky and fun nature of paddlers. They also share the knowledge of the sport and the new techniques being used to improve the paddling skills of the team.

In a water sport where synchronization and team work plays a vital role in winning, it also teaches every paddler the importance of making an alliance and fostering camaraderie and not to treat other teams as foe but friends as well. The UAE Dragon Boat Nation came into place to bridge this alliance, being a non-partisan and nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting all teams in the United Arab Emirates and to cover all events related to dragon boating and promoting the sports.

If you are interested in meeting the UAE Dragon Boat Community and want to be part of it or simply curious to try the sport, you could check for the UAE Dragon Boat Nation Facebook page at facebook.com/ UAEDBN/, they have the directory of various UAE teams’ in which you could test a dragon boat and most teams are offering free sessions for beginners.

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

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

ACTIVITY REPORT

Defy Gravity with Kitesurfing!

Words by: Christelle Schaal

So you’ve heard about that awesome sport called Kitesurfing?

Or maybe you’ve seen kites flying at the beach and some people jumping high over the water? Have you wondered if you too, could do that? Well here is the good news, anybody can learn to kitesurf. And I am going to share with you all the things you need to know to get you started!

own. The school will provide you with all the training equipment, you just need to come with your board shorts/bikini, sunscreen and smile on!

Average cost will be around 2,500 AED for private lessons and 2,000 AED for semi private. At first, prices may seem expensive, but trust me, investing in a few lessons is in your best interest and will be money well spent, as you’ll not only become a safer kitesurfer, but you’ll also learn much quicker.

What is Kitesurfing?

Kitesurfing is a very complete activity, a perfect mix between wakeboard, snowboard, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding and gymnastics all that turned into one extreme watersport. Once you got the right equipment, all you need is wind blowing! The wind will propel you out of the water and make you ride the ocean while supported by your kiteboard. And jump if you want to!

Sounds good right?

Let’s Get Started!

As I said, anybody can learn, so whether you are 10 or 75 years old, man or woman, you can enjoy this awesome sport. As long as

you know how to swim a little and have no medical restrictions for that sport, you can go for it! Don’t be scared, contrary to what people think, you do not have to be really fit or strong, and girls make great kitesurfers too by the way!

Now, unlike other sports that you can teach yourself, kitesurfing is a sport that requires professional supervision by a qualified kitesurf instructor. You cannot just buy equipment, go to the beach and try to learn on your own… Remember this is an extreme sport and for your own safety and the safety of other innocent beach goers, you need to learn to kitesurf in a responsible way.

Take Lessons

You will need an average of 10 hours lessons before you’re able to kitesurf on your

Equipment

Once you’ve completed your lessons or even during your lessons, you can consider buying your own gear. In this way, you can practise on your equipment while still under the supervision of your instructor.

You will need at least one kite with a bar, a kiteboard, a harness and a pump. Speak to your instructor who can advise you on the different types of kites and the best size to buy depending on for your weight and local weather conditions. Our school uses the best and latest equipment from Naish and Prolimit - brands made for kitesurfing and all other watersports.

Voila! That’s all you need to know for now… So, if you feel you are ready to discover a sport that will bring you pleasure, will make you look super cool and keep you fit and tanned at the same time don’t look any further! Trust me when I say this: once you have started kitesurfing, you become addicted to it for life!

Christelle is a big kitesurfing enthusiast and can be regularly seen taking to the waves and feeling the wind around her.

She wanted to share her passion for kitesurfing and XKite was born. Here Christelle and her team welcome those who are eager to give kitesurfing a go and to learn more about the sport and be kitesurfers themselves. To see more of what she does, visit www.xkite.ae.

OUTDOORUAE

21

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

The Kili Quartet Act 2: Ego

Words by: Ben Thomas Photos Supplied by: Sancho Barcia

45% of all climbers make it to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. It’s true. That’s the published figure by Kilimanjaro National Park although companies publish their figures at 75%. The catch? An altitude of 5,985 metres and a horizontal distance of 70 kilometres to cover with our group having as much accrued acclimatization as a stranded fish.

So the question dominating all thoughts in anticipation of our impending expedition to the roof of Africa is how do we make it to the top and not embarrass ourselves? Being carried off by fit mountain rangers, past an assembled team of guides and porters sniggering at another team of wazungukichaa, that failed to heed their expert advice of “pole pole” or “slowly slowly” makes it very difficult to keep your upper lip stiff.

And this is the brunt of the Kili problem.

Ego. In the mix is the heady whiff of testosterone from four males that enjoy different physical disciplines. We also don’t know each other well enough to have any established pecking order. What could possibly go wrong? Ego and competition are probably the most likely causes of failed expeditions the world over and give Kilimanjaro that added excitement factor.

It’s not just exuberance and healthy competition that jeopardises any or all that will ascend in this jolly foursome. Oh no, it’s the steady accumulation of know-it-all friends and family that mention some octogenarian Kili summiteer or chain-smoking amorphous

lump that has returned to bask in their richly deserving praise. All of these triumphs are wonderful accounts of success in the face of adversity that weigh heavily on the shoulders of our group seeking to follow in their footsteps. And thus compound the desire to avoid the condescending post climb comments of: “but you did your best,” or the glib “there’s always a next time,” that accompanies any spectacular physical collapse. Just ask Jordan Spieth about his performance at the recent Golf Masters. I am sure he heard all of the above, but in his mind he choked — impressively.

As a general rule, collective wisdom suggests that an organized and committed fitness program triumphs shawarmas and shisha in preparation. So a little pre-expedition training may go a long way to improving our post Kilimanjaro dinner conversation. “I did it- the top was sublime” carries more punch than having to mutter, “I didn’t make it,” quietly, and then having to explain the details of being carried off, gibbering like a lunatic.

Success should also help placate our generous sponsors who have so far contributed 20,000 dirhams of the targeted 50,000 dirhams (More donations gratefully received). Sancho and Michele will spend ten days at the orphanage working alongside the staff their teaching and helping out with the projects.

Planning for fitness training often suffers from the sense that more complicated and technical is better than simple. We generally go for smarter phones and more complicated cars so why not apply that logic to exercise? As a group we have thoroughly endorsed this by making our training as diverse and difficult as possible, despite going on what is essentially a long and steep walk.

Sancho, at seventeen and with the boundless energy of a youthful triathlete, is following a particularly gruelling schedule. His training is weekly and involves: Sunday: 1km early morning swim Tuesday: 10km early morning run around Arabian Ranches Wednesday: 50km bike ride at the Dubai Autodrome Friday: 30km mountain biking in the Hajar Mountains at Hatta or Wadi Showka Saturday: 65km bike ride around the Al Qudra loop.

Neil, a product of the 70’s, will follow a more traditional upper body gym-based program for two days, attend circuit sessions once, and flog himself through the summer heat in and around the Marina for two 10km runs per week. The plan for Neil is to up this in July in preparation for the start of our climb on the 2nd of August, 2016.

As the oldest, and with the greatest physical wear and tear, I have thrown myself with renewed vigor at Freeletics gym with lots of rowing for good measure. The aim for all is to improve our VO2 max whilst also developing our leg and core strength.

So that’s sorted then and this is our guide on how best to approach climbing Mount Kilimanjaro; I am planning on burpeeing and rowing my way to the top, Sancho and Michele will swim and cycle and Neil will have to do it on his hands.

Realistically what we should do is clearly much more simple - practise walking, preferably on hills, a lot.

The Kili Quartet is composed of Geography teacher Ben Thompson, students Sancho Barcia and Michele Longhi and Neil Davies on a quest to climb the highest freestanding mountain in the world.

Their journey sees them preparing for the fateful climb as a group of friends for the cause of helping children in Tanzania as well as teaching them math and English.

To support their cause visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/upendo-childrens-homefund-raiser or follow the climb at www.facebook.com/uchkiliclimb

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

A Trip to Heaven on Earth Words by: Alaa Ali Photos by: Guido Peeters, Krystal Leong and Laetitia Zimmermann

Part 1 After experiencing my first liveaboard trip in Egypt’s Red Sea back in 2011, memories, experience and the enjoyment kept flashing back in my head! Every time I browse the photos and the videos taken during that trip, I get inspired to repeat the whole experience all over again! That’s when I’ve started searching the internet about liveaboard options around the world.

I have shortlisted several options according to locations, such as Mexico, Cayman Islands, Maldives, Egypt, Bali and Raja Ampat. After many long days of research I have finally decided on Maldives for the following reasons:

1. Distance

A movie and a nap would entertain a four-hour flight from Dubai. It’s pretty close!

2. Weather

April boasts the warmest sea temperatures of the year. During this month, average daytime temperature hovers around 29 degrees celsius, which is perfect for watersports and seaside activities.

During April, Maldives enjoys nine hours of daily sunshine and relatively little clouds, thanks to the still present northeastern monsoon winds.

3. Diving Quality

Scuba diving around the Maldives has recently become hugely popular among the diving community. The hundreds of isolated and deserted islands offer an enormous playground for divers to explore. Dive sites are divided to several types: pinnacles, channels, reef and wreck.

With 26 atolls spread over 90,000 square kilometres, there’s plenty of pristine coral to explore. The protected lagoons allow divers to float along with the tide to discover colourful sponges and soft corals.

4. Diving Package Affordability

1,300 USD or 5,000 AED for seven nights and eight days sounded like a bargain to me. It was especially attractive since it included en-suite accommodation on board, all meals, most drinks (water, coffee, tea, etc.), professional divemaster services, scuba tanks, weights, weight belt, air refills, up to three dives per day, one night dive and BBQ on a deserted island.

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

5. Big Fish

If you love big marine life, the Maldives will make your heart skip a beat! Talk about whale sharks, mantas and an abundance of various kinds of reefs. You may see more big marine life in one dive than you have in your whole dive career!

6. Liveaboard Trips

Liveaboard cruises are plentiful in Maldives, and many are more affordable than you might think. Forget long transfers and bumpy speedboat rides, whatever direction you head you’ll find amazing dive locations and a friendly atmosphere.

Day 1

As soon as I landed at the airport, I was greeted and transferred to the main boat.

The MV Sting Ray is an exceptionally comfortable and spacious liveaboard boat operated by one of the most experienced and outstanding teams in the Maldives.

After the arrival of all divers we spent the first night at the Hulhule Harbor near the capital city of Male. Next morning we started our journey heading towards South Male Atolls.

shallower bow section. The wreck was sunk on purpose to form an artificial reef and has been well and truly colonized by orange, red and yellow sponges, as well as tubastraea cup coral.

When you are scuba diving on the wreck you should look out for the big schools of glassfish that hover together in the interior and a large school of batfish that seems to stay around the wreck. The wreck is penetrable in via a couple of different methods, but it is small and any group penetration needs to be handled in an orderly fashion.

Miyaru Kandu – Felidhoo Atoll - (Channel Dive)

Not easy for beginners, especially in the presence of strong currents, where you need to descend quickly to the reef since currents in the centre of the channel may be strong enough to wash you away. The upper part and the outer reef have got very nice corals while the channel slope is poor. While swimming, we kept the reef to the right shoulder. Once we reached the bottom at 30 metres, we have rested on a sandy portion of the reef and started observing

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grey reefs with incoming currents, white tip reef sharks, jacks, turtles, napoleons, groupers and sometimes also eagle rays on the edge and in the channel.

Fotteyo Kandu - Felidhoo Atoll - (Channel Dive)

The mouth of the channel is exposed to the ocean and when the currents are incoming, a good variety of fish species gather at the entrance to the channel. This site is considered one of the top dive sites in the Maldives! Animals commonly spotted include gray reef sharks patrolling the channel mouth, Jack and tuna in deeper water, schools of midnight snappers and red snapper form in huge groups.

The wall features caves, overhangs and swim throughs at different depths. These caves and overhangs are filled with colourful, yellow, soft coral; deeper caves and the overhangs are filled with huge bushes of black corals. The thila (Coral reef just below the surface) in the middle of the channel entrance is the best place to do a safety stop. A surface balloon is a must at Fotteyo Kandu.

To be continued...

Day 2 Kuda Giri - South Male (Wreck Dive)

To most people this is a wreck dive since the site is dominated by the small wreck that lies upright on the south Male seabed between 15 and 35 metres depth. However the name of the site described the giri, or pinnacle, that is found nearby and this too could be considered a dive in its own. You will probably drop to the deepest part of this wreck to begin your dive. However, the currents are often absent or negligible so this is one site the less experienced diver can enjoy. They may wish to stay toward the

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Nomad’s Road: Overlanders for Life Episode 3: Oman, the Camping Paradise Words by: Grég Trastour Photos by: Grég, Magali, Natasha and Anastasia Trastour

In Oman, we chose to visit the north only from the UAE border to the Indian Ocean and just drive south up to Masirah Island then go back to UAE. We’ve got for this a one month visa and it has been enough to visit Oman properly.

As usual we took time to really appreciate the nature and the beauty offered by the Sultanate of Oman. We somehow had found the way we used to travel in Australia, setup our camp in peaceful nature and observe the Milky Way while eating around the campfire.

We have crossed the border at Al Ain and drove straight to our first target - Jebel Shams, the highest point of Oman. To go there, we have followed the advice from a friend of ours, driving off-road through magnificent landscapes, the tracks was not bad at all but the last climb to reach the top of the Al Hajar Mountain range was really hard; as we discovered our vehicle has gotten an overheating problem. After hours, we discovered this breathtaking view of the valley and the surrounding mountains and the impressive canyon located right on side of the road.

We continued our journey to Muscat through Nizwa by one of the most touristic routes and discovered some historical and traditional places. We have done a refreshing stop at the Oasis of Misfat - one of the must dos in Oman where you can walk through a typical Omani’s village and continue by a small walk in the oasis along the irrigation canals that irrigate date palms’ plantations. On the same day we got enough time to visit a few other places like the well-restored Bahla Fort and the nearby Nizwa Fort in middle of the city which

houses a large number of handicraft stalls and shops.

After a week of visiting the highlights point at north of Jebel Akhdar, we reached Muscat, the capital of Oman. Although the city is quite airy and it has a lot of green space, it is difficult for us to find a place where we can deploy our equipment for the night. We spent our day exploring the interesting points of the city and then we departed to the beaches to camp. It was on one of these beaches where we met Omani guides who gave us a few places not to miss during our stay. This complemented

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the ones we were already given by some friends. We also realized that the old Muscat is not where the city centre is but at Matrah, a small and pretty town well organized along the ocean, nice to visit with its corniche and its old souk.

After leaving the capital we followed the coast up to the city of Sur on alternating days between wadis and beaches, not to mention a few places like the Sink Hole, the largest ones on the Arabian Peninsula and worth a visit because the water is translucent. If we have some advice for future travellers and adventurers, don’t go camping Thursday and Friday night on the beach if you want have a quiet night. We experienced it twice — it’s nice for meeting people but not for sleep. We really appreciated White Beach especially at night when

the waves become fluorescent green due to a high concentration of micro planktons.

We spent a few days in the wadis to enjoy their peace and their grandiose environment, swimming in their water holes and taking advantage of the abundance of water to do our laundry. Wadi Arbeieen was majestic as the Wadi Tiwi was spectacular with its huge rocks piled in the valley flow leaving them beautifully clear water. We also did a tour of the popular Wadi Shaam where it is impossible to install a bivouac, hence our preference for wadis accessible by car.

After the second week to do 200km and a few stops, we reach Sur - a small town where we have seen a dhow factory and where we have done a refill of food and fuel for the rest of our stay on the East Coast. Our next destination, after a stop for few days on Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz known as beaches where green turtles come to lay, was Masirah Island.

This island is not really known and few tourists who go to this place know there is not much to see and do, except birds and beaches. But that’s exactly what attracted us to this place. We love these places where there is nothing and especially not invaded because it means that nature is still intact and preserved. And indeed, spectacular nature was outstanding.

After crossing a beautiful network of dunes that stretches for kilometres we arrived at the jetty where we took the daily ferry to the island. We found a heavenly place on a white, sandy beach, separated from the road by large dunes. We were able to enjoy this beautiful, emerald coloured lagoon, and had the impression of having made a leap in time and be back on Poe Beach in New Caledonia. We spent our time on Masirah Island sunbathing and swimming in the reefs enjoying all the colourful fishes and corals. However I was a little disappointed by the lack of birds, especially because I came there for it. I’ve been able to observe

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more birds at the jetty on the mainland before departure.

After these two wonderful days on Masirah Island, we drove back to Muscat then we spent our last three days in one of the best wadis we have visited during our tour of Oman. We have set up our camp in a meander of the river. We were completely alone in the middle of this nature in the depths of this wadi. Few vehicles came up here because of the fords and gravelly riverbed. We took advantage of the natural pools formed by the river to refresh us when the sun warmed the walls of the cliffs at the foot of which we were installed.

This stage in Oman during our world tour was one of the most relaxing we did, we found our way to travel during our tour of Australia in 2006. Although in most countries we never had any problems to deploy our roof tents at night, Oman will remain a country in which it was easier to camp, as well as being in enchanting places.

The Trastours is a family that has been overlanding the planet for as long as they can remember! Made up of Greg and Magali as well as their daughters Natasha and Anastasia, The Trastours is a family filled to the brim with an unstoppable sense of adventure for the ultimate goal – to explore the world.

You can check out their next stop at www.nomadsroad.com or look for Nomads Road on Facebook and Twitter.

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The Conclusion Words + Photos by: David Mailland

The Bivouac

The second part of our trip consisted in fishing from a camp located several hours from Guma Lagoon by boat, far from civilization, mobile phones, internet etc. The three tents were prepared the day before by Guy’s men and we realized that the logistics required to set up such an expedition is impressive.

The first night we all sat before the fire.

While everything was calm again and the land gently breathed before entering the twilight, the sight of juvenile tigerfish hunts aroused our enthusiasm. We rushed to catch

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them, got some bites and lost a few lures.

Before that Guy advised us to get closer.

“In broad daylight a lion is afraid of you, at night, it’s not the same story.” Later, the case of hippos was also discussed, Guy reminding us that in this place the law of the jungle applies and asking us to avoid arousing their delicate sensibilities with our lures.

Our enthusiasm was not diminished by these words of wisdom: after eating we decided by mutual agreement to fish for catfish using the remains of the barbecue as baits: ten furious catfish were caught within 10 minutes of which a good one around 9kg, our biggest fish of the stay. We were surprised at the speed with which they are able to detect the slightest whiff of anything that might be eaten. It was only at that moment that we have agreed to join our tent under the roar of the hippos and the sneer of the hyenas.

Fishing quality was substantially identical to that of the Guma Lagoon. Many tigers were captured, with a 4.5kg record. When there were no catfish runs we fished the borders with lures or used bream fillet.

The tigerfish are willing scavengers, live bait fishing is therefore very productive.

Many bites are due to small fish nibbling the bait permanently. To satisfy our curiosity, we have captured some leaving a small hook to hang at the end of our lines. Among the strangest species, we met Synodontis macrostigma, a yellow catfish with black points. Its uniqueness is that it spends most of its time swimming on the back as we have

observed later in the large aquarium that sits in the middle of the lodge.

The presence of these small fish balls circling endlessly around our bait has an advantage: the attention of tigerfish is inevitably attracted and their usual mistrust seemed to disappear with food competition effect. Outside the period of catfish run, live bait is clearly the most effective technique and one can reasonably expect to capture five fish in one morning. The good spots are the series of corners. These are prime location for opportunistic fishtiger that stand there, waiting in the quiet parts, on the lookout for anything arriving fast, like a baitfish that lost control of its speed.

On the last day, at dawn, we had the chance to go for a mini-safari on the water. As soon as we got out swampy areas we saw a beautiful lioness, elegant predator of the savannah. A little further was a warthog who shyly showed the tip of his defenses before trotting briskly toward us. The sound of two squabbling baboons made it stop short and turn back. In the minutes that followed we observed a peaceful herd of elephants, surrounded by fearful antelopes, ready to scamper at the slightest sign of danger. Finally, we encountered a hippopotamus in a narrow channel which has forced us to end this magical ride and to initiate our return to civilization.

• Red breasted-tilapia • Greenhead Tilapia

Fishing Techniques

Many species are present in the delta and it is possible to catch them in many ways depending on the conditions encountered. That is why we advise you to take several combos. Note that if something goes wrong, a shop is available at the camp, providing lures, rods, hooks and small equipment at reasonable prices.

For bream fishing: a light or medium spinning combo, to cast far. The silver spinners (Mepps) in size #3 or #4 work wonderfully when propelled far and brought back smoothly.

We gradually swapped our spoons for other lures (small crank baits from wellknown Japanese brands) but did not obtain better results. A steel leader (20lbs) is recommended because many juvenile tigerfish live close to the breams, ready to sever the lines.

For tigerfish fishing with live bait: a robust spinning combo is good. Because big fish can be captured and you do not want to lose them: 20/30lbs regular/fast action rod, a reel equivalent to a 4000/5000 Stella, 45lbs braided line, 40lbs steel leader, good size circle hooks. Keep the line slightly relaxed, and the rod in your hand in order to feel the bites then wait for a frank departure and strike.

For catfish-runs: casting is better; 20/30lbs rod, fast action with a reel size 200, 30 to 45lbs braided line. Spinning is possible, but less effective because it does not to animate

the lure and strike as quickly. Lures that work best are the bucktail jigs (3/4 to 1oz): cast near the border, wait to be at the bottom and then animate rapidly being ready to strike at any time. Attacks typically occur when you do not expect it. The number of lost fish is important (only one tigerfish out of four is landed) but there are many bites.

Finally, fly fishing is practiced at Guma when the waters are crystal clear. Guy personally takes care of the fly fishers, guiding them at the junction of two rivers. He explained to us that the technique was then to let the fly sink and follow the bottom waiting for the deadly kiss of a tigerfish.

Some usual recommendations for Botswana: protect yourself from the sun with a Buff, long sleeves, pants, hydrate a lot with water, of fruit juice. The dehydration cases are common, bring rehydration solutions to renew the mineral salts that the body has lost due to excessive sweating.

Conclusion

The Guma Lagoon lodge is a little gem and we recommend it to the readers, eager to catch a good tigerfish while completing their list of species. Tigerfish are numerous, combative, and can be caught with tilapia fillet without much difficulty outside the period of catfish run. A very positive point is the opportunity to practice bream fishing, as fun as relaxing, right outside the lodge. Regarding the diversity of species, we have established a list of everything we caught: • Tigerfish • Three spotted tilapia • Blunt-toothed catfish • Sharp-tooth catfish • Largespot Squeaker

Other species are present, including the splendid Nembwe. It is an emerald colored cichlid whose fins vary from yellow to orange forming an unforgettable trophy for the exotic fisherman.

In the middle of our stay, we granted to ourselves a day of rest that was dedicated to the African pikefish in two small lakes near the camp. We had many attacks but we were unable to catch any fish and add it to our collection of species.

The lodge offers another important advantage: families are welcome. Fishing is clearly not the first business and it is for example possible to fly over the delta by plane, to participate in an expedition to observe birds, or simply sit on the terrace with a good book and a glass of wine enjoying the view.

The discovery of the heart of the delta by Mokoro, long canoes designed from a large tree trunk is very interesting. Two people sit on board and let themselves be lead by the pilot, standing at the back and using a long pole to steer the boat. Very stable, moving silently on the wave, the Mokoro is the best ally of the wildlife photographer. But it is above all the ancestral mode of transport of the inhabitants of the Okavango, the Bayei and Banoka with which these peoples used to hunt hippos.

The offered meals are excellent, rooms are comfortable, the availability of WIFI network is acceptable. Boats are Canadian aluminium hulls arranged like bass boats, some with an echo sounder (200HP engine for the bigger boat, 60HP for others).

Natural History LIFESTYLE

Words + Photos by: Dan Wright

“Will They Not Consider How Camels Were Created?”

[Al-Qur’an 88:17-21]

Often referred to as the “Ship of the Desert” The Arabian Dromedary Camel or Camelus Dromedarius to give it its binomial Latin name for genus and species is a two toed ungulate with a single hump on its back. It is much larger and less hairy than its northern cousin, the Bactrian which has two humps. A simple way to remember the difference is:

Camels are often misunderstood and people refer to them as the “Beasts who spit” or “as lazy as a camel” or “as foul tempered as a camel”. These myths have arisen from the camel’s temperament which is a coping mechanism for the environment it lives in.

Firstly camels are constant ruminators which means that they have two stomachs and they constantly regurgitate food and

re-chew it to help digest it properly. This process can result in spittle forming around the corners of the mouth and if you are in close proximity to a camel’s face it can mean you periodically get flecks of spit on you too.

Secondly camels are not lazy in fact a trained camel can carry more than a 3rd of its own body weight for up to 50kms a day without straining itself. Thirdly camels can see down the sides of their bodies due to the angle of their eyes and this means they are aware of anything approaching from behind and if that’s you then it’s likely to get you a good hard kick in the midriff!

The truth is that camels mostly live in extreme desert environments both in the hot deserts of Arabia or Africa or Australia and in the cold deserts of the north in Mongolia and Ladakh etc. They have therefore learned to conserve water and to do this they tend to be fairly calm and relaxed, often choosing to kneel for long periods to conserve energy.

That energy is stored in fat reserves in the hump and is easily broken down to release water but it’s not so easy as opening a tap in the side of the hump. That being said, the hump has very few nerve endings and

in times of real desperation the Bedouin are known to cut a flap in the skin of the hump dig out fat with a spoon to fry to eat. The flap quickly closes and heals again. This is actually quite a common practice in the world and you will find the Masai Mara of Africa pierce the neck of cattle to draw hot blood which they mix with fresh milk as a quick energy source. The Mongolians also used to do the same thing with their horses as a quick energy boost. The wound is easy to close by rubbing a handful of dirt into it which helps the blood to clot.

All creatures develop specific adaptations for the environments they live in. But it’s fair to say that Camels are one of the most highly adapted animals on the planet.

Their eyes have a second, see-through nictitating eyelid which they can close in a sandstorm to protect the eyeballs but still be able to see – like having your own sand goggles built in! Their eyelashes are extra long and bushy to catch dust particles before they reach the eyes. The nostrils are flared and wide to make it easier to draw breath, but they also have flaps inside that they can close to stop sand blowing up their nostrils.

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The hair is short and thick which allows them to radiate heat off their body during the day but also to trap a layer of air next to the skin at night to insulate the body. The tail is long with bristles on the end to act as a fly swish.

The neck is long to reach high into trees to get the leaves other animals can’t reach and the tongue and lips are thick and leathery which makes the camel one of the only animals in the desert which can comfortably eat the thorny acacia scrub and bushes. These bushes and trees have the adaptation to defend against wondering grazers of having needlelike thorns but the camel has adapted to get past those too!

Even the blood of the camel has adaptations. In extreme heat when the body is low on water, our blood gets thicker which makes it harder for the red blood cells to flow round the veins transporting oxygen. This makes us increasingly tired. But camels have adapted so at times like this their red blood cells change shape from footballs to rugby balls (elongated) which makes it easier to flow through the veins and carry that all important oxygen!

The camel’s foot is split into two toes and the pad at the base is thick with very few nerve endings. This allows the camel to both walk on soft sand without sinking but also to walk on very hot sand without burning.

Another adaptation to avoid burning is to develop thick calluses over the knees and the centre of the breast plate. This lets the camel kneel down to chew the cud, wait out a storm or sleep and they don’t burn on the hot sands. Interestingly the camel’s foot is similar to a human fingerprint and you can learn to identify individual camels by their tracks which make tracking one camel through a herd much easier.

Because of the way a camel kneels down to rest its legs have a double jointed quality that also means a camel can kick at basically any angle from standing! This means that if you don’t treat a camel’s personal space with respect and inform them that you are approaching them you are fair game for a good kick! The downside to this ability is that a camel’s weakness lies in its lack of strength between its legs so it has to be very careful when walking on mud not to slip which can make the legs to splay outwards causing

damage to muscles and connective tissues.

If you are lucky enough to work with camels then there is an etiquette you will need to learn. Camels are very intelligent and you can develop a great friendship with your camels.

I personally feel that they are more intelligent than horses and I prefer to work with camels.

In 2004 I rode 1,600kms across India to Nepal with four camels and an American writer called Jim Wiltens. It took us four months and we had to train our camels first to be able to undertake such a long journey. We learned a huge amount and for the whole expedition I made weekly radio reports by satellite phone for BBC radio in the United Kingdom.

The biggest thing I learned is that camels are very inquisitive. They are always interested to see what is going on. Don’t be surprised if you are parked with your windows open and a camel wants to put its head into the car. They literally want to say hello! Humans in the Middle East nose kiss for greeting and camels do the same thing when they meet. In a similar way to horses they bring their noses together to blow air into each other’s nostrils which is very calming. If you want to calm a camel down then you can nose kiss them in

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greeting. Camels also like to have their necks rubbed but make sure you announce your presence next to them before you do it if you don’t want a kick!

I have written an article before about the Dhafra camel festival which is a celebration of everything to do with the camel and desert culture but one thing I haven’t seen in the Middle East is camel dancing which is extremely popular in Rajasthan in the Thar Desert (India). Here the local Reikah tribes teach their camels how to dance to music or drum rhythms and they dress them up in brightly coloured clothes and bells. This is great fun to watch and the camels themselves are treated like royalty and obviously enjoy the dancing. I can say this with certainty because I have trained in camel riding with a real life camel dancing trainer and he was a very gentle man who could “whisper” a camel like horse whisperers do and they would do anything for him.

If you want to read and account of my adventures with camels in India with the author Jim Wiltens then you can get a copy of his book on Amazon – Deer Crossing Press, “Camels, Skulls and Cobras: A Wild Ride Across India”.

Dan Wright is a freelance Wilderness Guide in the UAE and Asia. He has a degree in Environmental Science. Dan has been on several International wildlife and exploration expeditions with UK Radio stations and writes for a range of publications in Asia and the Middle East.

His wife is the former Nepal National Mountain Bike Champion, Nirjala Tamrakar. They live in Dubai with their son Percy and spend all their spare time exploring the UAE!

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LIFESTYLE

Health Powerhouse The Self-Healing Revolution, Do we really need supplements?

Words + Photos by: Ivana Chiles

Friends and clients often ask me what type of vitamin and mineral supplements I take. It’s simple… I don’t take any. But, I used to think, that they will heal my ailments and help make up for my dietary deficiencies, and lack of knowledge about good nutrition.

Today I encourage you to take a minute and carefully rethink the fortune you are spending on those hard coated supplements or different kinds of powders. Perhaps you are chasing wild claims and may have already harmed your body, without even knowing. The sad reality is that most vitamins and supplements out there have not gone through independent, objective research to find alternatives that work based on natural principles.

One important thing to keep in mind is that animals in the wild do not need supplements to thrive — and neither do humans.

We are a part of nature, and the wholesome food naturally provided by our environment contains the elements we need in perfect balance (fibre, water, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates). Our body uses what it needs and discards the waste.

I am currently over six months pregnant.

Every time I go to see my doctor, she asks

Superfoods

whether I am taking my vitamins. I feel great, have not experienced any morning sickness and no back pain. However, I was told to eat at least 250ml of yogurt every single day for calcium (I do not drink milk). I obediently and respectfully avoided discussion, where I would ask my doctor: Why not vegetables instead? Where do largest carnivores get their calcium from, by the way? From milk and yogurt? What about elephants? Well, I choose to eat organic spinach from my garden, but I did not argue.

It all started with me asking myself the following questions:

My ever favourite adding to smoothies and juices, David Wolfe’s Organic Mushroom Blend

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• If my daily diet consisted of large salad of my own garden organic veggies and herbs with a bit of protein and healthy fats in a form of nuts, seeds, occasional organic meat or tempeh with some homemade apple cider vinegar and friend gifted olive oil on the top…

• If I added two tablespoons of fermented veggies with my main meal (especially when eating meat) to ease protein digestion and to keep my gut healthy...

• If I had a smoothie made out of my own kefir, loaded with superfoods like ground flaxseeds, lucuma, bee pollen, cinnamon, manuka honey and berries every other day…

• If I were to have three portions of fish

weekly (the small ones, so the amount of mercury is low)...

• If I chose to drink my organic coffee (much less acidic than normal coffee) with a tablespoon of coconut oil (or MCT)…

• If I was to snack on raw chocolate, cacao nibs, homemade cookies or raw food bars…

• If I were to drink elixirs from Chinese tonic herbs adding some medicinal mushrooms, chrysanthemum (to cool myself down in heat), raw cacao, honey…

• If I blessed every single delicious meal standing in front of me, so it can nourish myself, my soul and the baby growing inside me…

• If I were to exercise daily (Pilates, Yoga, Tai chi, walks)…

• If I spent at least 30 minutes gardening daily, touching the soil and getting my hands dirty…

• If I were walking barefoot to ground myself, go to the beach few times a week and soak up the sun for some precious vitamin D (ideally between noon and 2:00 p.m.)…

• If I were to harness precious relationships with my husband, family and friends and keep away from negative people with negative thoughts…

• If I kept away from chemicals loaded skin care and household products and used pure ingredients only…

• If I spent time stroking and cuddling our

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cat Junior every time possible... Welcome to my world!

DO I HONESTLY NEED TO TAKE MY PREGNANCY MULTIVITAMIN? I go for “NO”, because my intuition says “NO”.

The supplement industry is a big industry and is making millions of dollars annually.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, antioxidant vitamins increased a person’s risk of dying by up to 16 percent. The University of Washington found that vitamin E elevates lung cancer risk, and researchers at the National Cancer Institute found that men who took more than one multivitamin daily had higher rates of prostate cancer.

Did you know?

It has been officially announced, that participants who took a regular calcium supplement increased their risk of having a heart attack by 86% versus those who took no calcium supplements at all. Calcium of the wrong kind in the wrong place can result in serious adverse health effects. Majority of calcium supplements come from limestone (yes, that’s chalk!), oyster shells, egg shells and bone meal (hydroxylapatite). Inorganic calcium, when not bound to the natural co-factors found in plants and animals, no longer has the intelligent delivery system that enables your body to utilize it in a biologically appropriate manner. Lacking this “delivery system”, the calcium may end up going to places you do not want (ectopic calcification), or go to places you do want (e.g. the bones), but in excessive amounts, stimulating unnaturally accelerated cell-division (osteoblasts), resulting in higher bone turnover rates later in life.

Why we need to be cautious taking supplements?

Any supplements are in fact isolated substances that can wreak havoc in our system. In nature, all nutrients are carefully

Tonic Alchemy is a mix of 91 organically grown fruits, vegetables and herbs and is an ideal example of purely natural vitamin boost. Available from Dragon Herbs

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combined in order to support absorption. A typical example is an egg. Egg yolks contain antioxidants, B vitamins (including vitamin B12), vitamin A, iron and choline. Choline is a very important nutrient for brain function, nervous system and support detoxification.

Egg whites are not a whole food. All nutrients from egg yolks will not be accepted by your blood stream, if egg whites are not present. In fact, eating raw egg whites can cause some serious harm in the long term.

I am not saying, that all supplements are bad. If you have a health condition which resulted in some serious vitamin or mineral deficiencies, supplements may do some good; but in the long term, they can cause serious harm.

Remember!

Even the most efficient of sports supplements are no replacement for a healthy, energy filled nutrition and proper training.

The idea is very simple, if you are an athlete, whether professional or amateur, your daily routine includes a great deal of energy consuming workout along with a heightened need for rich energy nutrition.

There are better and more delicious ways to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs without the toxic side effects of bad quality supplements. Your BEST solution is to choose the highest quality foods possible, and eat a wide variety of whole organic foods.

Once you have addressed your diet and are looking for further improvement, you might benefit from some probiotics, superfoods, superherbs or medicinal mushrooms.

What are your options rather than taking supplements?

Superfoods are vibrant, nutritionally dense foods that have recently become widely available and which offer tremendous dietary and healing potential. A typical example would be plant products such as goji berries, hempseed, cacao beans (raw chocolate), maca, spirulina, bee products, etc.

Medicinal mushrooms – These include reishi mushrooms, cordyceps and chaga mushrooms. According to David Wolfe, health, nutrition and natural beauty expert; medicinal mushrooms can help boost your immune system to break up longstanding infections.

There are also mushroom products available as powders that you can add to smoothies, protein shakes, tea and other beverages.

Superfoods, tonic superherbs and medicinal mushrooms can be added into anyone’s diet at any time. Simply begin with one or few that you are drawn to and go from there. Make different teas with the superherbs or smoothies with the superfoods.

Better yet, take your superherb tea and blend it with your superfoods to make the best elixirs ever.

Consuming a combination of good quality probiotics (these include friendly bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidus infantis, B. longum, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. plantarum, L. salivarius, Enterococcus faecium, etc.) and cultured and fermented foods like coconut kefir will also

Chia seeds are suitable for smoothies, raw desserts or simply sprinkled on your salads

lead to enhanced immunity as the beneficial probiotic bacteria are symbiotic allies to your body that help fight viruses, candida and other infections; produce B vitamins; and assist in detoxification (I will be running fermented veggies workshop in May, email me, if you are interested)!

When you start investigating and utilizing these substances consistently and regularly, you will notice that your immunity will step-by-step be enhanced. Your thoughts will have more clarity. Your overall energy will increase. You will also likely sleep better and perform better in athletic activities. Your overall productivity will improve. Digestive distress decreases. Feelings of well-being begin to dominate your life.

Please remember though, that changes do not happen overnight. It generally takes about two to three months before any of above substances show the effect. Make a special place for them in your kitchen and honour them. That way they will bring you the most profound a desirable effect.

Expose large areas of your skin to sunshine for a free dose of vitamin D. Walk barefoot and enjoy every single day.

Ivana has been living in the UAE for 16 years. She is a qualified Health Coach and member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

Her passions are nutrition, organic gardening, healthy cooking and homemade organic skin care. She runs weekly workshops on the above topics.

For more information, visit her Facebook page, Health Powerhouse.

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Dreamland

AQUA PARK

A complete family fun destination

Located at Umm Al Quwain, Dreamland Aqua Park is one of the largest family water parks in the region set on an amazing 250,000 sqm of land.

Featuring over 30 thrilling rides, crazy slides and a lot of other wet rides and dry attractions, the park can entertain 7,000 visitors per day and is the ideal place for safe leisure pursuits.

When it comes to dining, the Park offers a wide array of choices. For visitors who fancy an overnight stay, there’s Waterside Camping. Apart from individual families, Dreamland also caters to the needs of bigger groups, with affordable tailor-made packages.

To know more about Dreamland, call 06-768-1 888 or visit the website www.dreamlanduae.com

Rates:

General Admission: AED 160 Junior Admission (under 48�/1.2m Tall): AED 100 Senior Admission (ages 65+): AED 100 Family (2 adults + 2 children below 1.2m tall): AED 450 Infant (under 2 years of age): Free

Hot outside? We pick the best places where you can get away from the summer heat!

Wadi Adventure Al Ain stands tall as the Middle East’s first and the only man-made surfing, rafting, kayaking and wakeboarding destination.

Based at the foot of the iconic Jebel Hafeet Mountains and surrounded by the Green Mubazzarah, Wadi Adventure Al Ain is the ultimate spot for professional athletes, amateurs and families to explore their limits and enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities that include: kayaking and rafting in the 1,113m long manmade whitewater channels and surfing in the 127m long surf pool with 3m high breaking barrel waves generated every 90-seconds.

The park also includes an 18-obstaclebased air park, a 200m long zip line, a vertical climbing wall and a 14m high giant swing.

We are equipped with internationally trained and certified guides and professional instructors that meet international safety standards and ensure the welfare

This season Wild Wadi is creating more fun than ever before. Perfectly located in the heart of Dubai, our interconnecting rides offer some of Dubai’s most iconic views. Combine that with a dining experience and thoughtful & generous service for all the family to enjoy and you get the perfect day out. So book now and

of its employees and the visitors.

Where Wadi Adventure Al Ain’s Summit Event Centre is an ideal spot for conducting corporate meetings, team building activities, birthday parties and weddings, its food outlets like the Surf Café, the Family Pool and

Kid’s Splash Area makes it the ultimate family hangout spot in Al Ain. For more information: call 03 7818422 or visit www.wadiadventure.ae or follow: www.facebook.com/WadiAdventure

come down to Wild Wadi for a day of unbeatable fun!

For more information visit: www.wildwadi.com

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Park, formerly known as Al Jazeera Park, has something for everyone: from exciting rides, to winding water slides, relaxed swimming pools, and gladiator-style obstacle courses.

Waterpark A must-visit for all ages - tourists and residents alike - Al Montazah Amusement and Water

Transformed from a local park into a wonderland for kids and kids at heart, the family-friendly destination spans over 126,000 square metres and is surrounded by the scenic Khalid Lagoon.

At the Water Park, visitors can ride the Barq Tower, the highest structure in the park filled with speed, adventure and four different slides; the Toofan Tower, which

is suitable for both children and adults, providing four tube-shaped slides; Fun Falaj, which is comprised of floatation devices for visitors to calmly ride along the river; and the Wadi Pool, where visitors can swim, play and bask in the sun.

Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park also provides a Ladies Day, reserving its facilities for ladies and their children (boys under 120cm) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Although many rides are not for the faint-hearted, Al Montazah implements the highest standard of safety and protection measures, providing a team of trained and efficient lifeguards who remain at their posts at all times.

Hot outside? We pick the best places where you can get away from the summer heat!

Spread over an area of 110,000 square metres, along the coastal waters of the Arabian Gulf, Ice Land Water Park is extensively themed as a Penguin homeland with a day capacity of up to 10,000 guests.

Offering some unique attractions with the Penguin Falls—UAE’s Largest Manmade waterfall, Rocky Polar Mountains with 27 largest assortment of water slides, Penguin Bay—largest rain dance pool area, Aqua Soccer, Eddy Pond and the Kids Cove—a dedicated area for the kids, and other thrilling experiences at the Arctic Wave Pool.

Aggregating over 50 attractions, Ice Land Water Park caters to all age groups from the toddler learning to swim to the watersports enthusiasts seeking a thrill!

Besides the traditional water park attractions, Ice Land now offers some

water sports activities like Jet Ski, banana boat ride, parasailing, and the newest hydro sports activities such as Freedom Flyer, Jetblade, Jetpack, Jetovator and scuba diving.

After a thrilling experience, a wide variety of food choices can be offered at our Food Village in five different food outlets and 750 covers with the option of air-conditioned seating for 300 covers.

Pamper yourself at our Cabanas, an exclusive air conditioned day shelters with a pri-

vate sun lounges, a bed lounge, private dining, mini bar, locker, butler service, and complimentary refreshments.

We offer special packages for Birthdays, employee get together and team building, and school day out.

The Green and Blue courses provide a low ropes course, which allow self-discovery, balance and growth, and the Red course provides a high ropes course, which challenges participants to test their comfort zones and face their fears. Visitors can rest assured that the highest standards of safety are incorporated, with trained personnel supervising them at every step.

With its large variety of activities, Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park has

something for everyone, from sports and adventure, to picnics and leisure. Opening hours are 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with last entry at 8:00 p.m.

Please contact us for more details at: T: 800-WOWRAK (969725) W: www.icelandwaterpark.com E: info@icelandwaterpark.com

Adventures The final and perhaps most unique aspect of Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park is Al Montazah Adventures, a high-adrenaline obstacle course split into different difficulty levels for both children and adults (with a minimum height requirement of 120m). The course consists of three sub-courses: Green (very easy), which has 19 trees and activities, Blue (easy), which has 14 trees and activities, and Red (difficult), which has 17 challenges.

For more information: call +971 6 511 0555 or visit www.almontazah.ae Al Khalidiyah Bridge, Flag Island, Sharjah, U.A.E.

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Hot outside? We pick the best places where you can get away from the summer heat!

Aquaventure Waterpark

by Atlantis, The Palm – the Middle East’s No. 1 voted Waterpark on TripAdvisor takes the human truth “You’re Different in Water” to a whole other level.

Discover your brave and slightly childish side as you scream down world

record-breaking waterslides or be amazed in water while diving amongst 65,000 marine animals including sharks and rays.

For the ones looking to bring out their loving side, head over to Dolphin Bay to kiss and cuddle one of these majestic marine mammals before relaxing on over 700m of exclusive private beach and flying across the Middle East’s longest Zipline circuit.

There is something for everyone at

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, the only Emirati-themed waterpark in the world, is inspired by the UAE’s rich heritage of pearl diving through its unique story of ‘The Legend of the Lost Pearl’.

The UAE’s first mega waterpark is home to 45 exhilarating rides, slides and attractions – five of which can be found nowhere else in the world. With rides and experiences on offer to thrill both the young and the young at heart, the waterpark plays host to Dawwama – the world’s first hydro-magnetic tornado waterslide, as well as the globe’s first interactive water and laser rollercoaster, Bandit Bomber.

Enjoy these rides and more with the new Family Pass priced at only AED180 per person! It also includes free entry for children under 3 and nannies! Fun waits for no one, so find out more and book online today. yaswaterworld.com *Terms and conditions apply.

Limited availability.

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Aquaventure Waterpark – from the tranquility of a VIP Cabana to the breathtaking depths of the largest Aquarium in the Middle East and Africa.

For more information: Visit www.AquaventureWaterpark.com and enjoy up to 40% OFF as a UAE Resident!

Aquaventure – You’re Different in Water

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

Habitually healthy

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Rise Up and Conquer your Breakfast Words by: Richard Thomas

Mornings, that odd time of the day when you aren’t sure whether you are human or some sort of mythical sleeping beast. When you aren’t sure if your alarm went off by mistake in the middle of the night or if it’s actually the moment when you have to face the day ahead.

From the first moment you open your eyes, your brain is already trying to decipher how it is going to cope with the day ahead.

While still trying to awaken from your blissful slumber many people forget the most integral part of their day, BREAKFAST. Breakfast is essential, not only for you to be able to function properly for the rest of the day but also to help with fitness goals and a general sense of wellbeing. It is the one meal that doesn’t need to be over thought. A simple fruit salad with some granola would be more than sufficient to help you conquer the day. The perfect breakfast should consist of some protein combined with good carbohydrates and fibre.

The benefits of having a healthy, wholesome breakfast are endless. It’s the perfect time to give your body a boost of vitamins, minerals, proteins and fibres. Your breakfast could help you reach your goals of weight loss, concentration in the boardroom or help you to reach the pinnacle of your sporting objectives.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked quinoa 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 2 apples, peeled, diced 1/4 cup raisins 2 eggs 2 cups almond milk 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/3 cup almonds, chopped

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When you feed yourself what your body needs when it needs it, that’s love. So give your bod some TLC and sit down and enjoy a good, substantial breakfast” - Kathy Freston

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-by-8 work baking dish 2. In a small bowl, mix the uncooked quinoa with the spices. Pour into greased dish.

3. Sprinkle the apple and raisins on top of the quinoa.

4. In that same small bowl, beat the eggs.

Whisk in the soy milk and maple syrup.

5. Pour the egg-and-milk mixture over the top of the fruit and quinoa. Lightly stir to partially submerge the fruit. Sprinkle the chopped almonds on top.

6. Bake for 1 hour or until the casserole is mostly set with only a small amount of liquid left.

7. Allow to cool, and then cover and refrigerate. In the morning, cut a square, microwave it on a plate, and enjoy alone or with a few dollops of Greek yogurt.

The Cycle Bistro GPS location: Latitude: N 25° 02.792 Longitude: E 055° 14.384 Phone: 04 425 6555

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Wakeboards and Bindings

SIC “Sandwich Islands Composites” SUP’s are the vision of master shaper/designer, Mark Raaphorst

Photos Supplied by: GO Sport

When we are talking about watersports events, OutdoorUAE wants to be there! We were invited

by GO Sport on the 13th of April to the beach to experience the thrill of their newest products on the wavy sea.

We enjoyed the day with a lot of action and we had the chance to try some of the products that are now available in GO Sport stores, in fact all you need for having fun and exercise on the water: the new SIC standup paddle boards, Point 65 Kayaks exclusively available at GO Sport, wakeboards and bindings, lifejackets and even inflatables and towables. Here are some details about these products. There are also some promotional prices on offer to check out.

POINT 65

These award-winning sectional kayaks by Point 65 of Sweden are a lot of fun, and great value. The range features sit-on-tops, kayaks, kayaks for anglers and stand-up paddle board. With Point 65’s own patented SnapTap technology they’re all exceptionally fast to assemble and disassemble.

The compact size of the individual pieces means they can be stored in the corner of your shed or garage, inside a beach hut, under the stairs at home, or even in a large cupboard.

These kayaks are a great way to exercise, much more enjoyable than the gym, and can be taken almost anywhere.

Point 65 Kayaks Exclusively available at GO Sport

SIC Recon 9.9 TW Stand-up Paddle Board – Hard Board - 4,365 AED • Perfect all-around SUP • Deck Pad gives grip and shock absorption SIC Air Glide Recon 10.4 Stand-up Paddle Board - Inflatable - 4,365 AED SIC Coil Leash - 110 AED SIC Adjustable Glide Paddle - 835 AED • Versatile SUP for fitness, surfing or yoga

Summer Promotion:

Purchase the Omega Grind Wakeboard and Index Bindings for 1,995 AED (save 405 AED)

More PROMOTIONS in Store!

Life Jackets Liquid Force Hinge Vests from 345 AED

SIC “Sandwich Islands Composites” SUP’s are the vision of master shaper/designer, Mark Raaphorst. Their sleek styling, piercing waterlines, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail have also earned SIC the reputation of being the “Ferrari of SUP boards”.

Whether you are a seasoned pro in either open or flat water racing or the weekend surfer; whether you are looking for better fitness, touring or just all-around fun; SIC has something for you.

Liquid Force Omega Grind Wakeboard 1,405 AED • The perfect all-round board Index Bindings 995 AED • For beginners and intermediates

Point 65 Martini Solo Kayak - 3,650 AED • Recreational kayak • Snap-Tap system allows for easy transport and storage • Two water-tight compartments for safe storage Point 65 Martini Tandem Kayak - 5,500 AED

Men • Lightweight • Accommodating fit Women • Lightweight • Slight taper at waist and wide shoulders

Inflatables/Towables

Point 65 Tequila Tandem Kayak - 5,195 AED • Entry-level, sit-on-top kayak • Snap-Tap system allows for easy transport and storage Point 65 Tequila Solo Kayak - 3,295 AED

Sportstuff Super Mable Inflatable 2,295 AED • 3 seater • For a wild ride on the water you will never forget.

All products are available at GO Sport stores across the region

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Sponsored by:

Challenge Gravity & Fly Above the Water Our first session with a flyboard Words + Photos by: Daniel Birkhofer

It is really flying above the water having a human body gliding through the water and suddenly rising from the deep blue surface it has something mythical.

In the hands of a professional like Karim El Gendy, it looks like a joyful and easy play defying gravity and the elements of water.

But mastering this new generation of water sports, regardless if it is the Flyboard, X-Jetblade, XJetpacks, Jetovator, requires a few minutes of practice. And once you get the hang of it, rest assured that you will have the whole crowd watching you.

When Karim get his hands on one of the new water jet technology, the beach lovers and tourists at JBR beach in Dubai gathered to see what tricks he will pull off.

Hydro Water Sports operates from JBR Beach in Dubai right behind the Ritz Carlton Hotel in front of an impressive skyline of Dubai Marina’s high rise buildings. The new jet technology uses a Jet Ski to get enough water thrust to propel the body high up in the air. Hydro Water Sports uses only the latest Yamaha PWC and high-quality Jobe equipment. From all the different jet gadgets, most people ask for the Jetpack which makes you look like a rocket-man. The only difference is that you will be on the water instead of using fuel burning rockets. Karim advises, that the Flyboard, Jetblade which is attached to the feet, are the easiest to learn and most people have the wrong assumption that the Jetpack is easier.

Would there be a better place in the world than Dubai to try the Flyboard - Warm water all year round, an amazing skyline in one of the most iconic and modern city. Each session lasts for 30

minutes. The first 10 minutes of our tryout session includes the essential instruction of the functionality of the fly board and most importantly the safety training. For beginners, the instructor on the jet ski will throttle the water thrust for you, making sure you are safe, can concentrate on balancing and have fun. The key in getting out of the water and controlling the fly board is a good core body control. No matter how long it takes you to get out of the water and fly up in the air, you cannot be exempted on getting plunge in the water and having a few sips of fresh Arabian Gulf water.

It may sound interesting and scary at the same time but once you get on a fly board

and do your fist half-hour session, you will definitely be hooked and keep wanting for more. So you will see me back on a fly board soon again and once I master it, I still have the X-jetblade, XJetpacks and Jetovator on the list to try-out, so this summer will definitely not be boring.

Hydro Water Sports Dubai is sponsored and supported by Al Yousuf Motors/Yamaha and operates on JBR Beach Behind Ritz Carlton.

For bookings visit www.hydro-watersports.com or call 056 4844588

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MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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

PRODUCTS A ROUND-UP OF QUALITY PRODUCTS AVAILABLE RIGHT HERE IN THE UAE

Nathan SpeedShot Plus Insulated

2XU Compression Full Zip Sleeved Trisuit

Available at Adventure HQ

Available at Adventure HQ and GO Sport

This summer, stay hydrated with one of Nathan’s insulated handhelds or water bottles. Keep fluids colder longer, with this perfect-sized 12oz insulated handheld that feels great in your hand. Lightweight, grip-free and reflective for added nighttime visibility, this popular handheld is ideal for shorter to mid-distance runs.

Because warm isn’t cool!

Set the pace with the new 2XU triathlon collection, featuring this fabulously fast and fashionable new trisuit design with a raglan sleeve. Engineered with a high strength 2XU Memory Tech Chamois for durability and comfort in the saddle, this 2XU Compression Trisuit is engineered to support in key regions demanding it most. Complete with ICE X CT technology and proprietary Vent Mesh fabric, the wearer is delivered superior ventilation and moisture management for freedom and flexibility through performance. 150D/CK fabric stabilises muscles while reducing fatigue to increase endurance time after time.

170 AED

Features: • 12oz/355mL double-wall insulated and hi-viz reflective SpeedShot Flask with Push-Pull Blast ValveTM cap.

• Double-wall flask construction keeps fluids cooler 20% longer than other flasks.

• Fully-adjustable hand strap with chafe-free thumbhole enables grip-free running.

• Expandable zippered pocket for nutrition, keys, and running essentials.

Features: • 105D/CK enhanced support and power, greater endurance.

• ICE X CT enhanced cooling with UPF50+UV sun protection.

• Engineered sleeves for greater aerodynamics on the bike.

• Memory Tech LD Chamois - time trial specific zonal padding.

• Full length zip front.

• Inseam - 8.1’’

Jobe Slam Wake Helmet

Kingii Floatation Aid (Made in USA)

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across the UAE

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across the UAE

Choose from various colours to complement your outfit.

Its soft, brushed nylon fit pads at the sides and top and nylon plastic size adjusting belt make for a great fit, staying comfortable whenever, wherever and always staying in place like it should.

Kingii is the new wristband for all those who love water! If you need help to stay afloat, pull the lever and an inflation bag will pull you to the surface.

Features: • Rear Adjustment • Adjust Strap • Fit Pads • Ear Pads • CE approved • Sizes: XS to XL

*Offer is valid until 31 May 2016

260 AED (Was 325 AED)*

*Offer is valid until 31 May 2016

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875 AED

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445 AED (was 495 AED)*

Includes: Two CO2 cylinders for free

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Torqeedo Ultralight 403 Electrical Engine for your Kayak the battery, speed, battery power left, and the power output and it has an option to be connected with a smart phone.

Words by: Kit Belen Photos by: Daniel Birkhofer Engine Specs Range: 40 km Power: 400 W 1 HP equivalent.

Intelligent: Onboard computer with GPS Ultralight: 7 kg, battery included Speed: 10 km/h Max Rudder Control: Foot Rudder control Safety feature: Magnetic Key breaker instantly switches the engine when removed

Others:

Smartphone Connection (With cable options and app TORQ TRAC).

The engine can be raised and lowered by the angler while seated.

Control box - Screen of the onboard computer in the control handle with LCD display of the battery charge status, ground speed, the remaining range and power output.

Kayaks have become a solution to a lot of anglers who want the convenience of leaving the shorelines and access deeper water on demand. Places where they are not able to access with even the longest casts and places where you would normally go to with a boat. Kayaks are hands down the most cost effective way to get out to deeper water and catch some fish that were otherwise out of reach.

The evolution of the fishing kayak has been pretty interesting, especially when it comes to propulsion – rightfully so because all fishermen want more fishing time. So there has been some advancements in the design of the paddles, lighter state-of-the-art paddles keep fatigue down and grabs more water, making each paddle stroke more energy efficient. Sails were the next evolution; putting sails on kayaks gave the kayak angler faster speeds and longer range. The problem with that as I have found the hard way, is that if there’s no wind, you don’t really move as fast as you need it to, putting all these systems in place also means added weight and on a windless day, these upgrades become unnecessary weight, slowing you down and eventually fatigue sets in – there goes your fishing day.

Engineering in Motion

The next evolution was to put engines on kayaks; electric engines were the best option because they were light and quiet, two very important factors when you are chasing fish, especially when the fishing was really tough.

There are engines that were made for certain brands, mostly engines you drop down into engine wells in the middle or back of the kayak – these connections are fixed and are a disadvantage when you explore shallow water. There are purpose built kayaks made to accommodate the engine – those are nice too, but most of the time, as they are centered on the engine when the need comes for you to paddle the kayak (like in shallow water) it becomes unwieldy.

The Heart of the Machine

The Torqeedo engine is a great concept, not a new one – however it is the lightest as well as the most hydrodynamic of all the rudder type engines available today. The system comes with a controller box positioned in front of the seat reaching it was no problem. I did notice something that caught my attention – when I had the engine off and drifting with the current, it registered the speed of drift, that’s when I realized that it was an on board GPS. After the trip, I discovered that there really is a computer on board that gives you a lot of information – the remaining range for the charge of

Although I have some kayak experience, I made it a point not to listen to the briefing of how to use the kayak – I wanted to know exactly how easy it was for me to learn how to use the engine. I am confident that anyone would be able to use this within 15 minutes if they are already existing kayak users.

Positioning the Kayak so I could drop my jig near a bridge piling while the current at its peak was something of a surprise, something that can be accomplished with two people on a small boat.

Cruising around at half and full throttle for half a day in Palm Jumeirah area, plus utilizing the slow speeds to compensate for drift; I was absolutely surprised to find the battery was still at full charge when we got back on shore. For peace of mind when traveling greater distances, I would suggest another battery pack – just put it at the back well – everything is waterproof, even the normally delicate socket connections! As I mentioned earlier, I used the engine almost all the time, except for two occasions where I stopped and drifted to tie on a new lure – the battery life on this is quite good.

Conclusion

Convenient, fast, lightweight, easy to use and it can do a lot of things you can’t normally do on a kayak, it is a kayak engine that is very hard not to like.

The Kayak, Arbaco 360, was provided by SeaYou. The Torqeedo Ultralight 403 drive system is provided by Exalto Emirates and is available in SeaYou and Adventure HQ stores. For more info visit www.torqeedo.com or call +971 6 545 3366

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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

PRODUCTS Torqeedo Ultralight Kayak Motor 8,052 AED

Available at Adventure HQ and SeaYou Reliable performance, powerful lithium batteries and a 40km range – the Ultralight is a highly efficient flyweight motor for your kayak. All the convenience of a genuine Torqeedo: GPS in real time, solar-rechargeable, waterproof, and with a long service life.

Features: • Capable of travelling up to 10 kph • Weighs only 7kg including battery • On-board computer with real-time display of remaining range, speed, charging status & more • Long lasting lithium ion battery with short charging time • Waterproof to IP67 • Compatible with the steering systems of all popular kayak models • Emergency kill switch & auto-stop in case of capsize

365 AED (for Clincher) 575 AED (for Tubular)

Available at Revolution Cycles Dubai Yas Cycles and Adventure HQ Tyre manufacturer Vittoria has embraced the latest materials technology, incorporating graphene - a thin sheet of carbon just one atom thick and which is the strongest material in the world - into its latest range of 2016 tyres. In Vittoria’s own words, it’s a “revolutionary material in the form of a very thin, nearly transparent sheet of pure carbon.”

The Vittoria Corsa G+ with the all new G+ Isotech compound replaces both the Corsa SC and CX as Vittoria’s top of the line, all-around competition tyres. The Corsa G+ provides performance, speed and traction and with the Kevlar sidewalls reinforced with Corespun 320 TPI technology adds extra durability and long-term tread wear.

Compound: 4C ISOtech Size: 700c x 23 mm,700c x 25 mm, 700c x 28 mm Type: Clincher Casing: Corespun with KEVLAR® TPI: 320 Claimed Weight: [700c x 23mm] 235g, [700c x 25mm] 240g, [700c x 28mm] 265g Recommended Use: Road cycling Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year

ARB Aluminium Roof Rack

Dubai4wd Recovery Kit

Available at Dubai 4WD Trading LLC, Al Aweer, Dubai, UAE

Available at Dubai 4WD Trading LLC, Al Aweer, Dubai, UAE

A roof rack is a valuable and versatile accessory for many touring vehicles, and without one some trips would just not be possible.

The Dubai4wd recovery kit comes in a large winch pack and includes a snatch strap, winch extension strap, tree trunk protector, snatch block, recovery damper, bow shackles and gloves.

3,200 AED

It’s the obvious place for lightweight, bulky items that are difficult to fit in the cabin of the vehicle. And with additional accessories now available, such as waterproof bags, you don’t have to worry about your gear being exposed to the elements while travelling.

ARB manufactures both steel and aluminium roof racks to suit a wide range of vehicle types, covering both recreation and commercial applications. Additionally, ARB also stocks Thule and Rhino roof bars and accessories to suit most popular 4WDs, 2WDs and SUVs.

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Vittoria Corsa G+

OUTDOORUAE

1,100 AED

Stay C ool with Words by: Blake Stemm and Anna Roberts

Exercise in the UAE can be somewhat challenging when it comes to training outdoors or in venues with no air-conditioning.

Even in air-conditioned venues it can be a struggle if you train hard enough and sweat a lot. Whenever I train, I always train “no holds barred”. I always train all-out, with no exceptions to the rule. I train to the point of muscle fatigue and it is because of this that what I wear is so important to me.

One thing I know is that I need something that wicks away the sweat and is able to cool me regardless of training inside or outside.

When I wore the 2XU ICE X Singlet I found that it did just that. I trained both inside and outside in the sun, and I felt the difference from training in a normal singlet from other well-known brands. Even when I do CrossFit, I find that as fast as I’m sweating, it is keeping me relatively dry and also cool.

The 2XU ICE X Singlet fabric contains Xylitol which is also present in fibrous material such as corn husks and sugar cane.

It is a mineral that has many uses, like for dental and diabetes care. When Xylitol is included in the material it provides a cooling reaction that helps keep the wearer cool when training. I personally like to change my training almost every day, from CrossFit and group fitness to boot camps, cycling and running and it is because of this that it is very hard to find one garment that provides me with the results I’m after.

However, the ICE X Singlet is the one garment that manages to cover all my needs no matter what type of exercise I’m doing.

It is extremely lightweight, comfortable and

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fashionable, plus the material is very breathable even when wet. I wore this singlet on a 10km run and found that unlike other singlets this one did not cause any chafing or discomfort. I felt comfortable and cool the entire run. Straight after the run, I took to the water with some stand up paddle boarding and canoeing. During both of these sports the singlet kept me cool and relatively dry until I decided to go for a swim. After this, I paddled for another 20 minutes and went back to the beach. By the time I reached the shore the singlet was almost dry. So not only does it keep you cool and wick away the sweat, it is also quick drying, making it a great all-round fitness singlet - great for any type of sport that you do!

Anna Roberts is another fan of training in these 2XU singlets. “2XU ICE X tops are one of my favourite 2XU products around.

Not only is the fit, cut and colour choice perfect for training over long periods and withstanding tough conditions and multiple

washes, but they have so many practical functions built into the fabric.”

“You really feel the cooling power of the Xylitol and in the sunny days we get here in the Middle East, the IR blocking reflects harmful UV rays. I’ve used the ICE X Singlet in multiple environments, including beach training, CrossFit and even in hot yoga and it really does provide you with a feeling of moisture management as well as high antibacterial protection and thermo regulation,” she added.

Features

• ICE XP fabric with Xylitol and IR blocking to inhibit penetration of UV rays to lower skin temperature by up to 3ºC / 5.4ºF. • Minimal cling, zero chafe.

• Superior moisture management to keep you dry.

• Antibacterial to reduce odour.

• Reflective trims for enhanced visibility.

• Performance enhancing fit for unrestricted movement.

The 2XU ICE X collection is available from Adventure HQ, GO Sport and Beyond Fitness stores, starting from 210 AED.

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on the Dunes

KTM Motocross experience with mxDubai Words by: Catalin Anghelescu Photos by: Nela Macovei

One of the unique attractions for Dubai is the outdoor experiences of riding a bike on the endless sand dunes of the Rub Al Khali. A dirt bike is a special motorized vehicle which makes the adrenaline rush though the veins like petrol through the injection pump.

The experience a motorcycle gives you is incomparable to anything else. With this vehicle you can go anywhere: overcome mountains, dirt roads and dunes, rushing from one adventure to another. High-quality and reliable equipment requires large financial investments. But if you want to get a taste of this adventure, you can rent a motorcycle.

There are different companies, which deliver the services of motorcycle rental in UAE. When selecting an operator you want to make the best choice to be safe and have a fun motocross experience. You should make sure that the operator is licensed and has qualified instructors as well as high-quality and well maintained equipment. At mxDubai you get your “iron horse” shaped in a brand new 2016 KTM 450, that is in excellent working conditions and always ready for the dunes. You can choose the motorbike that fits you most no matter if two or four stroke.

If you don’t have the experience in this field mxDubai specialists will help you out with advise.

You start by getting to the meeting point, a desert remote farm – with lots of camels where you will be welcomed by the instructors and get geared up with all the protection needed, head to toe with the best available helmet, goggles, boots and suit. Safety is essential when riding a motorcycle, so the necessary equipment and knowledge is valuable to protect you from any injuries. According to your experience, you can choose the best

option, there are tours for every level and taste, the tours include a professional instructor. If you have never ridden off-road or in the sand, you start the tour with the basic training for the bike. You don't need a motorcycle license but you should know how to use the clutch and change the gears, to keep the paint up and the rubber down. For those who have advanced motorbike experience, there are advanced KTM motorbike tours but you should know how to drive stable in the sand and be able to pay attention to the changing sand and dune conditions.

After being geared up and the initial briefing, you’re good to go and hit the dunes. The best time to ride would be in the morning when temperatures are low. Good conditions are after a humid night when the moisture sets on the sand creating a superficial crust, best felt on new formed dunes. The softer the sand the harder it gets to drive the dunes. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, they are providing camel backs and plenty of water during the tour. Like all the outdoor activities, hydration is very important especially in summer and helps you to enjoy the full thrills of the motocross. Now, the soft sand is the one you have to fight with, meaning if you don’t hit the gas on time the bike has the tendency to sink in or when you’re rear wheel will dig in the sand. So you need some speed and momentum to be able to drive stable.

Keep the grip, it’s all about traction, when you get some speed go to the 2nd or better 3rd gear to have a more accurate feeling of the sand. Here is when you start feeling the adrenaline pumping. As a beginner, once your confidence grows, you will start increas-

ing the speed, taking more daring turns and of course maybe trying some jumps. I fell a couple of times when riding and this is how I found out that the equipment really protects me and that I feel almost no discomfort when hitting the sand, but more like falling on a mattress and then being able to laugh about it! My instructor Corne, who was always riding next to me, would come immediately after a fall or a driving mistake and give me on the spot tips on how to improve my technique.

Going for the top of the dunes and beyond is a little bit more challenging, let go of the gas at the top and hit it after the crest or the front wheel will sink and you might tip over. Same thing applies if you’re going along the dune in straight lines if the bike starts to shake or wobble when crossing other tracks, hit the gas so it straightens up itself. Only practice makes better! I believe that this is one of the adventures with the risk of addiction: you start with a ride that you will never forget and you always want to come back for more. The adrenaline and excitement is overwhelming, you will feel the freedom that many of us are looking for. Not only men can ride a motorcycle, women are enjoying the experience too.

I think that for the start, the 2 hour tour is perfect for adjusting your motorcycle skills to the dunes and get to enjoy your first ride.

The bikes, the equipment and the instructors are outstanding, I am happy with the experience, planning to do the motocross more often and also challenging myself later on with the advanced tours that can go from 4 hours to multi-day tours.

mxDubai provides off-road motorbike rental, Buggy Rental, Quad bikes rental and Jet Skis for rental in Dubai.

For more info you can visit mxDubai.com or contact them at +971 55 209 0832 or info@mxDubai.com

Camper Trailer This multifunctional camper trailer comes with a variety of features that will ensure a great camping experience in any given UAE weather. It has 15inch off-road wheels, a hot dip galvanized chassis with an off-road 360 degrees hitch, Independent suspension and a rear hitch receiver to ensure a comfortable ride.

Inside the trailer is a lockable box. The passenger’s side of the camper houses a switched fuse box, that looks after all the power and lighting on the Gascoyne, and a battery management display screen gives real time feedback. A three-speaker multimedia sound system that can be operated inside and outside the camper - the system is MP3 and DVD ready, giving the ability to attach an LCD screen and watch DVD's!

Two personal LED stork lights, 240V outlets and USB charging outlets flank each side of the queen mattress. The passenger side USB outlet also receives data from your

MP3 player so you can play your favourite tunes through the campers' speakers. At the end of the bed you'll also conveniently find another 240V, 12V and USB charging outlet.

A fully installed 500 watt Pure Sine wave inverter guarantees optimal power flow in the camper and a step light helps you see your way down when the sun has set.

Other prominent features include:

• 12V/220V electric water heater.

• Electric, 12-inch drum brake set-up.

• 120 litre stainless steel, baffled water tank with a water level indicator inside the camper so you will always know how much is in the tank.

• A huge, 60 litre fridge storage box which can be accessed from both sides of the camper. The box comes complete with slides for your fridge, a handy LED stork light and a particle air filter to maintain circulation but minimise dust. The box has 12V and 240V outlets so you can connect your fridge and other appliances with ease, and is conveniently located in close proximity to the kitchen.

Optional Accessories

• A full 240V compatible system and two 110 A/H AGM deep cycle batteries • Redarc Battery management System which monitors and charges your batteries and regulates solar input, making for a stress free adventure.

• Tyre Size: 265/75/R16 with alloy rim • Rim Size: 16x7 inches

Technical Specifications • Body Length: 2900mm • Body Width: 1850mm • Overall Length: 4950mm • Travel Height: 1435mm • Internal Living: 5.3 x 1.7m • Bed Size: Queen • Tare Weight:1050 kg • Towball Weight: 130 kg

For more information visit www.dubai4wheeldrive.com www.facebook.com/Dubai4WD or call +971 4 3207000 / 050 6511828

T R&I E D

TESTED ODUC THIS PR

OV T IS APPR

TDOO ED BY OU

RUAE

Words by: Essa Al Ansari

In this generation it is tough to find something that can monitor everything you do. The past few years have been very important to me as I lost around 70kg by training hard and adopting a balanced diet. After my weight loss success I became a fitness addict.

I started training for marathons, social races and most importantly for myself, therefore I needed something to measure my heart rate, number of calories burnt and training time.

I am currently focusing on doing different marathon races this year and next year, so I needed something to track my running sessions. I was introduced to the Polar M400 which is lightweight and slick, plus it has an integrated GPS to track speed and distance.

When I first got the watch, I thought it was going to be difficult to use. However, as soon as I tried it I found it rather straightforward and the instructions easy to follow. I downloaded the Polar Flow App and proceeded to sync the product. The process does take a bit of time so you have to be patient, but it gives you accurate results.

When you begin your exercise you can choose the method of training you are doing and you can monitor your heart rate accurately with the H7 heart rate sensor and chest strap. You can also connect the watch to your iPhone through Bluetooth. Again, it takes time but it’s worth the wait as you get the results you want to see.

After losing a tremendous amount of weight I get very picky with the calories I burn per day, so the most important features for me are the number of calories burnt during my workout and the number of steps.

The app also helps you to review your daily or monthly workout which is extremely helpful for tracking my various activities and reviewing run sessions.

In summary, this wearable technology is very light, easy to use and has great features! I would definitely recommend the Polar M400 to all athletes that like to run and/or cycle - it is the perfect watch for these sports and is very accurate, especially when paired with the heart rate sensor. I would also recommend it to people who want to track their daily activity levels with a funky, lifestyle watch. Trust me, you will not regret it!

Features:

• Advanced GPS: The M400’s built-in GPS keeps track of your pace, distance and altitude. With the “Back to start” feature you can safely explore new routes.

• Activity Tracking: The M400 tracks your steps, activity, sleep and calories 24/7, encouraging you to stay active every day.

• Heart Rate Training: One of the most effective training methods. Take advantage of it by using a Polar H7 heart rate sensor.

• Running Cadence from the Wrist: Keep an eye on your running cadence to improve your running efficiency and avoid injuries.

• Polar Flow: Plan, sync and share your training using the exclusive Polar Flow online service and mobile application.

All data is easily viewable.

• Smart Notifications: See notifications from your phone directly on the screen of your M400.

• Individual Targets: Set your own individual training targets and follow your progress towards them using Polar Flow.

The Polar M400 - GPS running and cycling watch in blue - is available at Adventure HQ and Jumbo Electronics for 1,100 AED, with heart rate sensor.

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OUR EXPERTS

XCat Racing Action in the UAE

Bigger (x)Cats for Larger, Faster Waves Words by: Nico de Corato Photos by: Getty Images

Faster Along the Waves

After its debut at the Dubai Grand Prix, round five of the 2015 XCat World Series, XCat partnered with Mercury Racing in the development of the engine that replaced almost all the Mercury Racing 2-stroke 2.5L EFI race outboards with more potent 4-stroke Mercury Racing ROS (Race Offshore) powerboat engines.

In relation to the engine upgrade, Ronan Morgan, of the World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA) said: “All those involved in the XCat World Series are looking forward to the introduction of the new Mercury four stroke engines; not only are these environmentally friendly, they are reliable and provide a huge increase to the horsepower and torque which are essential for an action-packed weekend of racing.

Fujairah GP

After the upgrade, the series commenced with the first race of the 2016 UIM XCAT World Powerboating Series being taken by the Victory Team with a win at the Fujairah GP last April 8th. It was not a race without drama, however, as Team Australia (Brett Luhrmann and Paul Virik Nilsen) and Abu Dhabi Team 5 (Rashed Al Tayer and Faleh Al Mansoori) collided at the first turn, just after the start, and the Australians flipped their boat.

After a rescue by the Bergamo Scuba Angels team and both drivers safely back on land, the race was restarted with Team Australia effectively out of the race as the Victory Team stormed to the front on the first lap. The chasing Abu Dhabi Team 5 eventually retired after few a laps due to Boat #10 crossing the finish line mechanical issues leaving the top spot open for the Victory Team.

Victory Team’s XDubai-sponsored boat (Arif al Zaffain and Nadir bin Hendi) took the lead after the throughout the race and secured the Fujairah GP win earning 35 points in the process. This early lead thus put them in a good position for another title win.

Also on the podium was the Gold Coast team in second place. This was Boat #3 Victory Team in action despite starting in eighth position as Tom

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Barry-Cotter and Ross Willaton quickly worked their way to overtake Swedish team Swecat Racing as they were taking their long lap at the end. Their second place finish marked a superb chance to shine this season in their bid to achieve important championship points. Nevertheless, Swecat Racing piloted by young drivers Mikael Bengtsson and Erik Stark back in its second season also proved itself an excellent competitor for the championship.

Dubai GP

The Fujairah GP was exciting, but so was the race hosted in Dubai on the 15th of April

Boats after the start around the island in front of Dubai Marina

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

Bergamo Scuba Angels rescue boat assisting a capsized boat

that once again consisted of 14 XCAT teams that ensured plenty of excitement. Team Australia worked round-the-clock to repair the boat after a bad start of the season in order to be present for this leg of the race.

Tensions brewed as every team each had their own agendas for the race day in Dubai – either to secure a comfortable spot in the rankings or in the case of the Victory Team, create a stronger lead against the other teams.

As the signal was called, the Abu Dhabi 5 team sprinted to a sensational start but Victory soon passed them in Lap 9 thanks to their well-thought out strategy during

the long stretch of the race. Victory was followed closely by Gold Coast and Swecat which resulted in a tense showdown between the three teams for the lead.

In the end, Team Victory secured the race winning over Abu Dhabi Team 5 and Swecat Racing thus sealing a solid lead for the series. With five more races in the XCat calendar, Victory currently sits at a comfortable lead as the series makes its way to Lugano, Switzerland for the third race of the series.

Regarding the back-to-back wins in the UAE, Victory Team manager Ragesh Elayadeth said: “...everything worked well and we knew we could overtake them somewhere

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Wet pit

in the middle of the race. Arif and Nadir are the masters. There’s no other word to describe them. They know what to do. There were no nerves at all. They keep calm, they know when to go for the long laps and when to put pressure on.”

After a tour of three races in Switzerland, South Korea and an unconfirmed country in Asia, the XCat series will return to the UAE with the Abu Dhabi GP semi-final taking place on the 17th-18 November and the grand finale happening in Dubai on the 2nd-3rd December.

Read OutdoorUAE for more updates on the Xcat series!

OUR EXPERTS

Australia’s 2016 Dakar Rally winner Toby Price on way to victory on his debut at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

Nasser Al Attiyah and French Co-driver Mathieu Baumel on the podium in front of the Yas Viceroy Hotel

Words by: Marina Bruce Photos by: ATCUAE and Marina Bruce

The eagerly awaited 26th Edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge rolled into town on the 31st of March, commencing with documentation and scrutineering before the competitors moved south to Liwa on 3rd-7th April.

However, before heading to the sand the drivers and riders took part in the Super Special Stage which was held this year at Al Forsan Sports Resort; a time trial to decide

The UAE’s Khalid Al Falasi on his way towards a best ever finish of 11th Overall

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the starting order of day one, as well as providing a chance for the city dwellers to catch some of the world’s best rally drivers in action on their doorstep. Most of the bikes and cars sped round the course without incident, however Italian Buggy driver Eugenio Amos took a corner too fast and performed a manoeuvre more befitting a gymnastics arena – a full mid-air roll, landing on his wheels thankfully, but causing significant suspension damage.

Special Stage one takes the riders from Razeen, a little over 100kms outside Abu Dhabi, to the west end of the Liwa Crescent just 30kms to the grounds of the magnificent

Dubai’s Paul Middleton riding for the Vendetta Racing UAE team

Toby Price on the Podium

Qasr Al Sarab Resort which is the rally base for the week (also known as the bivouac). For the fourth consecutive year I was fortunate enough to lead the team tasked with driving the official camera crew deep into the desert to catch the best of the rally action, however, not for us luxury five star rooms; instead, like all the event marshals, camping was the order of the day – although we did enjoy the bivouac village with its showers as well as catering tents and chill-out rooms.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge powered

by Nissan is a unique event; most cross country rallies are progressive, with the bivouac relocating daily to the end of the next stage, however the ADDC has a static base which means that competitors who do not finish one day can restart the next. Penalties apply, of course, for any passage control missed, however, for some private riders and drivers they are content with just making it through the week and starting each day.

The event kicks off both the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) Cross Country Rally World Cup and also in the FIM The UAE’s Mohammed Al Balooshi on (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) Cross Country Championship and the terrain his way to an impressive 4th Overall

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

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Oman’s Zakariya Al Shanfari mid roll

Dubai based husband and wife team of Ian Barker and Sheila Hutton-Barker.

Qatar’s Mohammad Al Harqan and UAE co-driver Arif Youssef Mohammed making light work of a dune crest

is said to be tougher than the mighty Dakar in places.

Special Stage two started near Madinat Zayed, meaning an early wake-up call for all to be in place for the start of the stage.

For the bikes and quads, the start is a little different from usual – the first 10 bikes are flagged off at one minute intervals and for the rest of the field, they are set off en-masse in groups of 15; this makes a great spectacle for our drones and the helicopter cameramen and interestingly, some 60 or 70kms later, the bikes are still in “clumps.” With over 230kms liaison (road) sections added to the 279kms off-road, this is a long day for the riders but Chilean rider Pablo Quintanilla took the honours today.

The third special stage sees the best day for cameramen and photographers as the field takes to the mighty Liwa Crescent area.

Each day the terrain has differed and today the magnificent slipfaces and sabkhas are the main attraction as the riders and drivers propel their machines at maximum speed over the salt flats before slowing down slightly to pick their way across some tricky dune crossings. My cameraman is stationed just a few kilometres from the stage start, on an all-new part of the route for the rally and as a Liwa rookie he stands transfixed by the rugged beauty. Not for too long of course, as there is work to be done as firstly the bikes, then the cars come through. We are stationed at the third waypoint in but reposition when we notice that there seems to be some cameraworthy action at the next point, where countless cars are making heavy weather of a bowl!

The top three bikes were once more battling it out on the sand with Helder Rodrigues eventually winning the stage.

On Special Stage Four the rally once more commences just south of Madinat Zayed as the riders head south west, ducking under

Italian Eugenio Amos rolling his T3 Polaris at the Spectator Stage at Al Forsan Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi

the Arada-Ghayathi Road for a loop out west before crossing the road again as they head east through the Liwa Crescent, finally emerging on the E90 close to the Qasr Al Sarab gates. This was the day when number one seed and two-times ADDC winner Vladimir Vasilyev crashed out of the race – literally – and he returned to the bivouac via road. Incidentally, this was the only stage Nasser Al Attiyah did not win, the honours going to car #205 with Mikko Hirvonen. The Moto category saw a stage win for French rider Pierre Alexandre Renet and a third place for local rider Mohammed Al Balooshi.

Special Stage five, commencing less than 20kms from the Qasr Al Sarab saw the rally wind its way up the Al Hamra desert area before finishing at the start point. With less than three minutes separating the top three riders there was all to ride for in the Moto categories but barring an accident, stuck or a mechanical problem the Auto seemed to be in the bag for the number two seed, Nasser Al Attiyah. Nevertheless, he powered through the relatively easy terrain at full speed, winning the stage by beating Mikko Hirvonen by over two minutes.

The last time the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Auto category was won by a GCC national was back in 2008, when Qatar based Nasser Al Attiyah was victorious. This year he reclaimed his place as the top driver with a win in only 17 hours and 14 minutes, over 30 minutes ahead of second placed Yazeed Al Rajhi from KSA. Further down the field, local expat favourites Ian and Sheila Barker came across the podium in 23rd place which was impressive since the first three days they had a few stucks and minor problems, however a sterling performance on days three and four saw them rise through the ranks.

Both auto and moto provide some thrilling motorsport action but this year the moto Tom Bell approaching Passage Control on Day four

Abu Dhabi based Lebanese driver Emil Khneisser in his T2 Nissan Y62

category was particularly hotly contested with the winner of each stage changing daily, until stage five, when the overall winner, Toby Price took his second daily stage win, having been the fastest on his debut in Special Stage One. Dubai based Sam Sunderland, having missed the Dakar due to injury layoff, gave a steady performance each day, not winning a daily stage but overall coming in in second place, just two minutes and 10 seconds behind the winner.

After his last victory in 2014, Poland’s Rafal Sonik once more took top overall place in the quad category, even although he did not win any of the daily stages. Throughout the five days he put in a steady performance, taking care to avoid incurring penalties which was the key to his success.

One thing which really surprises desert drivers who travel through the Liwa area – the cars are faster than the motorbikes! The top three bikes completed the course in just over 18 hours and 18 minutes, over an hour more than Nasser Al Attiyah in his Toyota Hilux!

The weather in the UAE during March and April can be unpredictable and with last year’s SS5 being cancelled due to a huge sandstorm all eyes were on the forecasts this year. These predicted a high chance of rain, thunderstorms and windy weather and all but the thunderstorms came true. Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 2016 had the coolest weather ever for the event, with daytime temps in the main under 30C and cool night-times of around 12-15C, which had us campers reaching for an extra blanket before dawn!

Can’t wait ‘til the 2017 event!

The famous ADDC "Sweep Team" in action

OUR EXPERTS

The Sustainable Diver:

15 Things YOU Can Do! Words + Photos by: Jake Lyle

Any diver will tell you there are few things more breathtaking than a colourful, vibrant and active coral reef, or that there is anything more exciting than waiting for the bubbles to clear after you’ve taken the leap, to then be exposed to huge expanses of clear blue water and huge congregations of busy fish.

These fantastic sights however, don’t have a guaranteed future in our waters and so it is up to us to ensure their longevity. Scuba divers around the world, together, spend hours underwater, constantly enjoying the underwater environments that we’ve been blessed with, and so it only makes sense that we help to conserve them. There are so many things that both divers and non-divers can do to protect these fragile marine environments, efforts that don’t involve great difficulty. And although many of the steps you can take may seem small, every little bit counts, and will contribute to a greater future.

1. Dive carefully. This is the first and most important step you can take when making an effort to conserve these wonderful marine environments. The protection of corals is of paramount importance, as the corals are the building blocks of these underwater ecosystems, and an accidental flick of a fin could easily break off a piece of coral that has taken decades to grow, and will take decades to grow back. Careless diving is one of the major ways in which reefs are damaged – reckless kicking close to corals, swinging your arms around, grabbing on to pieces of corals for stability or even poking a camera in too close in the hopes of a good picture. All of these acts can cause long lasting damage to reefs, so they best be avoided.

2. Be aware of your body and equipment.

This can have a much more profound effect 54

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than you’d think. A loose gauge, a hanging camera, or a spare regulator, if not tied onto your BCD correctly could run along the ground, or worse - the reef: breaking corals, getting stuck in crevices or maybe even disturbing something sleeping in the sand.

So before descending and maybe even every now and again whilst on the dive, ensure that you don’t have any loose equipment dragging along the reef like an anchor.

3. Make sure your dive skills are sharp and that you are up to date with your education. Refining your skills could involve something as simple as reading over your dive manual again, revising the do’s and don’t’s, or you might prefer to take a refresher course or a PADI Scuba review. Alternatively, you could simply have a few minutes of bottom time in a pool with an instructor to get your head back in the game.

4. Consider your interactions with marine

life. In order to avoid stressing animals or interrupting feeding or mating behaviour, avoid touching, handling or feeding any aquatic life. What may seem like a small and insignificant poke to us, it may stress and stun an unsuspecting animal, or even worse, cause a normally non-aggressive animal to become aggressive. Common victims of being handled by divers are turtles. Often thought to be unaffected by being touched, divers unfortunately harass these animals due to the perception that they’re like pets, however they are best left alone, as some species even bite! As well, when it comes to some larger species of animals like whale sharks, diver’s first instincts are often to run their hand along the body of the animal, however in doing so, on many animals, this can result in removing a layer of slime that protects them from diseases and infections, which they will then become susceptible to after the slime has been removed.

5. Following on from that, an important rule is to respect and understand the aquatic life. Disrupting habitats and scaring of marine life away will not only ruin the experience for other divers, but it could also ruin the ecosystem in that area. A good way to best understand these environments and how to go about spending time in them is to enrol in the PADI Underwater Naturalist course, to consolidate your understanding.

6. Be an eco-tourist. This is something you can do before even getting in the water.

When selecting your dive destination, or even your holiday destination, ensure the facilities have sustainable and legal practices when it comes to the environment, or even

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

better, use dive facilities that are Project AWARE operators, which is an initiative to conserve marine environments. Ecotourism also involves physical practices: don’t collect natural souvenirs like corals or shells when on your dives, take pictures instead!

7. Respect maritime history. Many dive sites are part of maritime history or are of cultural importance, like underwater statues or ship wrecks. In order to properly respect these and conserve them for future divers and for the marine life that have taken up residence within, follow proper dive practices when exploring these heritage sites and follow local laws and practices.

8. Report environmental disturbances.

There aren’t many individuals who take to the seas as often and observe coral reefs in as much detail as Scuba divers do, so we are in a unique position to help monitor these environments. If you notice strange substances or objects in the water, damaged parts of the reef or sick marine life, report it to the proper authorities in order to find solutions to these problems.

9. Be a role model. This goes for other divers and non divers, if you yourself show others the proper way to act around these environments, the good behaviour will be passed on and these reefs will be protected, so ensure you’re setting a good example for other individuals around you.

10. Get involved in local community initiatives. In almost every part of the world there is some sort of local initiative that aims to protect the environment, and I can proudly say that in Dubai their certainly is. On the beaches and reefs of Dubai there have been group clean ups which have aimed to remove debris from the environment to allow it to prosper in its natural form – so whether you’re a diver or simply a beach-enthusiast, there is something for you to get involved in!

11. Be a buoyancy expert. Buoyancy is one of the single most important skills you need to know to be a good diver. Be able to control the height at which you glide over the reef will make a huge difference to the damage you do to a reef. If you’re unable to control this height and you’re constantly

dropping down too low or having to kick to return to your desired depth, you’ll not only put the coral reef at risk, but you’ll risk using up your air to quickly and having a short and tiring dive!

12. Take only photos, leave only bubbles.

This is a simple step, but many often ignore it, and quite a number of divers have been known to be perpetrators when it comes to this rule. Everything underwater is part of the ecosystem, and therefore plays a vital role in sustaining these environments. Food chains and food webs are fragile, and so divers should avoid doing anything that could risk disrupting them, which includes removing natural features from coral reefs, and leaving and debris or rubbish behind. This is a step that can also be taken by non-divers, and by those who are simply spending time by the sea or on a boat – take any rubbish back with you. Although it may seem small and insignificant to leave a packet or wrapper behind, or in the sea, these materials can eventually group together and cause the unfortunate death of many different species of marine life.

Animals as big as sperm whales have been found dead on beaches, and after autopsies, it was discovered that these animals contained as much as 17 kilograms of plastic in their stomachs. These waste materials can have an extremely damaging effect, so in order to protect the sea and everything in it, ensure you dispose of rubbish properly.

13. Remove any debris. Even if rubbish is improperly disposed of on land, it can quite

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often find its way into the sea. During my time diving, I’ve come across all sorts of different types of debris, including everything from shopping trolleys to wine glasses, so if you do spot any, and it is safe to do so, remove it.

14. Make responsible seafood choices.

This one can be done by absolutely anyone (that likes seafood). Overfishing of certain species of fish over the past decades has lead to huge declines in certain fish populations, and consumers play one of the most important role in this – it’s you who decides which fish are caught and sold, so make sure you try to eat sustainably. Here in the UAE you can find a list of the most sustainable seafood choices with a quick search on the Internet.

15. Shrink your carbon footprint. Nowadays, everything links back to global warming – rising temperatures and ocean acidification is leading to declines in our favourite species of marine life, and in the hopes of saving them, simple things like using energy efficient lights and turning the tap off while you brush your teeth can go a long way. These things aren’t difficult, and anyone can do them.

These are just a few things that you can do to help protect the marine environments that make diving possible. As I said before, these environments are incredibly fragile, and will not be around forever, but with proper practices and sustainable measures, they can last a lot longer. Many of these steps are simple, and do not require a lot of effort to carry out, and I’m confident many divers across the globe already do so, but with climate change afoot, every little bit of help counts. Scuba diving is something that people in the past have enjoyed, and it’s something that the people of our time can enjoy, but to ensure its something that future generations will be able to enjoy, dive sustainably.

PEOPLE

Age: 50 Nationality: American Occupation: Pilot and Certified Kitesurf Instructor and Raft Guide Interview by: Bandana Jain

Mark’s passion for the aquamarine is far more than what appears on the surface. Having spent four decades of chasing wind, water and waves through the nook and cranny of the globe, he is a true go-getter for all kind of water sports, literally!

At what age did you get into water sports? What inspired you to do so?

I started surfing when I was about ten years old. My mother was a single parent and would drop me off at the beach and then pick me up at the end of the day. I moved to Virginia where there was a lack of waves, so I started climbing. But my heart drew me back to the water when I discovered kayaking. It consumed my life for ten years and I travelled all over the world to kayak.

In which countries have you pursued these sports? Out of these, which country do you think is a haven for water sports?

Every place has its own season for different water activities, that’s the reason why I travel so much! I have kited, kayaked and surfed in Hawaii, Ireland, Maldives, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Peru, Oman, UAE and many more. In my opinion, Peru is a surfer’s dream place!

What do you think about the UAE as a location for watersports?

Sea kayaking and Stand-up Paddling in the UAE is great! Dubai has great city views from the ocean. You can pull up to some place and have lunch then paddle home. Al Ain has one of the most fun-inducing manmade rivers you can ever play on — nice

class one, two and three river runs. The guys there are great and if you have no experience, they give you lessons after which you can continue to practice what you learnt. Of course, they won’t let you on the class three run until you have your eskimo roll (In whitewater, it is called battle roll) nailed down!

For kiting, I head to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

I like to kite down there with the F-one guys, Kuba and Julien. And if there is no wind I just head to Yas Water Park and boogie board the flow rider wave.

The good thing about Dubai is that it gets lot of surf during winter (though not big surf). This really keeps me in shape; that being said, I have my secret spot between Sur and Salalah (in Oman), where I surf alone all the time.

Which one do you follow the most passionately?

Kiting, surfing, kiting, SUP, wakeboarding - they are ways of life for me. Each one of them is different, yet the same. The common denominator is the connection with nature and water. Kayaking is like surfing, the only difference being that instead of using ocean waves you use standing river wave and the piles of whitewater that is created by waves.

I would have to say that with the level of kayaking I am running, I will not be able to go on for 20 more years. I plan to go surfing good size waves well into my mid to late 70's. But in a perfect world, I shall go with the seasons and do them all!I Guess, I just never grew up. My friends tell me I have the Pan Syndrome - I tell them, I am Pan!

How does it feel to be into water sports?

As Kelly Slater puts it, “If I get into the ocean once a day, I feel like I accomplished something.” I can’t envisage my life without water to play on... And as Tom Petty says, “Never slow down, never grow old.” The water has kept me playing for the past forty years or so. I figure that I shall spend the next thirty years, water logged!

Any water sport destination that you yearn to try out?

Kayaking Cherry Creek in California and some sweet whitewater in New Zealand are on my bucket list apart from kiting One Eye in Mauritius and a trip to Madagascar.

I have surfed almost everywhere I wanted, but Fiji has eluded me. It’s a place where I plan to retire if I can ever get there. Once there, I may never even come back!

Do watersports require any special preparation?

Yes, one needs to know not only swimming, but also should learn to keep calm when the water is bubbling up the nose and you have no clue which way is up. You should be able to relax and let the water do its thing and then recover! There is no “time out” in watersports! You have to deal with what happens when it happens! That been said, proper preparation and training covers most of the things.

Ocean Ride in Your Way We always wish to do something unusual which takes us on high mountains of the Himalayas or dark fearful forests of Africa but what if you dare to rule the ocean? Meaning 70% of the earth’s surface by walking it or something close to it, or you might even say it’s better. Gliding across the surface of the sea with the wind in your hair is definitely a unique feeling for which we can thank watersports for giving us.

Here in the UAE, for the past few years watersports activities has boomed. Dubai’s beaches provide a recreational platform for a huge variety of sports that can be enjoyed with minimum effort - the coastline is littered with open beaches, varied sea conditions that make it possible to enjoy the rough and smooth faces of the Arabian Gulf. Residential development such as The Dubai Marina or the Palm Jumeirah here in Dubai provides easy accessibility and comfort.

But in all adventurous rides, where you will enjoy extreme fun? You may challenge yourself with the watersports below:

Purchase Necessities:

• Check quality and fins which you will find in JOBE sports accessories in Al Yousuf Motors • Purchase surfing and ski items in accordance to your weight and height

Size Chart Wakeboards/Skis Rider Weight (lbs)

Wakeboard/Skis Length (cm)

Less Than 100

Less Than 130

90-150

130-134

130-180

135-139

170-250

140-144

200275+

144+

Personal Water Craft (PWC) Riding

PWC is basically racing over a body of water on a one-man watercraft machine. Fancy stunts and tricks, like flipping and jumping over a ramp, can be done with freestyle riding. In simple word it’s a jet on water.

The UAE is the best place for PWC racers and riders as it offers multiple events for PWC competitions throughout the year.

Champion’s Choice: Yamaha

Inflatables/Towable

Wakeboarding

SUP (Stand Up Paddling)

Imagine surfing while being towed along by a high-speed boat. That's wakeboarding in a nutshell. The board here is specifically with fins and weights, to allow the rider to manipulate it with his/her feet. This sport is partially inspired by snowboarding, and is often performed in smaller water bodies like lakes. World Wakeboard Championships are held for wakeboarding, and it has been a part of the X Games and World Games as well.

Unfortunately for surfers, it’s not always big waves and strong winds, it’s often too calm in some places to really get a good surf. You can do it on lakes, river etc. The idea is that you stand up on a long surfboard and use a paddle to push yourself around the water in this relaxed sport. It’s a little difficult to get started if your body is not properly synchronized with the board, but when you’ve got a little speed up then it’s a lot easier and very relaxing.

Champion’s Choice: Jobe Sports & Yamaha

Champion’s Choice: Jobe Sports

Water Skiing

Another water surface sport, water skiing is basically skiing on water. An individual uses 2 skis or a single ski to skim or glide along the surface of water, and is pulled along by a high-speed powerboat with the help of a ski cable or rope. On a competitive basis, show water skiing and slalom skiing are followed, along with standard dual skiing. Water skiing has been a part of all major watersports championships including the Olympics, World Games, and World Championships.

Champion’s Choice: Jobe Sports

This is definitely something to try on holidays and there are many different variations, but you’re essentially being pulled along behind a boat on an inflatable. This is hilarious fun as the driver of the boat pulls every manoeuvre they can to try and throw you off the inflatable, while you lean onto different parts of it to help keep you onboard. You can also do this with donuts and lie-down inflatables with friends, taking it in turns to see who can stay on the longest.

Champion’s Choice: Yamaha and Jobe Sports It is always recommended that you should choose quality safety items through the authorized dealers such as Al Yousuf Motors where not only quality is good but you can also find their prices very competitive; above all, you can find Al Yousuf Showrooms throughout the UAE. From training to provision of complete watersports with world renowned safety items, Al Yousuf Motors is always there to assist you in your adventurous endeavours by only following one rule and that is “customer’s satisfaction”.

Please contact Al Yousuf Motors for any watersports assistance on the aforementioned features.

Email: saferide@alyousuf.com Call: +971 50 3790737

OUTDOORUAE

57

PEOPLE

Nationality: Emirati Occupation: Police Officer, UAE Represented Champion Runner, Abu Dhabi Elected Team Instructor

An amazing moment in the history of the UAE and the Arab sporting world, Rashid Butti Al Qubaisi is the first Arab and GCC national to ever win the XDubai Spartan Race which was held for the first time in Bahrain last April 1, 2016. Other than this, he has been on a racing streak this year with several other victories during the 2015/2016 season. We sit down with him and talk how this could be his luckiest year to date.

What kind of preparation did you have to get ready for the race?

Congratulations on winning the Spartan Race in Bahrain!

How do you feel about it?

We hear that this has been your lucky year; would you tell us about it?

It was extremely hard but I really wanted to do it. I have been ready for it since running in finishing 9th in Dubai back in 2013 and in France in 2014. Other than that, I also participated in the Spartan Elite Sprint category last October 2015 where I finished 20th out of the 25,000 competitors.

After those races, I signed up for the Bahrain Spartan Race with all my hopes and dreams to reach for the top spot. And in Bahrain, I had a date with glory and I am very honoured to be the first Emirati and first Arab to ever win this international competition.

Participating in the 2015 Desert Warrior Challenge

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I had a very specific and specialized training as well as a very strict diet. I did mountains, sands, cycling vertical marathons and some time at the gym. One of the most notable aspects of my training was running with some weights since this helped me a lot during the Spartan Race. The support from His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Mohammad al Nahyan to prepare me for the elements and the places also contributed a great deal to get ready for the event.

Did you encounter any challenges or difficulties during the race?

Being the toughest race in the world, Yes. I’m not really that muscular and when people see me in the photos they could easily think “I’m not the type to pull this off”. The most intense parts for me would be running with the 15-20 kilo weights for 1k over up and down sand and pulling tyres for 50 metres.

This year is my glorious and best year because I have been winning a lot of races.

I won the Desert Warrior Challenge for two years in a row now, the Wadi Adventure Race 10k and 15k and I won the RAK Half Marathon 21k as part of the UAE national team out of the 177 teams participating.

I was also hailed top individual in the ITU

Running with Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan

Sheikh Nasr bin Hamad al Khalifa representative of the King of Bahrain

World Triathlon in Abu Dhabi and of course, being the first Emirati to become the an International World Champion in the XDubai Spartan Race!

I’m also thankful for the races where I placed such as the Zayed Marathon where I finished 5th and the Dubai Marathon as well where I finished 3rd in the 10k Elite Local.

Being the first GCC national to win the Spartan Race, how are you setting an example for other GCC nationals?

I inspire them with hard work and a love for sport. I always say to everyone to” be honest in your training and the sport will take you places that you never been.” Other than that, I would like to continue to succeed and raise the UAE flag in all continents so that the world will recognize us as competent athletes.

Team racing with Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum al Maktoum in Wadi Adventure

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

Awarded by Sheikh Ahmad bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi

Your advice to Arabs who would like to follow your footsteps?

Train hard, nothing is impossible with a very strategic plan. If you have purpose you will reach your goals.

Being awarded by WWE superstar Dolph Ziggler

I would like to also dedicate this victory to the UAE government, the Ministry of

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

With Maj.Gen. Maktoum Ali Al Shareefi

Police and to our General Police Director, H.E. Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi.

What do you think of the UAE’s initiatives on outdoor and fitness?

Do you have a message to the people that helped you get to where you are?

I would like to thank four very important people that helped me with all my achievements: Mr. Mubarak Saeed Al Hidly Al Mansoori, Mohammed bin Ameer bin Yousef, Rashid Darwish al Qithbi and Nasr Butti bin Ameer. Special mention goes to my trainer Mohammed al Amin Saak who discovered me. A shout out to my mother club – Al Jazira Club!

Actually the UAE’s sport councils are doing their best to make achievements in the sports by training future world champions for ITU, Ironman, triathlon, cycling etc. Nowadays there’s a lot of initiatives that encourage Arabs to make a mark in the outdoor field.

Lastly, what is the next achievement you’re hoping to gain?

My coach, Mohammed al Amin Saak

Another Spartan Race victory! This would be my greatest achievement for this year and I’m getting very close to it...

Ocean Sports FZE: enquiries@kitesurfsup.com | +971 (0) 55 935 2735

Go Further with Watersports Exercises Words by: Nicky Holland Photos by: Keith Pereña

As the weather gets warmer, take your exercises from the land to the water.

There are many different watersports which you can do. This month, I will discuss four different types of watersports and exercises you can do to enhance your fitness and performance, so you can enjoy and get the most out of your activity, whichever one you choose to do.

Straight Bar, Back Cable Row 1

Static Half Range Wall Squat

Straight Bar, Back Cable Row 2

Waterskiing / Wakeboarding

This involves a lot of balance and technique.

You will work your upper body and lower body. I have chosen two exercises for this activity.

• Static Half Range Wall Squat • Straight Bar, Back Cable Row

Stand-up Paddling or SUP

This looks a lot easier than it actually is. It requires balance (to stand up) and upper body strength (to paddle) particularly around the core, arms and shoulders. The exercise I have chosen for this is a standing BOSU Bicep and Shoulder press. Start by carefully standing on the BOSU. Once you are confident in balancing you can then introduce the dumbbells. Try not to do too heavy, for example 4-12kg is fine to start. Simply perform a bicep curl with both arms at the same time and then at the top of the curl, go into an overhead shoulder press.

The focus is to work the arms but to predominantly keep your balance as you stand on the unstable surface. Aim to complete 3 sets of 10-15 reps.

Kayaking/Canoeing

A little more strenuous than the first exercise; a strong core and good upper body strength (for the paddling) will help you glide through the water. Russian twists with a plate can help facilitate this movement. If you do not have a plate, then you can use a medicine ball. Sit down on the floor, with both legs out straight. Hold the plate with both hands and keep your back straight.

Brace your abs and tighten your core then rotate from left to right with the plate. You should feel this on your obliques, at the side of your abdominals along with your arms as you rotate from side to side. Try to do this for 30 seconds and repeat for 3 sets with a 30 second rest in between.

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OUTDOORUAE

The static half range wall squat will work the legs. Even though you are holding the movement, the muscles are still working, in an isometric contraction. This is similar to the position you are in when on the skis in the water. Try to hold this position for 3 sets of 30 seconds. For the second exercise, adjust the cable machine to the lowest setting.

Using the small bar, hold it overhand grip and extend your legs but keep your back straight. The weight can be between 2040kg. Here you need to pull, bringing the bar into your chest and keeping the elbows in narrow. Perform this for 3 sets of 15 reps.

Jet Skiing

This predominantly works the upper body as you are sitting down. Arms and back need to be strong to enable you to hold on at fast speeds. The exercise I have chosen to help improve your strength when on the jet ski is an overhand dead row, reverse bicep curl combo. These two exercises work the forearms, biceps and back. Pick up a barbell that is around 10-20kg in weight and hold in an overhand grip. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and stand up straight. The first move is a reverse bicep curl, bringing the bar from your thighs up to your chest. After one rep, go straight into the second move which is a dead row. Tip from the hips, keep the back straight and row, bringing the bar into the belly. This counts as one rep. Try to perform 10-15 reps for 3-5 sets, with a 60 second rest in between.

I hope that from reading this article and trying the exercises, you feel they help with your strength, fitness and endurance. I have tried to make each exercise specific, so you can condition your body for each type of watersport. I’ll keep an eye out for you out on the water...Good luck!

Nicky Holland Fitness Manager Fitness First Beach Park Plaza

Brought to you by:

Words by: Stewart Howison Photos by: Jung Francisco

1. DON’T High-Pressure Wash your Bicycle:

Please note that while it may seem like you can just blast your bike clean in seconds with a high-pressure hose, that’s a terrible mistake you never want to make. Highpressure water, especially sprayed from the side, will blast the grease and lubricants right out of the components, such as the hubs, bottom bracket and headset. And it’s a big job to get the water out and fresh grease back in. That’s why you always just trickle the water over the frame from the top when washing and rinsing.

2. DON’T Use Petrol to Wash Components on your Bicycle: Many people feel the need to use petrol to wash components such as chains, cassettes, bearings etc, which is again a big no-no in self maintaining your bicycle. Petrol absorbs any moisture, which in turn dries out O-rings and seals.

8. DON’T Pull Out that Internally Routed Cable 5. DO Always Grease Pedals and DON’T Over-Tighten, NEVER Use a Lock Tight: Over tightening of pedals, leads to stripping of thread, which leads to needing to not just replacing the pedals, but the cranks as well.

Greasing of pedals will help lengthen the lifespan of the pedals and helps the pedals handle under exertion.

6. DO Always Tighten Skewers using Lock System not Turning them to Over Tighten:

3. DON’T Store your Bicycle Near Chemicals such as Pool Cleaning Chemicals and the Like:

Although it may not seem like a problem storing your bicycle near sealed household chemicals; the fumes that escape from such products can cause the bicycle and components to rust quicker than usual.

Here is the common mistake that many people make when first encountering quick releases; they un-screw the quick release. They use the lever like the handle of a wrench, and rotate it around and around until the quick release is tight or loose depending on whether they want it on or off. Wrong!

7. DON’T Break a Chain to Clean It

4. DON’T Over or Under Tighten Bolts, Use Torque Readings:

Torque is crucially important and it's not just about preventing overtightening.

We often complain of over-tightening (which is also very bad), but the under tightening of bolts is even more common.

Under-tightening a stem bolt can be life threatening – where safety counts, use a decent torque wrench.

Unless your chain has a reusable master link, keep the chain on the bike. Every time you break a chain, you expand the hole for the rivet, and the chances of that becoming a weak point arises.

If you are going to break a chain and plan to put it back, ensure you have the correct installation pin to use; never reuse the pin you’ve pushed out already.

Removing a cable from inside an internally routed frame is more a nuisance than a deal breaker, but it’s always easier if you avoid making the mistake. Unless you know whether your frame features internal guiding or not, make use of a piece of thin plastic sheathing or similar to leave within the frame as you replace a cable.

9. DON’T Drop Small Parts

There is no shame here as it happens to the best of us. The key is to have a clean work surface and floor that makes finding such a part easy.

Cheap camping or workout flooring is one way to create a comfortable surface where things will be easy to find. If you have lots of little gaps under shelves and benches, consider closing them off with duct tape or insulation tape – this will save you much time wondering if something has slipped beneath.

And if you’re working on grass, just go inside and pour yourself a stiff drink, you’re not finding that bearing again. At the end of the day, do not drop stuff; use a magnet to keep your spares in check.

10. DON’T Lubricate Brakes

This is a major fail!

Do not lube your brakes or braking surfaces; this may well lead to your death and/or your mates never riding with you again due to the ear drum bursting squealing that will emanate from your brake application! This also becomes a costly adventure on mountain bikes due to the contamination of the pads and pistons which will need to be replaced, and in severe cases new rotors too!

Don’t do it, ENOUGH SAID!

For more info, please call or email: +971 4 3697441 | Info@rcdxb.com Address: Revolution Cycles Dubai, Shop 5, Apex Atrium, Motor City, Dubai, UAE

TIPS & TRICKS

Educat ion

Passing on the Torch of Learning Words + Photos by: Haydon Kerr

When I went back to my old school to tell some of my ex-teachers that I was going to train to become a teacher too, there were a few giggles and some raised eyebrows in the faculty staffroom. All but one teacher asked me if I was joking, and his name was Mr. Uival. He was my Outdoor Education teacher and was fantastic at fostering qualities that set me on a path to where I am today.

His lessons removed the walls between the classroom and real life while introducing me to activities like caving, abseiling, white water kayaking, ice climbing and SCUBA diving. This was a guy I looked up to because of his enthusiasm for the outdoors and skills at nearly every pursuit we undertook as a class group together.

In my 10th year in Dubai as a teacher for Deira International School (DIS), it is a passion of mine to provide opportunities for students to experience adventures and learning in the outdoors. It’s no coincidence that as the coordinator for Outdoor Education, I draw on many of my own positive schooling experiences to develop a programme which aims to provide a diverse range of activities for students.

At DIS we have a range of annual residential camps that are aimed at promoting teamwork, problem solving, leadership skills and tie into various curriculum areas. These are often the highlight of many school kids’

year as they spend time away from home for up to four days becoming more independent and self-confident. The camps are also a great way to help form lasting social bonds between students where they work and play alongside others who they might not otherwise share classroom or playground space with. DIS is also proud to deliver the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award as an Independent Award Centre.

There are the obvious seasonal restrictions in the UAE and when it comes, it’s time for teachers and parents to decide what activities might be available for students to take part in. Getting kids into the outdoors can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look outside of the malls and common attractions. One way we have managed to encourage students to get active and involved during holiday periods is to provide our own Holiday Adventure Programmes in partnership with various local providers.

These work well for busy parents with kids that like to try new things like SUP (stand-up paddle) boarding in partnership with Surf House Dubai. Or perhaps a day out snorkelling with turtles in Dibba from one of the diving operators. We’ve even set up orienteering type challenges around the school campus where small groups use site maps and compasses to locate checkpoints and prizes along the way. Many of the activities provided are ways to simply

motivate students to try new things that perhaps sometimes put them outside of their comfort zone but ultimately gain a lot of personal satisfaction and reward from.

The writing I’d like to keep sharing with OutdoorUAE magazine will hopefully serve to inspire teachers, parents and kids to try some of the amazing opportunities available to us locally and perhaps further abroad.

Having somebody at home or at school with the desire to pass on their enthusiasm to kids to try new things and push personal limits is key. I have fond memories of my Primary School camps, Secondary Outdoor Education and all of the other adventure pursuits I’ve undertaken. At the core of this have been passionate teachers and encouraging parents. It is my hope that I can be as inspiring to the kids I teach as Mr. Uival was for me. All I needed was an introduction to the outdoors and the rest is now history. Watch this space for tips on where to go and what to do for lots of fantastic adventures...

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

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

UAE DIRECTORY General Sports Equipment Megastores

Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, +971 43466824; The Beach on JBR, Dubai: +971 44304419; Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 24456995, www.adventurehq.ae Decathlon, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +971 42839392, www.decathlon.com Go Sport, The Dubai Mall: +971 43253595; Abu Dhabi Mall: +971 26454595; Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 25868240, www.go-sport.com InterSport, Dubai Times Square Centre: +971 43418214 and Dubai Festival City: +971 42066581, www.intersport.ae Peiniger BMT Est., CBD, Khalifa Street, Yateem Optician Bldg., Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 26262332, www.peiniger.org Sun and Sand Sports, most shopping centres, +971 43599905, http://en-ae.sssports.com

Adventure tours and desert safaris

Alpha Tours, Off #512, 5th Flr., Al Qwais Bldg., Al Ittihad Road, Deira, Dubai, +971 42949888, www.alphatoursdubai.com Dadabhai Travel, SR 1&2, GF, Gulf Towers, Oud Metha Rd. Dubai, +971 43885566, www.dadabhaitravel.ae Desert Rangers, P.O. Box 33501, Dubai UAE, +971 44569944 or 507035111 www.desertrangers.com Desert Road Tourism, Office 503, 5th Flr., Al Khor Plaza, Dubai, +971 42959429, www.arabiantours.com Dreamdays, First Floor Rm. 107 Ibn Battuta Gate (Offices) Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai +971 44329392 or 44329393, www.dreamdays.ae Dream Explorer LLC, JLT, Dubai, P.O. Box 214576, +971 44563390 www.dreamexplorerdubai.com Dubai Relax Travel, National Towers: Churchill Tower Suite #614, Business Bay, Dubai, +971 44221776, www.dubairelaxtours.com Element Fitness, Dubai, +971 44227352, www.element-fitness.net Explorer Tours, Umm Ramool, Dubai, +971 42861991, www.explorertours.ae Gulf for Good, Dubai, +971 43680222, www.gulf4good.org Gulf Ventures, Dnata Travel Centre, +971 44045880, www.gulfventures.com MMI Travel LLC, Mezzanine Floor, Dnata Travel Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 4 4045999, www.theemiratesgroup.com Net Group, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, +971 26794656, www.netgroupauh.com Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +971 42628832 or 4 2686826, www.opdubai.com Rahhalah, Dubai, +971 44472166, www.rahhalah.com Wild Guanabana, Dubai, +971 44422946, www.wildguanabana.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Fishing, Camping, Kayaking, & Adventure Club, +971 5 04920860, mohammed.almahrouky@gmail.com

Air

Ballooning Adventures Emirates, Dubai, +971 42854949, www.ballooning.ae Dubai Paragliders, +971 552120155 or 552250193, www.microaviation.org Jazirah Aviation Club, Ras Al Khaimah, +971 72446416 or 555531318, www.jac-uae.net

Seawings, Dubai,+971 48070708, www.seawings.ae Skydive Dubai, Dubai, +971 43778888, www.skydivedubai.ae

Boating & Sailing

Manufacturer Al Fajer Marine, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43235181, www.alfajermarine.com Al Jeer Marina, RAK border Musandam, +971 72682333 or 504873185, www.aljeerport.ae Al Shaali Marine, Ajman, +971 67436443, www.alshaalimarine.com Al Yousuf Industrial, LLC, +971 4 3474111, www.aym.ae, yamboats@alyousuf.com Elite Pearl Charter, Saeed Tower 1, office #3102, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43889666, www.elitepearlcharter.com Gulf Craft, Ajman, +971 67406060, www.gulfcraftinc.com Distributors and Dealers Art Marine LLC, Al Quoz Industrial Area, Sheikh Zayed Road, 3rd Interchange +971 43388955, www.artmarine.ae or www.artmarinechandlery.com Azure Marine Dubai, +971 4 3706886, www.azuremarine.net Luxury Sea Boats, Dubai, +971 4 3284629, www.luxuryseaboats.com Macky Marine LLC, Dubai, +971 505518317, www.mackymarine.com Nautilus Yachts, Sharjah, +971 553419494 or 503419494, www.nautilusyachts.com The Boat House, Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae UAEBoats4Sale, Dubai Marina, +971 508446952 or 525682129, www.uaeboats4sale.com Western Marine, Marina Yacht Club, Dubai, +971 43039744 Equipment Ali Khalifah Moh Al Fuqaei, Deira, Dubai, +971 42263220 Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11,

The Curve Bldg., Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43808616 or 553899995, www.bluewatersmarine.com Extreme Marine, Dubai Marina Branch, +971 43992995, www.extrememarine-me.com Japan Marine / D1 Marine, WS # 110, Dubai Maritime City, +971 4 4426395 or 55 1666035, www.japanmarine.co Rineh Emirates Trading LLC, Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43391512, Repairs and Maintenance Extreme Marine, Dubai, Dubai Marina, +971 43992995, www.extrememarine-me.com Rineh Emirates, Sheikha Sana Warehouse 1, Al Quoz, +971 43391512, SNS Marine, JAFZA Techno Park, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 501405058, www.snsmarine.ae The Boat House, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae Cruise Operators Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, +971 26665491 Al Marsa Travel & Tourism, Dibba, Musandam, +968 26836550 or 65441232 Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek opposite the British Embassy, +971 48145553 Bristol Middle East, Dubai Marina, +971 4368 2480, www.bristol-middleeast.com Captain Tony’s, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, +971 26507175, www.captaintonys.ae Delma Industrial Supply and Marine Services, Al Bateen Jetty, Abu Dhabi, +971 26668153, www.delmamarine.net Eden Yachting, Dubai Marina, +971 504586171, www.edenyachting.com Emirates Yachting, Dubai, +971 42826683 El Mundo, Dubai, +971 505517406, www.elmundodubai.com Four Star Travels and Tourism, Dubai, +971 56 1012599, www.4startravels.com 4 Yacht Arabia, Shop No. 5, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, 800 92248, www.4yachtarabia.ae Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah, +971 92449888, www.rotana.com Ghantoot Marina & Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 529933153, www.ghantootmarina.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971 48706668, www.happydaysdubai.com JPS Yachts and Charter, Room 225, Emarat Atrium building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43437734, www.jpsyachts.com Khasab Divers, Oman, +971 567255889, khasab.diver2@gmail.com Khasab Musandam Travel & Tours, P.O. Box 411, Khasab, Musandam, +968 93350703, info@tourkhasab.com LY Catamaran, Dubai, www.lycatamaran.com Marine Concept, Dubai, +971 559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.com Nautica1992, Dubai, +971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Noukhada Adventure Company - P.O. Box 73373, C/O Ali & Sons Real Estate LLC, Plot No. 29, Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Rd, Um Al Nar, Abu Dhabi, UAE - +971 25581889 www.noukhada.ae RAK Marine LLC, Ras Al Khaimah City Hilton Marina, +971 557934525 or 507682345 Sea Hunters Passenger Yachts & Boats Rental, Dubai Marina, +971 42951011 Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +968 26836551, www.sheesabeach.com Smoke Dragon of London Yacht, Abu Dhabi International Marine & Sports Club, +971 507011958 or 504546617 Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai, +971 42573084 The Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26731111, www.the-club.com The Yellow Boats LLC, Dubai Marina Walk – opposite Spinneys, Intercontinental Hotel Marina, 800892, www.theyellowboats.com Marinas Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, Abu Dhabi, Breakwater, +971 26815566, www.adimsc.com Abu Dhabi Marina, Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, +971 26440300 Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam +971 72682333 or 504873185, www.aljeerport.ae Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, Oman, +968 24534554, www.almoujmarina.com Al Wasl Charter & Fishing, Airport Road, Al Qwais Bldg., Off. 207, Dubai, UAE, +971 42394760 or 42959477,

www.cruiseindubai.com Dubai Creek Marina, Deira, Dubai, +971 43801234, www.dubaigolf.com Dubai International Marine Sports Club, Dubai Marina, +971 43995777, www.dimc.ae Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai, +971 43627900, www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com Dubai Maritime City Harbour Marina, Dubai, +971 43455545 Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai, +971 43941669, www.dosc.ae Emirates Palace Marina, Abu Dhabi, +971 26907725 Four Seasons Marina, Doha, Qatar, +974 44948899, www.mourjanmarinas.com Fujairah International Marine Club, Fujairah, +971 92221166, www.fimc.ae Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Marina, Al Bateen, Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +971 26666888, www.intercontinental.com Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa Marina, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 48145555 www.jebelali-international.com Lusail Marina, Lusail City, Qatar, +974 55843282, www.mourjan-lusailmarina.com Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat, Oman, +968 24737286 (ext 215), www.marinaoman.net Pavilion Marina, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +971 44068800 The Pearl–Qatar Marinas, Doha, Qatar, +974 4965801, www.ronauticame.com Umm Al Quwaim Marine Sports Club, Umm Al Quwaim, +971 67666644, www.uaqmarineclub.com Dragon Boat Groups Dubai Dawn Patrol Dragon Boating, Dubai, +971 508795645, www.facebook.com/DubaiDawnPatrol Dubai Diggers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, pier next to 360, Dubai, +971 501547175, www.dubai-diggers.com UAE Dragon Boat Association, +971 507634008, www.dubaidragonboat.com

Camping & Hiking

Equipment Blingmytruck.com, +971 505548255, www.blingmytruck.com Gulf Camping, Dubai, UAE, +971 551222252 or 502550666, www.gulfcamping.com Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, +971 24437802 Tresspass, 2nd floor above ice rink, The Dubai Mall, +971 43398801 Urban Peak, PO Box 9587, Office 502E, Ibn Battuta Gate Offices, Dubai, +971 44548805, www.urbanpeak.com Tour Operators Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971 559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463, www.adventure.ae

SPE

CIAL

OFF

ER

Dubai - Tel: 04-3809647 Abu Dhabi (Musaffah) - Tel: 02-5588890 Sharjah - Tel: 06-5388666 | Ajman - Tel: 06-7410004 R.A.K - Tel: 07-2351592 | Fujairah - Tel: 09-2221188 www.aym.ae

OUTDOORUAE

63

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +971 42959428, www.arabiatours.com Libra Travel & Tourism LLC, +971 43397700, www.facebook.com/LibraTravelDubai Mountain High Middle East, Dubai, +971 506595536, www.mountainhighme.com Sheesa Beach, Musandam, Dibba, +971 50336046, www.sheesabeach.com

Caving

Mountain High Middle East, Dubai, +971 43480214, www.mountainhighme.com

Climbing

Equipment Adventure HQ, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai Times Square Center, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, Dubai, +971 43466558, www.barracudadubai.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai, +971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi +971 24437802, www.jack-wolfskin.com Services Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463, www.adventure.ae Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +971 28137444, www.alshaheenme.com Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971 559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Dorell Sports Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, +971 43065061, www.climbingdubai.com E-Sports UAE, Dubai, +971 43697817, www.esportsuae.com The Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26731111, www.the-club.com Information UAE Climbing, +971 506456491, www.uaeclimbing.com

Mountain Biking & Cycling

Equipment/Dealers Bikers JLT, Unit H6, Cluster H, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAE, +971 526221888 Cycle Sports, Shop No. 1, Al Waleed Bldg., Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +971 43415415, Fun Ride Sports, 301, 3rd floor, Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi, Rm. 4, Mezzanine floor, C-13 Bldg., Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, +971 24455838, www.funridesports.com Micah’s Bike Shop, Warehouse No.4 6th St. Al Quoz 3, Dubai, +971 43805228 Peak Performance, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Dubai, +971 43413056 or 43308023 Probike, Dubai, Al Barsha 1, +971 43255705, www.probike.ae Rage Shop, MOE +971 43413388; Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi +971 24437617, Dubai Mall +971 44341549, www.rage-shop.com Revolution Cycles, Shop G05, Apex Atrium, Motor City, Dubai, +971 43697441, www.rcdxb.com Ride Bike Shop, Festival City, +971 43395602 www.ridebikeshop.com Sportz Unlimited, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, + 971 43388644 or 43391333 Tamreen Sports LLC, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 26222525, www.tamreensports.com The Cycle Hub, Motor City, Dubai, +971 505528872 or 44256555, www.thecyclehub.com Trek Bicycle Store, Seih Al Salam, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, +971 48327377, www.trekbikes.ae Trikke uPT, Dubai, +971 45081202 or 556096757, www.trikkeme.net Wolfi’s Bike Shop, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43394453, www.wbs.ae Operator Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463, www.adventure.ae, info@adventure.ae Clubs Abu Dhabi Tri Club, www.abudhabitriclub.com Cycle Safe Dubai, Dubai Autodrome www.cyclechallenge.ae Dubai Roadsters, +971 43394453, www.dubairoadsters.com

64

OUTDOORUAE

Diving

Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, +971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, +971 43444468 Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Blue Waters Marine, +971 43808616, Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com Gulf Marine Sports, Abu Dhabi, +971 26710017, www.gulfmarinesports.com Premiers for Equipment, Sheikh Zayed 1st.

Road, Abu Dhabi, +971 26665226, www.premiers-uae.com Scuba Dubai, Al Barsha, Al Khail Road, Dubai, +97143414940, info@scubadubai.com Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah, +971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com Diving Centres Al Boom Diving (equipment), Dubai, Al Wasl Rd, +971 43422993, www.alboomdiving.com Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam, +971 72682333, www.aljeerport.ae Al Mahara Dive Center, near Muroor St. across from main bus terminal, +971 26437377, info@divemahara.com, www.divemahara.com Arabian Diver, Hilton Marine, Ras Al Khaimah, +971 72226628 or 502428128 www.arabiandiver.com Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Coastal Technical Divers, glenn@coastaltechnicaldivers.com, www.coastaltechnicaldivers.com Deep Blue Sea Diving, International City, Dubai, +971 44308246, www.diveindubai.com Desert Islands, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 28015454, www.divemahara.com Divers Down, Fujairah, Rotana Al Aqah Hotel Resort & Spa, +971 92370299, www.diversdown-uae.com Emirates Divers Centre, Abu Dhabi, near Meena Fish Market, +97126432444, www.edc-ad.ae Euro-Divers Oman, Muscat, Oman, +968 95035815, www.euro-divers.com Extra Divers Zighy Bay, Oman, Musandam, +968 26735555, www.extradivers.info Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, +971 506130486 contactus@freedivinguae.com, www.freedivinguae.com Freestyle Divers, Al Wasl & Dibba, Royal Beach Hotel, Dubai, +971 43944275, www.freestyledivers.com Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah Beach, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah, +971 92449888, www.rotana.com Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com Moonlight Dive Center, Madinat Qaboos, Oman, +968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com Neptune Diving, +971 504347902, www.neptunedivingcentre.com Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment), Dubai, +971 44068828 Scuba Oman, Oman, +968 99558488, www.scubaoman.com Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah, +971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com Scuba UAE.com, +971 502053922, www.scubauae.com 7 Seas Diving Center, Khorfakkan, +971 92387400, www.7seasdivers.com Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +971 506683430, www.bsac406.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971 503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Sky & Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005, www.watersportsdubai.com Clubs Atlantis Underwater Photography Club, Dubai, +971 44263000 Desert Sports Diving Club, Dubai, www.desertsportsdivingclub.net Emirates Diving Association, Diving Village, Al Shindagha, Dubai, +971 43939390, www.emiratesdiving.com

Filipino SCUBA Divers Club (FSDC), Dubai, UAE, +971 566952421, www.facebook.com/FSDCuae Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, contactus@freedivinguae.com, www.freedivinguae.com Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +971 507840830, www.bsac406.com

Fishing & Kayaking

Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, +971 43444468 Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +971 43390000, www.aym.ae/yamaha Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai, Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +971 43466558, www.barracudadubai.com Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11, The Curve Bldg., Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43808616 or 553899995, www.bluewatersmarine.com Challenging Adventure, Wadi Al Bih Ras Al Khaimah, +971 561060798 or 44538386, contactus@challengingadventure.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai, +971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com Ocean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre, +971 502898713, www.oceanactive.com Operators Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463, www.adventure.ae Al Boom Diving, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah, +971 43422993 Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah, +971 72432274, www.alhamramarina.com Al Mahara Dive Center, Downtown Abu Dhabi, +971 501118125, www.divemahara.com Al Wasl Charter & Fishing, Airport Road, Al Qwais Bldg., Off. 207, Dubai, UAE, +971 42394760 or 42959477, www.cruiseindubai.com Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +971 26429995, www.alshaheenme.com Al Wasl Charter & Fishing (Al Wasl Passenger Yachts and Boats Rental LLC), Airport Road, Al Owais Building, Dubai, +971 42394761, www.cruiseindubai.com Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, +971 506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971 559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Barracuda Diving Centre, Fujairah International Marine Club, +971 503366224 Belevari Marine, Abu Dhabi, +971 26594144 Captain Tony’s, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM Dhabi, +971 26507175, www.captaintonys.ae Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai, +971 507050433 or 506947764, www.seaworlddsf.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971 558961276 or 503960202, www.happydaysdubai.com Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +971 26811900 Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com Nautica 1992, Dubai, +971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Noukhada Adventure Company, Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 26503600, www.noukhada.ae Ocean Active, +971 504592259, www.oceanactive.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971 503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Soolyman Sport Fishing, Umm Suquiem, Fishing Port No. 2, Jumeirah Beach, +971 508866227, 508866228 or 503402379, www.soolymansportfishing.com Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai, +971 42573084, www.summertimemarine. com Xclusive Yachts, Dubai, Dubai Marina, +971 44327233, www.xclusiveyachts.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Camping, Fishing & Kayaking Club, mohamed.almahrouky@gmail.com Dubai Surfski & Kayak Club, Kitesurfers’ Beach, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, +971 554986280, www.dskc.hu

General Sports Equipment Distributors

Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha 800 Sport, Al Quoz, Dubai +971 43467751, www.800sport.ae Flip Flop Arabia, flipme@flipfloparabia.com, www.flipfloparabia.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai +971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com Highbury Trading, Dubai, www.highburytrading.ae Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, +971 24437802 Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735, www.kitesurfsup.com Picnico General Trading, near Sharaf DG Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43951113 Portable Shade UAE, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE, +971 508897125, www.portable-shade.net Sport in Life Distribution, Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Khor, Dubai, UAE, +971 42896001 or 42896002, info@sportinlife.ae, www.sportinlife.ae Tresspass, The Dubai Mall 2nd floor above ice rink, +971 43398801

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

Horse Riding

Equipment Al Asifa Horse Equestrian & Requisites Trading, Al Khawaneej 1, Dubai, +971 554733110, www.asifa.ae Black Horse LLC, Abu Dhabi, +971 26428338, www.blackhorseuae.com Bonjour Equestrian Supplies, Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Kho, Dubai, UAE, +971 42896001, +971 42896002, info@bonjourequestrian.com, www.bonjourequestrian.com Cavalos Equine Care and Supplies, 16th Street, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, +917 22222433, www.cavalosuae.com Emirta Horse Requirement Centre, Sheik Zayed Rd., Dubai, +971 43437475, www.emirtahorse.com Equestrian Clubs/Centres Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500, www.adec-web.com Al Ahli Riding School, Al Amman Street, Dubai-Sharjah Rd., +971 42988408, www.alahliclub.info Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.com Al Jiyad Stables, Behind Dubai International Endurance City, Dubai, +971 505995866, info@aljiyad.com, www.aljiyad.com Al Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971 44274055, equestrian.centre@alsahra.com Desert Equestrian Club, Mirdif, Dubai, +971 503099770 or 501978888 Desert Palm Riding School, Near Al Awir Road (going to Hatta-Oman), Dubai, +971 43238010, www.dubaipoloclub.com Dubai Polo Academy, Dubai, +971 508879847, www.dubaipoloacademy.com Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, Arabian Ranches, +971 43618111, www.poloclubdubai.com Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971 505587656, www.emiratesequestriancentre.com Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +971 25629050, www.grpc.ae Golden Stables Equestrian Club, Al Khawaneej, Dubai, (Nouri) +971 555528182, Hoofbeatz, located just inside the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, +971 569424551, www.hoofbeatz.com Mushrif Equestrian and Polo Club, Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai, +971 42571256, www.mushrifec.com Rahal Ranch, Al Wathba Racing Area, Abu Dhabi, +971 506229004, www.rahalranch.com Riding for the Disabled, Dubai, lessons@rdad.ae, www.rdad.ae, Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road, +971 65311188, www.serc.ae Racecourses Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500, www.adec-web.com Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +971 25629050, www.grpc.ae Jebel Ali Racecourse, off the main Abu Dhabi - Dubai Highway (Sheikh Zayed road) beside the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, +971 43474914 Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, +971 43270000, www.meydan.ae Sharjah Racecourse, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah, +971 65311155, www.serc.ae

Jet Ski Dealers

Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Japan Marine General Trading, Al Garhoud Road, Liberty Building, Dubai, +971 44426395, uday@japanmarine.jp, www.japanmarine.co Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 42822114, www.libertykawasaki.com

Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, +971 43678700,www.dubaiautodrome.com Emirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain, +971 67681166 2xWheeler Adventures, Dubai, +971 44548388, www.alainraceway.com Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Off-Road

Motocross & ATV’s

Dealers Al Badayer Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, +971 507842020, www.albadayerrental.com Al Shaali Moto, Ras Al Khor, +971 43200009, www.alshaalimoto.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Golden Desert Motorcycles Just Gas It, Hatta Rd., Al Aweer, Dubai, UAE, +971 561379323, www.JustGasIt.net KTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42, +971 4323151, www.ktm.com Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 42822114, www.libertykawasaki.com Motoventure, Hobbies Club, Al Awir, Hatta Road, Dubai, +971 555437392, www.motoventure.net mxDubai, Al Ain Road Dubai, +971 55 2090832, www.mxdubai.com Polaris UAE (atv’s), Ras Al Khor, Nad al Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex, Dubai, +971 42896100, M4, Sector 13, 10th Street, Mussafah Industrial, Abu Dhabi, +971 26441478, www.polarisuae.com Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +971 551532550, www.goldendesert-dubai.com Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai, +971 48321050 Equipment Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +971 42959429, www.arabiantours.com Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental), Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43395608, Sebsports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com 2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai, +971 44548388, www.2xwheeler.com Wild X, Dubai, Um Al Ramoul Industrial Area, +971 42852200

Motorcycling

Distributors and Dealers Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Ducati, Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 24918593, www.ducati.ae Duseja Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43476712, www.dusejamoto.com Harley-Davidson, Mussafah 4, Street 10, Abu Dhabi, +971 25540667, hd.auh@harley-davidson.ae, www.harley-davidson-abu-dhabi.com Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 42822144, www.libertykawasaki.com Polaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex, Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor, +971 42896100, www.polarisuae.com Tristar Motorcycles, +971 43330659, Workshops and Services Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.com

Dealers Bling My Truck, +971 503634839 or 505548255, info@blingmytruck.com, www.blingmytruck.com 4x4 Motors LLC, Shk. Zayed Rd, Dubai, +971 43384866, www.4x4motors.com Liberty Automobiles, Dubai, 800 5423789, www.libertyautos.com Repairs and Services AAA Service Centre, Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE, +971 4 2858989, www.aaadubai.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744, www.icon-auto.com Mebar Auto, Al Quoz, Industrial Area 2, Dubai, UAE, +971 43469600, www.mebarauto.com Off Road Zone, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43392449, www.offroad-zone.com Saluki Motorsport, Dubai, +971 43476939 www.salukimotorsport.com Equipment Advanced Expedition Vehicles, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +971 43307152, www.aev.ae Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Bling My Truck, +971 503634839 or 505548255, www.blingmytruck.com Heartland UAE, Al Mafraq Industrial, Abu Dhabi, +971 569796524 or 506472447, www.heartlanduae.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744, www.icon-auto.com Mebar Auto, Al Quoz, Industrial Area 2, Dubai, UAE, +971 4 3469600, www.mebarauto.com Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +971 48321050, Yellow Hat, Nad Al Hamar, and Times Square Center, Dubai, +971 42898060, www.yellowhat.ae Tour Operators Arabian Adventures, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +971 43034888, www.arabian-adventures.com Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +971 42959429, www.arabiantours.com Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +971 4 2628832 or 4 2686826, www.opdubai.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Off- Road Club, www.ad4x4.com ALMOST 4x4 Off-Road Club, +971 507665522, www.almost4x4.com Dubai Offroaders, www.dubaioffroaders. com JEEP Wrangler JK Fun Club, suffian.omar@yahoo.com, www.jk-funclub.com ME 4X4, www.me4x4.com

Running

Clubs ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi, www.abudhabitriclub.org Abu Dhabi Striders, admin@abudhabistriders.com, www.abudhabistriders.com Al Ain Road Runners, Abu Dhabi, +971 504188978, alainroadrunners@yahoo.co.uk Mirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.info Dubai Creek Striders www.dubaicreekstriders.org

Stand up Paddling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Kitesurf Dubai, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqueim and Jumeirah 3 +971 505586190, www.kitesurfdubai.ae Picnico, Al Fairdooni Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Near Sharaf DG Metro Station and Mall of Emirates, +971 43951113

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM Surf Dubai, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, +971 505043020, www.surfingdubai.com Surf Shop Arabia, 5 Street, Al Baraha, Dubai, UAE, +971 564716180, www.surfshoparabia.com Surf School Arabia, +971 556010997, www.surfschoolarabia.com UAE Kite Surfing, +971 505626383, www.ad-kitesurfing.net Distributors Kitepeople Kite & Surf Store, International City, Dubai, +971 504559098, www.kitepeople.ae Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735, www.kitesurfsup.com Operators Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.com Dubai Kite Surf School, Umm Suqeim Beach, Dubai, +971 504965107, www.dubaikitesurfschool.com Duco Maritime, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, +971 508703427, www.ducomaritime.com Dukite, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqeim, Dubai,+971 507586992, www.dukite.com Kite Fly, Dubai, +971 502547440, www.kitesurf.ae Kitepro Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and Al Dabbayyah, Abu Dhabi, +971 505441494, www.kitepro.ae Nautica1992, Dubai, +971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Shamal Kite Surfing, Umm Suqueim Dubai, +971 507689226, www.shamalkitesurfing.com Sky & Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005, www.watersportsdubai.com Surf School UAE, Umm Suqeim Beach and Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai, +971 43791998, www.surfschooluae.com Watercooled, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Dubai, +971 48876771, www.watercooleddubai.com Water Cooled, Watercooled Sports Services LLC, Hilton Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26395997, www.watercooleduae.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle, www.abudhabisup.com UAE SUP AND SURF ASSOCIATION, www.facebook.com/UAE-Sup-and-SurfAssociation-358311720952873/

Water Parks

Aquaventure Atlantis, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, +971 44260000, www.atlantisthepalm.com Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al Quwain, Emirates Road, +971 67681888, www.dreamlanduae.com Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, +971 37818422, www.wadiadventure.ae Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai, +971 43484444, www.wildwadi.com

Other leisure activities

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, + 971 25588990, www.adgolfclub.com Al Tamimi Stables, Sharjah, +971 67431122 or 44370505, www.tamimistables.com Blokart Sailing, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, +971 556101841, www.blokartme.com Children’s City, Creek Park Gate No.1, Dubai, +971 43340808, www.childrencity.ae Dolphin Bay Atlantis, Dubai, +971 44260000, www.atlantisthepalm.com Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park Gate No. 1, +971 43369773, www.dubaidolphinarium.ae iFly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +971 42316292, www.iflyme.com Sadiyaat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, +971 25578000, www.sbgolfclub.ae Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah, +971 65487777, www.golfandshootingshj.com SkiDubai, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, +971 44094000, www.skidxb.com Spacewalk Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, +971 26577777

OUTDOORUAE

65

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

MAY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Health, Safety & Training

Safety & Leisure Training Middle East, Dusseldorf Business Point, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +971 48879958, www.sltme.com Sport and Health Centres Bespoke Wellness, Dubai, +971 553724670,

www.bespoke-wellness.com Original Fitness Co., C6 Tower Al Bateen Bainunah St, Abu Dhabi, +971 2406 9404, www.originalfitnessco.com Orthosports, 5B Street, Jumeira Beach road, Dubai, 800 ORTHO (67846),

www.orthosp.com The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, +971 44370570, www.physiocentre.ae

OMAN DIRECTORY

Sultanate of Oman, +968 26836550, www.almarsamusandam.com Al Sawadi Beach Resort, P.O. Box: 747, Barka - Al Sawadi, Oman, +968 26795545, www.alsawadibeach.info Diving UAE & Oman, www.dive-uae-oman.com Euro Divers CAYC Oman, Marina Bandar Al Rhowda, P.O. Box: 940, Muscat, Oman, +968 97899094, www.euro-divers.com Extra Divers Musandam, PO Box: 498, PC 811 Khasab, Musandam, Oman, +968 99877957, www.musandam-diving.com Global Scuba LLC, +968 24692346, www.global-scuba.com Khasab Divers, Oman, +968 99883345, www.khasabdiver.com

Omanta Scuba Diving Academy, Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati Area, Muscat, Oman, +968 99777045, www.omantascuba.com Oxygen Diving and Adventures, P.O. Box: 1363 PC130 Alazaiba, Muscat, Oman, +968 92537494 or 9723 2661, www.o2diveoman.com Seaoman, P.O. Box: 2394, RUWI PC 112, Oman, +968 24181400, www.seaoman.com Sub Aqua Dive Center, Hilton Salalah Resort, P.O. Box: 699, Salalah 211, Oman, +968 23211234, www.subaqua-divecenter.com

P.O. Box: 117, Postal Code 421, Bediyah, Ghabbi, Oman, +968 99310108, www.safaridesert.com

Moon Light Dive Center, P.O. Box: 65, Madinat Qaboos, Muscat Oman, +968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com Nomad Ocean Adventures, +968 26836069, Dibba, Oman; Fujairah, +971 92449444, www.discovernomad.com Oman Dive Center, Muscat, Oman, +968 24284240, www.omandivecenter.com Oman Dive Center Resort, PO Box: 199, Medinat Sultan Qaboos, Oman, +968 24824240, www.omandivecenter.info

Stand Up Paddeling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

Equipment, Operators Kiteboarding Oman, Sawadi Beach, P.O. Box: 133, PC 118, Muscat, Oman, +968 96323524, www.kiteboarding-oman.com Oman’s Kite Center, +968 94006007, www.kitesurfing-lessons.com

Equipment Az’Zaha Tours, +968 99013424, www.azzahatours.com Water World Marine Oman, P.O. Box: 76, Muscat, 113, Sultanate of Oman, +968 24737438, www.waterworldoman.com

Safety Lessons Marine Concept Yacht Charter & Sea School, Rania Business Centre, Dubai, +971 559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.com

Adventure tours and desert safaris

Bike and Hike Oman, P.O. Box 833, Ruwi, Postal Code 112, Oman, +968 24400873, www.bikeandhikeoman.com Dolphin Qasab Tours, PO Box: 123, P.C. 811, Khasab City, Musandam, Oman, +968 26730813, www.dolphinkhasabtours.com Go Dive Oman, Capital Area Yacht Club (CAYC), Sidab Muscat, +968 97899094, www.godiveoman.com Khour Shem Tourism, Oman, +968 91713449, www.khourshemtours.com Nomad Tours, PO Box: 583, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Oman, +968 95495240, www.nomadtours.com Oman Trekking Guides, PO Box: 917, NIZWA, Oman, +968 95741441, http://omantrekkingguides.tumblr.com

Diving

Equipment Al Marsa Musandam, PO Box: 44, Dibba,

QATAR DIRECTORY Adventure tours and desert safaris

Al Mulla Travels, P.O. Box: 4147, Doha, Qatar, +974 44413488, almullatrvls@qatar.net.qa Alpha Tours, P.O. Box: 13530, Doha, Qatar, +974 4837815, info@alphatoursqatar.com Al QAYED Travel & Tours, PO Box: 158, Doha, Qatar, +974 44072244, www.alqayedtravel.com Arabian Adventures, PO Box: 4476, Doha, Qatar, +974 44361461, www.arabianadventureqatar.net Black Pearls Tourism Services, P.O. Box: 45677, Doha, Qatar East Marine, West Bay, Doha, Qatar, +974 55200078 E2E Qatar Travel and Tours, PO Box: 23563, Doha, Qatar, +974 44516688 or 444515995, www.e2eqatar.com Falcon Travels, PO Box: 22031, Doha, Qatar, +974 44354777, www.falcontravelqatar.com Gulf Adventures, 29, P.O. Box: 18180 Qatar, +974 4315555, www.gulf-adventures.com Net Tours Qatar, P.O. Box: 23080, Doha, Qatar, +974 4310902, www.nettours.com.qa Regency Travel & Tours, +974 44344444, www.regencyholidays.com Qatar Adventure, P.O. Box: 13915, Doha, Qatar, +974 55694561, www.qataradventure.com Qatar Inbound Tours, P.O. Box: 21153, +974 77451196, www.inboundtoursqatar.com Qatar International Tours, P.O. Box: 55733 Doha, Qatar, +974 44551141, www.qittour.com Qatar Ventures, Doha, Qatar, +974 55776679, www.qatar-ventures.com

Clubs

Cycling, Running & Triathlon Doha Sailing Club, Katara Beach +974 44439840 or 55649995 Qatar Chain Reaction, www.qatarchainreaction.weebly.com

OUTDOORUAE

Tour Operators Safari Desert Camp,

Equestrian Clubs/Centres Al Shaqab, P.O. Box: 90055, Doha, Qatar, +974 44546320, www.alshaqab.com Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, Racing and Equestrian Club, P.O. Box: 7559, Doha, Qatar, +974 44935183, www.qrec.gov.qa

+974 44435626 Doha Sub Aqua Club, Doha Sub-Aqua Club, PO Box: 5048, Doha, Qatar, +974 50483794, www.dohasubaquaclub.com Extreme Adventure, P.O. Box: 33002, Shop 3, 4 Ahmed Bin Ali Street (Bin Omran), Doha, Qatar, +974 44877884, www.extreme.qa GoSport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, Qatar: +974 44631644; Villagio Mall, Qatar: +974 44517574, www.facebook.com/gosport.qatar Pearl Divers, P.O. Box: 2489, Doha, Qatar, +974 44449553, Poseidon Dive Center, Ras Abu Abboud Street, Al Emadi Suites, Showroom #2, P.O. Box: 11538, Doha, Qatar, +974 66084040, www.pdcqatar.com Poseidon Dive Center, Ras Abu Abboud Street, Al Emadi Suites, Showroom #2, P.O. Box: 11538, Doha, Qatar, +974 66084040, www.pdcqatar.com Qatar Scuba Center, 187 Al Mansoura Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar, +974 66662277, www.qatarscubacenter.com Q Dive, Souq Al Najada cnr of Grand Hamad and Ali bin Abdulla Str.; Al-Odeid Aisle numbers 129-132, +974 55319507, www.qdive.net World Marine Centre, PO Box: 6944, Doha, Qatar, +974 44360989, www.worldmarinecenter.webs.com Qatar Divers, Marriott Hotel Marina Near Old Airport, Ras Abu Aboud Area, Doha, Qatar, +974 44313331, www.qatardivers.com Qatar Marine, Go Sport City Center West Bay, P.O. Box: 16657, Doha, +974 553199507, www.qatarmarine.net Qatar Scuba Centre, 187 Al Mansoura Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar, +974 66662277 or 44422234, www.qatarscubacenter.com Qdive Marine Center, P.O. Box: 16657, Doha, Qatar, +974 44375065, www.qdive.net World Marine Centre, Old Salata Street, near the Qatar National Museum, Doha, Qatar, +974 55508177

Diving

Fishing & Kayaking

Qatar Sandstromers, +974 77775207 or 77776634, www.facebook.com/ QatarSandstormers Velostar Doha, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/587539064642288/ Doha Bay Running Club, www.dohabayrunningclub.com TriClub Doha, www.triclubdoha.com

General Sports Equipment Megastores

Galaxy Sport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, Qatar: +974 44822194; Villagio Mall, Qatar: +974 44569143; Ezdan Mall, Qatar: +974 44922827, The Pearl(Parcel 9) +974 40027513, Souq Jabor +974 44430322.

Office: +974 44417935, www.galaxysportqatar.com GO Sport Qatar, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, +974 44631644; Villaggio Mall, +974 44157463, www.facebook.com/gosport.qatar Sun & Sand Sports Qatar, City Centre Mall, +974 44837007; Dar Al Salam Mall, +974 44510179; Mustafawi Exhibition, +974 44935183, en-ae.sssports.com

Boating & Sailing

Equipment Regatta Sailing Academy, Katara Beach +974 55503484 www.regattasailingacademy.com Distributors and Dealers Speed Marine, Speed Marine, Museum Road, P.O. Box: 9145 Doha, Qatar, +974 44410109, www.speedmarinegroup.com

Horse Riding

Equipment/Centres Al Fardan Marine Services, Najma Street (near Al Fardan Exchange), Doha, Qatar,

Add your free listing to the 66

Camping & Hiking

Equipment Al Kashat, Fishing and Hunting Equipment, Souq Waqif, next

Caving

Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre, Oman, +968 24543002, www.holiday-in-oman.com Oman World Tourism, Oman, +968 24565288, www.omanworldtourism.com

Fishing & Kayaking

Boating & Sailing

Manufacturer Saphire Marine, PO Box: 11, Post Code 118, Muscat, Oman, +968 99877243, www.sapphire-marine.com

to the Falcon Souq, +974 70057489 Al Mamzoore Marine Equipment, P.O. Box: 6449,Old Salata, Doha, Qatar, +974 44444238, almamzoore@qatar.net.qa Extreme Adventure, Shop 3,4 Ahmed Bin Ali Steet, Doha, +974 44877884, www.extreme.qa Fish World, P.O. Box: 1975, Doha, Qatar, +974 44340754 State of Qatar (QatarSub), Souq Waqif, next to the Falcon Souq, +974 4431234, www.stateofqatar.com Operators Paddle Qatar, +974 55490895, www.paddleqatar.com

Motocross & ATV’s Dealers

Qatar Adventures, Barwa Village, Building # 9 Shop # 11, Doha, Qatar, +974 77700074

Stand Up Paddeling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

Equipment, Operators Fly-N-Ride, Ras abu Aboud, Doha, +974 33117089, Flo Kite School, Westbay, Doha, +974 33155628, www.flokiteschool.com Kitesurfing Qatar, +97430179108, www.kitesurfingqatar.com QSUP, Qanat Quartier, Costa Malaz, The Pearl-Qc, Doha, Qatar, +974 66602830, www.qsup.me

Cycling (Road & Off Road)

Bike Servicing, Equipment Carbon Wheels Bike Shop, Al Maha Center 10, Salwa Road, Doha, +974 44419048, www.facebook.com/CarbonWheelsQTR Flash Bike Shop, Mesaeed New Souq, Shop C.06, +974 6600 9116, www.flashbikeshop.com Skate Shack, Salwa Road, South Doha, +974 44692532, www.skate-shack.com Galaxy Sport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, +974 44822194; Villaggio Mall, +974 4456 9143; Ezdan Mall, +974 4492 2827, www.galaxysportqatar.com Sportswell, Salwa Road, South Doha, +974 44151687

ONLINE DIRECTORY

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