OutdoorUAE - September 2017

For Drastic Measures RAK Flies into Global Tourism Major Leagues with World’s

Longest Zip Line

Home Is Where You Park It:

Gear Edition

Columbia Sportswear Review

Casting From The Shore Start The Season Now!

Plenty of

PRODUCTS TO CHECK OUT

Price 10.00 AED 10.00 QAR 1.00 OMR

At the Mercy of the Mountain and Weather Gods

CLIMBING MT ELBRUS IN RUSSIA

Tips & Tricks:

A SNEAK PEEK INTO THE LIFE OF A PROFESSIONAL TRIATHLETE

Vol. 7, No. 9 September 2017 www.OutdoorUAE.com

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

SEPTEMBER 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

OutdoorUAE Team

The Worries of Rich Men Last month I wrote about current challenges many businesses are facing in the Gulf, but having lived for more than a decade in the region I also know that business life cycles are very short here and it’s a vibrant market with constant changes. So living and working here means it will be a wild and bumpy ride!

No matter how challenging the work situation, we are still lucky to able to live in such a developed and safe place. Some worry if they will be able to buy a new car next year, a second holiday home or to go on a five star holiday trip. If we are able to afford these things we should be happy about it and not waste our worries on that. Even more important things like the education funds for kids to be secured years in advance are the worries of privileged people. There are so many privileged people here who seem not to see or understand how fortunate they are. Ambition makes us look up the ladder to the people on top at the person who has more than us especially in a work driven community of expats like we have in the UAE. You can even see this in the determination and aspiration that people show in sports or their adventures. We want to be a top athlete, stand on top of mountains and explore new places. I think ambition is a great driver in work and private life but it should not turn into tunnel vision.

Take a break, hold on for a second, look around and look back. The majority of people in this world are not so fortunate as we are, they face daily struggles to survive in hostile environments, don’t know what to feed their family the next day, have no access to basic medical treatment or no place to stay. I am not saying to not enjoy the fruits of your hard work I am saying if you put it in context to all the people living on the beautiful planet and not only to the guy next door, you will recognize how blessed you are and you will enjoy it even more. Maybe you will also feel that you are so blessed that you can share your luck with some others who are not as fortunate as you and give a little bit back to society. ■

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© 2017 Outdoor UAE FZE Vol. 7, No. 9, September 2017

Published by Outdoor UAE FZE P.O. Box 215062 Dubai, U.A.E. Tel. 04 446 8473 contact@outdooruae.com www.outdooruae.com

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EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

Marina Bruce The Desert Diva and Off-road Expert

David O’Hara Ultra Runner and Extreme Endurance Junkie

Kit Belen Our Fishing Pro

Bandana Jain Outdoor and Lifestyle Contributor

Nico de Corato Dubai Blogger and Athlete

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.

© 2017 Outdoor UAE FZE Reg. at Creative City Fujairah P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.

Dan Wright Staff Writer and Outdoor Guide

www.OutdoorUAE.com

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

Daniel Birkhofer Founder and Managing Director daniel@outdooruae.com

WHEN YOU’RE DONE READING, PLEASE RECYCLE!

Matt Ficco Adventurer and Thrill Seeker at discoveredtrax.com

Nicky Holland Personal Trainer

Helle Bachofen Von Echt Elite Women Cyclist

Pedro Gomes Professional Triathlete

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

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CONTENTS

38 SOME PRO TIPS TO TRAIL RUNNING IN UAE

20 HOME IS WHERE YOU PARK IT: GEAR EDITION

28 TREKKING IN KASHMIR

EVERY ISSUE

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

06 EVENTS CALENDAR 08 BEST SHOTS 36 PRODUCTS 63 DIRECTORY

EVENT & ACTIVITY REPORTS 09 ROCK’S REPUBLIC EXPLOSIVE BOULDERING FINALS 10 THE GREAT WALL MARATHON 13 DRASTIC TIMES CALL FOR DRASTIC MEASURES 4

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20 HOME IS WHERE YOU PARK IT: GEAR EDITION 22 WEEKEND BREAK - SALALAH 25 AT THE MERCY OF THE MOUNTAIN AND WEATHER GODS CLIMBING MT. ELBRUS IN RUSSIA 28 TREKKING IN KASHMIR 30 AN EXTRAORDINARY ISLAND ADVENTURE AWAITS 32 MAURITUS: PARADISE REDISCOVERED

16 OMAIMA’S ODYSSEY FROM OBESITY TO ULTRA RUNNER 18 RAK FLIES INTO GLOBAL TOURISM MAJOR LEAGUES WITH WORLD’S LONGEST ZIP LINE OPENING IN DEC.

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

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46 OMAN WADI WANDERINGS

49 IS IT MADNESS?

54 START THE SEASON NOW!

LIFESTYLE

TIPS & TRICKS

34 OFFROADER’S CORNER: MAJED AL ADAWI 36 HABITUALLY HEALTHY: KITCHEN GEAR

56 A SNEAK PEAK INTO THE LIFE OF A PROFESSIONAL TRIATHLETE 58 7 SURF CITIES THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO MOVE THERE! 60 WHICH BODY TYPES ARE YOU? 61 OPTIMIZING YOUR DOWN TIME

PRODUCT REVIEW 38 COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR REVIEW

OUR EXPERTS 46 OMAN WADI WANDERINGS 49 IS IT MADNESS? MONT VENTOUX 3 TIMES, IN ONE DAY 52 FATBIKING GEAR ESSENTIALS: THAT’S MY LIST! 54 CASTING FROM THE SHORE – START THE SEASON NOW!

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

EVENTS CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

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STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST EVENTS

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Adihex 2017

Nextorch Night Rebel 2017

When: 12th – 16th, September Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Contact: www.adihex.com

When: 22nd September Where: Ras Al Khaimah Contact: www.premieronline.com

Oceanic Warm Up Weekend Away

Abu Dhabi Indoor City Run 3 - Ferrari World

When: 7th – 9th September Where: Khorfakkan, Fujairah Contact: www.hopasports.com

When: 15th September Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi Contact: www.premieronline.com

Beginners Tri Camp

Yasalam – Get Driver Fit

Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is the only dedicated consumer and trade event in the Middle East for hunting, equestrian, outdoor and marine sports, safari, arts and antiques, and culture and heritage.

A weekend away at the Oceanic Hotel and Spa, participating in fun fitness challenges to kick-start the new triathlon season. Activities include: A triple supersprint, a Kayak relay race and an underwater challenge. Non-participants welcome.

NYUAD Athletics in partnership with Activelife by Daman, proudly present the 2017 iTRINYUAD summer series! Get out of the heat and take part in our original ‘sprint’ event, or try out our new ‘super-sprint’ option. Both are great for newcomers to the sport, or those looking to test themselves.

When: 14th September Where: Khorfakkan, Fujairah Contact: www.premieronline.com

The cross-country adventure will start and finish at Wadi Showka.

The course is 100% gravel jeep track and rocky wadi bed with short sharp climbs and undulations. The course will be marked with light reflective material for navigation.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council Indoor Run - will be hosted by Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Mall. The run will start and finish in Ferrari World with the run taking in the ground floor on Yas Mall. A very cool run starting at 8:15am.

Get Driver Fit, brought to you by Daman’s Activelife is back for a fifth year of fun and free fitness, returning to multiple locations across the Capital to help you gear up to a healthier and more active lifestyle.

When: 17th Sept. – 10th Nov Where: Du Arena, Abu Dhabi Contact: www. abudhabievents.ae

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Dubai Desert Road Run 10k & 3k September 2017

First held in February 2012, the Dubai Desert Road Run is held several times a year, appealing to all elements of the running community from first time social runners, to some of the best UAE based athletes. Organised as a community event in which runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate, the Dubai Desert Road Run features two distances; 10km and 3km. Both distances are run on private roads over a safe, traffic free course.

When: 23rd September Where: Dubai Contact: www.premieronline.com

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

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2017 The Nationals Wakeboarding Championship

Categories will be for boys from 7 to 11 years old, 12 to 16 years old and men (aged over 30) and for girls from 7 to 14 years old and women.

When: 29th September Where: Abu Dhabi Contact: www.alforsan.com

Al Wathba Monday Night Cycle Race 1

Aloft Runs for Children ADNEC 2017

When: 18th September Where: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi Contact: www.premieronline.com

When: 22nd September Where: Abu Dhabi Contact: www.premieronline.com

Garden City Aquathlon

Hilton Dubai Tower Race 2017

The Al Wathba Monday Night Cycle Races return. The evening consists of 3 races, Mixed Juniors, Ladies and Men’s APR. Juniors is 16km, Ladies and Men’s APR is 48Km . Juniors 6:30pm, Ladies 6:45pm & Mens at 7pm. Road Bikes only.

Fitness Edge Presents The Garden City Aquathlon. Test your run, swim fitness in the first Garden City Aquathlon in Al Ain. When: 22nd September Where: Al Ain Contact: www.premieronline.com

The 8th Charity Run will be held on 22nd September 2017 in the air conditioned comfort of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The track covers a distance of 2km per lap with multiple options from a single lap to unlimited laps.

Hilton Dubai Tower Race will be a run up 36 floors / 730 stairs. This event is for the good cause of fundraising and supporting the Rashid Centre for Disabled.

When: 30th September Where: Dubai Contact: www.premieronline.com

Spinneys Build Up Ride 2 of 4 (50km)

You’ve made it through the first Spinneys Dubai 92 Build-Up Ride and are ready to push yourself even further. The 50km distance is a good test of your fitness level. This is more than two-thirds over the December course distance. After you complete this ride, nothing can stop you!

When: 29th September Where: Top of the Al Qudra Cycle Path, Seih Al Salam (near Zads and Trek shop), Dubai Contact: www.hopasports.com

Yas Island Cycle Race

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council Community Cycle Race series returns to Yas Island’s Gateway Course. Long Course (Male 10 laps, Female 8 laps) and Short Course 6 laps. Junior development race will feature.

When: 29th September Where: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Contact: www.premieronline.com

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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 five free copies of the magazine and the Advance Off-road Guidebook: Sarah Kaye, Beerta Maini and Mavis Ozukum. Well done!

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

Sarah Kaye

Dead end of a journey at Western Region Desert

Beerta Maini

Close-up shot with the lizard

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Mavis Ozukum

Embrace the unknown and let life surprise you

EVENT REPORT

This Saturday, Rock Republic completed 2 weeks of the “Boulder Bash 2017” with a fantastic showcase of strength, endurance and sportsmanship in the final live round of this summer’s hottest competition!

Bouldering is a form of free climbing, it employs the same technical principles as sports climbing with the added bonus of being free from ropes and climbing equipment, only your body strength against the wall. Split into 3 categories this year, the top 5 finalists in Male and Female categories battled against each other for over 2 hours in front of a crowd of 50 at the Region’s biggest dedicated bouldering facility, “Rock Republic Dubai” in Dubai Investment Park.

Everyone who signed up, finalists or not, showed incredible improvement during the 2 weeks of competition. We saw excellent progression and strength from the community’s top seeds but also relative newcomers. This year the ladies showed the most improvement. Guida Versucht a Partner in

Rock Republic and the Director of Business Development and Marketing said that; “The pool of participants consisted of almost all new climbers compared to last year and we always welcome ladies to join and participate in this growing sport.”

The finals for Men were all about muscle power. Hamad Sajwani, UAE, scooped first place with an impromptu showdown after scoring with Jan-Georg Wafenfeld, Germany, matching his top score and threatening a tie. Jan-Georg placed second and James McLean, South Africa, came a close third.

The ladies came on strong with a distinctive first place belonging to Diana Nateras, Mexico; second and third places were scooped in closed score count by Carina Ganahl, Austria and Guida Versucht, Netherlands, respectively. Fourth place was proudly occupied by Emily Garbutt, UK a rising star who is 12 yet opted out of the Junior Category and placed beautifully among the ladies. Overall winner in the Junior Category and another rock star was Maria Luisa Gierich, Germany, pushing herself to a victorious finish!

When we asked Rock Republics other Partner and General Manager, Peter Aldwinkle, What’s next for Rock Republic? He told us; “We are gearing up for the academic year and students’ after school programs.

Supplementary class sessions such as Pilates

and Yoga are returning from September onwards widening our reach and potential for customer fitness improvement. This year has been fantastic for us with completion of our expansion which facilitated the flow of customers especially over the summer months. We look forward to keeping this positive trend going by expanding our offers and providing excellent service in the friendly atmosphere our patrons are accustomed to.” Rock Republic Dubai is located in Dubai Investment Park 1. Open Sun- Wed 3.30-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-6pm, half price on weekend mornings, day pass 100 AED, monthly memberships available. ■

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EVENT REPORT

The Great Wall Marathon Words + Photos by: Raimundo Tamagnini

Introduction The Great Wall Marathon, held every year at the end of May in China, is considered one of the most challenging and beautiful marathons in the world. With its 5164 steps and unforgettable scenery, this race is more than just a marathon.

I have just recently started running marathons so when a friend of mine suggested to go to China and run on the Great Wall, I immediately agreed. Visiting The Great Wall and running the marathon at the same time sounded amazing!

This event is organized by Albatross Adventure Marathons (http://albatros-adventure.com). This Danish company has been organizing this event since 1999, it arranges the registration, the possibility of a multi-day tour package ( 6 or 7 days) as well the op-

tions of fun run, half marathon or marathon, as well as the supporter option for people that don’t run. Registration, hotels, meals and transportation come in at around 1500 dollars which is good value for money in my opinion.

I decided to signup for the marathon and invited my parents to come with me and visit China. What an adventure that was!

Getting there and before the race

From Dubai the options to fly to China (Beijing) are immense and relatively cheap.

The organizers collected us from the airport and dropped us at the hotel (options from 3 to 5 stars). This journey took us around 13 hours from door to door. The following day we were taken to a town close to the Great Wall; Huangyaguan, a 3 hour drive through rural China. The weather was nice (slightly warm with temperatures around the 26/28 degrees) and the landscape was beautiful.

Day 2- “Inspection day� this was used to walk on the Great Wall for 3km and assess the steps and the gradient of part of the distance we have to run. Once finished I was both surprised and expectant. Surprised with the steepness and amplitude of the steps, and expectant to know how I would perform. This would be definitely be an extra challenge and difficulty compared to the usual marathons. My training in Dubai was done by running in warm/hot and humid weather coupled with going up the stairs in high buildings (yes 50 floors up and down!), I felt I was really prepared for it. My plan was

to divide the marathon in 5 segments and project times for each; so that I could see how I was doing.

The race

2 days passed until the race. They were used to relax and tour around this beautiful and historical part of China. The hotel was great, there were people from all over the world participating in the marathon. Everyone was friendly and shared all their stories.

On the day of the race we were woken at 3:30am. We arrived to the starting square at 6am, the set up was amazing. There was a local band, villagers and all the race tents

waiting for us. The first Marathon wave started at 7:30am, there were a total of 4 waves, one every 10 minutes. The temperature was approximately 18 degrees, but the sun was just behind the hill. The first part of the race (around 14K) was on the Wall and was incredible, a really great atmosphere and fun with a steep gradient and many, many steps. They were old and uneven‌ but the views were breathtaking. After completing the first part, the route takes you to the old villages where people; mostly children cheer you and take photos.

The temperature was rising and the gravel and the hilly road made this part of the race (at least for me) the most difficult of all. Once completed and back to the main

square, we re-enter The Great Wall for the last time and for the final 14k. At that point, and due to the fact that the finish line was closer, I realized I was ahead of my planned timings so I took the time to take some photos and enjoy the amazing views. Obviously this marathon is not the place to attempt your personal best. Therefore my goal was to complete it and to enjoy every moment.

Conclusion

As is mention on most websites, this marathon is a very challenging, hard and beautiful race. The organization is exceptional, the views are unique and the fan support is very good. It should be on every marathon runner’s bucket list! â–

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

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ACTIVITY REPORT

Words + Photos by: David O’Hara

Today I am hungry. Really teeth-grinding, hungry. I’m in the midst of week 4 of my weight loss program. Being constantly ravenously hungry is not a pleasant experience, but I have to do it. How did I get here? In July 2017, my weight was the highest it’s been in seven years, despite running over 50km every week this year.

were US size 44, but I decided that my goal was to get a six pack stomach.

Baby Steps

Starting out was hard. There is so much bad advice available on how to lose weight miraculously. Before trying to lose weight, I decided to do stretches and walk up and down stairs in my apartment building every day. The key was consistency. Every day I exercised and tried to do at least what I did the day before. When starting out, you never know at the time if you will succeed or quit. Work hard and keep trying.

Cause and Effect

I found myself dedicating time every day for my exercises, but I wasn’t focused on what I was eating. For reasons unbeknownst to me, I began eating less – smaller portions and less often. My pants started to feel loose.

Exercising daily helped me effortlessly eat less, which in turn caused me to lose weight – which in turn really encouraged me to continue exercising and thinking about what I eat. I know that I lost weight because I ate less, and that the exercise helped me eat less but I don’t feel the exercise directly contributed to the weight loss – not a scientific fact, only that it was true for me.

I do not “Diet”

David - before

Losing weight is something almost everybody wants to do, but few people really do it. I’m not talking about losing 3-5kg – that can be a routine weekly weight fluctuation.

I’m talking about losing so much weight that not only do you need a complete new wardrobe, but you must change your passport because immigration does not recognize your skinny face compared with the fat face in your passport photo. About ten years ago, I noticed that I wasn’t just ‘big’ – I was fat and getting fatter. I wasn’t happy in many aspects of my life and I needed to make some drastic changes about my health and fitness. Allow me to indulge in my weight loss adventure.

The concept of “going on a diet” is repulsive to me. I don’t diet. Rather I restrict my nutrition intake and eliminate Bad Foods, and I don’t care if that’s just semantics: it works for me. “Going on a diet” to me implies that when you achieve your goal, you may revert to your old bad eating habits, but healthy eating is a lifestyle choice which you live with going forward. Here is a partial list of things I don’t eat: • Candy • Cookies • Desserts • Sweets David - during

David - after

• Fast food • Junk food • Chips/crisps • Pizza • Alcohol • Ice cream or any impulse food I stopped eating meat three years ago as well, because when a steakhouse puts your portrait on their Wall of Fame of their restaurant that’s a sign that you eat too much meat. I don’t want to gloss over the challenges of losing weight – it’s really, really hard to not eat when you are starving. It’s really, really hard to not eat what you want to eat. It’s really, really hard to not eat as much as you want to eat. It takes strong will, self-control and motivation – characteristics which I now utilize in my ultramarathons.

Breaking the 100kg Barrier

After six months of exercising and monitoring what I eat, the weight was noticeably dropping. My first real milestone was when I broke the 100kg barrier. I hadn’t weighed under 100kg in over twenty years. At this time, a friend recommended I read “Born to Run”, which motivated me to start running – something I’d always hated. I have been a terrible runner all my life,who hated running and was the slowest guy around, but I decided to give running a shot. Wow! I found something fun, like a new toy! Running was exciting for me because I never envisioned my “fatself” being physically capable of running.

David - after

Set a Goal

I used to be fat. F-A-T. I weighed 117 kg.

You know the guy on the airplane that you didn’t want to sit next to because he was so big? That was me seven years ago, when I decided to change the priorities in my life.

I was driven by the desire to seek happiness by changing something in my life and I decided I should start by losing weight. I didn’t want to go on a diet, join a gym, find a nutritionist or join a “fatman” club. I hadn’t exercised in over twenty years and my jeans

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Becoming a Runner

My initial weight loss can be attributed to eating less food, less frequently, in smaller portions and eliminating all junk food – all much harder to do in practice than to write about. At this stage, I wanted to enjoy the benefits of losing weight and that was through running. I began running every day as far as I could without stopping, which was usually about 20-25 minutes, at a very slow pace. Within six months, I was able to run 2-3 hours at a time. Running brought a smile to my face, despite the moments of discomfort and strenuous effort.

Becoming a Good Runner

When I dropped below 90kg, my best friend said to me: “That’s great you lost weight, but how are you going to keep it off?” I panicked. It never occurred to me that I would need a plan to keep the weight off!

Instantly my biggest fears in life expanded from wild dogs and car accidents to now include regaining the weight I lost. I immediately started running harder, faster and farther. I found some running training 14

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schedules online and got serious about my running. The more I ran, the more I wanted to run well. This helped me to lose more weight, which also helped me to run better.

My weight dropped down to 77kg – which is 40kg lower than my peak!

nutrition plan. By July 2017 my weight ballooned up to over 91kg. Drastic Times Call for Drastic Measures, so I had to face my personal nightmare and get serious about getting my weight under control. Here is what I did.

Becoming an Ultra marathoner

Drastic Measures: My Weight Loss Approach

Every year I set my fitness goals and send them to my closest friends. One year I wanted to run 5km under twenty minutes – my fastest time was 20:26. One year I wanted to qualify for the Boston Marathon in 3:30, and I was thrilled to settle for 3:47 at Paris Marathon. In 2016 I wanted to become an ultra-marathoner. Over the past year and a half, I ran ten ultramarathons and nine marathons so I achieved that goal but there was one undesired side effect: I was gradually gaining weight. Let me say explicitly: I do not lose weight by running. I lose weight by eating less!

Drastic Times: Gaining Weight Back Even though I ran over 3,000km every year for the past five years, I lost the focus of my

People have different approaches to losing weight. What works for me may not work for you. What works for you may not work for me. There is only one universal secret to losing weight: Eat Less! Sure it’s important to eat good food and avoid junk food. The best way for me to lose weight it to track everything I eat with the “MyFitnessPal” app, where I record everything I eat and drink everyday. What follows are some observations I’ve noted on losing weight, based on my personal experience. Over the past four weeks, I’ve lost 8kg by consuming an average of 1,275 calories a day and running 8km every day. It’s never easy. If somebody out there knows a more effective way to lose weight, please share your secret! ■

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Medium Margarita Pizza - 1,600 calories

Icecream Mint Chip (pint) – 1,200

David’s Random Observations

Guacamole – 1,490 calories

Shrimp Pasta – 3,120 calories

Bag of potato chips – 1,440 calories

1.

Try tracking everything you eat with myfitnesspal. It keeps me honest about what I eat, how often I eat, the portion size and removes snacks and sweet temptations.

2.

Set your target weight goal and stick to it. No excuses.

3.

The first week of hunger is hellish. Deal with it and the irrational thoughts.

Second week of hunger is too early to expect results, so trust the process. I like to think of each week as a Checkpoint in an ultramarathon: just make it to the next checkpoint, don’t worry about anything else. Don’t quit. Stop whining. Enjoy a pickle with Diet Coke.

4.

Stop eating even if you’re hungry. That’s so hard for me.

5.

Eat healthy snacks, but no handfuls, only one piece at a time.

6.

Water is your friend. Drink too much water. It’s cheap and has zero calories.

7.

Pickles are my fav food these days. Pickles have zero calories but taste really good.

8.

You burn fewer calories exercising than you think you do or your iphone app says you do.

9.

You eat more calories than you think you eat.

10.

Portions for calorie counting are very small. I am mad at granola / muesli manufacturers. I always thought granola was healthy and good for me, until I measured out the size of a ‘portion’ – it’s about the size of a ping pong ball.

Are you freaking kidding me? I boycott granola now.

11.

Plan your food in advance. It’s the unexpected meals that catch up to you quickly.

I stay in hotels and fly every week. On planes around the GCC, I never accept the inflight meals. It’s too easy to sit and eat it, even if you don’t like it.

12.

There is no such thing as a ‘cheat day’. I love tortilla chips and salsa … but if I splurge and have a snack, it’s only gonna be after running an ultramarathon. I think this is why I gained so much weight after running all those ultras.

13.

No food after 19:00. If I don’t eat before it gets dark, then I won’t eat.

14.

No cookies for me! It’s easier for me to not have just one bite of a cookie than to limit myself to half of a cookie. I do not enjoy anything in moderation. I’m either ‘all in’ or nothing. This concept is similar to ‘go big or go home’, which I also believe.

15.

Medium margarita pizza – 1,600 calories. Icecream Mint Chip (pint) – 1,200 calories. Bag of potato chips – 1,440 calories. Guacamole – 1,490 calories.

16.

Go to bed hungry! When I go to bed hungry, I wake up feeling fine.

17.

I’m not exactly sure what ‘metabolism’ means, but that’s what I blame for my weight issues. It seems that my body requires fewer calories to maintain my existence than most people, so if I consume more calories, I gain weight. Or something like that – anyways, I blame my metabolism.

18.

My biggest vice is Diet Coke. I enjoy them fanatically. I’m not saying Diet Coke is healthy or good for me – they taste great. I suppose it is the caffeine, but in any case, Diet Coke is my savior when I’m really hungry.

19.

I gotta admit that when I am really hungry, I tend to be sorta, maybe, possibly, just a bit of a curmudgeon.

20.

Two things to do when I’m really hungry: drink water or go out for a run!

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ACTIVITY REPORT

Omaima’s Odyssey from Obesity to Ultra Runner Words by: David O’Hara Photos by: Supplied

Omaima Mohammad The first time I met Omaima Mohammad was a few months ago while running with Desert Trail Runners. In July we both ran Al Qudra when it was over 50C. Despite our diverse backgrounds – I am an American who works in KSA while she is Sudanese and a lifelong UAE resident – it turns out that we have something in common: “Before” and “After” photos!

factors played a role: Food was “comfort” for Omaima and unfortunately still is, even though she has changed her lifestyle and eating habits. For Omaima, knowing and understanding the main trigger to eat was a big achievement. Now she still has to deal with it in order to control it.

Getting Started: First Obstacle

Omaima decided to lose weight the day she admitted she was obese and had to change her life. She began going to the gym early in the morning, sacrificing sleep. Omaima had some family restrictions, particularly on gym clothes, so she couldn’t just wear a t-shirt and sport pants to exercise. She overcame these obstacles and found a way to exercise despite resistance from others.

Food

Finding a Running Mentor

Water

The gym became Omaima’s place to avoid domestic conflict, and soon she became a regular. After trying all the machines and equipment at the gym, she figured out the treadmill was her favourite: her goal was to run one full minute nonstop. After noticing her dedication to the treadmill and hearing her huff and puff, Steven, a marathoner at the gym, became her “Running Godfather” teaching her how to breath and how to run. He explained how the body works and provided some websites for more related information.

First Running Accomplishment

Omaima - before

Omaima was a very large person six years ago. She weighed 110kg and lost 43kg over three years, but wasn’t successful in keeping the weight off. Omaima’s weight was up to 96kg when she approached Ultra runner Coach Lee Harris in April 2016: “Drastic Times Call for Drastic Measures”. Omaima started running and by July 2017, she weighed 45kg.

Omaima was Obese

Obesity started with Omaima after giving birth to her first baby in 2004 when she gained weight which was difficult to lose.

Prior to that, she may have been chubby, up and down, but never obese. Emotional Omaima - after

Omaima is grateful to Steven for her love of running, and she’ll never forget her first 10km run. It felt like owning the world!

She showed him the result on the treadmill screen, so he could verify it and no one could question her.

Going from Obese to Ultras

How did Omaima go from obese and out of shape to a serious runner? It’s about Sleep, Food, Water, and the Coach.

Sleep

Good sleep really effects the performance of the next day’s run. Omaima needs seven hours of good sleep to ensure a good run.

Omaima - during

Food is still a major uncontrolled area for Omaima; and she is figuring out how to deal with it, especially with “emotional food comfort”. For example, over the past 3 weeks, Omaima gained 5kg because she was emotionally depressed and started eating a lot – pastas, Arabic sweets and chips but drinking less water.

Here is Omaima’s secret advice: Drink more water – at least 2-3 litres daily – and you will eat less food.

Omaima says if you want to lose weight, then drink at least 3 litres of water daily.

If plain water is hard for you to drink, then mix it with any “oral hydration salt” which is inexpensive and readily available in local pharmacies. The water makes you feel fuller and simply is good for you.

Coach Lee

Omaima - before

In April 2016, Omaima approached Coach Lee Harris. She was afraid he would reject her as a running client, because she was so “big”at the time, over 90kg. Much to her surprise, he accepted the challenge – yes, she knew she would be a challenge for him! She gathered all her courage and went to meet him in person: “I want to be a good runner.” He asked what her goal is, and she said her wildest dream (at that time!) was to run 10km in an hour.

Omaima spent the next year learning how to run from scratch with Coach Lee, while simultaneously going through the process of losing massive weight. Less than a year later, she achieved her wildest dream and broke an hour for the 10km!

Coach Lee’s Engine Analogy

Coach Lee regularly reminds Omaima to not be afraid of food, that food is just energy to put in our “engine”, which is our body so we can move and run. For Omaima, sometimes it’s ok to eat chocolate or cake or even

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bread and not feel guilty (Author’s Note #1: I wish that thought applied to me! I’d feel guilty eating chocolate!). Omaima changed the way she looks at food: she considers it as a “friend” instead of a “scary monster”!

(Author’s Note #2: Food still scares me.)

Omaima can now enjoy Paul’s full cream latte vanilla coffee, rather than ordering it with skimmed milk. She loves bread and traded plain white slices for Arabic thin bread. (Author’s Note #3: Omaima can enjoy her favourite foods in moderation. I struggle with moderation and feel it’s better for me to avoid the scary food altogether than risk trying a bite or two or ten.)The bottom line is that enjoying food makes Omaima more relaxed and happier, thereby really encouraging her to give more effort in her sport training as her stomach is happy.

Omaima’s Tips to Get Started in Sports

Al Qudra Desert every weekend, emotional abuse from any person first the trail then the sand dunes.

AT ALL • Overcome your fears. On May • I appreciate food and water 12, 2017 Omaima ran with the much, much more Desert Trail Runners for the first • I can identify directions (north, time … a day she won’t forget south, east and west) when I am in as she was probably both scared the desert and mountains and shy, though proud to reach • I know better now basic outdoor that level. survival methods (like carrying mir• Find your “nature”. Do you ror, whistle, compass, first aid etc) like “water” or “air” or “earth”? for emergencies.

Omaima says she is an “earth” • I have a better understanding Omaima - after person, so Mountains and Deof my body in terms of how much serts are like her “third lungs”. fuel and water it needs and for Every weekend since the beginning of 2017 how many hours. she hasn’t missed the chance to go to the • I know consistency is the only way to meet mountains and desert to re-charge her body, my running goals no matter how slow I feel soul, and mental health. Yes, she has to sometimes. get up early - 02:45! - to drive 45minutes • Believe in yourself! If you feel that you are to reach her favourite desert or about to quit, please speak to someone, trail to train and then come back like your coach or an athlete-friend who can home to deal with life’s responsisense and understand. bilities.

• Aim always for the next level and don’t • Think big! Omaima’s next goal stand still or plateau. is the ultra-marathon. She also • Wear comfortable clothes that you like has a bigger dream: running the when you do your training Oman Desert Marathon in No• I still enjoy learning about my inner deep self ■ vember 2018 and eventually MdS (Marathon des Sables).

• Find your favourite sport. Join a gym and try all machines and equipment. Figure out which ones you like. You won’t get bored or want to stop going to the gym, if you’re having fun.

• Once you find your passion for a sport, you should be motivated Omaima’s Life to get up and do it.

Rewards from Running, • Find your best time of the day. in Her Words Some people think of themselves • I am a happier person as early birds, and some are • I am very, very confident in night owls. Find your favourite myself time of the day and stick to it, so Omaima - before • I am very strong physically and your body will get addicted to it mentally and scream at you if you feel lazy • I am more focused on life & work goals one day. Remember that it takes months for • I am very specific in dreams and what I habits to become routine. want from this life • Seek professional advice. From 2012 to • I accept my body as it is with no shame or 2016, Omaima trained on her own and shyness from anyone reached a plateau. Then she recognized that • I surround myself always with inspirational she needed professional assistance from a optimistic people ONLY coach to reach the next level. Training those • I don’t accept any verbal, physical and four years helped her understand that she wanted to focus on running and get good at it.

• Do some research about coaches and pick the best one you feel comfortable with, and who wants to work with you.

• Set goals. In 2017, her 10km wildest dream came true. She also ran a PR in the half marathon of 2:25, which was more than an hour faster than her best half marathon in 2016.

• Take it to the next level. After fulfilling her dream, she told Coach Lee about her new dream: to become a good off-road runner and enter trail races.

• It’s hard work. Omaima started to run in Coach Lee and Omaima at Fossil Rock

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Omaima - after

RAKTDA has partnered with the world’s leading zip line operator, Toro Verde, to create the emirate’s flagship multi-million dollar tourism product Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), has announced that the world’s longest and highest zip line will officially open on the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, in December.

With the exact length of the zip line remaining a closely-guarded secret until the multi-million dollar adventure tourism product’s opening, the zip line will propel the

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UAE’s most northern emirate into the major leagues of global adventure tourism and cement Jebel Jais as the region’s leading active adventure tourism destination.

RAKTDA has partnered with Toro Verde, the world’s leading zip line operator to develop its latest active adventure tourism product, which is due to break the current Guinness world record zip line of 2,200 metres held by ‘The Monster’ in Puerto Rico, a site also developed and operated by Toro Verde. The Ras Al Khaimah zip line will also be a case study for eco-tourism, using solar

energy and locally-sourced natural materials ensuring visitors enjoy the natural experience in the emirate’s mountain landscape.

Speaking at a press conference to launch Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship tourism product, Haitham Mattar, CEO of RAKTDA, which develops the emirate’s tourism infrastructure, regulates its hospitality sector and initiates its domestic and overseas promotions, revealed the currently unnamed zip line will be longer than 28 soccer fields in length.

“Building on the success of last year’s launch of the Jebel Jais Via Ferrata adventure product, the new zip line represents Ras Al Khaimah’s most significant tourism product opening since Al Marjan Island, our coral-shaped leisure tourism archipelago.

This key product launch will further enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s unique mountainbeach-desert offering as the emirate moves towards its goal of attracting one million visitors next year,under the guidance and vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.” said Mattar.

With RAKTDA aiming to secure Guinness World Records status for the world’s longest and highest zip line, Toro Verde UAE, a subsidiary of the Puerto Rico based Magno Genesis Holding Group, has been appointed to construct and operate the attraction.

“Jebel Jais’ dramatic and beautiful

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landscape offers an iconic backdrop for what will be a bucket list experience for people all around the world. The mountains also provide a strong and very challenging base for construction and through our experience and the expertise of our team, we are already making good progress,” said Jorge Jorge, CEO of Toro Verde Ras Al Khaimah.

“Opening within the heart of the UAE’s highest and most iconic natural mountain range, the Jebel Jais zip line experience will consist of two lines, allowing friends and family to take part in the flight together.

On arrival at the Welcome Centre, which features a lounge, restaurant, lockers, equipment storage and offices, participants will be given a pre-briefing and then escorted to the launch platform and fitted with a special suit and equipment for this adventure,” commented Ricardo Lizano, COO of Toro Verde Ras Al Khaimah.

The zip line will be open to all ages, providing participants meet required minimum weight of 35kg and maximum weight of 150kg, and a minimum height of 120cm.

Expecting to attract a high-end clientele, a dedicated VIP Lounge and Welcome Centre will provide an enhanced experience.

In addition to private parking and the option to fast track their zip line flight, a helicopter transfer will be available, flying guests from Ras Al Khaimah’s pristine coast line, taking in

Ras Al Khaimah - Jebel Jais

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RAKTDA CEO Haitham Mattar, Toro Verde CEO Jorge Jorge and COO Ricardo Lizano during the press conference held recently.

the views of the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains from above.

“This zip line will be like no other experience out there. Once harnessed to the zip line in a horizontal superhero position, participants will soar through the sky as if they’re a bird. It’s the closest you can get to the experience of flying. The flight will take them to a suspended landing platform where they will be transferred to a second

line to complete their journey back to the ground,” Mattar explained. “In its first phase of operations, the zip line will be able to accommodate 250 people a day, that’s 100,000 in a year. Nothing like this exists in the world – let alone this region – it is a true first for Ras Al Khaimah and adds another amazing attraction to the UAE’s diverse tourism portfolio.”

In line with RAKTDA’s commitment to sustainability as a sponsor of the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017, construction of the zip line and its supporting structures and facilities have been designed to have a positive impact on the environment. Local expertise and materials have also been sourced where possible, with the addition of utilizing environmentally friendly resources in specific areas of the site, such as LED lighting and photovoltaic fabric materials, that will allow for the generation of clean energy for operations.

“We want visitors to enjoy the pleasure of experiencing the stunning mountains and nature without impacting the environment,” commented Jorge.

The longest zip line in the world in Ras Al Khaimah will open the first week of December and will be one of several eco-friendly products on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, which is set to become the adventure tourism hub of the Middle East.

More information about Jebel Jais and its active adventure tourism offering is available on www.jebeljais.ae. ■

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Home Is Where You Park It :

Gear Edition Words + Photos by: Amanda and Chris Fraser

One year. 37 countries.

57,987 kilometres. A lifetime of memories. Years of planning had gone in to this epic journey and within the blink of an eye it was over!

Thanks to our reliable Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and some amazing gear, we were able to take on some of Africa’s toughest, untouched roads.

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Camping Equipment

The product that turned our car into a home was our Howling Moon 1.4 Stargazer Deluxe Roof Top Tent. The Stargazer was incredibly easy to set up and take down. The tent was equipped with six large windows, allowing ample ventilation during hotter evenings.

Many nights were spent star gazing (aptly named) through the two roof windows. The best feature was the high density foam mat-

tress. The few times we found ourselves in a hotel, we’d wake up longing for our bed.

Even my mom, who absolutely despises camping (mainly because of the associated discomforts) had a sound sleep; a true testament to the quality and comfort of the Howling Moon roof top tent.

Howling Moon also provided relief from all that Mother Nature had to throw at us.

The Howling Moon 270 degree Swing Awn was the perfect solution for unpredictable afternoons out in the bush or beach. Its two minute set up time and easy fix sidewalls created the perfect haven for us to hide from the sun or protect us from the rain.

Our house was completed with one of the most important items in our car, the Sno Master 42 L Fridge and 42 L Freezer.

Many people were shocked to hear that in fact the times were not tough, and we were still eating ribeye steaks, crayfish, and chicken tikka masalas regularly thanks to our capacity to hold up to 15 meals at a time.

We even had the luxury of finishing off the day with a drink on ice. With the slogan “Ice Cold Anywhere,” Sno Master truly lived up to their motto.

To power the above and all auxiliary lighting we installed the CTEK 250S and 2 x 140Amph Discoverer Dry Cell batteries with a solar panel to match the required load, allowing us to stay “OFF THE GRID” for nearly 30 days!

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4x4 Equipment

One’s selection on tires is extremely important and after many months of research we decided to go with the well-known BF Goodrich All Terrain KO2. What a good decision it was with 57000Km completed and only one puncture to report.

Old Man Emu suspension kept the car stable on and off the road carrying the extreme load with ease.

A winch whilst not often used was always a comforting thing to have, especially when crossing the equatorial rainforests of the Congo’s and Gabon.

All in all the changes we made to gear our beast for this mammoth task stood the test and then some. We look for forward to our adventure mobile docking in Dubai and getting it into the dunes. Give us a hoot when you see us on the road. ■ Instagram: dead2travel Facebook: www.facebook.com/dead2travel

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Weekend Break - Salalah Words + Photos by: Denise Ostermann

Once again trying to beat the heat of the UAE summer, what is better than a weekend escape to the wonderful and lush green oasis of Salalah? On Thursday evening after work we take off from Dubai with Oman Air. Perfect timing to make the most out of the two days weekend and not having to skip work!

After a quick two hours flight over the usual desert and mountains as we know them, we are all of a sudden over a huge cloud. Passing through it a refreshing rainy Salalah awaits us. The Khareef (monsoon) Season is the best time to travel to the southern region of Oman. It usually starts in June and goes until the end of September.

During this time the area transforms into a beautiful feast for the eyes, mind, body and soul! If you live in the UAE or anywhere else in the Middle East and you have never been to Salalah now is your time! Ever since I 22

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have discovered this place I frequently head down to enjoy the beauty of nature! Water filled wadis, amazing waterfalls, mountains covered in green and camels grazing all the way to the beach!

And all that just around the corner!

The new airport opened a few years ago and makes the arrival very easy and hassle free. Visa is given on arrival for UAE residents with passport validity of at least six months and costs only 5 OMR (50 AED) Renting a car is the best advice I can give if you want to discover the area. With the off-road explorer guide book always in my luggage nothing can go wrong! Over the last few years a lot has happened in Salalah!

New Hotels have opened up, streets are

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being extended but the charm stays the same! A great address nevertheless is the Rotana Resort. Like a little village on the beach a bit outside of the city it just feels like home away from home, the moment you step in!

So much to discover! Driving down the coastline to an area called Mughsayl you will reach the Marneef cave and the famous blowholes. Going up the mountains just an hour outside the city there are waterfalls and sinkholes and amazing views over Salalah and the beach! A great place to have dinner with a view is on mountain Iteen. Until the end of August the Tourism Festival is taking place organized by the Dhofar Municipality providing the thousands of visitors with some great entertainment – and fireworks every evening!

If you are an outdoor enthusiast don’t worry, there are plenty of hiking paths around the area for beginners as well as

for the pros! Otherwise you can just enjoy a picnic at the wadis or waterfalls with the locals! People around here are very friendly, hospitable and welcoming!

There is even a Frankincense Museum in Salalah as Dhofar is very famous for its frankincense. Definitely something you have to take home! Al Baleed is right next to the museum and an UNESCO world heritage site which you can’t miss.

Wadi Darbat is a must if you are in Salalah.

On the way you can visit the Taqa’a Castle and the Sumhuram Old village for some beautiful pictures! At Wadi Darbat you should rent a pedal boat and cruise around the wadi. Just around the corner you reach the Ayn Hamran waterfall. And if you didn’t

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get enough yet and have some time left head over to Mirbat. A sleepy fisher village which is just an hour’s drive away.

Even if you cannot make it during the Khareef season, Salalah is a great place for watersports. Especially if you are into scuba diving it is a must to take a trip and head over to the untouched and undiscovered Hallaniyat Islands to see the resident population of humpback whales, manta rays, sperm whales, dolphins and turtles.

As always the weekend is too short and it’s about time to go back. Not much time for relaxing but it still feels like a vacation!

Boarding Fly Dubai this time which is taking us directly back to Dubai. What a great escape! ■

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At the mercy of the mountain and weather gods - Climbing MT Elbrus in Russia Words + Photos by: Bishworanjan Das

11th Aug. 2017, I will always remember this day when I made it to the summit of Mt Elbrus, Russia, the highest peak on the European Continent.

Days of walking with heavy gears & backpack, exhausting acclimatization walks, one failed summit attempt and then finally the grueling 17 hours climb to the summit and back. We returned Exhausted, Emotional, Inspired and at Peace!

A group of 12 strangers met in a small Russian town called the Kislovodsk.

People from different walks of life but with a common goal to summit Mt Elbrus. A mountain which is known for its precarious weather, was seeing some of the climbers making their 2nd or even 3rd attempt.

For a newbie like myself, keeping an open mind was more comforting rather than thinking of the perils and all the other things that could go wrong.

The North Slope base camp was a comfortable serene place at the foot hills of Elbrus. We make our way up to the high camp carrying our heavy backpack and return to the base camp as part of our acclimatization hike. Next day was a similar story! The idea was to “climb-high and sleep-low” to have better acclimatization.

Exhaustion and limited sleep started taking a toll on our bodies. We lost our appetite and even though we’re exhausted, we couldn’t sleep due to high altitude.

2 of our group mates had to discontinue their journey due to extreme exhaustion

and sickness. The mountain stood tall and continued to push us beyond our limits.

Signs of altitude sickness were all around us with people experiencing headaches, nose bleeding, high heart rates etc. These symptoms are quite common at high altitudes and gradually the body gets use to it. After reaching the high camp (3800m) we made a few more acclimatization hikes in the snow with our heavy boots, crampons and ice-axes. There were several other groups at the high camp, with whom we shared our small wooden cabin and dining space.

Just one day before our summit attempt the high camp got hit by a hail storm, while one of the other group was still out on the slopes for their acclimatization hike. They returned completely drenched and battered

by hail stones, thankfully no one was hurt.

At this point, we were all at the mercy of the mountain and weather gods.

At midnight, we geared up and started our summit attempt, 1 more person had to stay behind due to sickness and we were now down to 9. Lighting the way up with our head lamps, the team started climbing the icy slopes taking one small step at a time. The sky was lit up by millions of stars, it was a perfect day for our summit bid. No winds, no clouds, all we could hear was the sound of our crampons and hyper breathing.

We reached the lower Lenz rock (4600M) around 5:30 AM and it got very chilly, the coldest time of the night is the time just before Dawn. Stopping to take a break felt extremely cold, so after a quick breather, we decided to continue walking. The key in the mountains is to keep walking slowly and maintain the momentum. Too many breaks or a long break just disturbs the rhythm and it feels difficult to gain the momentum again. We walked in small groups of 3 plus 1 guide, connected to each other via a safety rope. The group was doing very well so far and we had already been walking for nearly 6 hours.

It takes hours to gain a few hundred meters at high altitudes. By the time we crossed 5200M, signs of dehydration and fatigue started to kick in. The summit was in sight and we could see some of the faster groups already making their final push on the summit slope. But we still had the long saddle slope ahead of us. What looked like a short gradual slope, felt never-ending as we

began walking through it. Hours of hiking at that altitude started to wear me out, I was dizzy and extremely exhausted. When you’re walking as a group tied with a rope, you must match everyone’s pace and can’t slow down. I was feeling the additional pressure of being the first in the row. Summit Day is a grueling day that takes 8-11 hours to reach the summit and another 4-6 hours to get back, subject to group’s speed and weather conditions.

From this point, the summit was another 3-4 hours away but I was more concerned about the return journey. My water supply was nearly over and I began calculating my options. After a quick chat with my lead guide, I decided it was right for me to turn back. It was a very hard decision to make, returning just a few hundred meters before the summit. A support guide offered to help me with the descent and with a very heavy heart we made our way down.

Upon reaching down at the high camp, people approached me to find out what went wrong but I was terribly fatigued and went straight to sleep in my hut. A few hours later I could hear voices of the other faster groups who returned successfully from the summit. Everyone began consoling me how it’s just a mountain and how I could always come back again to do it next season. An older gentleman from my group who had stayed behind also shared a few words of wisdom. At that point, nothing made sense to me and I was furious inside for giving up so quickly. A couple of hours later my group retuned from the summit and showed

pictures of their triumph. I was part happy for my group and part sad. Months of training and now, all down the drain.

I was beginning to accept this as part of the climbing experience but the mountain had some other plans for me. I heard the older gentleman from our group, the one who had stayed behind, talking to a guide and planning a summit attempt for himself.

Seeing the perfect opportunity, I joined the discussion and expressed my interest of making a second attempt. Adrenalin started rushing in, I was feeling strong and better acclimatized after returning from 5200M. Though some of my group members had a mixed feeling about me going back again immediately without proper rest and recovery break. I knew in my heart that I am not coming back to climb Elbrus and if it must be done, then the time is now. We quickly arranged for 2 guides, one for each of us, packed our gear and decided to leave at midnight. The weather forecast was a bit tricky and there were chances of snowfall in the afternoon. We had a small window to reach the summit and make our way down safely. For the second time, I left high camp at midnight that day hoping to make it to the summit this time. Fingers-crossed!!

After 11 hours of slow hiking in the snow, I reached my destination. A moment of pure bliss, an emotional cocktail. We were among the last ones to reach summit that day, but nothing mattered at this point. It was no race. After a few candid photo shots we were ready to make our descent. On our way down, the mountain decided to throw another surprise in our way. Soon we saw clouds emerging from nowhere and found ourselves amid thunder, lightning and heavy snowfall. At that altitude, one is literally between the clouds and with all the metal gear and an ice-axe pointing out of our backpacks, we were the perfect lightning conductors. We had heard a few stories about people getting struck by lightning and didn’t want to be the next. Me and my guide ran our way down to the nearest rocks and covered our metal gear with the rocks.

We waited for 2 hours at the rocks and as they storm passed, we slowly made our way down. I wasn’t expecting this adventure on the summit day but I guess it was a bonus.

It was still snowing and we finally made it down to the camp. All the support staffs were waiting for us anxiously and I was so happy to see them. Our language barrier didn’t seem to matter at this point and everyone hugged each other with a feeling that can’t be expressed through words. We had many experienced climbers around us but every summit experience is unique in its own way. I saw the toughest, most experienced people getting emotional while sharing their experiences. It was truly a psychological, emotional and physical journey! ■

For the love of the outdoors:)

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Trekking in Kashmir Words + Photos by: Vanessa Ball from Wanderers Miles

My first Kashmir Trek for five days was in the Tosa Maidan and the Greater Lakes in the Bugdam District. We started in the village of Khag Shanglipora where we met the porters and the horses who were tasked with carrying the tents, big backpacks and the food including live chickens!

Off we went into the dense forest which turned into a steep rocky path and after 3 hours we found the first level to rest in the clouds, it was wonderful. We proceeded down the stream and across the meadows to reach our camping spot based at 3180m altitude. The rain greeted us but the sunshine soon came out for us to lie in the sun on the green carpet of the meadows and take in what lucky people we were. We could see the stunning views of Haramukh Mountain, Kolahoi Peak and the Nun Kun

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Peaks into the distance.

Our guides told us we were the third group of international tourists on this trail as the land was leased by the military until 2014 and J&K Tourism (Jammu & Kashmir) was set up. It was evident we were a rare sight in these parts as the locals were very intrigued by us, the girls going to chop wood wanted to carry our small backpacks and the shepherds looked at us in disbelief.

The handy wake-up call by the horses and bright daylight got us moving to our next basecamp at 3920m. The 6 hours trek to basecamp wasn’t difficult, we were ascending higher which slowed down our pace.

Endless beautiful views and the snow we had seen from lower down became a reality.

A local couple helped us find a perfect place to cross the stream, they were off to find medicinal herbs, the meadow is so rich in flora and fauna. At one point, sheep from all around the hills came rushing towards us nearly knocking us off our feet, I don’t think they see many other people to say hi to!

Just as friendly were the two ladies who sat

on a rock and sang us a Welcome song.

Once the sun went down, it was time to layer up. The temperature dropped, then the thunder started. It was quite something seeing the lightening forks behind the mountains but a little part of me prayed they didn’t strike by our tents. Poor horses were going crazy out there!

I got the shock of my life when I saw my face in the morning, it had swollen up with

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the altitude, definitely no selfies on that day!

There were a couple of others in the group feeling symptoms too although mine was evident for all to see.

Our 5 hours trek passed the streams, over huge rocky boulders and green meadows to reach GaadtarSar I, II, III. Each alpine lake was tiered one above each other. Gaad means fish and Sar is Lake in Kashmiri, hence the name! We moved over the snow to check out DamamSar, about 800m in length, and a nearby lakelet. Their beauty is simply breath-taking. A shepherd told our guides that an endangered snow leopard was sighted in the night, it made sense why we heard barking dogs to scare them off the flocks of sheep (and keep us awake), mindboggling to think what is going on outside the bubble of our tent.

The cooks in the camp ordered in mutton from a local shepherd as a treat for us weary trekkers. After I took a peak around the cooks’ tent, I can confirm this was halal meat for dinner, you can imagine what I saw!

The next morning, we set off over the running stream by our camp to make our way up the opposing, steep hill; a mix of rocks, grass and snow to summit over 4,100m. To reach the lake called Boadsar and the neighbouring lake, Pamsar, we traversed across many huge rocks and met many flocks of sheep and goats herded up by Kashmiri shepherds.

The weather changed from a cold start

to warming up when the clouds cleared to reveal the lovely sun shining down on your back. This soon changed the higher we got, the layers of clothing were applied, taken off then reapplied until the rain hit. With all seasons in one morning, you’ll be feeling pretty smug if you’ve packed for this trek wisely.

This was the most challenging trek for me with the weather and the higher ascent but I loved every minute!

In the afternoon, we headed back to original camp. Even though we were descending in altitude which should help, there were many ups and downs to deal with. After the morning trek, the 19km day was a challenge for this average hiker but the blue skies, striking meadows and snow-capped mountains made it all worthwhile.

On day five of our expedition, the camp was packed up for one last time to head back to the village of Shanglipora, only a small matter of descending that super steep mountain! We walked through low hanging fog that cleared as quick as it came and I felt pretty delighted to rest my feet at the village with a cup of kava tea in hand and reflect on what a truly memorable experience this had been… and then more thoughts turned to the shower I desperately needed when we arrived in Srinagar!

My experience of this Himalayan heaven with Trekkup truly lived up to my expectations and beyond. Kashmir, you will be seeing me again! ■

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

An Extraordinary Island Adventure Awaits With its stunning white beach, exciting Arabian Wildlife Park and natural beauty, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resort plays host to one of the most adventurous locations in the United Arab Emirates.

The stunning surroundings of the largest natural island in Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, combined with an exciting variety of activities are perfect for family, fun-filled or adventurous romantic getaways. Guests can experience thrilling adventures with indigenous wildlife. Whether they are looking for activities on land or sea, guests can choose from a wide array of unique excursions or just take advantage of the relaxing facilities at the resorts: • Nature and Wildlife Drive: With over 15,000 animals from 30 different species, many of which 30

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the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies as critically endangered or vulnerable to the wild, this thrilling game drive in dedicated 4x4 vehicles provides exciting encounters with unique and endangered animals. Guests can spot giraffes, gazelles, Oryx, cheetahs and many other animals in their natural environment.

• Culture and History Tour: Guests can step into the past and learn about the history with an engaging cultural tour of Sir Bani Yas Island, named after the Bani Yas Tribe, who first settled in Abu Dhabi 250 years ago.

• Archery: a fun activity for the whole family, Archery is a long cherished Arabian tradition that remains a popular sport to this day.

The hotel provides all the equipment and training needed to make sure guests get closer to the bull’s eye.

• Land Sailing: The perfect fun day out with the entire

family to explore a unique side of the island like never before. Guests can choose to sail independently or make the activity interesting by racing against each other.

• Horseback Riding: An authentic exploration of the island’s surroundings on an Arabian horse. Guests have the rare opportunity to ride within the Arabian wildlife park and spot free roaming animals up close. Beach rides are also available, for beginners and seasoned riders alike.

• Wadi Walk: A closer view of the island’s scenery and wildlife on a guided wadi walk to discover unspoiled sand dunes and explore rock corridors containing a variety of ancient fossils and minerals.

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• Kayaking: Meandering through the lush mangroves in the afternoon sun, guests can cut through the still, azure waters of the Arabian Gulf for a relaxing activity.

• Mountain Biking: Guests can explore the ever changing scenery of Sir Bani Yas Island on an exhilarating mountain bike adventure.

The mountain-biking tracks cater for both experienced and inexperienced riders, and take a variety of exciting on and off road

trails through the Arabian Wildlife Park, wadis, beaches and lagoons.

• Watersports Activities: A varied selection of exhilarating watersports activities is available for all levels of enthusiasts.

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts invites guests to take getaways to the next level and create remarkable memories that last a lifetime.

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Anantara manages three resorts on Sir Bani Yas Island; the family friendly Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, which is decked out in state-of-the-art amenities and styled with eye-catching Arabian touches echoing the UAE’s culture and history.

Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort, located on the Eastern beach of the island and is reminiscent of an ancient pearl fishing village with contemporary style. And finally, Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort, which is nestled within the Arabian Wildlife Park with an African lodge-like ambience. ■

Life is a Journey.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Maur it ius:

Paradise Rediscovered Words + Photos by: Bandana Jain

Across the laid back, island vibe, sugarcane-laden fields, mountainous backdrops and breezy beaches, Bandana Jain explores a tropical island, which is far more than the quintessential honeymooner’s destination. It’s surely for reasons like these that some travelers don’t mind flying as much as thirty hours to enjoy this paradise isle called Mauritius!

Through my aircraft window, I could see a thin film of clouds giving way to the beauty of the greenery beneath. Voila, such a hearty welcome by Mother Nature! Our joys were multiplied when on ground zero, we were able to enjoy the surreal views through the glass façade of the airport, even as we worked our way through the immigration checks.

As we entered the gates of our Hotel Riu Creole, there were coconut trees everywhere.

A huge banyan tree majestically perched in the centre of the aesthetically- designed lobby and we could already feel the tropical island excitement sinking in. Our hotel room was a spacious one with the most amazing garden overlooking the aquamarine waters of the Indian ocean- what more could we ask for?

After the pre-dinner drinks by the bar, we went for supper and voila what a spread! We decided to go for a stroll on the beach front.

The air had a slight chill, after all it was the Mauritian winter (Mauritius is located in the Southern hemisphere) which reminded me of the lovely British summers. The days to come saw a few rain showers, but that did not dampen our spirits at all.

Mauritius is a gorgeous island country that sits close to the south east off the African mainland. Divided into four districts; east, west, north and south, the entire country can be covered in a matter of just 2 hours! The country thrives on its sugarcane crop and of course, tourism. Roads here are lined by sugarcane fields just the way date palm trees

are in the UAE. One thing that I was in awe of was the traffic discipline on the Mauritian roads. The fact that the vehicles (and population) were very few, probably contributed to this!

Besides the welcoming locals and the stunning views, Mauritius has another unique selling point, its affinity for water sports. The waters here are key to some unique adventures like the submarine ride and undersea walk, which we gleefully tried. The submarine ride is like an aircraft completely submerged in water to a depth of 35 metres and through its glass windows we could see the beautiful coral beds and colourful tropical fish and even the debris of some ship-wrecks. Other regular water activities abound like kite-surfing, wind-surfing, yachting, jet-ski, parasailing, snorkelling and scuba diving. So, the popular belief that Mauritius is an exclusive honeymoon destination is a misnomer. There really is so much to do on Mauritius for the entire family!

The second day, our tour began with a halt at the view point of Trou Aux Cerfs. This is a dormant, volcanic crater some 100m

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journey is more exciting than the destination.

Our quad biking spree was a perfect testament to this quote as it was a thrilling experience! But the icing on the cake was the site of the colored earth. Yes, true to its name, the park consists of a portion that contains twenty-three-colour of earth, a part of the volcanic ash whose origin supposedly dates back to millions of years. We marveled at the hue of colours, ranging from yellow, red, brown, violet, purple, green and even blue.

Kitesurfers prepare their kites for a day out at the ocean

deep and 1km in circumference rimmed by a densely wooded forest. Thereafter, we proceeded to La Vallee Des Couleurs that is famed for the naturally colored, twenty-three shaded earth. Not only this, the Valley is a euphoric hotspot for thrill-seekers and sporty people, who are looking for some adrenalin rush.

It was lunch time and we were ushered into a semi, open air restaurant. As we filled our tummies, we also gazed at the greeneryinfused vistas, several zip liners whizzed past us. A rather stunning sight! We could hardly await our own chance at this amusing activity.

There were plenty of other reasons for us to get hooked to this mesmerizing outdoor park. First of all, its location left me completely fascinated. It is rightly located in the midst of a vast, green meadow.

The 500- meter Zipline took us over the stupendous green meadow with a kids’ playground and acres of unrivalled views.

The chilled air that caressed my cheeks was a fabulous bonus. I was so thrilled to have done it that I decided to go in for the 1.5 km zip line as well, one of the longest zip lines in the world. And I am so glad that I didn’t miss it! The views from atop the zip line point were ephemeral. 360 degree views comprised of mountains and the sea shores, providing an absolutely marvelous sight.

The fun, of course didn’t stop at the zip lines! We were given quad bikes for a drive through the park. As part of a caravan, we quickly left to explore the park and its several view- points. This quad-biking spree took us through some bumpy, hilly paths and by-lanes of the park. The ride that lasted for nearly an hour detoured at several sites like crystal clear waterfalls and a tortoise garden where we actually got to feed a giant tortoise. I have often heard people say that the The sea is studded with numerous kitesurfers

Content with the amazing adventures, we happily retired to our hotel and settled into the lobby. It was evening time, the atmosphere was buzzing with activity, the in-house DJ playing nice numbers. Guests chilling out with a glass of beer, many even busy with their gadgets, whatever, the atmosphere was lively and convivial. It was like having a big in-house party. In the late evening, we were treated to a cultural show in the hotel theatre followed by disco night.

Excitedly, the next day we set out for a tour of the Île aux Cerfs. After a brief by the tour company, we set sail on a speed boat, soaking up the magical views as we glided on the baby-blue waters of the ocean. We came to a platform especially meant for the Under Sea Walk. This activity is supposedly unique to Mauritius wherein an ultra- heavy belt is tied to the waist and a glass helmet (to supply oxygen) is worn over the face to enable us to literally walk in the sea. The entire experience was mesmerizing. Seeing an entire school of colourful fish wading by our eyes made it an out of the world experience!

Once out of the water, a brisk tube ride whisked us through several kilometres around the ocean. What an experience, the crisp, chilly air that brushed past our faces gave a heavenly feel. Once back to our platform, we had a quick packed lunch as we set sail on our second mission, a sail upriver to the famous Grand River Waterfall. We stopped to take shots of these majestic falls, where roaring waters crashed over the cliffs across the river and we captured these moments from the precincts of our speedboat.

We rounded off a blissful day with free time on the gorgeous beach of Île aux Cerfs, an island jewel basking off Mauritius’ eastern shores featuring powder white beaches.

The colour of the surrounding waters left us speechless! We waded in the waters, sun-bathed for a couple of hours and tried parasailing. What a blast!! Now I understood why Ile Aux Cerfs is called the paradise island of Mauritius. And it lives up to that name, down to the last bit! This fun filled day would be etched in our memory for years to come!

The last day of our trip, we decided to chill in our hotel. To my utter surprise, at 7 am, scores of kite surfers were already prepping up their kites. Such enthusiasm!! By 10 am, the sea was full of surfers, kite surfers, kayaks and stand-up paddlers, some seasoned, some novice. In either case, each one was bubbling with enthusiasm. The sky was filled with kites and we spent the entire day lazing around on the beach with some rounds of beach volleyball and football. Over these days, I had come to realize that the aquamarine Mauritian waters are a focal point for water sports enthusiasts across the world!

On our way back to the airport, we took

a tour of Port Louis, the bustling capital of Mauritius that boasts of French colonial architecture. The city captivates with its laidback, serene appeal. It is an eclectic mix of traditional with modern charm all in the lap of nature, mountains on one side, sea on another. Facing the harbour, Le Caudan Waterfront (something akin to Dubai Marina) is another hotspot that offers upscale shopping and a range of entertainment options, including a casino. We took considerable time exploring the handcrafts market here, buying sarongs, souvenirs and watching the craftswomen merrily weaving their cane baskets.

With a heavy heart, we bid adieu to what can be happily remarked as a holiday of a lifetime. It was an ultimate relaxation kick and we returned thoroughly invigorated. We still recollect great moments of a relaxed getaway, surrounded by the picturesque, emerald waters of the Indian Ocean and the swaying coconut palms. With a treasure trove of fun-filled activities for the entire family, Mauritius’ fun side needs to be discovered as much as its beauty. All you need is the heart to try them out! ■

THE

OFF-ROADERS corner

Name: Majed Al Adawi Nationality: United Arab Emirates Occupation: Accountant in Municipality of Abu Dhabi Vehicle: Toyota FJ 2016

Tell us the background story of your car...

I purchased my FJ back in 2015 as the 2016 model. Until then I was using a Jeep Cherokee 1998 model and I had to give it a lot of credit as I learned how to desert drive in it at the beginning of this hobby but it had limited abilities. However, I decided to move to the next level of driving and to up the risk level for more excitement and pleasure. The J Cruiser has a lot of options that helped me to improve my driving and satisfy my needs and wants.

Modifications in 2017: • ARB Oldman BP-51 adjustable shocks with body lifting 2.5 in • Transmission cooler • Badel Box throttle control • Method rims 8.5 In • Kill switch to disconnect the traction control • Master craft tyres AXT 275/70/17 • Bushwhacker fenders • Sand rocks • Line X coating for some parts • Steering wheel and seats upholstery • Rock lights under the car and above the wheels, under the hood, at the back door • Wrangler barrier net for the trunk • TJM awning • Dual battery (factory and OPTIMA) • Garmin 276cx navigation unit • Portable radio • Snow metal chain for the spare tyre with 10 litres water tank • GoPro 5 black action cam

Do you have something that you consider to be a ‘special feature’ of the car?

One word “Durability. This car can handle extreme use, shocks, harsh climate, unusual driving conditions and it will still will give satisfaction to its driver without breaking down easily.

How often do you use your car, and what activities do you take part in?

It is my daily use car, I use it to go to work in the morning and going across the city but I avoid taking it long distances like from a city to another unless it is for off-roading or for doing some mods on it as I have a Nissan Patrol Platinum that is more comfortable on long distances. Other than that I take it offroading all over the country, for example; • Al Khatim • Faya in Sharjah • Kazna • Ramah • Razeen • Liwa • Badayr • Nazwa Sometimes I take it for fishing and camping in;Yas, Alaraym or Al Aqah. Also I take it outside the country with the club official trips like the last Annual Green Mountain trip to Oman. Here my FJ had to deal with mountain nature and it performed well especially with a trunk full of my camping gear and food!

What were your other options before you bought this car?

The FJ modification parts are not cheap and it is quite hard to find them. I wanted to find garages that could do the work safely as well and this meant that I was checking online reviews and watching YouTube videos on different garages work and then travelling a lot between, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain to get the work done that I wanted.

Three cars were in my mind to compare and choose: Jeep wrangler 4 door, Nissan patrol hard top and Toyota FJ. The categories of the comparison were: 1. Look 2. Price 3. Off-road mechanical features 4. Engine and transmission 5. Interior 6. Truck capacity 7. Fuel consumption 8. Varity of accessories

Modifications in 2016: • Rugged Ridge floor mats • Body stickers • ARB Air Compressor • Front customized grill • 9.0mm metal skid plate • Flexi flag with mount • H&R 1.25 in spacers • OME roof rack • Shifter knob • Scan gauge • Fog lights • Towing base • LED lights bars; 50in ontop roof, 32in on front bumper, 10in on rare top, and 4x2in on the hood and front bumper

J has the answers to all the above! It looks aggressive and has the rugged shape that I was looking for and its price was reasonable for its capabilities and within my budget.

It has an A-track which is the system for crawling itself out in case of getting stuck.

In addition to the rare differential lock and 4H it also has 4L 4x4 drive. It is 270 horse power with a 5 speed transmission and gives me the ability to choose which gear

What modifications have been made, performance and cosmetic wise?

I want to keep driving in it and that is very essential for desert driving. Inside it is wide with comfortable seating and has front row multiple storage spaces and is very practical for mounting items. The trunk is quite big which is suitable for me because it can contain a lot of items as I am into camping a lot and it is easy to clean because it has full, hard plastic flooring there. It has a 159 litres fuel tank capacity that I can drive till 1000 km before I need to refuel.

Are you planning any future modifications?

Indeed, I am planning to increase and enhance the performance of the car as currently it is all stock engine and transmission.

I also want to give it a more aggressive attack look to distinguish it from other FJs and also to be able to compete in car shows. In 2018 I am planning to do the following: • Computer programming • Air aid antic • TRD catback • OME American design tail lights • Road armour front bumper • Warn winch • Redesigning the hood and more line X around the car

What 4x4 do you dream of owning?

I am living my dream right now and I cannot imagine something better but if any new editions of the FJ come out I might strongly consider upgrading to that new model! ■ Want your 4X4 to be the next feature? 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!

$100 Cash REWARD Share your routes with OutdoorUAE and receive a reward of USD100 if we will publish your route.

es Rout ED T WAN

Your routes will be available online for everyone to download for free on outdooruae.com/route.

You will be credited as the author of the routes. All we need from you is the GPS (gpx) route file, a few photos and a short description. We are looking for hiking, off-road, MTB, trail running, MX and any other outdoor related routes. Routes should be from the UAE and border regions. Help us to get more people outdoor, active, healthy and happy be able to enjoy the beauty of this region.

You can upload your route at outdooruae.com/add-route and we will get back to you within a few days if your route will be published and how to collect your reward.

For more details email us at routes@outdooruae.com

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Words + Photos by: Robert Jahn

Kitchen Gear:

Ever stand in front of all the knives, spatulas, and other things at your local supermarket? And do you ever think who needs all these.

Well some kitchen items are more useful than others, and other…well those are just silly.

With a few key items you can cook, whisk, flip, or mix just about any items.

Let me help you out.

Things that no one needs:

Ever see those avocado cutters? There is no need for that, if you cant cut an avocado then don’t eat one…or look online on how to cut one. Recently I saw a banana fresh keeping box, which is shaped…well like a banana. You put a whole banana in it. The only issue with that is that bananas already come with a fresh keeping box! Its called the peel.

Don’t be that guy or girl that buys that 125-piece set of knives for 29.99 either, it may look cool and like a good value, but I guarantee you all those knives will be useless within a year.

Things to get instead:

It’s very simple to properly fit your kitchen will all you need. A few quality key items are needed, not quantity. Buying something

RECIPE

suitable will ensure that you will have it for many years to come.

Knives: No need to go overboard! But don’t get the cheapest either. Any good German or Japanese brand will do just fine. Just please make sure you NEVER put knives in the dishwasher as it ruins the cutting edge, and will make it feel like your cutting with the edge of a chopstick

INSTRUCTIONS Season the beef cheek with salt and pepper. And sear it in a large hot pot.

Once seared and browned, remove the beef cheeks.

Add a little more olive oil to sear the

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OUTDOORUAE

Cutting board: Buy a good plastic one! The optimal one you can get at any commercial kitchen supply store. Don’t get wood, its unhygienic and difficult to clean. NEVER use glass! It kills your cutting edge.

Pots and pans:

Get a few good Teflon coated pans, eventually even the best items the Teflon will break down and you will notice that scratches have removed all the necessary coating.

When this happens,we recommend getting rid of them and get new ones. As for pots, anything that’s stainless steel is perfect. The better you get, the longer they will last.

If all this is making your head spin…. well just give us a call and order some food or one of our meal plans, we have the equipment figured out! ■

Braised Beef Cheek with Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Pepper Sauce INGREDIENTS Serves: 1 • 1 Piece Beef Cheek, Trimmed with Fat Removed • ½ Large Orange Sweet Potato • 1 Carrot, Peeled and Diced • 1 Onion, Peeled and Diced • ¼ Celery Root • 5gm Black Pepper • 3 Tbsp. Mustard • Water • Bay Leaf • Olive Oil • Salt & Pepper • ½ Clove Garlic, Chopped • ½ Tsp Rosemary, chopped.

Spatulas: Get one good metal one. A slotted one is more suited for delicate things like flipping fish.

vegetables and until brown.

Return the cheeks on top of the vegetables and add water (just enough to cover the cheeks), bay leaf and the mustard.

Close the pot either with an oven proof lid, or with aluminium foil. And add to an oven at 160c for 3 hours. Braise until soft.

Once done remove the cheeks out of the sauce, and reduce the cooking liquid until the consistency of syrup.

Peel the sweet potato and cut it into cubes about 2x2cm large.

Marinate with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and salt. Spread on an oven tray and bake at 160c for 30 minutes.

Located at The Cycle Hub, Dubai Motor City Call: 04 425 3000 Website: www.thecyclehub.com info@thecyclebistro.com facebook.com/thecyclebistro instagram.com/thecyclebistro

The Cycle Bistro GPS location: Latitude: N 25° 02.792 Longitude: E 055° 14.384

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PRODUCTS Products available at Columbia stores: Dubai - The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Center & Ibn Battuta Mall Abu Dhabi - Al Wahda Mall and Dalma Mall

Titan Ultra™ Short Sleeve Shirt

Titan Ultra™ Short Sleeve Shirt

Features: Omni-Freeze Zero™ sweat activated super cooling Omni-Wick™

Features: Omni-Freeze Zero™ sweat activated super cooling Omni-Wick™

Fabrics: 100% Polyester

Fabrics: 100% Polyester

Titan Ultra™ Short

Titan Ultra™ Short

Features: • Omni-Shield™ advanced repellency • Omni-Wick™ • Antimicrobial treatment protects this product from bacterial growth • Interior comfort/stretch brief • Zip-closed security pocket • Multi-functional pockets • Reflective detail

Features: • Omni-SHIELD™ advanced repellency • Omni-WICK™ • Antimicrobial treatment on brief protects this product from bacterial growth • Interior compression brief • Hand pockets • Zip-closed security pocket • Multi-functional pockets • Reflective detail

129 AED

179 AED

Fabrics: 94% Nylon, 6% Elastane.

86% Polyester / 14% elastane

149 AED

199 AED

Fabrics: 94% Nylon, 6% Elastane Omni-Freeze ZERO™ Softie Stretch Jersey 89% polyester / 11% elastane

Trans Alps™ F.K.T.™ II

Caldorado™ II

Our fastest mountain running shoe with great support, aggressive traction, and now including an abrasion and water resistant forefoot shield.

The ideal balance of support, traction, and cushioning, with amazing fit, feel, and design, all in a comfortable and lightweight package.

Upper: Seamless upper construction with ripstop reinforcement over open mesh for protection and breathability. Now enhanced with an abrasion and water resistant forefoot shield. New extra light F.K.T.™ tongue for a light, clean fit. Reinforced toe cap and heel for rocky, mountainous terrain.

Upper: Seamless upper, coupled with cushioning collar foam, fully integrated gusset, and reinforced toe cap provide comfort and protection.

439 AED

Midsole: FluidFOAM midsole for exceptional cushioning, flexibility, and support.

Ride heights: 18mm heel/10mm forefoot Outsole: Full-length rubber outsole with TrailSHIELD technology for optimal protection with reduced weight and stiffness for a more natural transition 6mm outsole lug height.

439 AED

Midsole: FluidFOAM midsole for exceptional cushioning, flexibility and support. Patented FluidGUIDE technology for enhanced midfoot stability and a smooth ride on the trail.

Ride heights: 19mm heel / 11mm forefoot.

Outsole: Full length rubber outsole.

TrailSHIELD protection plate integrated with forefoot flex grooves.

Multi-directional lug patterns provide traction on varied surfaces.

4mm outsole lug height.

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR REVIEW

Some Pro Tips to Trail Running in UAE Words by: David O’Hara Photos by: Daniel Birkhofer

I am an avid trail runner and a fixture on the UAE ultra running scene. My wife, Olya, is a road marathoner who enjoys running the trails with me on weekends for fun.

Trail running in UAE is a great adventure, but not for the inexperienced and unprepared. Less than a two hour drive from the concrete landscape of Dubai, most people know about sand dunes, but few people know about some of the toughest rocky and hilly trails around. Before you dig out the GPS coordinates of some unexplored trails run, there are some points to consider: where to go, how to prepare, what to bring, and what to wear. Olya and I tried some of the new Columbia trail running apparel and Montrail footwear gear at Wadi Showka for a recent summer trail adventure.

Where to Run

The beauty of running is that you can run just about anywhere, anytime. However, if you have never ventured beyond the confines of the smooth, padded 6.8km track at Kite Beach with its creature comforts, that doesn’t mean you should try running the Hajar 100 or the 32km route at Wadi Showka this weekend. Look for one of the local trail running groups or find somebody who knows the routes, and never go by yourself (Pro Tip!). Mobile phone coverage is scant, and when you are running in remote mountains, there is no kiosk selling water –Pro Tip: if you don’t carry water, you don’t drink water!

How to Prepare

Ok, you’ve found a running buddy and chosen a trail, now what? Before starting trail running, do a realistic self-assessment.

Start small. Stay close. Don’t overestimate your fitness and never underestimate the seriousness of the trails. If you run the Dubai

Marathon in four hours, how long do you think it’ll take you to complete the first 52km of the Hajar 100? Even though the distance is “only” 10km farther, there is a reason the Checkpoint 5 cutoff is twelve hours. Trail running is running up and down mountains, on rocks, over sand dunes – you should expect the unexpected. While some people think they don’t need much equipment for trail running, running the trails in UAE requires hydration, nutrition, and good running clothes. Pro Tip: UAE trails require a high degree of self-sufficiency. You should carry 2-3 litres of water and nutrition before setting out, as well as a basic first aid kit and charged mobile.

What to Wear: the Shoes

The most important pieces of equipment for trail running are your running shoes.

Trail running is often a misnomer, as some of the best trail running is off-piste, which can mean running on big rocks, sharp rocks, through a camel farm. This is where the Columbia Sportswear Montrail’s Caldorado II I tried come in to play. It provides me with the ideal balance of support, traction and cushioning with an amazing fit, lightweight feel and design. Pro Tip: you should know that last year Montrail – one of the leading manufacturers of trail running shoes and clothes – was rebranded last year as Columbia Montrail (which means you can high-end ultra running gear in the UAE now). When you are out running on trails, you need to have quality gear, because equipment failure can lead to disaster. Some of the factors to consider in your trail running shoe selection: bottom surface for traction, heel-totoe drop, breath ability of the material and lightweight. One of my tips in buying a running shoe: if it isn’t comfortable in the store, you won’t be comfortable on the trails. The Caldorado II shoes are great for the “unbox and run” crowd, so you can just lace them up and go run the trails.

The Columbia Sportswear Montrail Trans Apls F.K.T. – I love that abbreviation, because it’s not what you think: it stands for “Fastest Known Time” – is more of a protective shoe than the Caldorado II. Olga doesn’t run the rocky trails as often, so the extra protection is good for the feet, without

adding unnecessary weight. These shoes have great traction needed for the trails, and the tread protects the feet from the rocks.

Shirts and Shorts

Running shirts are really an afterthought for me. It’s probably a guy thing. I usually wear the SWAG –freebies I get from local races. But there are two main problems with random shirts: they are typically poor quality and as a result don’t wear well. In UAE, your running shirt needs to be lightweight and ultra-cool-wearing, as they can help you feel cool when you are sweating, like the Columbia Montrail Ultra Titan shirt. The Ultra Titan’s details also help, like the longer back which makes wearing your waist belt or pack for carrying water more comfortable.

This leads to the second problem with most freebie shirts: they usually lack the technical detailing that can (Pro Tip) actually make you feel more comfortable, which can help you run better.

Running shorts must be light and comfortable, but the most important part for me is a zippered pocket! I don’t understand why so many trail running shorts don’t have a zippered pocket. Where are you supposed to put your car key and emergency 50 AED – in your socks? Columbia Montrail Ultra Titan shorts look good, feel good and most importantly have that zippered pocket for a gel and my car key.

Finally – the Easy Part of Trail Running!

So now what? Just grab your hydration and nutrition, find a running buddy, and check your gear and drive out to Wadi Showka at sunrise for an easy 2-3 hour run! Remember, trail running is really easy … until it gets really, really hard! ■

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PRODUCTS XDEEP NX Series GHOST

XDEEP STEALTH 2.0 TEC Setup

2,320 AED

2,250 AED

For full XDEEP products range please visit wwww.xdeep.eu.

For more details on products please contact your local distributor for GCC region: www.eg-gulf.com - info@eg-gulf.com

For full XDEEP products range please visit wwww.xdeep.eu.

For more details on products please contact your local distributor for GCC region: www.eg-gulf.com - info@eg-gulf.com

The GHOST has been engineered to be an integral part of you, the diver in all aspects of your diving. Inspired by the simplicity and function of technical diving systems, the GHOST was created to be very comfortable, extremely light (2.3Kg) and incredibly stable, both at the surface and underwater.

Inspired by the rigorous demands of cave diving, the XDEEP STEALTH 2.0 has become the standard setter for sidemount systems worldwide. The STEALTH 2.0 TEC wing can now be seen in almost every country and its versatility, combined with a very streamlined profile, mean you will see it everywhere from caves and mines to wrecks and reefs.

The GHOST naturally supports a flat, streamlined position in the water with an ample 17Kg of lift, making the dive relaxed and enjoyable. Travelling with the GHOST is equally relaxing as its weight and size mean no more excess baggage charges.

Campingaz® Lumo 206 Lantern 80W

Bestway Air Step Air Pump

Available at all Al-Futtaim ACE stores across the UAE

Available at all Al-Futtaim ACE stores across the UAE

Campingaz® was born from a love of camping and outdoor living, coupled with a desire to always create and innovate products that are instinctive and inspired, and simple yet clever solutions based on over 60 years of expertise. Campingaz® is trusted by generations of campers, earned by creating safe, reliable products that never fail to deliver, time and time again.

Hardworking outdoor essential The Campingaz® Lumo 206 Lantern is a high-powered light source that comes with a globe protection guard for safe and comfortable use.

It also features the Clip & Go™ system which allows for easy cartridge connection.

The lantern includes a handle that is specifically designed for wall mounting.

Make the best of your outdoor floats, beds and accessories with the Bestway Air Step Air Pump. It is a simple and easy-to-use tool for all your inflatable products. Built with 3 valve adapters, it fits most inflatables. All you need to do is simply insert the valve and get stepping. The pump is super light and when you squash the air out it is small and dainty.

Its compact size makes it especially handy for when you have limited space in the boot. This pump inflates and deflates, saving you lots of time from trying to get the air out of your inflatables.

129 AED

Key Features & Benefits: • Integrated handle for wall mounting & hanging • High-powered light source ideal for outdoors • With globe protection guard for safe & comfortable use • Clip & Go™ system for easy cartridge connection

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Founded on the XDEEP harness innovations and advanced weight system, achieving the ideal fit and configuration is quick and easy.

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25 AED

Key Features & Benefits: • Inflates and deflates • Simple and easy-to-use tool • Built with 3 valve adapters • Super light and compact

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PRODUCTS Alpinestars Comp Pro Shorts

Alpinestars A1 Roost Guard (Coming Soon)

350 AED

595 AED

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE

Designed to offer impact protection without being intrusive, Alpinestars Comp Pro delivers performance in safety and comfort for action sports, including Off-Road riding, Skiing and MTB Downhill.

An ultra-lightweight and comfortable strap vest offering high levels of upper body protection that is CE certified (front guard) against impacts and roost the A-1 Roost Guard incorporates an innovative strap closure system for quick, easy and tight securing fit. The A-1 is versatile and modular, allowing the back protector to be removed for a highly customized fit.

Specification: • Stretch mesh construction • Strategically placed foam padding • Printed logos

AOR Kinetic Snatch Rope & 2 Soft Shackles 350 + 2x 145 = 640 AED

Available at www.RAMYautomotive.com, Adventure HQ, ACE Hardware, Speedex and Yellow Hat The American Off Road Kinetic Recovery Rope has a pull capacity of 13,109kg. This snatch rope is perfect for the recovery of 4x4 vehicles. It expands to create kinetic energy, eliminating the requirement to pull the stuck vehicle hard.

This snatch rope is made of top quality rip-resistant nylon with protection webbing to ensure durability and excellent weight capacity.

Key Features & Benefits • Pull capacity of 13109 kg • Perfect for the recovery of 4x4s • Expands to create kinetic energy • Rip-resistant nylon material

Specification: • Front and back hard shell guards constructed from a performance poly-material blend for optimized flexibility and excellent weight saving. Front shell guard is CE certified to EN 14021 • Shells are perforated for maximum breathability and cooling ventilation, perfect for those hot dusty track rides •Soft and lightweight bio-foam padded throughout chassis for maximum comfort and fit

Poncho Towels 140 to 200 AED

Available at www.lets-beach.com Soft, warm and water absorbent poncho, made from cotton towel material. It warms you up after swimming and surfing and makes changing in public places quick and easy.

For kids and adults.

Small: 70cm | Medium: 85cm | Large: 95cm Bonus: • We can personalize the towel with your name or brand.

The embroidery is included in the price.

AOR Soft Shackles are made from special synthetic rope. AOR Soft Shackles are stronger than comparable steel shackles.

These shackles won’t rust.

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PRODUCTS Casio G-Shock Wave Ceptor GPW-2000-1A2ER 3,995 AED

Available at G-Factory, Al Ghurair Centre This is the world’s first watch* to incorporate three time information acquisition systems.This new GRAVITYMASTER model packages GPS Hybrid Radio-controlled Solar-powered timekeeping into a strong TRIPLE G RESIST body. It delivers unmatched accuracy, toughness, and practicality demanded by today’s aviators. Virtually unlimited access to current, accurate timekeeping data required by pilots is provided by reception of both GPS satellite information and time calibration signals, as well as Bluetooth® linking.

1,899 AED

Available at Virgin Megastore, Mall of Emirates The Casio WSD-F20 is the iconic Japanese watchmaker’s second stab at making an Android Wear smartwatch. Like its first, the WSD-F10, this model is all about the great outdoors, falling into Casio’s Pro Trek range of watches, with dedicated modes for activities like trekking, cycling, paddling and even fishing.

Karma Grip

Karma Drone

Available at Grand Stores, Virgin Megastore, Sharaf DG and Emax

Available at Grand Stores, Virgin Megastore, Sharaf DG and Emax

Capture stabilised footage so smooth your ordinary shots will look extraordinary. Enjoy professional, cinema-quality video whether you’re hiking, cycling or chasing your kids through the park. Karma Grip captures the amazing handheld and bodyworn perspectives that only a GoPro can – now with pro-quality stabilisation.

More than a drone.

Karma captures amazingly smooth GoPro footage in the air, handheld or body-mounted. Compact and ultra-portable, the Karma Drone folds to fit into its own lightweight case. The game-style controller with an integrated touch display makes Karma easy and fun to fly. The included camera stabiliser can be removed from the drone and attached to the included Karma Grip for ultra-steady professional-looking handheld and body-mounted footage. More than a drone. It’s Karma.

1,299 AED

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Casio G-Shock WSD-F20

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3,899 AED

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PRODUCTS 2017 Reid Xenon 29 3,695 AED

Hobie Eclipse 10.5 13,300 AED

Available at Adventure HQ stores Dubai: Times Square Center Abu Dhabi: Dalma Mall and Yas Mall

Available at Adventure HQ stores Dubai: Times Square Center Abu Dhabi: Dalma Mall and Yas Mall

Our new 29er Xenon Disc is built around a 29er wheelset for a fast, flowing trail performance

Incredibly stable, just get on and go using MirageDrive® leg power. Soon you’ll fly high at exceptional speed, nimbly carving turns using fingertip steering controls. There’s minimal setup. Go from the car, the dock or your boat to the water in minutes. Cruise solo, with your partner or with a group.

The Mirage Eclipse takes fitness out of the gym and onto the water and under the sun. The board is lightweight and durable and full of thoughtful features such as gear tie-downs and a carefree kick-up rudder. The Mirage Eclipse takes standup to a whole new level.

Features & Benefits

Features & Benefits: • Tektro HDC-330 hydraulic disc brakes provide outstanding power and control • Shimano Acera 27-speed gearing can tackle any terrain • The XCM-HLO 100mm travel fork features adjustable preload and lock-out

Crew: 1 Length: 10’ 6” / 3.2 m Width: 33.5” / 0.85 m Capacity: 225lbs / 102kg Fitted Hull Weight: 43.2 lbs / 19.6 kg Fully Rigged Weight: 54 lbs / 24.5 kg Hull Construction: ACX – Advanced Composite Epoxy

MX 686G Sports 299 AED

Available at The Sennheiser Shop-In-Shop at The Jumbo Store in Mall of the Emirates Few quick features: • Inline smart remote and mic on the cable are compatible with most smartphones and portable players (including Android, Windows Mobile and Blackberry devices) • Maximum ruggedness and durability – Sweat and waterresistant • Hybrid ear adapters for enhanced bass response and greater situational awareness and safety • Antimicrobial ear adapters (SteriTouch) • Slide-to-fit system is fully adjustable for an individualized fit • Para-aramid-reinforced cable provides superior strength and reliability • Oval-shaped cable ensures a tangle-free listening experience and reduced cable noise • Convenient storage pouch and cable clip included

SRS-XB40 Wireless Speaker A Very Portable Party

AED 799

Available at at Sony Store, The Dubai Mall and other retailers across the UAE Thanks to the compact size and long battery life of these speakers, they can be easily picked up and moved to where the action is. The perfect combination of style and portability, this newly expanded EXTRABASS™ wireless speaker series looks and sounds great wherever you put them, indoors or out knowing that the IPX5 rated water-resistant design will protect them against splashes.

Speakers like the SRS-XB40 all feature a flexible two-way design which gives you great sound, wherever you place the system. Set it up horizontally, or flip it upright if you’re short on space. The SRS-XB40 features lighting effects with an LED perimeter linelight, a strobe flash and speaker light. The line-light creates multicolor patterns, ranging from pure white to rainbow. Synchronising with the rhythm of the beat, the power and speed of the light display matches the music’s mood and atmosphere.

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PRODUCTS Microlite Tall Chair from Vango

Planet 100 Sleeping Bag from Vango

Available at Adventure HQ Time Square Center and Al Yousuf Motors Showroom Dubai

Available at Adventure HQ Time Square Center

575 AED

The Microlite Chair features a lightweight alloy frame and is made from Vango’s new extra strength 600D polyester, making it ideal for taking to festivals or sitting round the campsite at the end of the day. The soft, yet durable, fabric and mesh sides allow air to flow through the chair, while the portability makes it very easy to transport and store when not in use. Packs its 1.4kg light into carry bag.

Our award winning Planet sleeping bag is back for 2017!

Designed for long distance travellers, the Planet is lightweight with a small pack size. Vango Shield protects the bag against bacteria, mould and insects while our treated mosquito nets at the head and foot keep out unwanted bugs. The fleece lined stuff sack even reverses to make a pillow for a comfortable nights sleep whatever your environment. Rated for maximum temperature 25degrees Celsius, this is one of the lightest 2season sleeping bag on the market.

Ocasa 3-Person Tent

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Available at all Al-Futtaim ACE stores across the UAE

Available at all Al-Futtaim ACE stores across the UAE

If you’re looking for the perfect tent for camping and adventure, the Ocasa 3-Person Tent is the one for you.

The spacious tent accommodates three campers but is also lightweight and packable for easy carrying. Set it up easily and access it conveniently with its large door. The breathable material will keep it well-ventilated while you will always be safe from rains thanks to its weatherproof materials.

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is solidly engineered to provide portability and the same delicious results offered by full-sized grills.It goes where you goIts compact size makes it easy to carry on picnics, beach outings, campings and more. It is also to fit into tight storage spaces. Heavy duty plated steel legs keep the unit stable and also pivot to lock the lid in place, so you can transport the grill easily.

Key Features & Benefits: • A roomy tent for three • Packable and lightweight profile • Comfortable ventilation • Weatherproof contruction

Key Features & Benefits: • Solidly engineered to provide portability & delicious grilled food • Compact size makes it easy to carry; fits into tight storage spaces • Plated steel legs keep the unit stable & also pivot to lock the lid in place • Glass-reinforced nylon handle is designed to resist heat for easy handling

449 AED

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425 AED

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429 AED

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PRODUCTS Suunto Fenix 5 Sapphire

Rollerblade Spitfire Combo

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

Get more from your workout with less on your wrist

Push-button adjustability, comfort and great control to ensure the right performing components are fully utilized and enjoyed.

Wristguards, knee pads and elbow pads included.

All our kids skates feature a 4 sizes expandable shell. You must refer to the information written on the box to know the size range. To enlarge the skate, press the button and slide the toe box forward.

2,799 AED/QAR | 304.20 OMR

• Premium smaller-sized (42 mm) multisport GPS watch with Elevate™wrist heart rate technology1 • Steel grip design with stainless steel EXO-Antenna bezel and forged steel back to maintain the best integrity in demanding environments • Preloaded activity profiles for all of your sports and adventures • Put key stats at your fingertips with the performance widget that shows the effects and progress of your workouts • Connected features² include smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect™ online sport community and personalisation through free watch faces and apps from our Connect IQ™ store • Outdoor sensors, including GPS and GLONASS satellite positioning, barometric altimeter, 3-axis compass with gyroscope

Silverback Stride Sport

1,799 AED/QAR | 195.50 OMR Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman The Stride mountain bike range has been tailored specifically for the needs of the recreational mountain biker. The frame is made from hydroformed lightweight alloy tubing and uses sport-specific geometry to inspire confidence. The frame is also rack-, fender-, disc brake- and bottle cage ready for multi use adaptability.

629 AED/QAR | 68.40 OMR

Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor 360 AED

Available at All Major Sport Stores The Polar H10 heart rate sensor provides advanced heart rate monitoring and features an entirely new measuring algorithm.

The new Polar Pro Strap includes extra interference-preventing electrodes to ensure heart rate is captured accurately and without interference. The strap is made of a comfortable textile material and includes slip-preventing silicone dots and a secure buckle to keep the strap firmly in place.

The H10 works with all Bluetooth compatible Polar watches and trackers. When used with Polar Beat, Polar’s free fitness and training app, it has a built-in memory for heart rate data from one training session that allows users to track heart rate without their phone nearby and transfer the heart rate data to Polar Beat afterwards. Polar H10 also works with leading fitness apps, compatible gym equipment and many other Bluetooth devices. Polar H10 is Polar’s first heart rate sensor to introduce over-the-air software updates via the Polar Beat and Polar Flow apps.

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OUR EXPERTS

Oman Wadi Wanderings

Words by: Marina Bruce Photos by: Neil Bruce and Rosemarie Hayne

Al Hawqayn is one of the most popular wadi spots in the Al Batinah area of Oman. With year-round water and just over an hour’s drive from Muscat, crowds flock here to enjoy the pools and waterfalls. It is possible to reach here with 2WD but if you are lucky enough to have a 4x4 the southern approach along Wadi Bani Hini is a lot more interesting!

As far as offroad driving goes, this is an easy route; in fact, anyone with a 4x4 and a modicum of common sense should be able to tackle it successfully.

Falaj built at the base of the rocks

The wadi route snakes its way round the mountains for around 28kms and unless you visit immediately after rain, it is unlikely there will be big rocks in the way. Most probably, there will be one or two well beaten tracks which you should follow. We took around 3.5 hours to complete the route, including stops.

The start would make a great hike too – walk up the wadi early in the morning until you reach the beige bridge at 7kms, returning to your car in the shade of the palm trees as the day grows hotter.

Firstly, however, check the weather forecast before the trip – if rain is likely in the Al Hashah Fort

It’s not an Oman trip unless you have seen goats

area, give the wadi trip a miss. A flash flood can occur whenever rain falls “upriver” and it will be almost impossible to exit in places if faced with a rapidly advancing wall of water.

A quick check on google earth shows 11 villages alongside the wadi; the first five can also be reached via blacktop road to the west, the next five are accessible by a track along the wadi floor and the final one is our destination point from where you can drive out in 2WD. Drive to Rustaq (the new Muscat Expressway now stretches as far as the Rustaq Road), then take the road to Ibri and after around 15kms take a right just before the bridge at 23.42211 57.29910. The blacktop road becomes a track after 50 metres, dropping down to the wadi floor where you should turn right.

There is a falaj system built into the foot of the rocks at 57.43200 57.31675, worth a stop if you have thirsty hounds in the car, and from where you will be able to spot the star attraction of this route – a huge fort, seemingly “marooned” in the middle of the wadi. I cannot find a name for it, hubby suggests “SS Fortitude”, though our guess is it will be known as “Al Hashah Fort” (23.43237 57.31976). When you are out of your car to photograph it, as we are sure you will be, cast Lots of shallow water in the wadi

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Al Hawqayn Fort back

Al Hawqayn Waterfall in August

Al Hawqayn route

is stunning with red and brown mountains your eyes upward and to the west to see a stretching skywards from the wadi floor, ruined watchtower overlooking the lush oases an old abandoned village at 23.46591 which line the first half of the wadi.

57.29845 and many water pools, some with For every plantation, there seems to be little black fish in them! an inhabited village and if you Once you reach the feel the need to get out of settlement of Al Hawqayn, your car and stretch your legs follow the route to the for a bit, they are well worth left of the wadi which is a look. Do park in the wadi signposted Howqayn and and walk in, as most of the which will eventually see you streets were not designed for at the back of the old ruined 4x4 vehicles making it a tight fort (23.54754 57.33474). squeeze in a few places if you Continue onwards and do try! You will see far more if downwards until you reach you walk; ancient falaj systems a track crossing of the wadi delivering water to a variety (23.55670 57.33682). Here you of produce such as dates, have the choice of continuing corn and bananas; old houses up the hill, turning right at with intricately decorated the top if you wish to go doors; workers tending or to the Hawqayn Waterfalls. harvesting the crops; some Incidentally the best view villages even have tiny coffee shops! I recommend you of the old fort is from this wear conservative clothing road (23.54938 57.34012). covering from at least the neck Bananas, Dates and a Falaj Alternatively, turn right in the wadi bed and offroad until you to the knee to show respect reach the pools, somewhat for the local inhabitants. You away from the crowds, at least are quite likely to be invited on a Saturday in August! in for ghawa (Arabic coffee) Over the past few years and dates and I urge you to Oman has invested heavily accept any such invitation if in an extensive road building you have the time as this is a program and one such great way to learn more about project is a blacktop in from Omani Culture. If you must Al Hawqayn to the villages of decline, then say “maratania, Al Madinah and As Sib, half inshallah” which translates to way down the wadi. When “next time, inshallah” which completed, this will make life is a much gentler and more so much easier for the village culturally correct alternative to inhabitants but may also bring saying “no.” crowds of picnickers to the Returning to your car, many pools along the route. continue following the wadi Stunning rock formations If you can, go now, while it for another 22kms or so; if you is still beautifully remote and need an early get-out then you relatively undiscovered! ■ can exit at 23.46780 57.30650. The scenery

Progress

Dates harvest

Marina Bruce is The Desert Diva.

You can read about her travels on www.thedesertdiva.com, connect with her on Instagram(thedesertdivame), twitter (@15shadesofsand) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DesertDivaUAE/)

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OUR EXPERTS

Is it Madness?

Mont Ventoux 3 times, in one day

Words by: Helle Bachofen von Echt

Mont Ventoux is epic.

A beast. A giant. A symbol of Provence. At 1,912 meters this mountain sits alone in its landscape. Bald and dominant.

A classic for adventurous cyclists.

Mt Ventoux is mostly known for its repeated appearance in the Tour de France, the fearsome long and steep climb. It is also notorious for claiming the life of English cyclist Tom Simpson, who in 1967, aged 29, collapsed just before reaching the summit.

I was never meant to climb Ventoux 3 times back to back, but admittedly, as a friend had hinted the possibility of doing it, it always remained at the back of my mind. I couldn’t’ really let it go.

Ventoux - Windy Mountain

The name, Ventoux, is thought to originate from the French word ‘venteux’ which means windy. The weather can be quite unpredictable and the winds incredibly strong. The bald limestone top (the final 6km of the ascent) is open, dry and scarce. The wind up here can be brutal; I had a taste of it myself

on one of my ascents. As I climbed through the bald section with sheer determination, the firmest grip on my handle bar, my biceps fully contracted and my core balancing the bike against the wind, I passed descenders narrowly as they were walking down, almost leaning against the mountain side. I had never before experienced wind with such force. As I reached Col des Tempetes at 1,830 metres (also known as the windy pass), I got literally blown off my bike. I am not usually one to surrender, especially with only 600 metres to the summit, but Mt Ventoux showed me who is stronger and I bowed down and cautiously made my way back down into safety. Now I truly understand the meaning of the ‘windy mountain!”

Going triple up Mt Ventoux

This July, during my escape from the blistering Middle Eastern heat, I passed by

Provence, France, for the first time ever.

As an adventurous cyclist and a frequent traveler, unquestionably, Mt Ventoux has been on my list of ‘epic climbs’ for some time now. By pure coincidence and a spontaneous decision I landed in Provence, with my bike. The first day I summited via the famous route from Bedoin, reaching the top covered in grey and chilly clouds. For many, undoubtedly, summiting once is a huge personal achievement, but I knew already on the first day, that once wasn’t going to be enough. If, during my week in Provence, the opportunity was right, I knew I wanted more, not from the mountain, but from myself.

On day 5 of my 7 day stay, I wake up to a reasonably windless and sunny morning. I reckon this could be a good day for a long bike ride. I stuff my jersey pockets to survive all day and take off solo, to the bottom of Mt Ventoux.

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Summit One (via Malaucine) – 21K @ 7.2% (max 12%) and 1,540m of elevation

I had already climbed the days before via Bedoin and Sault, so of course I started here. I would go as far as saying this is my favourite side. The climb has some very steep and unforgiving sections, but what I love on this side is that you are also randomly met by sections of 4-5% which certainly feels like a nice break (from the 11-12%).

While counting down the kilometres one by one via the road signs, the gradient varies all the time making the kilometres tick by even faster. Even better, as you pass the 10km and halfway mark, you get frequently surprised by the utterly breath taking French Alpine mountain range behind Ventoux.

As you turn around the bend with 2K to the summit, that epic radio tower appears before your eyes for the very first time, standing tall and visible. Suddenly it’s there, so close. No matter how you feel at this moment on the climb, you will feel like you can conquer anything. I felt good on my first ascend. I stuck to my plan, climbed steadily and comfortably. I had minimal wind resistance and warm sunshine streaming down

on my body. It’s only midday as I reach the summit. I am feeling great, in body, mind and soul. The Malaucine climb is grand! I want more.

Summit Two (via Bedoin) – 21K @ 7.6% (max 12%) and 1,640m elevation

The descent from the summit to Bedoin town is one of my favourites ever! There are almost no switch backs and there are both longer straight and steeper sections and perfectly proportioned bends to really get some none-nerve wracking and truly exhilarating speed going. You can take on almost the entire 21km downhill without breaking hard and without breaking much.

I take a quick coffee in Bedoin, look at the radio tower in the distance and jump on my bike. As I pass through the first 6km in the open landscape, the tower seems so far away, but a least the gradient of this part is quite pleasant, not too steep. The Bedoin side is the most famous climb, the one featured regularly in the Tour de France. The middle 9km are by far the hardest. This part is uncompromising and unforgiving, with an average gradient over 9%. It leaves no

chance to rest the legs with gradients varying between 7-12% only. It snakes through the woods and you can never see far ahead.

Exiting the woods by the Chalet Reynard, the last 6km opens up into that famous lunar environment. The gradient drops a bit, but it is still hard. The view of Provence appears and the tower is now within reach, again.

It is truly magnificent. I reach the summit in the middle of the afternoon for the 2nd time feeling nothing, but happiness. It is still warm and sunny, with only very little wind.

Would I even consider ‘only’ climbing up twice on a day like this? No!

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Summit Three (via Sault) 26K @ 4.5% (max 11%) and 1,220m elevation

There’s some work to be done on the descent to Sault, it is less steep and requires more pedal power. I take a quick coffee in Sault and jump back on my bike. The first few kilometres from Sault run through the open lavender fields. I can now for the first time today feel my legs getting a little heavy. I left the Sault side till last as it is the easiest. It starts a few hundred meters higher than the other two sides, thus less steep. It is also the least exciting side; there is not much to see really. Most of the road is hidden away by trees and mountain side, but every now and again the view over the landscape towards the Nice area appears.

There is some false flat the last few kilometres before reaching Chalet Reynard, where the Sault road connects with the Bedoin road, merging onto the bald section. It feels really good to collect some speed here.

Passing the Chalet and heading back up on the limestone section, there it is again, the tower. It is now around 5pm and I pretty much have that legendary mountain road to myself. I can’t believe how good I am still feeling as I reach the summit for the 3rd and final time in the late afternoon. It is peaceful

at the top. The enormous crowd of cyclists and driving visitors from earlier in the day have disappeared and I can now satisfyingly take a moment in silence, crack a big smile,

Triple Mt Ventoux

173km (from Carpentras) 68km of climbing 5,050 elevation meters 8 hours, 28 mins

admire the breath taking views of Provence, but not least of all appreciate that I just completed my biggest climbing challenge ever, just because it was a nice day for it and because my body and my mind allowed me to enjoy every pedal stroke along the way.

Is it madness? Maybe for some, but in my experience, it was EPIC! ■

Club des Cinglés du Mont Ventoux

(Club of madmen of the windy mountain) You can join this club of mad riders, ascending Mt Ventoux from all three sides in 24 hours, by obtaining a road map that must be stamped in all three towns and at the top. You can choose the sequence and the date yourself. By approval of the attempt you will join the Club and receive a specific laser printed and numbered medal of the Club des Cinglés du Mont Ventoux. www.clubcinglesventoux.org

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OUR EXPERTS

Fatbiking Gear Essentials: Words by: Nico de Corato Photos by: DubaiBlog & Provided

Fatbikes were invented to be used in snow and sand, but are capable of traversing diverse terrain types including snow, sand, desert, bogs, mud, pavement, or traditional mountain biking trails. A number of extreme expeditions have also been made on fatbikes.

In December 2012 Eric Larsen attempted to ride a fatbike to the South Pole, but made it only a quarter of the way before he had to turn around. Maria Leijerstam became the first one to cycle to the South Pole, across the South Pole Traverse road on a tricycle with fatbike tires. On 21 January 2014, Daniel P. Burton became the first person to ride a bike across Antarctica to the South Pole, starting at Hercules Inlet and biking 1,247km (775mi) to the South Pole on a carbon fiber Borealis Yampa fatbike with 4.8 in (120mm) wide tires.

Even though you are going to ride your bike just for a trip, without attempting any world record or extreme expedition, if you are planning to in the desert or over the mountains, the proper gear can support you and help to avoid accidents and injuries.

Let’s be honest, a list of clothing recommendations (cycle suit, proper socks, etc.) or the usual bike gear (bike rack, multi-tool with chain breaker, etc.) could be its own, separate article. That's why we are focusing on the particular needs you may have when facing different (potentially hostile) environments. Being half burnt or half frozen is not a good experience; as well as discovering you don’t have the proper tool miles away from home is not a good way to end your trip!

But before going deeper we invite you to double check the basic survival items: first aid kit, mobile phone fully charged (better a smartphone with GPS functionality or even consider a satellite phone if you are going to places out of coverage), an additional battery pack, enough water, some food (in case you are planning a long trip or you get isolated by a storm).

Recently HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum himself rescued 3 women bikers after a leisurely bike ride in Al Qudra desert went seriously wrong. Ms. Hutchison (one of the ladies) said the incredible encounter occurred on a Tuesday last November, when she and her friends decided to head to the cycling path for a 50km ride. They hired bikes, helmets, and lights, and set off with nothing but a backpack containing a bottle of water and an iPhone with 20 per cent battery!

1. Pedals & Shoes

Every rider has a preference on their pedals, no matter the weather. Riders tend to be split between clipless and flat pedals. Just consider you may need to dismount from the bike and carry it over dunes, rocks or along steep slopes; so, use shoes that will also allow you to walk on rough terrain, but also to keep your feet warm during the winter period. Do not forget that also in the desert you may face a drastic thermal excursion overnight.

2. Gaiters

This is the perfect example of gear that has been re-purposed for fat bike sand adventures. Often used for hiking, mountaineering and other sports that require calf protection, gaiters can help your lower legs stay protected and prevent sand from falling down your boots for a hot surprise.

3. Gloves

In the desert you need gloves for a better grip and you can't leave your hands under the sun for too long. Net fabrics make an excellent breathability with good protection too.

4. Face & Eye Protection

Facial covering is also important when it gets really hot. Sunglasses or goggles for your eyes, and for the rest of your face I’d suggest anything from a simple bandana or scarf to a guthra. The guthra also known as

Fatbiking in the mountain (spring time 1)

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keffiyeh or shemagh is the traditional Middle Eastern headdress fashioned from a square scarf, usually made of cotton. It is typically worn by Arabs in arid regions as it provides protection from sunburn, dust and sand. But your guthra can be a real survival must-have tool, since it can be used as a warm layer, as bandage for minor wounds, tourniquet to stop bleeding, water filter, mosquito net and so on…

5. Helmet

The Helmet should be comfortable and lightweight and suitable for the temperature you are going to face.

In the desert, especially during daytime, you should not drink just to cool down (otherwise you will lose more and more fluids by sweating); better to wet your bandana or guthra and keep it under the helmet.

Nothing more to say about it but.... Always wear your helmet, properly sized and tied up!

6. Lights

Good lights on both the front and the back of the bike are essential for a safe ride, especially when winter brings fewer hours of daylight.

7. Hydration Pack

Always bring enough water with you.

Even though you are planning not to drink (because it's a short trip or because you are training your body not to drink during the workout), bring extra water with you: in a bottle and/or in a hydration pack. You may need that water to clean a wound or to support someone in trouble. And refill it every time you have opportunities.

In the desert you will need to keep your water cool but even with a reservoir full of ice cubes, you are typically going to end up with a pack full of tepid liquid after riding in summer for even just a couple of hours. A simple solution can be to create an extra insulating sleeve using a thin sheet of closedcell foam and some sturdy tape.

8. High-powered mini pump and digital tire-pressure gauge

This may seem obvious. But anyone who’s ever tried to crank out 25psi with a wimpy mini pump knows better. Instead of getting stuck trailside with a bad case of arm pump and an under-inflated tire, carry a something that actually works. The right tire pressure means you are less likely to puncture, and more likely to maintain traction when others skid off the trail.

Fat-bike tires are typically marked as 26 x 4.0 though most are really more like 26 x 3.7 or 3.8. The actual size of the mounted tire will vary depending on the rim width used for the wheel. Because of the large volume of air a difference of just a 1 or 2 PSI will make a noticeable difference in how the tire interacts with the terrain. Typically, fatbike riders use pressures in the 8PSI range for soft conditions, 12-15PSI for trail riding and 20-25PSI for on-road or urban riding. But consider when you are planning a long ride you may need to deflate/inflate your tires according to the terrain condition.

Fatbiking in the desert in Al Qudra

9. Water proof jacket / gear

Mountain weather conditions can change dramatically from one hour to the next. They receive more rainfall than low lying areas because the temperature on top of mountains is lower than the temperature at sea level.

Want to prevent getting soaked on a ride?

Include some smart gear pieces in your pack to get covered in case of need: at least a water proof jacket.

10. Riding Buddy

Ok, technically not an accessory, but a good riding buddy or two makes every ride that much better and safer. In case you are alone, always share with some friends your route and timetable. ■

Keep on Fatbiking (in safety)!

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OUR EXPERTS

Words + Photos by: Kit Belen

The season is kind of starting early this year with Kingfish being caught all over the country in good numbers both offshore and on the rocks.

Before it really blows up, I would like to say that we all have our favourites and I’m sure some might agree with my choices, while others might prefer something else.

Whatever the case may be, most lures out in the market today WILL work (in the proper hands), there are however, those that give you a slight edge.

Since the majority of the fishing population fishes from shore, I will cover only shore fishing in this article.

I shall share some of what I cast out there to get ahead of the crowds that frequent the waters, most especially on legal fishing grounds where there would be most likely: A.) A lot of pressure and B.) A lot of anglers that will compete for the fish!

First and foremost, you need to be able to cast a long way from shore. This is because a long cast will keep your lure in the water longer, so even if a shorter rod will serve you just as well, something that will help you cast father than the rest will give you a slight edge. My rods are typically anywhere between 9-10 feet long. (2.75m – 3.05m) The

The Micro Jigs are what I turn to when I need to switch things around - I can jig them fast or slow and they tempt fish when other jigs can't

longer the rod, the easier it is to reach the distance, again, in the right hands. Having a longer casting range than the majority of the people lined up on the jetty will give you a little advantage – giving your lure more time in the water as well as covering water the others are not able to reach.

Gaining distance is not only about the length of your rod - it has a lot to do with the diameter of your line as well. There are still some anglers that love using thick line to pull the fish in, that’s their preference. But to

Secret weapon out of the box - try the So Run Sinking Pencil - You're welcome

catch the fish, you have to make them bite first, so it’s really all about giving you the most advantage, I usually go for a balance between distance and power, so if a rod is rated for 5-15 kg for example, I go for the middle road – 7.5 or 10kg will work well for the balance of distance and power, thinner diameter lines give you the most distance, while thicker lines give you the most power.

This is true for any fishing line, including braid, which is what I use most of the time.

The next thing is your leader, the same principles for line applies with leaders as well, thicker leaders will not only affect your casting range but will also affect the way your lure swims, the thinner the leader, the more action you have on your lure, The ever versatile Koika can catch fish on the rocks just as well as it does on a boat. you can rig it for casting with just a treble hook at the back or with the assist hooks in front for presentations closer to the bottom

On low wind days and when the water is as flat as glass, the Z stick dances a dance few fish can resist This has a 24g model that creates a wake you can see from a long way

the shorter the leader, the longer the cast, again, this is relative to the skill of the angler, but I generally use long thin leaders, I can cast a long way because my leaders are quite thinner than what most people use.

If I am casting with a 7.5kg line my leaders would not be more than 12.5 kg, others prefer thicker leaders. Flouro carbon leaders are good if you have the cash to spare, mono works just as well although a bit more prone to abrasion and for me, that’s pretty much the other thing to consider, some use wire, others like me don’t, for the simple reason that you get more strikes without wire, although the tradeoff obviously is that you might lose that lure, which for me, is totally fine just as long as I get more chances to

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Slow Rockers from Storm are great distance casting lures and you can work them real slow when you need a very slow presentation to get the fish to bite

Long rods give you more range and your lure will be in the water longer

When fish want a faster presentation, the Gomoku Super does a very good job of converting lookers into biters

hook a fish!

Nothing weighs more heavily than the lure, both literally and figuratively. It is probably the single thing a lot of people won’t compromise on.

For lipped lures, I use the “So Run Heavy Minnow,” its heavy and compact and casts a long way, swims well and most importantly is very cost effective. The biggest model will probably set you back about 30+AED. Other lures that fit these criteria will cost you more than double that.

Jigs such as the “Koika” and lightest “Slow Rocker” often produce really good results, especially in windy conditions. I nor-

mally cast weights of up to 40g when I need extreme distance. I usually stick with 20 and 30 gram jigs and don’t really go past 40 grams. When I need something that moves a lot faster, I cast with the “Super Gomoku” or the “Storm Micro Jig.” When the sun has just risen, and depending on water conditions, I would first toss out a Koika before anything else, then when the bites get more slow, I move into smaller jigs and try to see if they like slow presentations better, in times when the fish are very tentative, I use the “Micro Jig,” which I can use for both fast and slow presentations.

Lipless minnows such as the “Storm

The So Run Heavy minnow is a staple in my offshore and onshore box - for good reason - It catches a ton of fish and it doesn't break the bank

sinking pencil” casts a long way despite the 18g weight, It’s so aero dynamic that it slices though the wind with ease and has a great darting action that makes it so easy to use.

I rarely use top water lures because when I fish it’s normally off jetties, but when I do get a chance, I use lures such as the “Z stick” because it gives a nice wake on really flat calm days. I don’t often get to cast this because of the crowd in most places, but if the spot allows it, this would probably be the first lure I would toss out just before the sun rises.

Again, this is all personal preference, and those listed above are mine. Use it as a guide and check out their weights and actions online and see if your favourite brand has something similar. Most lures work and in my experience over the years, It’s really up to the person to make them work or not. Some lures might work better for others and their fishing style, and would be slow producers for the other guy. The most important thing about lures is to make them swim in a way that works for you and you get that from experience – yet another beautiful excuse for you to get out there and cast a few! ■

Till the next Tide change…

Our fishing pro who shares his experiences and expertise with OutdoorUAE through his regular column. thefishingkit@gmail.com

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TIPS & TRICKS

Interview with: Pedro Gomes

Sunrise on the bike, lunch at the pool and afternoon runs. Pedro Gomes is the new guy in town. This professional triathlete, two-times IRONMAN champion and one of the top long distance triathletes in the World, has recently moved across from Phoenix, Arizona to the Middle East and has now picked Dubai as a base for the winter. Without the typical youth sports background and a light spirit, he jokes that his sports career started in ’94 with the video game World Cup ’94 for Super Nintendo. While his high school cooper test (12-min run) might be far from impressive, his performances at IRONMAN aren’t far short from impressive and he strives to become a leading triathlete in the Middle East and (really) World Wide.

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How did you overcome a sedentary childhood to become one of the World’s top athletes in such a grueling endurance sport as the Triathlon?

Well, I started triathlon precisely because I was such a sedentary child. In my teens my dad started to challenge me to do some races, I believe he wanted me to have something physically exciting and challenging so obesity wouldn´t strike later on in life.

It was the perfect master plan, as addicting as the sport is, I quickly become excited for new goals. However as everyone else I began with slow performances. Even after I decided this was what I wanted to do with my life, it took me years of persistency and work to move up the rankings. The biggest handicap was definitely the swim as it’s a very technical sport. At the end of the day, the lack of a sports background was a hurdle I had to overcome, but if you want achieve higher goals you always have to be willing to make sacrifices and persevere.

Why have you chosen Dubai, UAE, to be based?

Dubai offers a great combo for the practice of triathlon and it’s weather during the

winter makes it a top notch location for the normal, northern hemisphere, winter – I’ve been to many cities, especially in the US and Europe, and there’s very few that can match the weather, the infrastructures and the growth of the triathlon community in the region. In Dubai you can bike outdoors most of the year, have running routes to explore on your run and some of the coolest and extravagant pools. Besides, Dubai’s location is perfect to access races in Asia which is a part of the World I’m yet to explore. Also, you really can’t beat the weather it offers – having the ability to train outdoors in January or December is something truly valuable for a triathlete. There are other cities I could pick where you do get the same type of conditions but I do like Dubai as a city, it’s quite exciting to wake up to the Sunrise behind the tall buildings and run along some amazing infrastructures. The ultimate decision came from the fact that I knew a few people in Dubai and they love living here.

What does your normal training week look like?

I’ve been lucky enough to be able to make triathlon my full time job. So my weekly hours of training range between 25 and 35

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hours. I take advantage of the weekly group rides that take place in the city and really enjoy swimming with the Dubai Masters Swim Club. I love to start my rides before sunrise because it’s more peaceful and quiet, so every day, at 4 or 5am you will see me heading to Al Qudra or to the mountains and ride as the sun wakes up. Sometimes I try to get a run right off the bike or head in the morning as well to the pool to catch an early morning session. On some days, I will go out again to ride in the afternoon at NAS cycle track or head to the pool for a dip.

There’s really no difference between week days, weekends or holidays, every day is a training day whereas some will be hard, long days and others will be short, recovery ones.

athletes to manage! I’ve started coaching triathletes for a few years now and have taken two coaching certifications to learn how to lead one from coach to Ironman.

Going over their sessions and keeping track of what they do everyday is a full time job by itself which I enjoy doing and have the fortune to do it at my own pace and on the hours that I’m on my recovery bouts or as I do lunch/dinner. I also feel like triathlon is my life and I’m always looking to produce content to not only inspire others but also to keep my sponsors happy. Having said that, I’ve embraced photography and writing as a relaxation activity and will go out with my camera if there’s a race nearby or will put to words what I have experienced recently.

What do you do in your free time?

Did you always wanted to be a professional triathlete?

I don’t have that much free time – as recovery is almost as important as training hard - but I do have a wife to keep happy and

Honestly, no. It never crossed my mind to be a professional athlete, let alone a sport that

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involves three different disciplines of which I had no experience when I was a kid. I feel like Triathlon does reward hard work over talent, and while I’ve never felt like I had the natural talent, I’ve been always disciplined and very committed with training and so turning this into a profession was something I achieved before I even realized. I grew up wanting to be a vet, as probably half the kids that love animals, and always had a fascination for the life on air (like an air pilot or flight attendant) but never really pursued any of these careers.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to still be racing and hopefully very close to my peak. 5 years is probably what I still need to achieve that level of performance I feel like I’m capable of and while the past 2-3 years have been plagued with injuries and misfortunes, I still feel like I’m getting wiser and stronger by the year. If you ask me where I see myself in 10 years then maybe triathlon is not my full time job anymore and my golden years have passed.

I do wish to pursue triathlon coaching after my racing years and have this dream of building a year around training house in a cool location, where I can mix my ability and knowledge with my wife’s (who is a pastry chef) love for cooking and welcoming people. We would build a 5-6 bedroom triathlon house with everything you need to do the sport and we would welcome people 365 days a year, with prep meals and SAG for every training session. While this is just a dream, if it happens, it would close my full circle of life! ■

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7 Surf Cities that will Make you Want to Move There!

Words by: LUEX LineUpEXplorers Surf just 30 mins from Cape Town in Muizenberg. Photo by: Wikiwand.com

3. Cape Town, South Africa

Being in love with the ocean and especially surfing is sometimes a life between compromises and certain places. If you want to participate in the westernized world, following business ideas and material thoughts, but on the other hand fulfilling your dreams of floating waters, upcoming swells and breaking waves, you will find yourself on the search for perfect places to stay and settle, even if it is just for a while. In the following article I will show you what are the best locations for having both: Surf and the city! Photo by: @surfless

Surf and the City: 7 Great Cities for Surfers to Live in

Cape Town is kinda new, when it comes to the most surfable cities in the world. But since a few years, this coming-together of ethnicities is developing to a pure magnet of subcultures, where the urban landscape is offering stunning views, delicious restaurants, art and music exploration and contrasted scenery. It is a melting pot for urban life, cultures, cocktails, food, traditional scenery, modern lifestyle and of course, waves. The ocean floor picks up a lot of swell and any wind direction heats up different locations – which means, that Cape Town has waves all year round. Cold and heavy wave scenery happens during the stormy winter months, while June, July and August are ideal for small, gentle swells, which can increase to big, bone-crunching sets. 30 minutes away from the centre, Muizenberg can be described as a beginner friendly spot, while Dungeons is the most ridden big wave in Africa. Off The Wall is a difficult and moody wave, where take-offs are sharp and short. For crystal-blue water and white-sand scenery, surf Llandudno.

spot, while Sandy Beach and Kewalos offer you some barrels. Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline are high class waves with dangerous settings. Where are you gonna surf?

San Sebastian is surrounded by beautiful coast lines and lots of waves.

4. San Sebastián/Donostia, Spain

Honolulu is surrounded by endless surf breaks. Photo by: Edmund Garman

1. Honolulu, Hawaii

To start with the mother of all surf places, I definitely need to tell you this: Hawaii is place No.1 according to urban surf culture!

Of course, Hawaii is known for surf history, beautiful beaches and amazing culture.

But did you know, that there is a lot of city life happening in Honolulu? In 2015 it was ranked one of the world’s top 10 livable cities, it is the 2nd safest city in the U.S. and also the most populated Oceanic city outside Australasia. “Aloha spirit” is surrounding the skyline and there is even a law in Hawaii that states each person has to “think and emote good feelings” to others.

But what’s even more important – Honolulu is surrounded by perfect surfspots, that are ON all year long. You can choose between a relaxed afterwork session or ripping massive tubes. Ala Moana Bowls holds up to 12 ft and is known as an easy afternoon spot.

Laniakea, Oahu can be a beginner friendly 58

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Beautiful beaches and waves just outside of Sydney. Photo by: Australian Surf Tours

2. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is the most surfable city in Australia offering lots of subculture, shopping, fancy eatery, urban art, music and above all, a good range of surfspots. If you want to find yourself in urban waters, take the less than 20 minutes bus from the centre and enter Bondi Beach, that suits a proper, urban surf session. All in all, you get approximately 70 surf beaches around Sydney, that satisfy all surf levels. From small waves for beginners to big breaks for the experienced. The Cronulla area comprises four beaches Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla and Cronulla and has a lively surf scene with local board-riding communities and lifesaving clubs. Sydney’s Northern Beaches, from Manly to Palm Beach, offer some of the city’s prime surfing spots, including Freshwater, Narrabeen and Dee Why and Curl Curl.

In case you prefer staying in close proximity but worship nature just as much you might want to consider staying at one of Sydney’s closest surfcamps being located in a beautiful scenery.

One of my favorite places next to all these big cities is a little town called San Sebastián in Spain. Hidden at the foot of Pyrenees mountains, you will find a great mixture between traditional and modern city life.

Eat Pintxos all night long, look for the best ice-cream or just hang at one of the two beautiful beaches. Zurriola offers good surf, but can be crowded. If you take the bus, train or car, you will find some empty spots on the basque coastline. Pumping in european winter months, with the second city beach break La Concha, you will always have an opportunity to escape the big waves. You will find super fun vibes and waves when staying in this picturesque surf house in Aia, just 20 minutes from San Sebastian.

You can find every kind of wave around Lisbon – Carcavelos Beach.

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5. Lisbon/Lisboa, Portugal

Staying in Europe, you should get yourself and your surfboard to Lisbon. The capital of Portugal has a unique town centre, where the narrow alleys define the cityscape and its red Ponte 25 de Abril is almost as spectacular as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Traditional culture shapes the city life with Portuguese cuisine, music, art and lots of charm. Before you enter Costa Caparica, which offers consistent beach breaks, eat one of the delicious Pastel de Nata. If you head to Estoril Coast, you will find some reefs, points and beach breaks that can definitely get epic. Surf your heart out and stay in a vintage portuguese surf house in Estoril or in a sports resort just outside of Lisbon.

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6. Munich/München, Germany

Did you ever ask yourself, what is the most perfect surfable city without having an oceanside? Let me introduce: Munich! This bavarian city is known for beer, Oktoberfest, mountains and its unique man-made river wave. If you look closely, you will see people wearing wetsuits and carrying a surfboard in the centre of this German town, but no sea in sight. The place, where this little magic happens, is the Eisbach river, where the strong community rips the river wave.

No matter if there is snow or a hot summer breeze – the crew is stoked and the wave is always crowded. A few minutes away, a second break helps beginners to find some satisfaction in the river.

Surf in the heart of Munich on its famous river wave.

Beautiful beaches and skyline – San Diego.

7. San Diego, USA

Instead of saving the best for last – I need to tell you, that I definitely appreciate all of these surf cities. Nevertheless, San Diego is California Dreaming at its best. Epic surf culture meets high class waves in an urban landscape, that merges into wilderness the further you get away from the centre. I don’t need to tell you that you can get everything you want in this American city, where music, art and food are on its highest level of competition. Listen to some psychedelic rock while you drive to one of the famous surf spots. The climate can be compared to that of the Mediterranean and the sun is always shining, but even better: wind, swell and tides heat up these perfect coastal lines. To give you a little snippet – Del Mar is the most reliable spot in this area with good response to all swell directions. A mix of sand bottom and patchy reefs is offering good waves and even in summer it is easy to find a wave to call your own. Black’s Beach is called San Diego’s best wave, while the world-famous Trestles is the hardest peek to catch, thanks to the ripping crowd. No matter if you search for secret spots, share city waves with popular surfers or compete with local surf gurus – you definitely will find your inner California heart in San Diego. ■

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Which Body Type Are You? Words by: Nicky Holland (Personal Trainer)

Following on from last month’s edition where we spoke about Macronutrients and Calories, it is important that we understand our body type. Why? Because that is why most of us train - to change the way we look. But what if we can change the way we look quickly and more effectively?

This is known as a somatotype. There are three types of physique which can be easily distinguished so we can calculate how much of the general population fall under which category. The three different types are: 1. Ectomorph 2. Mesomorph 3. Endomorph So, what are they I hear you ask? In the 1940’s, American psychologist William Herbert Sheldon discovered that people have three distinctive physiques. This is referring to their shape, skeletal frame and body composition. Everyone has a unique body.

Which image best refers to you?

In a nutshell, Ectomorph are long and lean, with low body fat and low muscle.

Mesomorph are normal height with a fair amount of muscle mass and wider shoulders than the hips. Endomorph are shorter and wider, with high body fat and low muscle, with their shoulders narrower than the hips.

The way in which our body consumes food, digests it, stores it and uses it as energy will affect our body shape. If we exercise regularly Genetically, it is in our DNA whether we are born with more slow twitch or fast twitch muscle fibers. Whether we are tolerant or intolerant to certain foods and whether we are more suited to burn fat or build muscle.

Of course, these characteristics can act as variables which can change from person to person. However, if we know what body type we are, we can manage our nutrition and training a lot more effectively.

Our BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is also unique. This tells us how many calories we can be expected to burn at rest. So if we calculate and record the amount we consume by calorie counting, then we compare that to our BMR, to see if we are in a positive or negative number, we are more likely to achieve results. For example, if I am male and my somatotype is Endomorph my BMR is around 3000 kcal a day. If we reduce our calories in and eat less than 3000 kcals, we will see a benefit. On top of that, if we exercise, we will burn more calories so we will be in a greater deficit. If my goal was to lose weight then this is a good start.

Let’s now talk about exercise. Ectomorphs tend to be your endurance athletes, with little weight and big engines to run all day.

Endomorphs tend to be your overweight general population who eat a lot and don’t exercise much. Then Mesomorph are in the middle and a combination of the two.

I hope this gives you more knowledge into your own nutrition and training. You should now have a good understanding and be able to link in the exercises you do to the different somatotypes, which will get you faster results! ■ For more tips, check out my website www.nicky-fitness.com or Instagram @nickyfitness

Ectomorph 60

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Mesomorph

Endomorph

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TIPS & TRICKS

Optimizing your Downtime Words + Photos by: Pedro Gomes

As much training as your body can endure, it can also and surely needs a lot of rest. For years the theory of more is always more was used by most athletes and while that does lead to fast improvement in the early stages of your career it may also and often does lead to severe states of fatigue and/or injury.

In a sport where consistency usually pays its dues, athletes must find the right balance of volume and intensity that their body can tolerate without “breaking”.

Each training session you endure is an aggression to the body. The harder you go, usually the deeper the muscular and physiological damage it produces. But to every action you take, you have a counter action and your body reacts to those training aggressions by becoming stronger. However, there’s a limit to where the body reacts this way and once you “hit it” too many times, the counter reaction of your body may turn into a defensive one and instead of becoming stronger it retracts and curls into a state of defense, not allowing you to becoming faster. This is why more and more coaches have adopted the one hard/one easy day approach. Once you are strong enough, you can insert some back to back days without your body entering defensive mode but very rarely you should endure more than two days of hard sessions in a row. Punishing your body will not only create central nervous fatigue as will drop you into a hole of demotivation and frustration if results don’t show up.

While it’s your coach’s job to develop, guide and schedule training, there are a few tricks you can use to optimise your off time of training. This is where more professional athletes also have the edge over amateur athletes since pro’s have the time and

patience to actually give attention to all this techniques and applying them, reducing the recovery needed from and between hard sessions.

HYDRATION: You sweat a lot more than you realize. Water is a key element to flush the toxins produced in training and by doing so improving recovery. Very often your hydration in training is deficient and you end the session having lost 5-10% of what you had before. Drinking lots of fluids during the rest of the day and paying attention to match that with electrolytes replacement is a huge step to get all your organ functions back to normal.

MASSAGE: Also important to flush out the toxins and lactic acid produced in training, remove muscular knots and bring fibers back to their proper state. You will not only be stretching your muscles and removing tightness you will also be preventing injuries.

Ice baths: It’s not a myth that filling up your bath tub with ice cold water and soaking your legs in it will improve recovery.

About 8-10 minutes is enough to reduce inflammation produced during training as the cold will work as a magnet to stimulate the blood flow.

RECOVERY DRINK: After training it’s been proven that your body doesn’t need that much protein to recover and about 12-15g of it to rebuild muscle is enough. However, it will need carbohydrates that are fast absorbed to replenish your glycogen reserves after getting them depleted during training.

For that reason, a drink that has both protein and carbohydrates has been mostly adopted by athletes instead of the pure, simple and just whey protein drinks that were used a few years ago or are frequent among body builders. The best time to take this drink is up to 30min post-training session, called the “training window”, and you should allow and give time for the body to absorb the content of the drink before a heavier meal or ingesting any fiber or fat. Chocolate milk has been adopted by most as the on-the-go recovery drink as it does fit this profile.

SLEEP: If there’s anything that maximizes your time recovering then it is sleep. Have your recovery drink and hit the sack. Sleep

activates the production of natural human growth hormones and it is probably the fastest way to get over any training session.

Obviously not all have time to do so after training so ensuring you get at least 8 hours of sleep per day at the right time will do the trick for most.

COMPRESSION: Compression works. Yes, it has become a fashion item on your warp rope but the fact is that it does help flushing out toxins and the blood flow. What it does is compressing the more superficial blood cells and pushing the blood towards the heart, optimizing oxygen transport to the muscles and back. Either it’s a pair of compression socks or time spend inside compression sleeves/boots, it’s a technique used by all nowadays and proven to actually work.

STRETCHING: I left stretching for last on purpose because there are many apologists of stretching and as many disbelievers. Personally, I feel like you should lightly stretch before and after workouts but you don’t want to be become super flexible on the lower body. Stretching before a workout will help you prepare and lightly warm up your soft tissue to the aggression it will be momentarily facing and may prevent injuries.

Stretching after the workouts will remove some tightness, or muscle compression, and relieve some post-workout soreness.

However for running, I’m one of the believers that if you are too flexible, your body will not be as efficient or “bouncy” on the ground. Running is a lot about being fast on the ground, bounce back fast like a basketball. Being too flexible reduces that action.

Besides, it’s not uncommon to find people over stretching and actually producing more damage to the muscle than any potential benefit that stretching may offer.

Above all be aware that the harder you train, the harder you should rest. If you have been enduring weeks in a row of high volume and intense workouts, it’s always a great time to insert a full day or afternoon of zero training. On the recovery days, make sure you are actually recovering, not jumping into a crossfit session or playing soccer with your friends! ■

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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; Yas Mall: +971 25650812; MOE: +971 4395 8951, www.go-sport.com 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; Online store: +971 43149001; Retail store: +971 43504400, http://en-ae.sssports.com

Adventure tours and desert safaris

Alpha Tours, P.O. Box 25718, 27th Floor, Burlington Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, +971 47019111, 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.desertroadtours.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, P.O. Box 37459, National Towers: Churchill Tower Suite #614, Business Bay, Dubai, +971 528996307, www.dubairelaxtours.com Explorer Tours, Umm Ramool, Dubai, +971 42861991, www.explorertours.ae Gulf for Good, P.O. Box 506006, 1/F, Building 4, Dubai International Humanitarian City, 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, P.O. Box 181258 Dubai, Office 404, Royal Plaza Building Al Rigga Street, +971 42628889 or 42686826, www.opdubai.com Rahhalah, Shata Tower – 27th Floor, Office No. 2711, Media City, Dubai, +971 44472166, www.rahhalah.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Fishing, Camping, Kayaking, & Adventure Club, +971 5 04920860, mohammed.almahrouky@gmail.com

Air

Balloon Adventures Emirates, Office 123 Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43884044, 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, The Palm: Al Seyahi St, Dubai Marina, +971 43778888, www.skydivedubai.ae

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/ColumbiaME /ColumbiaSportswear_ME yamboats@alyousuf.com Elite Pearl Charter, P.O. Box 214173, Saeed Tower 1, office #3102, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43889666, www.elitepearlcharter.com Gulf Craft, P.O. Box 666, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, 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, Showroom #8, The Curve Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 4 3284629, www.luxuryseaboats.com Macky Marine LLC, Box 37594, Ground Floor, Marina Yatch Club, Office # 5, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 505518317, www.mackymarine.com Nautilus Yachts, Sharjah, +971 553419494 or 503419494, www.nautilusyachts.com The Boat House, P.O. Box 71628, Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae UAEBoats4Sale, Dubai Marina, +971 42932465, 567001801, www.uaeboats4sale.com Western Marine, P.O. Box 52938, Sheikh Zayed Road, Knotika Marine Mall, Dubai, +971 44327870 Equipment Ali Khalifah Moh Al Fuqaei, Ground Floor, Tara Hotel Building, Abdul Nasser Square Street, 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, www.rinehemiratesme.com, +971 43391512 Repairs and Maintenance Extreme Marine, Jebel Ali Branch, Jebel Ali, Industrial Area, P.O. Box 97705, Dubai, +971 48830777, www.extrememarine-me.com Rineh Emirates, Sheikha Sana Warehouse 1, Al Quoz, +971 43391512, SNS Marine, Dubai Creek & Yacht Club, Dubai, +971 501405058, www.snsmarine.ae The Boat House, P.O. Box 71628, Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae Cruise Operators Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, +971 26665491

Al Marsa Travel & Tourism, P.O. Box 32261, Sharjah, UAE, +971 65441232; Dibba, Musandam, Oman, +968 26836550 Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek opposite the British Embassy, +971 48145553 Bristol Middle East, Marina Heights Tower, Dubai Marina – Marina Walk,Dubai, +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 43282930, 50 3716377, www.edenyachting.com Emirates Yatching, P.O. Box 8380, Dubai, +971 42826683 El Mundo, Dubai, +971 505517406, www.elmundodubai.com Four Star Travels and Tourism, Dubai, +971 561012599, www.4startravels.com 4 Yatch Chartering LLC, Toll Free: 800 YACHT (92248), Office #4, Dubai Marina Yatch Club, Dubai, www.4yachtchartering.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 LY Catamaran, Bur Dubai, +971 566506683, www.lycatamaran.com Marine Concept, P.O. Box 282586, Office 611, Al Barsha Business Centre, Dubai, +971 43958022, 559603030 www.marine-charter-concept.com Nautica1992, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Dubai Marina, +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 72066410, 504912696, 507682345 Sea Hunters Passenger Yachts & Boats Rental, Dubai Marina, +971 42951011 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 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 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 Pavilion Marina, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +971 44068800 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 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

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Diving

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 Probike, Dubai, Al Barsha 1, +971 43255705, www.probike.ae Rage Shop, Al Ghurair Centre: +971 4294 8634; 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, Sheikh Zayed Road: +971 43395602; Mirdif City Centre: +971 42840038; Al Seef Village Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 26337172, 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; Shop #5, Reemas Building Al Quoz 1, Exit 46/47, Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, +971 43211132, www.trekbikes.ae Trikke UPT, P.O. Box 53527, Dubai, + 971 43434499; P.O. Box 33869, Abu Dhabi, +971 26333377, 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

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OUTDOORUAE

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 Dive Shop.ae, Building #123, Street 26, Area 369, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, Dubai, +971 43414940, www.diveshop.ae 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, +971 559888687, Dubai; Fujairah, Rotana Al Aqah Hotel Resort & Spa, +971 92370299, www.diversdownuae.com Emirates Divers Centre, Abu Dhabi, near Meena Fish Market, +97126432444, www.edc-ad.ae Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, +971 506130486 contactus@freedivinguae.com, www.freedivinguae.com Freestyle Divers, Al Corniche Street, Dibba, Fujairah, +971 504514259, www.freestyledivers.me 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 Neptune Diving, +971 504347902, www.neptunedivingcentre.com Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment), Dubai, +971 44068828 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

SEPTEMBER 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.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 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 48706668, 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 25581889, 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, +971 556881793, 501084010, www.flipfloparabia.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai +971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com Highbury Trading FZE LLC, P.O. Box 16111, RAK Free Trade Zone Authority, Ras Al Khaima, +971 526799506, www.highburytrade.com 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

Horse Riding

Equipment Al Asifa Horse Equestrian Equipment & Requisites Trading P.O. Box 77282, AL Khawanij 1st , Dubai, +971 554733110, www.asifa.ae Black Horse LLC, Baniyas West, Near Empost Abu Dhabhi, +971 25866205, 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 565066741, 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

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

Featuring…

Oman Edventure Camp

France Ski & Edventure

and much more.

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, Direct: +971 45019442, 45019412 or 43419341, www.libertykawasaki.com

Motocross & ATV’s

Dealers Al Badayer Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, +971 68861161 or 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, P.O. Box 47912, E-44 Hatta road, Al Badayer Madam, Sharjah, +971 529484616 or 505 033 800 Just Gas It, Hatta Rd., Al Aweer, Dubai, UAE, +971 559031664, www.JustGasIt.net KTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42, +971 43468999, www.ktm.com Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Direct: +971 45019442, 45019412 or 43419341, 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 Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com Equipment 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

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 General Trading Co. LLC, Warehouse No: B3, Alquoz Ind Area #3, Umm Suqeim Road next to Max Garage Diagonally opposite Lulu Hypermarket Al Barsha, +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, Direct: +971 45019442,

www.globaledventuretravel.com Educational ventures to destinations worldwide.

45019412 or 43419341, www.libertykawasaki.com Polaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex, Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor, +971 42896100, www.polarisuae.com Tristar Motorcycles, Al Awir Road, Nr Oman Transport, +971 43330659, www.tristaruae.com Workshops and Services Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.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, 800 YAS (927) or +971 26599800, www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Off-Road

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,

SEPTEMBER 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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.desertroadtours.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 Desert Road Runners www.desertroadrunners.club

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 Surf Dubai, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, +971 505043020, www.surfingdubai.com Surf Shop Arabia, Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai, +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, +971 26665588, www.ridersuae.com

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, P.O. Box 51234, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, +971 28853555, 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 44262000, 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 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, +971 25578000, www. sbgolfclub.ae Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah, +971 65487777, www.golfandshootingshj.com SkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, +971 44094000, www.skidxb.com Spacewalk Indoor Skydiving, Abu Dhabi, +971 26577601, adcountryclub.com/ spacewalk/about-spacewalk/

Health, Safety & Training

Safety Lessons Marine Concept Yacht Charter & Sea School, Rania Business Centre, Dubai, +971 559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.com Sport and Health Centres Bespoke Wellness, Dubai, +971 553724670, www.bespoke-wellness.com

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Original Fitness Co., C6 Tower Al Bateen Bainunah St, Abu Dhabi, +971 2406 9404; P.O. Box 126469, Office 508 The Fairmont

Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43116571 www.originalfitnessco.com Orthosports Medical Centre, 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

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 Musandam Travel & Tours, P.O. Box 786, PC No. 811, Khasab, Musandam, Sultanate of Oman, +968 91713449, info@tourkhasab.com Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, Oman, +968 24534554, www.almoujmarina.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 508918207, www.discovernomad.com Diving Centres Euro-divers Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, P.O. Box 940, Postal Code 100 Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, +968 98194444, www.euro-divers.com Extra Divers Zighy Bay, Oman, Musandam, +968 26735555, www.extradivers.info

Moonlight Dive Center, Near Grand Hyatt Muscat, Shati Al Qurum, Oman, +968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com Oman Dive Center, Muscat, Oman, +968 24284240, www.omandivecenter.com Oman Dive Center Resort, P.O. Box 199, Medinat Sultan Qaboos, Oman, +968 24824240, www.omandivecenter.info 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 Scuba Oman, Oman, +968 99558488, www.scubaoman.com Seaoman, P.O. Box 2394, RUWI PC 112, Oman, +968 24181400, www.seaoman.com

Camping & Hiking

Stand Up Paddeling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

Boating & Sailing

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

Manufacturer Saphire Marine, PO Box: 11, Post Code 118, Muscat, Oman, +968 24568887, 24566566, 24561619 or 24568881, www.sapphire-marine.com Marinas Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat, Oman, +968 24737286 (ext 215), www.marinaoman.net

Clubs

Horse Riding

Fishing & Kayaking

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, P.O. Box 123, P.C. 811, Khasab City, Musandam, Oman, +968 26730813, www.dolphinkhasabtours.com Go Dive Oman, Marina Bander Al Rowdha Dive Center, +968 9548 3813 or 98194444, 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 Cruise Operators Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +968 26836551, www.sheesabeach.com

Diving

Equipment Al Marsa Musandam, PO Box 44, Dibba, Sultanate of Oman, +968 26836550; UAE: +971 502124100, www.almarsamusandam.com

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 4344499, 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, +974 44357333 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 Tourism LLC, P.O. Box 18180, 29 Aspire Zone Street, Aspire Zone Al Ryyan City, State of Qatar Switchboard: +974 44221888, 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, Barwa Village Bulding #12 Shop #33, Doha, Qatar, +974 55776679, www.qatar-ventures.com

Cycling, Running & Triathlon Qatar Chain Reaction, www.qatarchainreaction.weebly.com 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 Marinas Four Seasons Marina, Doha, Qatar, +974 44948899, www.mourjanmarinas.com Lusail Marina, Lusail City, Qatar, +974 55843282, www.mourjan-lusailmarina.com The Pearl–Qatar Marinas, Doha, Qatar, +974 44953894, www.ronauticame.com

Add your free listing to the 66

OUTDOORUAE

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 44197704, www.qrec.gov.qa

Diving

Equipment/Centres Al Fardan Marine Services, Najma Street (near Al Fardan Exchange), Doha, Qatar, +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, www.pearl-divers.org Poseidon Dive Center, P.O. Box: 11538, Ras Abu Abboud Street, Al Emadi Suites, Showroom #2, 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 Marine Centre, Souq Al Najada cnr of Grand Hamad and Ali bin Abdulla Street; +974 55319507 or 4375065, 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 55246651, 40405156, www.qatardivers.com Qatar Marine, Go Sport City Center West Bay, P.O. Box 16657, Doha, +974 55319507, www.qatarmarine.net Qatar Scuba Centre, 187 Al Mansoura Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar, +974 66662277 or 44422234, www.qatarscubacenter.com

Tour Operators Safari Desert Camp, P.O. Box 117, Postal Code 421, Bediyah, Ghabbi, Oman, +968 99310108, www.safaridesert.com

Caving

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

Fishing & Kayaking

Equipment Az’Zaha Tours, +968 99425461, www.azzahatours.com Water World Marine Oman, P.O. Box 76, Muscat, 113, Sultanate of Oman, +968 24737438, www.waterworldoman.com

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

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

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