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Vol. 5, No. 10 October 2015
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DISTRIBUTORS QATAR Protech Powered Sports Co Street: Salwa Road PO Box: 91, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44398030 Fax: +974 44398030 Sales Email: info@protech.com.qa
OMAN FairTrade Auto Services LLC P.O. Box 2636, Ruwi, Muscat Tel: +968 96778552 Fax: +96824701787 Contact person Mr. R. K. Sunder Email: sunder@ftgroupholding.com
DUBAI Showroom No. 8, Al Ghandi Complex Nad al Hamar Road, Ras al Khor Tel: +971 4 2896100 Fax: +971 4 2894914 Email: sse@polarisuae.com
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OutdoorUAE Team
Daniel Birkhofer Founder and General Manager daniel@outdooruae.com
Because I Got High Ah, mountains – those tall and imposing masses of land that we as humans climb to achieve a certain sense of achievement. Mountains have long been associated with achievement as well as religion because of one underlying principle – one that we don’t address as it has become deeply ingrained in our subconscious. Because we want to feel that we as humans are the masters of our planet and that no area, no matter how deep or high, could stop us. Mountains give us an ecstatic feeling and that is why this message has been titled that way. Perhaps the most beautiful phrase spoken about our desire to climb came from the late George Mallory when he was asked why he wanted to climb Everest. He simply said, “Because it’s there.” Those three words became Keith Pereña Junior Editor & Social Media the mantra of a majority of climbers not just keith@outdooruae.com
for the plain simplicity of it, but because it speaks to them on a deeper and spiritual level. With the beginning of the outdoor season, we found it best to start with the most common thing associated with the outdoors – mountains. Ask anyone what they remember about the word “outdoors” and they’ll definitely tell you “mountains”. In this issue, we’ll be talking about the high life – peaks on every corner of the world; from Bhutan to Romania, Turkey, Pakistan and even right at our very own doorstep here in the United Arab Emirates. A little story if you don’t mind, sometime last September, I had the chance to try out a climbing wall. Now before anybody raises a comment, let me first say that it’s my first time to try a climbing wall. At first I thought that it would just be a cakewalk but boy I was surprised to realise that climbing was the easy part and coming down would be filled with panic as one of the attendants said “let go” in my head I was saying “Let go? Are you crazy? I don’t want to fall to my death!” Looking at it in hindsight, I do believe he was right because when I let go and slid myself down that wall, I felt a sense of achievement. I think that’s what most climbers are after — that exhilarating feeling of going up and down. In the next pages, expect to see climbs be it in boulders, walls, mountains and how in every corner of the world there is a climber taking it on and proving to him or herself that Yes, They Can.
Editor For editorial content and press releases Tel: 04-447 2030 Mobile: 055 5760322 editor@outdooruae.com Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries) Tel: 04-447 2030 Mobile: 055 9398915 linda@outdooruae.com Published by Outdoor UAE FZE In cooperation with A2Z EVENTS P.O. Box 215062 Dubai, U.A.E. Tel. 04-447 2030 contact@outdooruae.com www.outdooruae.com Cover photo by: Tara Atkinson
Distributor Dar Al Hikma LLC P.O. Box 2007, Dubai, UAE Tel. 04-266 5394 Printed at GN Printing P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE © 2015 Outdoor UAE FZE Vol. 5, No. 10, October 2015
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Eulogy van Dyk Editor Qatar eulogy@outdooruae.com
Linda Turcerova Sales and Marketing linda@outdooruae.com
Jung Francisco Designer and Photographer jung@outdooruae.com
Katherine Cañedo Patangui Administration kathy@outdooruae.com
Ian Sebeldia Circulation ian@outdooruae.com
EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS
Marina Bruce The Desert Diva and off-road expert
Kit Belen Our fishing pro
Nico de Corato Diver and heli rescue swimmer with Bergamo Scuba Angels
Twitter.com/OutdoorUAE Instagram.com/OutdoorUAE
The information contained is for general use only. We have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this magazine has been obtained from reliable sources. The publisher is not responsible for any errors. All information in this magazine is provided without a full guarantee of completeness, accuracy and chronology. In no event will the publisher and/or any of our affiliates be held responsible for decisions made or action taken in reliance on the information in this magazine. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission.
Rachael Bruford Travel Editor
Ivana Chiles Health coach and outdoor enthusiast
Dan Wright Freelance wilderness guide in the UAE
Jake Lyle Diving and Watersport Expert
WHEN YOU’RE DONE READING, PLEASE RECYCLE!
Helle Bachofen Von Echt Elite Women Cyclist
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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
CONTENTS
10 DUBAI GLADIATORS CHALLENGE
4
22 BHUTAN: SNOWMAN TREK
38 OUTDOOR FLICKS
EVERY ISSUE
TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
06 EVENTS CALENDAR 08 BEST SHOTS 10 OFF-ROADER’S CORNER: OASIS OFFROAD 44 PRODUCTS 70 DIRECTORY
20 ROMANIA: LOW BUDGET MOUNTAIN PARADISE 22 BHUTAN: SNOWMAN TREK 26 THE ELBRUS LETTERS 28 ROCTRIP: OLYMPOS, TURKEY – THE FINALE 32 BACK ON ANOTHER SLOW LANE TO NOWHERE
EVENT & ACTIVITY REPORTS
LIFESTYLE
10 DUBAI GLADIATORS CHALLENGE 12 DOAS 2015 PREVIEW 14 DUBAI AND CONSERVATION? 18 MEET THE TEAM: OCEAN SPORTS FZE AMBASSADORS
34 NATURAL HISTORY 37 ETHICS OF HUNTING 38 HABITUALLY HEALTHY 40 NATURAL HISTORY 42 FIRST LOVE
OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
50 LIFEPROOF IPHONE CASE
56 AN UNDERWATER CLEANUP - JAKE
62 THE BOULDER THAT UAE FORGOT
TRIED + TESTED
PEOPLE
47 NATHAN VAPORAIRESS 50 LIFEPROOF IPHONE CASE
61 MASOOMA ALI
OUR EXPERTS
62 THE BOULDER THAT UAE FORGOT 64 THE OMANI STRETCH - FINALE
53 IN SEARCH OF ALTITUDE – EULOGY 54 BIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS – NICO 56 AN UNDERWATER CLEANUP - JAKE 58 WOMEN ON WHEELS: THE MOUNTAIN RUNNER – HELLE 60 DO IT YOURSELF: 30 AED QUICK WASH JIG/LURE BOX - KIT
LOCATIONS TIPS + TRICKS 66 ROCK CLIMBING EXERCISES 68 HYDRATION IN EXTREME HEAT
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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
EVENTS CALENDAR
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST EVENTS
OCTOBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
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ABU DHABI TOUR
Four great races around the vast and spectacular Emirati capital — From Liwa to Yas Island. When: October 8-11 Where: Abu Dhabi (Liwa, The Capital, Al Ain and Yas Island) Contact: www.abudhabitour.com
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PINK RUN 2015
A 5 or 10km run within the grounds of Zayed Sports City. A run dedicated in supporting the Breast Cancer Awareness month. When: October 16 Where: Zayed Sports City, 7;00 a.m. Contact: www.premieronline.com
OCT
23 OCT
24
2XU 5 STAR AQUATHLON
The Abu Dhabi Tri Club returns to the Emirates Palace for this season’s opening aquathlon. When: October 23, 6:30 a.m. Where: Emirates Palace Contact: www.abudhabitriclub.com
GO SPORT/ASICS 12K, 8K AND 4K RUN SERIES
Run along the beautiful The Track Golf Clubhouse in Meydan and get a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the French Alps! When: October 24, 7:00 a.m. Where: The Track Golf Clubhouse, Meydan Contact: www.supersportsdubai.com
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JLL ROY NASR MEMORIAL TRIATHLON
The first race of the JLL series, dedicated to the memory of Roy Nasr. When: October 17, 6:45 a.m. Where: Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Hotel Contact: www.race-me-events.com
OCT
24 OCT
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X-TRI CROSS COUNTRY TRIATHLON The first off-road triathlon in the region. When: October 24, 7:00 a.m. Where: Kalba, Sharjah Contact: www.premieronline.com
2XU/GO SPORT TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS
Win a week-long holiday in the French Alps in this Mamzar Beach race. When: October 30, 7:00 a.m. Where: Mamzar Beach Contact: www.supersportsdubai.com
MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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DUBAI OFF-ROAD AND ADVENTURE SHOW 2015
The only off-road show in the region with big cars, big thrills and big surprises is back for the second time around. When: October 29-31 Where: Dubai Sports City Contact: www.dubaiadventureshow.com
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GULF BIKE WEEK
Ride hard in the region’s premier biking lifestyle event. With insane stunts and custom bikes to boot When: October 22-24, 4:00 p.m. Where: Dubai Autodrome Contact: www.gulfbikeweek.com
OCT
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DUBAI GLADIATORS CHALLENGE
The fun adventure challenge for the whole family and office is back - this time in the outdoors.
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UAE WOODEN POWERBOAT RACE
Over 25 powerboats battle it out in this intense race. When: October 23 Where: Abu Dhabi Breakwater Contact: 02-681-5566
OCT
30
When: October 29-31 Where: Dubai Sports City Contact: www.dubai-gladiators.com
OCT
30
CONTAGION RUN DUBAI 2015
Zombies and Survivors have never been this active and cool. When: October 30, 4:00 p.m. Where: Nad al Sheba Cycle Park Contact: www.contagionrun.com
O C T
WESTIN KILO MARATHON RUN 2015 Run along one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses for a good cause! When: October 30, 8:00 p.m. Where: The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort Contact: www.premieronline.com
OCT
31
WADI ADVENTURE RACE 10
Prepare to light up the front in the 10th Wadi Adventure Race with new obstacles awaiting you in the fields of battle. When: October 31, 8:00 a.m. Where: Wadi Adventure, Al Ain Contact: www.wadiadventure.ae
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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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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 Buff headwear, five free copies of the magazine and the Advance Off-road Guidebook: Doe Lone, Wilander Xavier and Jenny Moore. Well done! To submit your entries, simply email us at competitions@outdooruae.com with the subject “Best Shots.”
Doe Lone
Grant on crux move of FA-Chumbawamba 6c+, The Wave, Hatta
Wilander Xavier
Jumeirah Beach Shoreline 8
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Jenny Moore
Climbing the Via Ferrata at Jebel Shams
THE
OFF-ROADERS corner
Oasis Offroad Words By: Marina Bruce Photos By: Martin J L Pepper and Marina Bruce
Oasis Offroad is an Al Ain based group offering accessible adventures in the beautiful red dunes around the United Arab Emirates’ Garden City. Established in 2012, they cater to drivers of all levels, offering a range of trips from Easy Introductory Drives (EIO), to family trips, advanced sand driving and long distance overlanding adventures! The deserts and dunes of the UAE are a gorgeous place to be and if you want to get out and enjoy this unique environment in your 4x4 then Oasis Offroad is always pleased to lead you there. They offer tuition to new drivers through their Easy Introduction to Off-roading (EIO) course, where typically two, maximum three, new desert drivers are taught the basics in a safe and structured way. They run easy and intermediate trips to a range of beautiful destinations, from tree-lined valleys to swimming holes, wadis and giant dunes. Some trips include family camping and barbecue nights in the desert where you can relax and enjoy the company of like-minded people away from shopping malls and city lights. One of their marshals has a projector and his movie nights in the desert are not to be missed! As their members’ driving progresses
they run more advanced trips, giving expert tuition, increasing the level of technical difficulty and gaining access to even more of the spectacular desert. Oasis Offroadgrades drives from level one through to level four. Level one and two are easy drives but the club believes in teaching people to walk before they let them run. Once a driver can accomplish all the easy manoeuvres safely and easily, the club offers them a Side Sloping 101 trip. Side sloping and sidecresting are two of the riskiest moves off-road and this trip is designed to teach experienced level two drivers how to tackle these manoeuvres in a safe and controlled fashion, before advancing to level three. The grading is not done purely on driving level; teamwork, attitude and equipment are also taken into consideration, meaning the club has competent drivers who are always ready to assist on drives. Regardless of the level, safety is always a priority and the club’s western, English speaking marshals are very experienced off-roaders with first aid training. 2014 saw Oasis Offroad’s inaugural Dark Skies Challenge event - a 100km straight line challenge in the western desert of the UAE, which was such a success that in 2015 it was opened up to teams from other clubs. You can read about these trips in OutdoorUAE’s November 2014 and March 2015 editions. Oasis Offroad might be small but they are a very active club; in the last 12 months they have posted over 60 trips excluding EIOs! You will find them a welcoming and friendly bunch, specialising in family drives with small convoys of less than 10 cars;
teamwork is the name of the game and you won’t find show-offs or crazy drivers! Although based in the Garden City they run regular trips to Liwa, Oman and nearer to home - in the Al Hayer area, which is exactly halfway between Dubai and Al Ain. You can join the Oasis Offroad community by signing up on their forum, then request an EIO! Experienced sand drivers should contact one of their marshals so that you can be graded accordingly. One of Oasis Offroad’s founding marshals currently writes for OutdoorUAE – Marina Bruce is our resident Offroad Expert and you can find some of her articles about club trips, as well as off-roading hints and tips, in previous editions of OutdoorUAE.
EVENT REPORT
Veni, Vidi, Vici
Everybody goes home a winner in the recent Dubai Gladiators Challenge Words By: Keith Pereña Photos By: Jung Francisco and Trevor Goddard
When I hear of an event – any event at all, the first thing that comes to mind is that, “It is a competition and somebody is bound to be a winner”. We have events all throughout the season that focus on a person or a set of people to be touted as the winner of the competition. Whilst I’m not against the idea of having winners, it sometimes feels that we are all too absorbed with the idea of winning when in fact the gist of joining an event is to have fun and have a great weekend: the competitive edge is optional. So it was an absolute surprise when I found myself setting foot inside The Dome in Dubai Sports City last 17th-19th of September to take part in an event where they explicitly tell you that “everybody goes home a winner”. This is an event where the people get photos with Roman guards, shoot arrows at targets or play with a buddy and battle it out in a
joust only to end up lying down on the foam laughing at each other’s knockdowns. This is a fun weekend; this is the Dubai Gladiators Challenge. Held inside the Dome in Dubai Sports City, the Dubai Gladiators’ inaugural event saw hundreds of hopeful warriors battle it out across three days. To give them a taste of the event, the 17th of September witnessed the open training day wherein the participants and several other visitors got to experience the challenges and prepare for the intense combat that ensued between individuals and
teams over the next two days. Now, it does seem misleading that there seems to be a “competition” but here’s the catch – nobody went home empty handed, with every single participant receiving a medal, and a goody bag filled with gladiatorial swag and other goodies from the event’s partners. The first day was a blast, with participants, most especially children, having a great time with their families taking on challenges such as Target Shooting, The Arena, the Joust and event one on one Rope Pulling! There were various interesting sights at every challenge
Scores - The Arena Rank
but what would be most memorable was during the Rope Pulling when visitors surprisingly “participated” in the pull between two persons so that at the end both sides had three or so people, all laughing at their fun antics and doing the same thing all over again. I even managed to train my archery skills over at the Target Shooting challenge wherein I was single-handedly owned by a toddler of a girl. Hats off to her for managing to hit the furthest target! But it was not only in those challenges where fun could be found. The joust saw some hilarious moments with couples battling it out against each other in a creative form of “quarrelling” and even colleagues laughing at how they could easily remove the stresses of the work day with the use of an inflatable joust and their favourite break time buddy. The Arena was another challenge altogether. At first sight, it’s just a simple looking course but it was made with the intention of really testing your mettle. I got my own taste of it and the idea that it was easy was debunked as I found myself reaching for my breath after climbing, jumping and crawling my way to the finish line. The Arena witnessed several gladiators who managed to complete the course in record times; the fastest being a quick one minute and 29 seconds! You can find a list of the top 25 times in the chart on the right side. The next days witnessed individuals and teams take on the various challenges, and those who achieved the most points won another prize on top of their goody bags! Several lavish prizes were also raffled off during the day, ensuring that everybody went home happy and content after so many challenges. The last day was mainly about the various teams that were taking part. Offices, friends and families all teamed up to achieve
the most points and it was the climactic resolution to the time they spent during the training day. The Saturday Gladiators jumped hurdles, pulled ropes, swung jousts and shot arrows in order to prove who would gain the blessing of the Emperor and be crowned the top Gladiators of the day. The award went to Team Adventure HQ who managed to net an astounding team score of 300 points. They were closely followed by Team Alemco with 277 points.Rounding off the top gladiators was Team EO Vikings with 270 points. After the awards, a bevy of photos ensued with everyone showing off their best gladiatorial poses with the Dubai Gladiators’ very own warriors complete in their Roman regalia. Sadly, the event had to come to a sudden close in light of the passing of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai’s son. The organisers found it proper to pay their respects to the family in this manner. Despite closing its doors early, everyone was jovial to find out that the event will be back during the winter season for another round! And this time, they promise a more intense challenge held in the unbridled and unlimited vastness of where else? The outdoors!
Names
Time (min/sec)
1
Aziz Alharbi
1:29
2
Imran Akbar
1:41
3
Vinod Rana
1:42
4
Shane Shellebarger
1:42
5
Jacob Lamb
1:44
6
Saad Qureshi
1:51
7
Marc Weller
1:52
8
Mano Hagh
1:55
9
David Engelbrecht
1:57
10
Enoch Lastleberry
1:58
11
Faisal Tamimi
1:58
12
Daniel Birkhofer
2:00
13
Mohamed Ranadan
2:02
14
Lasse Sand
2:02
15
Ali Alteneji
2:03
16
Marwan Ebeid
2:14
17
Jeff
2:16
18
Ali Agoumi
2:16
19
Shewey Akter
2:17
20
Shaun Haunghley
2:21
21
Keira Haunghley
2:22
22
Aisha Almehain
2:24
23
Julius
2:38
24
Colin Guppy
2:42
25
Shaun Hernon
2:42
29-31.10.2015 Dubai Sports City, Rugby Pitch 1
Thanks go out to the organizers, partners and sponsors to make this event happen:
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EVENT REPORT
#DOAS2015: What You Could Expect Words By: Keith Pereña Photos By: Jung Francisco
Back for another round of off-road and outdoor activity fun, the Dubai Off-Road and Adventure Show organized by Events A2Z and OutdoorUAE magazine will be returning this month – from the 29th to the 31st October at the Dubai Sports City to showcase the greatest 4x4s in the region. A mix of social event and exhibition, the show highlights the various outdoor activities available in the region while being supported by numerous outdoor brands resulting in a show that perfectly encapsulates the outdoor lifestyle of expats and residents alike in the UAE. Apart from displays of prominent outdoor brands, visitors can also have a go at some of their products — as the show allows for exhibitors to provide free demos of their products such as mountain bikes, fat bikes and stand-up paddle boards to name a few. Other than that, these products will be available for sale on all days of the show ensuring that you get only products from the best outdoor brands in the region.
Of course the obvious highlight of the show will be on the selected 4x4s that will be displayed as they all vie for the title of Best 4x4 of the Show – the ultimate prize of the Dubai Off-Road and Adventure Show. Be it a classic weekend warrior, an over-thetop custom, daily drivers or even monster trucks or Baja bugs, we’ll make sure that there will be awesome cars worth taking selfies and snapshots with. Other than 4x4s, dirt bikes, quads and other gas guzzling beauties — even boats will be displayed in the event side by side with the region’s greatest rides. While we’re on the topic of offers, there are multiple ways you could win spectacular prizes with some various activities offering you the chance to take home some fabulous outdoor swag! One of these events is the returning Dubai Gladiators Challenge. This time, the gladiators will take to the fields of the great outdoors as they compete, conquer and have a great time be it setting best times in the Arena or simply battling it out at the Joust. You can register at premieronline.com or at the venue directly (more info on this below). With this event taking place simultaneously, this year’s #DOAS2015 is bigger and better than ever. And once the sun sets and everyone is tired but fulfilled? They can all relax in rest areas generously sprawled throughout the
venue and listen to bespoke tunes. Visitors can also take a swig at the F&B section where DOAS will offer spirits only for adults. For everyone else, the best of Dubai’s culinary diversity will be highlighted as we bring along several of the region’s best food to close off your experience of the event on a high note. The Dubai Off-Road and Adventure is happening on the 29th – the 31st of October at Dubai Sports City, tickets are priced at 30 AED when pre-purchased online at ticketmaster.ae and 50 AED on the day of the event. Clubs, social groups, expats and locals are all welcome in this spectacular highlight of the UAE’s outdoor community. For more information, find us on the following spaces: @dubaiadventureshow OffRoad & Adventure Show www.dubaiadventureshow.com
ACTIVITY REPORT
Dubai and Conservation — Really? Words By: Matthias Hammer Photos By: Supplied
Dubai and conservation are not two words you would expect to hear together; and yet there is a remote and hidden desert gem just 40 minutes from the bustling city centre. Its ears are enormous. Its look is one of a deer caught in the headlights – wide-eyed, frightened and confused. It is an extremely rare Sand Fox and it has wandered into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). Dubai and conservation? Really? Those two words don’t usually go together in most people’s minds. I am in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve on a volunteering expedition with Biosphere Expeditions - a non-profit conservation organisation - helping Steve Bell and Greg Simkins, two South African biologists who are gathering data on Dubai’s desert
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wildlife, including the Arabian Oryx, Gordon’s Wildcat, Sand Fox, Sand and Mountain Gazelles, birds, reptiles and more. All of these animals exist, and some thrive, in this seemingly endless sea of sand dunes, stretching to the horizon in wave after wave of orange and gold. It is just 40 minutes from the city centre, and after you peel off the busy motorway, tranquillity rules. The gates open and turtle doves sing above the sound of the wind, sand drifts across the
asphalt, which soon runs out into the sandy sea, turning into a road back in time and in another world. An Arabia before the advent of firearms, before oil was discovered, before commerce turned the United Arab Emirates into a country of big money, cars, skyscrapers, shopping malls and fast food outlets. In this old Arabia, the desert and its wildlife rule. As we drive down the track, I am reminded of Africa. An Oryx stands majestically on the
crest of a sandy wave, gleaming white above the orange sand and against the clear blue sky. With his long slender horns and graceful outline, he is calmness personified and a quintessential Arabian image, gone now from the rest of the peninsula, hunted to extinction in all but protected and fenced areas. Gazelles are not so calm as they dash across the road, sprinting as if their lives depended on getting into the safety of the sandy sea that is their home. Vultures circle overhead, soaring high on the desert’s thermals, drawing circles into the sky’s perfect blue. A spiny-tailed lizard rests in the shade of a bush, biding its time; oblivious to the haven it is living in. Francolin game bird families dart along the track like headless chickens, trying to outrun the car when all they have to do is turn sideways away from it. When the car stops, they stop. When it moves, they run alongside it. Just like those silly Guinea Fowl in South Africa or Namibia. But this is not Africa. This is Arabia as it once was. This is the DDCR. Conservation in this area started in 1999 when the Al Maha Desert Resort was opened within a protected area of 27 km² (Al Maha
Reserve). One of the first conservation actions of the reserve was a wildlife reintroduction programme for Arabian Oryx and the two indigenous gazelle species (Sand and Arabian gazelle), as well as programmes for the protection of other key components of the ecosystem, in particular the vegetation. Close to 6000 indigenous trees were planted in 1999 to create a natural seed bank, which has now led to germination of indigenous plants. In 2001 the resort management began a major environmental audit of the surrounding area. Following this audit a proposal was submitted to the Dubai government on the formation of a national park. The proposal was accepted and sanctioned almost immediately and work began on protecting the area. Today the DDCR conserves a habitat known as the Dubai inland desert ecosystem - sand dunes interspersed with gravel plains. There is also one rocky outcrop in the north of the reserve, which provides nesting sites for the scarce Desert Eagle Owl and two groves of rare Ghaf trees. There are now around 400 Arabian Oryx from the 100 that were originally re-introduced in 1999. Both the Arabian Oryx and the Gazelle species have expanded into the DDCR naturally as the amount of human activity has been controlled and decreased. Estimated populations of approximately 300 Mountain and 100 Sand Gazelle can now be seen throughout the DDCR.
Our expedition base is nestled between trees and dunes, in the middle of nowhere. At night there is perfect darkness except for a faint glow in the north. There is a large Bedu tent with a colourful interior featuring solar lighting, a shower and toilet block, a tented kitchen where a culinary wizard from Sri Lanka rules, and the dome tents that most of us volunteers sleep in. The expedition leader just sleeps outside on a dune in his sleeping bag. It gets cold at night, as you would expect in the desert, but then soon warms up as the sun rises over the sands. It’s January, so during the day it’s a very pleasant 20 to 30 degrees C, with dry and breezy conditions. Greg tells me that it’s so hot in the summer, that it’s virtually impossible to be outside. At temperatures approaching 50 degrees C accompanied by very high humidity, I have no doubt this is true and struggle even to imagine what that must feel like. During the night we sleep in perfect tranquillity, with stars clearer and brighter than I have ever seen before. Only the odd owl hoot and the crackle of the dying campfire embers disturb the desert silence. During the day, our jobs are as varied as they are easily learnt. “The great thing about conservation biology is that much of it comprises tasks that are easily mastered,” Steve, our expedition scientist explains. “I need as many people on the ground to help me set live and camera traps, to check them,
change batteries, to be my eyes and ears in the desert, recording species seen, their number and behaviour. There is no technology to do this for me. It’s down to good old manual labour to collect many pieces of a big puzzle that will help me and the DDCR to make important management decisions”. Steve’s eyes light up as he says this, gesticulating, and his love for the desert is obvious, as is his appreciation of our help. “And – in this most commercial of places - it’s just great to be able to share with like-minded people our passion for the environment.” Soon Steve and Greg have won us over with their enthusiasm and we are eager students learning how to use binoculars and spotting scopes, compasses and maps, discovering how to set up and bait a live trap and do the same with its camera cousin, and last but not least, working out how to drive a 4x4 in the sand without getting stuck too often! After a day and a half we are out in small teams to gather data for Steve and Greg. There’s the driving through the dunes, which
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is fun without the guilt of your usual tourist dune-bashing sojourn. Then we are sitting on the crest of a dune, the sun on our backs, observing a herd of Oryx through our binoculars and spotting scopes. We look at fat layers to assess health; we record males, females and juveniles, their behaviour and feeding patterns. Everything is meticulously recorded in a datasheet. “This is your reason to be here and your legacy. If you don’t fill this in properly, you may as well lie on a beach or go to one of the shopping malls downtown,” were the expedition leader’s words. So we are meticulous and it is interesting to observe how the various nationalities work themselves into their respective roles. We are a very mixed team: a journalist from Australia, an Austrian expat from Dubai, a German health professional, a British accountant, a local wildlife enthusiast and an American psychologist with what in her country must be an unusual fascination with all things Arabic. But despite our different backgrounds and ages, we moulded into a team quickly, united by our common goals and interests in nature and wildlife. With the Oryx herd observed, we move on to place some camera traps and then check our live traps. Often they are empty, but with the sand fox we have hit the jackpot. Steve is elated. We sedate, measure, weigh and tag him and then let him escape back into the desert. We do the same with Gordon’s Wildcats, another rare and threatened species, that we have captured. In that sense it is not Africa where habituated animals are best found where most safari vehicles congregate. This is a truly wild place without safari tourists and it is a real privilege to be so close to truly wild animals and to gain an insight into the work of experts and passionate people trying to conserve them. Steve and Greg are two of those people. The Arabian Oryx is the largest of the antelopes in the region and it is very well adapted to the extremely arid environment. Oryx once roamed all across Arabia, but firearms saw their rapid decline. Since 1986 the Arabian Oryx has been classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List, but was already “very rare and believed to be rapidly decreasing in numbers” in 1965. The DDCR is a globally important refuge for the species. The Gordon’s Wildcat looks very similar to and is the same size as a domestic cat. Indeed, the biggest threat to the survival of the Gordon’s Wildcat as a species is the interbreeding with feral or domestic cats, which could lead to its extinction as a distinct
species. Very little is known about the Gordon’s Wildcat population within the DDCR; the last population estimate was done in 2004 and we are here to update this. The Sand Fox, also known as Rüpell’s Fox, is a desert-adapted carnivore. Although it is in the IUCN category of “Least Concern”, little is known about its habitat and ecology. This too is one thing the project is hoping to change. And finally, the Sand and Mountain Gazelle are in the IUCN categories of “Endangered” and “Vulnerable” respectively. The population of Mountain Gazelle is believed to be only a few hundred worldwide. Major threats include illegal hunting for meat and live capture for pets and private collections. Habitat loss through agricultural development, fencing pasture for cattle, construction of roads and settlements is also a major threat. With all this, we help and it feels good to do so. Like the little Sand Fox quickly disappearing off into the vastness of the desert after we have released it, it may be just a small thing in a sea of sand but despite us being only drops of help, Steve says “It is drops of rain that make creeks and rivers, lakes and oceans”.
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OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
ACTIVITY REPORT
Words By: Leigh Pothecary Photos By: Supplied
Ocean Sports FZE are pleased to welcome on board four new athletes that will act as brand ambassadors and represent us primarily in the sport of kitesurfing. Fabio Tomi,Alessandro de Rubertis,Gerasimos Pavlidis and Luca Savastano will complement Jen Scully-Yates and Guy Welchman who currently represent us in the United Arab Emirates for Stand-Up Paddling (SUP). We are extremely lucky to have such a versatile team that bring some great experience, masses of enthusiasm and an air of fun that surrounds them during each session. All of our athletes are competent kiters with a number of achievements to their names, not only in kitesurfing. All of them are familiar faces in the UAE kite scene. Each one of them shows great passion towards the sport of kitesurfing, has amazing commitment and shares a common belief in
Name: Fabio Tomi Nationality: Italian How long have you been in the UAE? Six years How long have you been kitesurfing? Since 2004 Kite style: Wake style, Wave riding Competitive achievements: UAE Championship, KPWT (World Cup Stage, Italy 2008) 8th place What equipment do you use: Naish Torch for Freestyle and the Naish Pivot for Wave Riding Favourite tricks: Blind Judge 3 with Indy Grab, KGB Indy Grab Favourite kite spot: Le Morne, Mauritius If you could kitesurf anywhere, where would it be and why? Le Morne, Mauritius. It is the perfect playground. Start with some great freestyle and then drop the twin tip and get on the surfboard into the waves As an ambassador for Ocean Sports FZE, what do you aim to achieve? To increase awareness and the popularity of the sport among the next generation.
Name: Luca Savastano Nationality: Italian How long have you been in the UAE? Five years How long have you been kitesurfing? 11 Years Kite style: Free Style Competitive Achievements: Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, 1st place 2012 and 2014, 2nd place 2013 and 2015 What equipment do you use? Naish C-Kite and Twin-tip Favourite trick: Kite-loop 313 Favourite kite spot: Gizzeria Lido and Lamezia Terme, Italy If you could kitesurf anywhere, where would it be and why? That would be in the Greek Islands, the best mix of wind, nature, food, people and marine life. As an ambassador for Ocean Sports FZE, what do you aim to achieve? The main aim for a team rider is to enjoy the sport with the other team members. Spending time running after our passion, sharing emotions, resting together after surf sessions are what we really like and spending this together is magic. The best expectation a sports person can fulfill, being a brand ambassador and hence committed to its team is looking back at the time spent along and feeling that the day is not enough, craving for the next to come and making sport and passion become one.
the products they use to attain the highest level of performance.
We have set out a few goals that we want to attain as a team:
• Promote the sport of kitesurfing in a positive light and be courteous at all times: Kitesurfing can be dangerous for both the rider and others around if the basic rules are not followed. The sport is accessible to anyone from around 12 years old and if taught correctly, then generally the risk is quite low. The beaches in the UAE are incredibly busy and the level of curiosity amongst beachgoers can be quite high. Beachgoers do not always consider the risks or dangers that we as kitesurfers already know. It is the responsibility of all kiters to take the utmost care at all times and not be afraid to point out to others involved in the sport, in a polite manner,that they are doing things that may endanger themselves or others. This is vitally important for the longevity of the sport in the UAE.
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Name: Alessandro de Rubertis Nationality: Italian How long have you been in the UAE? Almost 2 years How long have you been kitesurfing? 8 years Kite style? Freestyle, Wave Competitive achievements? 2015 UAE Freestyle Champion What equipment do you use? Naish Kiteboarding, Prolimit, Camrig Favourite trick: Back Mobe 5 Favourite kite spot: Kite Beach, Dubai If you could kitesurf anywhere, where would it be and why? I would go to Cape Town. I have heard it is the perfect spot. As an ambassador for Ocean Sports FZE, what do you aim to achieve? I would like that people understand that the Ocean Sports Team is led by a strong passion, not only for kitesurfing but also for SUP and for surfing. We are a fast growing team of positive people with the passion for watersports. • Create awareness and showcase the quality brands that we use: You need to ensure that you have quality and reliable equipment when you are out on the water. All of the brands the team uses are premium grade and the quality and durability is up there with the best. We are confident that anyone using this equipment will be satisfied and our team can prove that the equipment can be pushed to the limit. When you watch them, you can see what results can be achieved. • Be approachable: All of the team are totally approachable and will happily answer questions not only about products, but advise on kiting in general. With such a wealth of knowledge and experience between them, we are sure that after you have spoken with them you will come away having learned something new. • Share the stoke: If you don’t enjoy what you do then you can’t do it well. We guarantee that when these guys are on the water, they are loving what they are doing! We all need to make sure that we have a good vibe on the beaches here in the UAE and ultimately look out for each other and those around us. Of course, wind is the most important element in our sport and as the UAE conditions are generally at the lower end of the scale, wind chasing is sometimes necessary. Make sure you check out the wind charts and if you want guaranteed time on the water, don’t be afraid to get in the car and drive. All of the team like to follow the wind
and you will regularly find them on Kite Beach or Ness Nass in Dubai, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi or maybe in some more remote
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
locations to the north or south of these Emirates. Another favourite spot is Oman. Oman offers great conditions during the season (April – August) where you can enjoy stronger winds and fantastic surf. Although it is quite a drive, a long weekend is easily doable and well worth it as you are generally rewarded with lots of time on the water. With the prospect of more competitions in the region in the very near future, all of the team will have their eyes set on being top of the pile. Everyone will be training hard over the coming months and taking every opportunity to get out on the water. The commitment that goes into perfecting each trick is phenomenal and the entire team is constantly pushing each other to achieve better results. It is great to see the standard of kitesurfing in the UAE reaching such a high level. If you are interested to learn, or for information on products or anything related to kitesurfing, please contact Leigh on 055935-2735 or send an email to enquiries@ kitesurfsup.com Always ensure that you use a qualified and licensed kite instructor if you are taking kitesurfinglessons. Ocean Sports FZE are the sole distributor for Naish International, Prolimit, Camrig and Bomber Floating Sunglasses for the Middle East.
Name: Gerasimos Pavlidis Nationality: Greek How long have you been in the UAE? 3 years How long have you been kitesurfing? 8 years Kite Style: Freeride/Freestyle Competitive achievements: 1st place Wakeskate - Abu Dhabi Wake Park Nationals 2013 2nd place Wakeskate - Abu Dhabi Wake Park Nationals 2014 3rd place Wakeskate - WWA Wake Park World Championship 2013 2nd place Wakeskate - WWA Wake Park World Championship 2014 What equipment do you use? Naish Torch/Park kites and Naish Momentum board Favourite Trick: Blind Judge Favourite Kite Spot: Al Dabiya, Abu Dhabi If you could kitesurf anywhere, where would it be and why? Looking for a flat water spot, with 20 knots constant wind, crystal water, food and drinks on the beach all year around. Any ideas for this paradise? As an ambassador for Ocean Sports FZE, what do you aim to achieve? My first kite and board were a Naish eight years ago. I have learned how to kitesurf and improved my skills using this brand. I had a smooth and constant improvement day by day, using a product that can support a rider from the beginning, to the intermediate and then on to the advanced level. After a two-year break, I am going back to the brand that I loved, this only proves my satisfaction and excitement of what I missed! There is no other brand that can make you feel so loyal, faithful and give you so much trust in your gear. This is the spirit I’m aiming to spread around and make the world believe!
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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
Romania
Low-Budget Travelling to Mountain Paradise Words By: Ileana Bozoianu
If you were given just a few words, you could describe Romania as a land full of paradoxical and surprising experiences. I think I got your interest. Romania’s diverse natural landscape offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Tourists may travel through imperturbable alpine meadows covered by wildflowers, be charmed by glacial lakes, or take in the lush, green view whilst horse riding or mountain hiking. They may also climb astonishing rock formations, photograph and study a whole universe of endemic species of plants and animals, track one of the rarest birds - the Gold Eagle - go to the seaside or visit a wonderful and unique delta. In order to reach Romania, daily flights from the United Arab Emirates are the fastest way. The tickets are pretty cheap: around 250-300 EUR round trip in spring and 400 EUR in autumn and winter. You can arrive in the capital of Bucharest and from there depart to the mountains or seaside as you prefer. The Carpathians end their massive arc in Romania. Because the country has 53% of them, Romania is called the “Mountain Paradise”. Also, the country has the highest concentration of brown bears, wolves and lynxes in Europe; it has the largest amount of virgin forests in Europe (excluding Russia), and over one-third of Europe’s thermal and mineral waters. As we still have a four-season climate, mountaineering finds its place during both summer and winter. Winters come with large snow covers in the Carpathians, making mountaineering a great adventure of limit testing and physical
and psychological endurance. Summers offer other types of views and more adorable colours. But spring and autumn are not excluded from any type of activity, although they are a bit rainy. These are the best seasons to try rafting. Some of the most significant destinations in Romania for hiking and climbing are the Bucegi Mountains, Piatra Craiului National Park, the Făgăraș Mountains and the Apuseni Mountains in the west of Romania. For now, for the sake of a more detailed image, we will deal with only two mountain ranges. If you want to have an easy, pleasurable hike then the Bucegi Mountains are one of the best destinations. This mountain range has charming rock shapes (megaliths) that made the place famous: Babele (2,206m) and Sphinx (2,216m). These two rock formations generated lots of legends and paranormal stories that challenged a lot of mountain lovers to take their paths. Near Babele you can find accommodation at Babele Hut. It has 108 beds,
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a restaurant and other facilities. The price per bed is relatively inexpensive, between 7 and 15 euros. The medium running time of a trail towards Babele or Sphinx is 4-5 hours, but you can also climb by the aerial tramway as well. Another impressive peak of the Bucegi Mountains is Omu Peak (2,507m). It is the highest in this range and the 11th highest in Romania. The massive peak offers accommodation at Omu Hut, located near a meteorological station. The hut has 30 beds and a restaurant. There is no water source or energy supply. Accommodation is priced at about six to seven euros a bed in rooms with 4-12 beds. Any trail from mountain villages to this hut has a medium running time of about seven hours. The Bucegi Mountains offer a wide range of rock climbing tracks, but some of them have no trail markings, which makes them dangerous for those who do not know the area. One of the most spectacular rock climbing trails is Acele Morarului. Aside from the hiking part of the mountain, there are 3-4 hours of pure mountaineering. So, you should have the proper mountaineering gear. The best advice is to be guided by a local organisation or a person who knows the trails and the language, despite the fact that Romanians speak English well. The second recommended destination is the Piatra Craiului National Park. It is the most important national park in Romania due to its endemic species of plants and animals. Furthermore, there are some villages (Peștera and Măgura) that preserve some of the oldest Romanian customs. They are the only Romanian villages included in a national park. The traveller may have a relaxing walk through these villages and observe Romanian customs, eat Romanian traditional dishes and enjoy the picturesque landscapes. At the same time, the Piatra Craiului mountains generate a good deal of adrenaline. If adrenaline is what you seek, then this is the place. The main attraction is the limestone ridge oriented from northeast to southwest. It reaches its maximum height at La Om Peak (2,238 m) and is the longest and tallest limestone ridge in Romania. Climbing the peaks on this ridge means physical endurance for hiking and good mountaineering knowledge,
not to mention that without adequate equipment, the trails can be incredibly dangerous, particularly during winter. On this ridge, one can find accommodation at Curmătura Hut. It has 44 beds, a restaurant, a water source, energy supply and an astonishing view. The price per bed is between 7-12 euros depending on the number of beds in one room. If one goes on the trail towards La Om Peak from Curmătura Hut in order to complete the whole ridge and reach the hut again, they have to take a 10-12 hours hiking trail. The trail may be done in two days, but, in this case, you have to be prepared to camp at a shelter bringing winter sleeping bags and jackets. For a complete adventure, Piatra Craiului offers a lot of places for rock climbing. Zărnești Gorges is the kingdom of rocks, with trails of different difficulties. They seduce mountaineering lovers as sailors were lured by sirens. For a standard hiking trail to be safe, one has to of course bring the mandatory equipment: technical boots, technical waterproof long trousers, technical T-shirts, a rucksack, technical waterproof jacket, a hat, a one litre water container, whistle, compass and first-aid kit. For trails that combine hiking and climbing or just for rock climbing, the equipment has to include ropes and cords, fall-arrest devices, ice axes, pulleys, ice pitons, ice crampons, mountain helmets, harnesses, slings and anchors. Weather on Romanian mountains at high altitudes may turn into a real enemy for those who are not well equipped. In autumn and winter, fog and wind are the most threatening weather phenomena. Wind produces massive body cooling and, combined with snow or fog that limits visibility, may put life in danger. At high altitudes, wind may reach sizeable speeds. Also, when one goes on the trail on sunny days, snow starts melting and it radically increases the risk of avalanche. In spring, autumn and summer, precipitations may endanger rock climbing activities as the
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rocks become wet. Otherwise, these seasons are recommended as a safer time for outdoor activities. It is well known that prolonged physical effort requires a high consumption of fats, sugars and nutritive substances. That is why food carried by mountain lovers should have a small volume, be unalterable and easily assimilable: chocolate, different types of nuts, fresh/ dried vegetables and fruits that you know you tolerate well and that do not produce gastric discomfort. Fruits also help, for hydration, and because we mentioned it, the water container should not be forgotten. It is a mandatory item on the mountains, especially on trails that do not have water sources.
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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
Bhutan, The Last Himalayan Kingdom
Snowman Trek Words + Photos By: Massimo Ziino
Several years ago I was lucky enough to be able to organise and successfully complete an expedition to Bhutan called “Bhutan, The Last Himalayan Kingdom”, which focused on the Snowman Trek. It was a journey of about 350 kilometres on foot, through the most beautiful and far-flung valleys in the Bhutan Himalayas, starting near the city of Paro and finishing in the Bumthang District town of Jakar. I’ve always been fascinated by this small country - one of the highest places in the world - which has maintained its cultural and religious traditions intact, and despite the borders with China to the north and India to the south, has managed to maintain its own identity. After many experiences in the Himalayas, I chose to do the Snowman Trek with a group of friends. I was driven by curiosity to undertake a journey that is considered by many to be one of the most challenging and beautiful hikes in the world. Altitude, distance, snow (which is almost always present in the high altitude sections) and unpredictable weather conditions make for
a challenging combination of elements; in fact, crossing the last Himalayan kingdom is a double challenge - with oneself and with the mountain environment - which makes this an attractive adventure and a very exciting experience. I prepared myself for a long time for this expedition, trudging back and forth in the Apuan Alps and the Dolomites in order to achieve a good level of psychological preparation and physical fitness. I trained hard, convinced that these efforts would help me at high altitude. I like to think that the more you suffer during training at home, the less you suffer during the expedition. In addition to good physical preparation, you have to have a lot of determination; the psychological aspect is important in the mountains. It takes good mental attitude, positive and rational, to deal with the unexpected changes that nature throws in your path, and making the right choices at the right time. An expedition like this one has to be planned right down to the smallest details, from technical equipment to logistics. Take nothing for granted, and remember that you will pay the price of every omission when you are on the ground. In my experience to date, I can say that the success of any group expedition is due to the capabilities of its individual members, good team spirit and also a bit of luck. The Snowman Trek lasted 25 days - a total of 343km of paths between valleys and
high altitude mountain terrain. We trekked through 14 mountain passes, the highest of which was at 5,385 metres above sea level, while the total change in altitude was 17,220 metres. I will try to briefly describe this fascinating adventure, which all mountain lovers should have on their list of “things to do before I die”. Arriving in Paro by plane is already a miniadventure, as the city is nestled in a deep
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valley and the aircraft does several breathtaking manoeuvres when approaching the runway for landing. Near Paro is Thimphu, with its uniquely beautiful dzong (Buddhist monasteries), where I witnessed a major religious festival with dancers in traditional costumes and ancient ritual masks. After a few days of walking through hills and rivers, the mountains became visible in the distance and we began to climb.Entering the Jigme Dorji National Park, the rhododendrons and oaks that dominate the lower valleys give way to conifers covered with long lichens, which make the landscape quite surreal when you look up. Days go by; the coniferous forests thin out and then, finally, we are at the foot of the mountains! Jomolhari is there before me - an impressive 7,314 metres of rock and ice with a perennially snow-capped summit. At its feet, the mountain passlies next to an old fortress; this ancient construction, now in ruins, was built to defend against Tibetan attacks from the north.
After a good acclimatisation period around 4,500 metres, we started climbing steep trails and passes that range between 4,800 and 5,000 metres. Up and down, important positive and negative altitude changes of several hundred metres, sometimes as much as 1000 metres. In front of me a sea of mountains unfolds, with unclimbed peaks over 7000 metres high. We pass through villages, meeting the unique people who live following the natural rhythms of the seasons, their faces scarred by the cold and wind. Jangothang… Lingshi… one village after another, just like the mountain passes that open onto snow leopard territory; the snow leopards still manage to live undisturbed here. Weeks go by and fatigue sets in. The nights are cold with temperatures dropping to -10°C, but luckily the weather is good. It does not snow and the mountain passes are open. We are now in the region of Lunana, where the barley harvest season has just ended - the fundamental livelihood of the inhabitants of this unique land. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can still see the crystal clear sky above the hanging glaciers
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of Teri Gang at 7,300 metres, with a large glacial moraine below. In the distance, two other huge glaciers createcoloured lakes, and the melting ice flows into a river that runs underneath our path.This is a majestic landscape, and a challenging one. The exposed paths require our full attention, and at this point-of-no-return, every single step has to be made carefully. A physical problem or any type of accident would be big trouble. We are several days away from the nearest village, and an evacuation from these remote places would be an enormous undertaking. Every night, the base camps are higher and higher. At 5,000 metres the sky is clear and it is bitterly cold, but we are rewarded with a star-studded ceiling that can be compared to no other. The high-altitude lakes unfold one after the other, some with dark waters, some with clear waters and colours that reflect the blue sky. These images remain indelibly in the memory, and satisfy even the most demanding explorer. The weather situation changes and snow
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begins to fall. Our tracks are soon covered up, and this is not a good sign; after weeks of walking at high altitude we didn’t need this, but it is part of the game and I am aware of it. We approach the final and highest pass - Ghopu-La at 5,486 metres - then there are other lower passes and finally the long descent that will lead me to the end of my journey. But the end is still far away. It stops snowing and the scenery is even more surreal with more unclimbed peaks of around 7,000 metres. Occasionally we come across some grazing yaks, and we also meet a caravan that is climbing our path with a load of wool and hay for the cold Himalayan winter; men run around shouting and whistling at the yaks to get them to climb, while we can only stop and watch these strange, imposing animals that fearlessly climb these mountains.I ask one of our porters for the name of the mountain in front of me that has attracted my attention because of its bladelike form. The man looks at me in surprise and says that it is called simply “mountain”, it is a mountain and mountain is its name. I am quite embarrassed by his answer; in fact it is the obvious truth. It is our cultural heritage that drives us to give a name to everymountain we see; in the end, mountains are mountains. We are still descending, and begin to see the valleys below, carved out by rivers that
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we had seen as mountain streams several days before, and forests which we know to mean that in a few days we will be on the last leg of the adventure. It begins to snow again, but this time we are at lower altitudes and the higher temperature here favours this type of snowfall. It snows heavily; if this had happened a week ago it would have been a real problem. We carry on in the whiteness, awaking every morning in base camps buried under at least ten centimetres of snow.But our morale is high, we are determined, and now we are all quite sure that we will reach our goal. The path rises again, and there are more mountain passes between 3,500 and 4,000 metres, and lakes and villages that are totally in tune with the environment; there is nothing out of place, traditional clothing has not been completely abandoned and traditions are still taken into account.We pass the last glaciers which continue to melt because of global warming and we descend again, but now we are walking through slush and mud. I am soaking wet from head to foot and my specialist clothing is no longer holding out against the elements.High altitude terrain may bring higher risks, but I vastly prefer it to this cold mud all the way up to my knees. Following the winding trail through the woods and meadows where yaks graze, we finally reach Dur Tsachu, which is known for
its thermal springs. After 22 days of walking, during which washing was the last thing you wanted to do, it’s so nice to be able to soak in tanks of hot water used by locals to cure a wide range of varied pathologies. After the last of the 14 mountain passes - Juele-La at 4,710 metres - we are in the Bumthang District again. We hear the voices of distant shepherds more frequently; for weeks we have not seen a living soul, and now we slowly begin to digest the fact that our adventure is about to end. We have descended to 2,500 metres when it starts to snow heavily again. The Snowman Trek is not about to let us go that easily, and we are reminded that it is not over yet. As we continue to descend, the snow turns to rain, but I’m not giving up. We arrive back and now it really is over. In the distance I can see the dirt road and the off-road vehicles that are waiting for us. A rush of contrasting emotions overtakes me; the intense joy of having made it, and the melancholic sadness that the adventure is over. This sensation cannot be described properly, but everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime. I returned home with indelible memories of a unique place, inhabited by a proud people, able to live with tradition alongside globalisation, in harmony and symbiosis with nature. Bhutan, the last Himalayan kingdom.
Uhuru Peak at Mt. Kilimanjaro
It’s at the pinnacle of any adventure traveller’s bucket-list, and once you reach summit at Uhuru Peak, the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment mixed with the pure awe and the magnitude of watching the sunrise over Kilimanjaro’s breathtaking glaciers is jarring. It’s a moment where fatigue is forgotten and natural adrenaline takes over as you join the tribe of adventurers to make it to the top. Reaching the peak of the highest freestanding mountain in the world is no easy feat, and the months you spend preparing will be your saving grace as frostbite and altitude sickness takes over. The terrain is intense, the high alpine deserts are navigated via lush rainforests and moorland, scattered with the eponymous dendrosenecio kilimanjari trees and an often barren landscape set at the foothills of the glacial peaks. As you begin the trek, the words “pole The Dendrosenecio Kilimanjari tree
pole” will become your mantra as hours of solid walking lie ahead. A slow descent, though solid hike, Kilimanjaro doesn’t heed the same intensity as the likes of Everest, however, don’t let the seemingly small distances fool you. Kilimanjaro will test your physical and mental strength – but the 15 minutes at Uhuru Peak are well worth the training, preparation and sweat and tears you’ll endure along the way.
Here we look at how to prepare for Kili like a pro to get you to your ultimate peak. 1. Training. Cardio is your new best friend.
You want to make sure your body is at its ultimate before you begin your trek. I always hear people say “85 year olds do Kilimanjaro”. Yes, but you definitely don’t want to be one of the 2% of climbers that fail to make the summit, and failing to train is a surefire way to get you there - whether it’s mountain biking, long distance running, daily laps or just amping up your FlyWheel schedule, fit in as much cardio as you can pre-Kili. Don’t just stick to cardio though, you’ll want to make sure your core is in shape too, core strength stabilizes your entire body, which is essential for a happy climb.
2. The UAE is the ultimate training ground for Mt. Kilimanjaro
Stunning flora and fauna on Mt Kilimanjaro
So take advantage of it! The amazing routes in and around the Emirates are perfect for Kilimanjaro prep. Still haven’t tried Stairway to Heaven? Yalla. This is the easiest way to wear in your hiking boots, test your gear and train yourself in the Tanzanian step “pole pole”. No, it’s not a type of African dance, but taking the time to walk one step every Mississippi second. This will prevent cramping and ease the impact on your feet. Walking slowly is a mental challenge as much as a physical, yet there’s something beautiful about slowing the pace that allows you to be present in the moment – slowly, slowly.
3. Practice Your Breathing
Get your Zen on and practice deep and controlled breathing – in through the nose, out
Hikers take a moment on Mt. Kilimanjaro
through the mouth, you’ve heard it a thousand times before. Your body will need as much oxygen as it can get on the mountain. Take up yoga, or even better, get hot with bikram – the 80/20 breathing style will assist in the mindfulness required to breathe at high altitudes. The Pranayama breathing style practiced in Bikram Yoga trains you to control your breath, using your mind to dictate how much air you breathe into your lungs.
4. Choose Your Gear Correctly
Packing might be the most important part of your Kilimanjaro prep. Remember when you’re preparing your gear that while less is more, you don’t want to skimp on quality. Make sure your boots are excellent quality and fitted by a professional, and practice wearing them in with the right socks to avoid totally unwanted and unnecessary blisters! Layer like a pro and leave cotton at home, opting for high quality training gear that will let your body breathe (six days without a shower and you’ll thank us for this one).
Booking Your Trip For more information on booking Mt. Kilimanjaro, phone 800-11-444 to talk to a Flight Centre travel expert, or visit us in-store to book your trip of a lifetime. Packages start at 8,199 AED. Flight Centre is located in The Ranches Souk, Arabian Ranches 2 and Gold and Diamond Park, Al Quoz or Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. www.flightcentre.ae
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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
The Elbrus Letters Words + Photos By: Fahd Abu Aisha
Day 1 - From London to Terskol
As is the case with most of my trips with Rahhalah Explorers, I signed up for the Mt. Elbrus expedition without a second thought. Instead of pausing to grasp the immensity of the looming challenge I would face, I surged ahead with a yearning for adventure. It was only in London during some last minute shopping for climbing gear two days prior to my Mt. Elbrus climb that I was prompted to consider the gruelling nature of the journey. One of the salesmen asked which route I would be taking up the mountain. I looked at him blankly, not knowing there was more than one route leading to the summit. He then asked where I was coming from, and I responded Dubai. He recalled knowing a “Suzanne from Dubai” - the first Arab woman to climb Everest, and said that I would be in safe hands if I was travelling with her. I smiled, admitting it was because of Suzanne that I could afford to be a little ignorant about the climb. The two days before the climb were ruthless. I arrived in London from Dubai at 10:00 p.m., hurriedly packing my gear and equipment in a frenzy. Snatching a couple hours of sleep, I then awoke at 5:00 a.m. and rushed to the airport, bleary eyed but nevertheless amped up with adrenaline and that pulsating sense of adventure. My intensive work schedule had prevented me from preparing more adequately for the trip (I had travelled to Nigeria for business before London and Oman before that). I had to buy my snacks
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Episode 1
and energy bars from the Duty Free, hoping that they would sustain me throughout the climb. Finally, trembling with anticipation, I sat down in the terminal waiting for my flight and prayed that I had not forgotten anything else. Upon landing in Mineralnye Vody, I lurched out of the airport to a scene that reminded me of my hometown, Cairo - hounded by drivers offering taxis left and right while dodging hysterical family reunions. My team and I found our driver, who did not speak a word of English but did signal with his fingers that it would take three hours to reach our destination. For some of the girls on our team those three hours could not have ended sooner. We were warned about the drive – or driving I should say -from the airport to the hotel in our itinerary (which I had skimmed through briefly). Even as a half Egyptian who grew up in Cairo, this was some next level chauffeuring. We were like hostages being transported to unchartered territory in a high speed car chase, without the slightest interference from the brakes, driving through a grey, barren countryside. The driver seemed hell-bent on winning a race he appeared to be having with an imaginary Ferrari. We had a few stops on the way engineered by our brave team of girls; Manal, who was desperately trying to signal, without looking too crude, that she needed the bathroom, Rama and Danah, stoically negotiating with a man in a phone shop to buy a local SIM Card with internet, and of course the mandatory selfies the girls were adamant about taking next to a random fruit stand by the side of the highway. Upon nearing our destination, we picked up a hitchhiking couple standing in the rain. A
sleeping Manal awakened and it took her a rough 20 minutes to notice their presence. She also screamed “Cow!”multiple times to alert the driver to stay clear of the farm animals strolling on the highway. We finally reached our hotel in the town of Terskol, where we were introduced to our guide Lisa, who would be with us the whole way pushing us to the summit. We had some time to unwind and relax, until Suzanne, Rama and Dana collectively decided the group would engage in a late night walk: a mini exploration around the village. We spotted a hotel with the word “karoake” emblazoned on the side in bright, blinking lights. Naturally, there was no walking past it so we had to go in. However, upon entering, we were ambushed by 20 Chechen university students residing there. It was our foreign accents that enticed them, and they pleaded with us to participate in their “comedic” project. It was a bizarre exchange, as they asked us one by one to sit down in front of the camera and explain how their music (which consisted of two notes - a slap on the knee and a clap) would inspire us to achieve our goal of reaching the summit. They then took pictures with us, cementing our celebrity-groupie bond, wishing us luck before we returned back to the hotel.
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There I met up with the fifth and final member of the team who had just arrived; Mohammad. Mohammad and I had summited Kilimanjaro together the year before and he was a great mountain partner.I went to bed and prepared for the early acclimatisation hike the next day.
Day 2 - Forget The Chairlift, There Has to be Another Way!
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
have endured. As my legs dangled helplessly over the scenic trees, I kept myself occupied by assessing which points I had a higher chance of surviving in the event that the chair disconnected and toppled down. I concluded that falling through some of the trees would break my fall and despite a few bones as well I would at least have a fighting chance of survival. I spent the other half taking selfies with Manal. Thankfully, we reached the platform where we hopped off to finally begin our first day of climbing. Our temporary guide for the day was another Mohammed, a local from the village studying tourism. He shared some historical titbitswith us, as we continued the hike until the path ended, close to the summit, where we took some pictures with Elbrus in the distance. We descended, another highly stressful, creaking 15 minutes on the chairlift and down to the village. Mohammed invited us to indulge in a tasty local delicacy that had us all
Precisely intuitive.
Photo: Quincy Dein Rider: Kai LennyQuincy Dein Rider: Kai Lenny Photo:
It was a relatively relaxed morning as we had breakfast and headed to Cheget Village, where we would climb Mt.Cheget at a height of approximately 3000m to begin adjusting our bodies to the high altitude. One thing our itinerary neglected to mention (after I finally read it thoroughly), was that we would be using chairlifts to ascend to a certain point on the mountain, climbing over the village and up the steep slope. With the chair connected to the wire by a single pole, we creaked our way up the slope for what was one of the most anxious fifteen minutes I
craving for more –a dish called shashlik. It is a plate comprised of tender, grilled meat cubes with sliced onions – My mouth is watering and I can almost smell that luscious aroma as I write this. The final task of the day was the gear check procedure. This was to ensure that we were all fully equipped and suited up for the next four days. Naturally, none of us made the gear check list 100% correctly and Lisa drove us to a rental shop where we secured some last minute supplies; from plastic boots and crampons to ice axes and any other outstanding items and/or clothing. Getting accustomed to walking in the plastic boots was quite the challenge. Like baby penguins taking their first tentative steps, we waddled awkwardly around the store and Lisa requested that we wear the boots for the remainder of the night to start getting used to the feel of them as they would be the only footwear we would be wearing for the big climb. We then headed back to the hotel where we had a fulfilling dinner and shared some stories before having a nice warm shower; the last one I would have for a few days... To be continued.
Precisely intuitive.
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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
DWS evolution - climbers heading from the warm up to the main wall
The Finale
Words + Photos By: Read Macadam and Tara Atkinson
In the mid-morning, with our friends and a few climbing heroes shoulder to shoulder, we walked down an endless dirt lane, shirts ruffled by the warm sea breeze. As I wiped the beads of sweat from my brow, my gaze focused in the distance on bullet grey and orange limestone visible through the fragrant Turkish pines, many campsites and bungalows lining the track.
Kadir’s Tree House where we stayed
The towering Mount Olympos in the distance
On this last stop on the Petzl Roctrip, our climbers’ convoy, like a pirate caravan, found a new lair; Kadir’s Tree House, a massive hand-built wooden lodge surrounded by timber tree houses. Yargh! This basecamp was my most coveted of the trip; finally, at long last, after more than 40 days and 40 nights, we would be at the coast. That meant deep water soloing – climbing rope free above the Aegean Sea. A view of the new sector we were taken to only accessible by boat, looking futuristic
With the crags in the distance we wandered down the dusty lane to the coast
An old ruin with a tomb that pirates broke into
Approaching the coast, the sea breeze became thick and aged. What lay before us were ruins of ancient crumbling stone structures, a memento to the impermanence of civilisation and also to the permanence of the human impact on the landscape. Olympos, Turkey: a once-upon-a-time port watched carefully over by the towering Mount Olympos. 28
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We are in a land of myth and legend, the legacy of three thousand years of Greek, Roman, Venetian, Genoese, pirate settlement rulers. The ancient city is now a relic, like the set of an Indiana Jones film, covered in creeping vines and overgrown by dense trees and bush. With the water still flowing through its millennia old aqueducts; a subtle reminder of how life used to be.
Day one started off unexpectedly. I was craving deep-water soloing but the Petzl organisers had something else in mind. Traversing the coast by boat we went to a cliff just on the water’s edge equipped with
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steep futuristic projects, yet to be climbed, in a huge overhanging cave. The expression was the same on everyone’s face; both journalists and team members’ jaws dropped at the enormous amphitheatre accessible only by boat. I had made plans to team up with Steve McClure to tackle a first ascent on one of the wildly steep lines in the cave. I was particularly excited about climbing with Steve, probably the most understated climber around. Hiding under his professed love for cakes and self-deprecating humour about age and lack of training is a beast; a climber with strength and tenacity of fanatical proportions. He is hands down the best climber on the Petzl team. As we disembarked from the dinghy, Steve and I bounded up to the longest and steepest route in the lower cave and began unloading our bags. Nearby, two eager climbers tied in and prepared to climb too, though now the organisers were struggling to manage the small crowd of journalists, urging them out from under the cliff and imploring the climbers to wait. But it was too late, our neighbouring climbers dislodged a barrage of stones, unfortunately snagging Tara right in the helmet and hand. Ironically, Tara was the only person with a helmet!
Line to the boat for our first day of DWS
for Tara on the RocTrip. The next day, we sauntered down the lane, this time to catch a large Turkish gullet. It was early by our standards and, in typical RocTrip fashion, not many of the crew had slept well. There was an excited chaos on the beach as the organisers decided how to divvy up the climbers into the three doubledecker wooden boats moored just off shore. Dave Graham appeared at my side. In the morning rush he had missed breakfast and forgotten his boardies. Wham! Tara produced her boardies as she couldn’t swim due to the stitches and I, a boiled egg to a
Tara’s hand being tended to
I rushed down and thankfully her head was unscathed, but a growing red hole in her hand indicated it was time to rush her back to shore for medical attention. “Sorry, Steve!” I shouted up the hill, “I have to go back!” “You’re a noble man, Read! See you back at camp.” He replied. With the immediate care of team member Daniel DuLac and then a timely dinghy arriving, Tara and I, along with a few athletes who had since decided that the cliff was not worth it, rushed back to shore where the extremely capable Petzl doc, Pierre stitched Tara up with wizard-like skills in the caravan itself – now including a clinic to its growing list of uses! Unfortunately, climbing was over
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Approaching the DWS crag
magnificent pearl white limestone crag. Excited talk of potential climbs morphed into quiet anxious murmurs. “It’s higher than I imagined.” “Whoa.” My heart-rate matched the chugging diesel engine, and as it quickly turned into a murmur; the clanking of chain noted our arrival as the anchor accelerated into the depths. I gazed out around me; this was why I joined. I felt like I was entering my own personally designed environment - the temperature, the stone and the beautiful
The chaos that ensued! Boats, climbers, water, rock = time to DWS!
Dave Graham- one happy man
now bemused and much happier climber. We motored off, the big diesel engines chugging past ancient cliff-top ruins and countless potentially world-class DWS and climbing crags, reflected in the perfect Aegean blue of the sea. I do not think anyone on the trip had seen what the DWS cliff looked like and everyone on my boat crowded to the roof deck when, in the distance, we spotted two boats moored and ant-sized climbers scaling and falling off of a
azure water. In situations like this, with perhaps seventy climbers all vying to climb on the easier sections of rock, I had no time to waste, so with my shoes and chalk already in hand, I hailed the first dinghy in sight and was whisked off to an overhanging arch that lead to a head-
Stuck in a 3m dingy with the best climbers in the world! This motivated me even more!
My first climb onto the overhanging arch
wall full of giant holes at 20m. High above the water I got an elated sensation as I ascend past a certain height. It is a mix of lightness in my torso, a rapidness of breath and a tingling erupting from my chest like an exclamation. I realise that I am high enough that ropes should normally be present but I am free of their constraints and so with deep, warm, water below for safety I have absolute freedom. I revelled in the sensation as I pulled myself out from the overhanging arch and onto the headwall, making large, full armspan movements between interesting hand holds. Towards the top of the wall around 15m the rock deteriorated dramatically from solid to a bit friable, muddy and blocky and I paused to reflect on my options, noticing that the main ships were drifting so close as to be directly under my possible flight path. I raised my eyes and grinned, staring back at me was Laurent Lafouche, photographer and Petzl Community Director, hanging at the same level as me with his camera. I had to wait for a minute or two for the landing to clear then I jumped gleefully into the perfect blue water to hollers from all over. With one single day for deep water soloing I was not going to hold back. I hailed another dinghy to get back to the wall and looked around. I thought I was dreaming… Where else could you find yourself in 3m dinghy with Daniel Woods, Paul Robinson, Ueli Steck, Nina Caprez, Loic Gaidioz, Philippe Ribière, Christophe Bichet and Cedric Lachat? I chuckled. A single torpedo would sink many of the worlds’ strongest climbers! I was motivated and inspired to push myself even more. In front of us was a perfect 10m tufa (in geological speak that is a long attached stalagmite drop), followed by another 10m of unclimbed steep terrain to the top. The other climbers had traversed quite far to the right after the tufa to link into an easier finish at 7b but I wasn’t sold. I wanted to 30
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explore, and so continuing directly above the tufa, through what looked to be a very difficult boulder on bad hand holds, I set off. The tufa was magic, something I had never experienced on a DWS, such perfection. The boat below was full of helpful voices, hints and encouragement. At the top of the tufa my fellow climbers were yelling, “go right, it’s out right”, but ignoring their suggestion, I set off, away from the chalked holds and security, into the unknown. A section of very tricky and powerful moves led me to a circular hold, about the diameter of a mug, but only one or 2cm deep. I realised immediately I was back-handed! The pump set in fast as I struggled to insert my right-hand fingertips into an already occupied hold and whoosh, took the plunge! I must have raised a few eyebrows because later on the fearless Petzl hardman Gerôme Pouvreau made some fierce attempts to link a few moves
The best thing about DWS is you can make the wall your own; working on my king line, motivated by shouts from the crowd
The tufa was magic, something I had never experienced on a DWS, such perfection. past my high-point to spectators’ delight. There was no topo drawn for this cliff so most climbers stuck to their comfort zone and tried lines within their ability or that others had already pioneered, a circumstance that worked to my advantage. Not wanting to wait in queue to climb, I simply sought new lines to try. My own king line began at the foot of a rightward leaning arch. After climbing up the steep corner and into the left pinnacle of the arch, I then had to traverse on the overhanging ceiling and out onto the headwall 12m above the sea. Twice I managed to just snatch the holds on the headwall, before snapping the virgin rock and finding myself swimming once again at its base. Nina Caprez joined me for a try on the project and with fresh eyes she introduced a possible new sequence to enter the headwall. My turn again, setting off from under the roof, I put my left foot very high, near hip height and, hanging horizontally, exposing my back to the sea 12m below, let out an involuntary growl as I strained against my bent left arm, I reached up a new high point. I was gassed! A few desperate slaps led me higher, but I was cooked. “Allez! Allez!” the crowd shouted, but with a final slap of desperation for the next hold I was airborne – flying to swim! As the sun sank lower on the horizon, the boats slowly pulled anchor and we motored
back to Olympos, reminiscing about the highlights of the day, and marvelling at the immense potential for climbing in this region as the landscape passed us by. Tara and I awoke late the next morning in no rush to climb in the hot and humid sun, preferring to wait for the afternoon breeze and shade to arrive. In Olympos the balmy weather and predominance of south or east facing cliffs is great news for those who like to sleep late. I had half a mind to climb at a crag called Cennet, Turkish for heaven or paradise, where the guide indicated were a number of hard slabs. As we sauntered lazily down lane towards the beach for a midday swim, we juggled our afternoon options with little conviction. It was the final day of the Petzl Roctrip and we were happy to soak in the sun and relax, allowing the entirety of 40 days and 40 nights of travel to sink in. It was then that we passed the British
AO
rabian
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but was also repelled by the horrible conditions. Paul finally stuck the low crux boulder moves at the base and climbed what we had to accept as a team ascent, recommending that both Daniel and I try again and if we miss the crux, pull through, because the top is magnificent! And we did. And it was!
verland
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Hanging out and having a milkshake as we catch up with Daniel Woods, Dave Graham, et al and the British contingent
contingent - Neil Gresham, Leah Crane and Liam Lonsdale relaxing in a restaurant, coolly sipping banana smoothies in a massive cushioned shaded balcony. These guys were early risers and true to form, they were finished climbing already. We joined up to share DWS stories and hear about their morning and then Daniel Woods, Dave Graham, John Cardwell, Gabriele Moroni and Paul Robinson joined us. I never laughed so hard as we all shared stories of travel, climbing and personal challenges we’ve all faced. They had also heard of a slab, full of hard routes and were heading up in the evening. We
Paul Robinson on the 8a+
With dense forest and tropical-esque conditions the more you climb the sweatier the holds get. (Not what you want on an 8a+)
Read trying hard on the elusive 8a+ as the sun sets, with Mt Olympos in the background
We finished our final day, climbing the amazing upper slab of the elusive 8a+ in the sunset, Mount Olympos in the background.
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View of the stunning orange and grey Cennet wall
agreed to join forces. Now it was on! Cennet is high up. From the base of the cliff we gazed down the coast, beyond the tropical Riviera scene of sailboats and beach goers to Mount Olympos, so massive and alpine in ap-pearance that it seems out of place. The climbing is totally unique in Cennet. The steepest point of the cliff is just vertical and on the far left side it leans forward to less than 90º, so geologically perfect that the stone offers little weakness for us climbers. Our objectives were two neighbouring routes - an 8a+ and an 8b, both Looking back onto Olympos Bay from the Cennet Wall what a stunning view!
extremely technical slabs. I joined forces with Paul and Dave to siege the 8a+, while Gabriele Moroni casually dis-patched the 8b second try. Our progress was slow. It was 30ºC and nearly 60º humidity in the shade and each attempt layered the tiny and polished features in a slippery mixture of sweat and wet chalk. We alternated attempts and I surprised myself by nearly sending on my second try, but my foot slipped unexpectedly and I was back on the ground to try again. Daniel came trodding up the hill to join us, dishevelled hair in disarray and drenched in sweat from climbing the 8b+ down the hill. He tried, too,
A traditional Turkish sendoff taking over the Petzl Roctrip caravan last night
We strolled back to camp, relishing the pine-filled dusk summer air and despite not having climbed our goal, feeling very content after 40 days and nights on the road. As we approached camp, the distant rhythmic thump of bass morphed and expanded to include the tinny treble of horns and tambourines; it was a full blown Turkish jam-session in the square of our pirate camp. Belly dancers swirled and chimed and the RocTrippers swayed to the music, clapping in unison. We joined our pals in the crowd, friendships made and solidified over our long journey and soon the night progressed into the giant wooden barn where the Petzl team, dressed in traditional Turkish garb, ushered the event organizer, Erwann Lelann into the mix, feting him with boxes of locum (Turkish delight), which were passed out into the crowd. The next morning, with the people still leaving the barn, we congregated in front of the Petzl caravan for one final goodbye. I, Tara, and our friends - old and new, were off to embark on our own adventures. Erwann Lelann the Petzl Roctrip Organiser being crowned king and receiving his weight in Locum
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Saying bye to all the Roctrippers who had been with us from the beginning! Until next time!
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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
Patrice and Marcel are Back on Another Slow Lane to Nowhere... Words + Photos By: Patrice de Wergifosse
If you are a long-term reader of OutdoorUAE magazine, you already know how I hate travel agency packaged trips. So when Ahsan, the organiser of the Dubai Equestrian Group on Meetup.com, proposed a trip to discover the less-travelled roads of Pakistan during the Eid break, he had my full attention. The plan was to visit Gilgit, Hunza Valley, the Fairy Meadows and trek to the 3,800m base camp of Nanga Parbat, culminating at 8,125m. Gilgit is in the north of Pakistan in the foothills of the northern Himalayas, 100km away from Afghanistan, 150km away from Tajikistan and 150km away from China. So our party of five - Linda from the Netherlands, Khadija from Morocco, Amr from Syria, Ahsan from Pakistan and myself (and Marcel of course) landed in Islamabad on the evening of Monday 21st September. It started raining as soon as we exited the terminal. As the flight to Gilgit was changed from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., we cancelled the hotel that night and headed to Monal, a very nice restaurant in the hills overlooking Islamabad. Back at the Kids
The team
airport, they told us that the flight was now at 7:00 a.m. and that we could not check-in yet. The pavement in front of the domestic terminal made an acceptable bed for two hours. Armed with our boarding passes, we could not wait for the real stuff to start. The risk of Marcel
flying to mountainous destinations, particularly as winter is approaching, is the unpredictability of the weather. Unfortunately, after waiting so long, our flight was then cancelled due to high winds around Gilgit, leaving us disappointed but not angry. Flying between peaks of 6-7,000m is no kindergarten stuff and the pilot knows better. If he decides not to fly, he has good reasons. So we had the choice to either keep faith that the next day’s flight would not be cancelled, or fall back on Plan B prepared by Ahsan. We unanimously decided upon Plan B. It consisted of driving eight to nine hours to Naran, in the Kaghan Valley, via Abbottabad (the last known residence of Osama Bin Laden), Mansehra and Balakot. Quickly, we chartered a minibus and hit the road, still
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Way to Makra Mountain
The valley
under uninterrupted rain. At 6:30pm we arrived at the hotel in Khanian at an altitude of 1800m with miles and miles of winding mountain road behind us, some 28 hours after leaving home. The least we could say is that we deserved the right to visit the place... and the right to a shower and a bed! The wooden construction nestled in the trees on the flank of the hill was really nice and far better than the many soulless hotels we passed on the way. The third day of our trip was the first with any real activity. We headed to Shogran at 2,350m where we dropped the bus for antique Jeeps that made my 1989 Land Rover look like it was just out of the showroom. The Jeeps took us to the mountain village of Paye (3,070m) via a track that would deter many offroading enthusiasts.I hope that one day I can come back with my own car. After waiting for the rain to (nearly) stop with a cup of tea, we started walking – and horse riding for some of us – through the meadows towards the base camp (3,245m) of Makra Peak, climbing to 3,885m. We were rewarded by a small piece of blue sky, the first one since we left Dubai, before we needed to revert to the Jeeps to go back to the valley before dark. The track was rock ‘n roll enough in daylight! On the way Waterfall
back to the hotel,we stopped at one of the numerous places selling trout from the river. We discovered the trout masala - fried to the bones like most of the food in the region, but nevertheless a very good and very local dish. Wereturned in time to enjoy a hot shower with firewood-heated water. On the second day on site, we headed north towards Naran, from where we hiked to Saif-ul-Muluk Lake. This is a very deep valley where the ridges sometimes culminate 2,000m above the river. Villages are scattered along the river and settlements cover the flanks to cultivate the small terrace fields patiently built on the steep sides. The night had been windy, and as a result there was not one cloud in the sky. The neighbouring peaks were covered in fresh snow, which gave beautiful views to be enjoyed only by us, since the driver had to pay attention to the rocks and mudslides that covered the road due to the rain of the past few days. Once in Naran, at 2,475m, we started our hike towards the lake at 3,245m. What a change after all the fog and rain of the day before! They had built a new road for 4x4 vehicles to reach the lake, yet we followed the old one. We went through a village where cinder blocks, corrugated steel sheets and plastic covers had not yet replaced the traditional building materials like stone and wood; something that is becoming rare on the planet. The only hints that we were in the 21st century were the small solar panels on the roofs. We covered the distance and the elevation in twoand a half hours and were rewarded with an amazing view. Saif-ul-Maluk with this weather is just out of this world and that view justified the trip. You wouldn’t be honest if you told me that this is the image you have in mind when you think of Pakistan. We spent the afternoon there instead of trekking further. Down in Naran, we were asked by the police to go back to our hotel. They seemed a bit nervous to have foreigners in their area of responsibility, as they wanted to spend a quiet Eid. We were done anyway. On the next morning, before hitting the
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Careful on the road
road back, we walked for just one hour along the river, wishing an Eid Mubarak to all of the villagers going to the mosque. It is always a nice atmosphere to experience, wherever you are in the Muslim world. On the way back to Islamabad, our driver invited us for lunch at his place, for us to experience Pakistani hospitality in his majilis. The mutton (sacrificed in the morning) and rice served was one of the best dishes we had during this trip. All in all, the trip was a great way to discoverthe hidden gems of Pakistan whilst staying safe, and was far from the preconceived ideas that the likes of CNN can give of this country. Thanks again Ahsan for organising the trip and let’s hope we can do Plan A soon after winter!
Patrice (and Marcel of course) Minimal bridge
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LIFESTYLE
Health
Powerhouse
How to Start a Small Garden or Simply Dust Off Your Window Sill and Get Sprouting!
Load up on depleted nutrients after hot summer! Words + Photos By: Ivana Chiles
Dear gardeners, outdoor enthusiasts and all those of you who find growing your own veggies and herbs exciting! Somehow, summer felt extremely long this year for me. I am not sure if it was due to lots of changes going on. I quit my old job in order to embark on a much more rewarding path in my life. While I totally agree that we are nowhere near “reasonable” temperatures, there is already so much you can do to prepare your garden (or window sill) for the next season. If you have been travelling a lot or not getting enough air outdoors, your body is probably in great need of nutrients. For me personally, there is nothing more rewarding than watching things grow and participating in the wonders of life through gardening. We should all find something which brings peace to our souls. Many of us have lost connection with our bodies and gardening is one of thosethings that give an opportunity to slow down, take a deep breath and reconnect through nature. Kick off your shoes and get barefoot. Stick your head out in the sun for some of that depleted Vitamin D and enjoy the healing energy throughout your body. Turn your husband’s office or your dining table into a greenhouse! Get your kids involved. Give them responsibility for their own plants. Start growing love, passion and appreciation for nature in them from a very Always make sure you get whole family involved!
early age. It will keep them occupied and hopefully out of trouble. Start with “easy and fast”growing plants and later include slower ones. This will build patience in them, perhaps something they will say thank you for later in life. And don’t forget about your pets! Your cat will adore some organically grown catnip which will clean her intestines in the most natural way! Experiment with new plants! I found organic luffa plant seeds on one of my trips to United States. Just imagine the idea of having your own bath sponges! I have to say, so far it has been one of the fastest growing and most beautiful seeds I have planted. Start sowing now! There are certain herbs and vegetables which simply take longer to grow. You want to enjoy crunchy peppers no later than December, and to name a few more, tomatoes,aubergines,courgettes and herbs should be considered at this time of the year. This year we decided to take full control of the soil, because the nutritional content of your veggies is solely dependent on the quality of soil.
We were total beginners last year, but because we learned from our mistakes, we wanted to make surethat we enjoy our veggies throughout winter until the beginning
Always read instructions and make sure you label your pots before sowing!
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of summer. Peppers especially take about two weeks to sprout. That’s why September is the perfect time to start.Get yourself to Dubai Garden Centre, stock up on small pots, trays and of course, if you haven’t done so,good quality seeds. We are going 90% organic this year. The remaining 10% is purely because I was unable to get certain types of seeds in the bio-version. Our regular juicing and other organic wastemade several good batches of Bokashi. We have lately checked our soil, which has been resting throughout summer. I asked my husband to turn it over and was absolutely delighted to come across several worms, something every gardener wishes for!
Why are Worms so Precious?
The fact you have worms in your compost indicates that the soil’s acidity is neutral to alkaline. Half a kilo of worms feed on 0.25kg of organic waste a day, turning it into nutritious composting soil.Some studies say that one worm can eat up to 30 times her own weight a day. Another benefit is that worms create a net of tunnels making space for plants’ roots and allowing them to access waterand oxygen easily. Interestingly, if you cut the worm in two, it will grow back. However, should you accidentally cut it exactly in the middle, then it will die. Handle that shovel with care and you will not regret!
Ivana planting first flowers after long and hot Dubai summer
Instructions
Fill up your pots with a mix of potting soil and sand (preferably red sand). You can also sprinkle your soil with some Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) for some extra minerals. This will encourage germination, increase chlorophyll production and improve phosphorus and nitrogen uptake. Read the instructions on the seed bags carefully. Some seeds are meant to be loosely sprinkledon the top (most herbs) while peppers, tomatoes or cucumbers should go about two centimetres deep intothe soil. You willneed to use two to three seeds of cucumbers to be planted together, while with peppers or tomatoes you would only want to put one seed in each pot. Don’t be surprised if you find six tiny seeds of peppers in one large bag of pepper seeds! With time you will learn how to protect and Four kinds of basil seeds after only one week
Sprouting seeds took over dining table for some time
Herbs like basil, thyme and rosemary take about 3 months to grow, so start sowing now!
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Ivana is growing luffa this year
collect your own seeds from your next crop, which will save you money and give you a real sense ofachievement. I will guide you through the process of seed collection and storage when the time is right.
Practical Pieces of Advice
Be organised and methodical. Always label all of the pots first, before placing the seeds in. I have, at one too many times, got so excited that by the time I have finished sowing and diligently covered all of the tiny seeds with soil, I wasn’t sure what I sowed where. Just moreproof of how I can get carried away with the gardening business! Make sure your pots have holes, so that the excess water can drain out freely. Do not water too much! Keep your seeds in dark and cooler places in the beginning (4-5 days) and when they start sprouting, move them to a sunnier area. Without sun they will become weak, just like when we tend to become sick in winter when we lack Vitamin D from the sun. Make sure the soil never gets dry as this will destroy the seeds. Four different kinds of basil
Sprouting jar with seeds after 48 hours
All you need to do now is give your plants love and care. Treat them like you would your family and friends. Be responsible. If one day you decide you cannot look after them anymore, your plants can become beautiful thoughtful gifts. You can also join gardening communities in your area,where gardeners often swap extra plants and share their knowledge. Your plants will be good to go outside sometime around mid-October (in Dubai). We have just started working on some more raised beds. Thanks to my skillful husband we are hoping to extend our gardening space and enjoy a wider variety of fruits and vegetables this year. If you are keen to learn more, you can always visit my website at www.ivanahph.com where I will be sharing some more useful tips and hints. In the meantime, make a detailed plan about where you will grow what. Companion gardening is a useful tool for any gardener. Just like you might not get on with
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Ivana checking soil after summer
certain people, the same rule applies in the plant kingdom. Some plants grow better next to each other while others can provide them with toxins emitting from their roots. You want to get it just right! A typical example of excellent companions would be tomato, basil and marigold. All three love and support each other through the root system while marigold also attracts bees and keeps other bugs away.
Do You Find Gardening too Challenging? Get Sprouting!
Maybe you find gardening too hard and want to enjoy the spectrum of vitamins and minerals within days? The answer is, start sprouting! While your seeds are happily working in your pots, you can take control of your health by growing sprouts in the meantime. All you need to do is dust off the window sill and get either a germinating jar
(the easiest option), sprouting bag or sprout the seeds in soil.
Why Sprouting?
Nature provides us with everything we need to safeguard and maintain our health. Sprouts are nutritional powerhouses. They are the healthiest, most nutrient dense food on the planet and you can grow them within days. They require no special knowledge, are inexpensive and I personally like to add them in our salads or on our sandwiches. They contain about 100 times more natural enzymes than raw fruits and vegetables. The vitamin, mineral, enzyme and fibre content goes up when the seedsare sprouted! The best seeds to sprout are organic. The most popular are alfalfa, sunflower, pea or watercress, but you can sprout anything! Just make sure, that you rinse your seeds at least twice a day if a sprouting bag or ger-
Selection of organic seeds of Ivana’s favourite crops
minating jar is used. Growing your sprouts in soil largely decreases the chances of fungus contamination and you can also juice these sprouts. Dr. Joseph Mercola, one of my favourite holistic health experts, recommends sprouting in trays with soil. You should soak seeds for the first eight hours. For the next one to two days you should keep rinsing them until small sprouts appear. When planted in soil he suggests placing a heavy tile on top for the first three days. By applying force, the seeds will have to exert much more power to push through towards the sun. Therefore they become much stronger and their nutritional value grows exponentially. Isn’t that amazing? If you feel a little tired and sense that you need to load up on nutrients, then take your health in your hands and start sprouting now! The time commitment is absolutely minimal compared to the health benefits you will reap from sprouts.
Have a wonderful October and happy gardening! Breakfast sandwich with sprouted watercress
We love our herbs on organic bread with homemade kefir and chia cream cheese
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Watercress and alfalfa garnish on kefir cottage cheese
Kale and alfalfa sprouts make delicious, nutrient packed garnish for your lunch
You can find some more tips and links on my website www.ivanahph.com or follow me on my Health Powerhouse Facebook page for some more gardening tips, delicious recipes and natural cosmetics. Ivana Chiles has been living in the UAE for almost 15 years. Her passions are nutrition, healthy cooking and gardening. Ivana is a certified health coach, member of American Association of Drugless Practitioners and also a keen outdoor enthusiast.
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Habitually healthy Paleo Lamb’s Fry and Bacon
So how do you get it?
One of the most effective ways to increase and promote production of Glutathione in our body is by consuming raw whey protein from grass-fed cows, produced under low temperatures, so of course in turn, eating red meat from grass-fed cows is your next best option; but you can take it one step further, and eat organ meats from any grassfed animal. The alpha lipoic acid, found in the organ meat has been proven to boost, support and regenerate glutathione in the body. Here’s a simple recipe to assist you in incorporating organ meat into your diet. Lambs fry and bacon is a beautiful breakfast staple that I even enjoyed as a child, this one has a little twist to it, enjoy the meal, and of course enjoy the many benefits of glutathione!
Method: Words + Recipe By: Chef Patrick Ikinofo
What’s up guys? This month we will take a look at protein and the natural sources on where to get it, I will share with you a recipe from my childhood and a few other tips along the way. Don’t forget to check us out down at the Bistro either. A core part of any good diet is protein. It’s the staple of fitness fanatics, bodybuilders and gym junkies worldwide, and is synonymous with health and wellbeing; and while many know what it can do for our bodies – think muscle growth and repair, satiation etc, very few truly know why or how, which has led to a retardation of what is accepted as a good form of protein. I’ll let you in on a little secret – the performance and quality of any protein, depends solely on its ability to increase your glutathione levels. If you’ve been paying attention and are a raw diet buff, you’ll know all about glutathione. Glutathione is found in every cell in our body. It is one of the most potent antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and preventing cellular damage. If we’re not looking after ourselves and feeding our bodies with glutathione rich foods, we can quickly become depleted, and that’s a very bad thing. Unlike other antioxidants found in our
body, Glutathione works at an intracellular level; and without it, other amino acids and vitamins like selenium, C and E, cannot do their jobs effectively. It’s a de-toxer and immune booster, an anti-ager and disease fighter, and it shies away from production when the body is under-nourished and over-stressed.
Ingredients:
500g lamb liver 200g veal bacon 1 onion
4 cloves garlic Balsamic vinegar Maple syrup Arrowroot powder
1. Place lamb liver in a small bowl, sprinkle with sea salt, cover with water and refrigerate for a few hours. 2. Peel skin off lamb’s fry and remove any other pieces of tissue. Slice and lightly coat with the arrowroot. I normally like to cut any long strips in half again so they’re bite size. 3. Remove excess fat and rind from the bacon and chop coarsely. Leave a bit of streaky fat on the bacon, it adds to the flavour. 4. Sauté bacon and onion and fry around 8-10 minutes over medium to high temperature until onion is soft and bacon is fairly well cooked but not crisp. 5. Add lamb’s fry and lightly fry a few minutes turning often to brown evenly, you don’t need to cook it through at this stage. 6. Add balsamic vinegar and maple and bring to a gentle boil, reduce temperature to a simmer and continue to cook for 20 minutes stirring every 5 minutes or so. It may take a little more time, but you want a fairly thick gravy that runs a little slowly off a spoon. 7. Serve with mashed sweet potatoes or it’s also good re-heated and served on toast for breakfast.
The Cycle Bistro GPS location: Latitude: N 25° 02.792 Longitude: E 055° 14.384 Phone: 04 425 6555
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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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LIFESTYLE
© 2015, Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved
Behind the Glitz of the High Life Words By: Keith Pereña Photos By: Universal Studios
This film begins a new column that we would like to call Outdoor Flicks. It is a place where you can find our take on films that have inspired us to spend our lives outdoors or give us the proper motivation to get moving. What you will see here in the following issues will be films – both past and present - carefully dissected to show what one could expect from seeing them; be it a warning, an idea or something that touches the heart. Our first film involves a topic that has become somewhat romanticised by the media, spawning various films throughout the ages, but one that hasn’t been properly depicted to show the realities that climbers experience – the 2015 film simply called ‘Everest’. We had the opportunity to view Everest in advance during Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani’s private screening of the film to honor the region’s Everest summiteers over the years. It was held at Novo Cinemas in Dubai Festival City on 16th of September. It must be said that a film about Mt. Everest can either be one of two things – a historical
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piece or a highly romanticised film which is not new to the world framed by the camera. Most of the time, the majority of us see climbers already at the summit, happy and exuberant as they finally reach their destination. We don’t often see photos of them having a hard time when something goes wrong or images that capture the time it takes for them to go from one camp to another. We usually only get to see the picture perfect moments. However, this film tends to break the mould as it depicts the tragic fate that some of the climbers met during the 1996 Everest Expedition. It shows the places that rarely get featured on other films, such as the resting places of those who failed to summit or the various challenges that each and every climber faced as they made their way to the roof of the world, where any miscalculation could result in disaster. The film strikes a superb balance between scenes of those on the mountain, those at the camp and those of the climbers’ relatives in their respective countries. The film highlights how relationships are challenged in the form of Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) spending his last moments on the line with his wife Jan Arnold (Keira Knightley). Another seemingly interesting subplot is that of Beck Weathers (John Brolin) and his wife Peach (Robin Wright), as they find a semblance of togetherness thanks to the mountain. But one important scene early on in the film shows a truth unlike any other. As a conversation starts in a local Kathmandu cafe (the scenes of Kathmandu are not to be missed) the audience gets to witness various climbers and their reasons for wanting to climb Everest. They include the “Seven Summits reason”, but what hit close to home is that of Doug Hansen’s (John Hawkes) reason: He just wanted to show everybody that a normal man could climb Everest. In that scene he gave truth to every single mountaineer. We all want to achieve something to prove to everyone that no matter who we are we can do it. It is a film that rings truth all over and this I believe makes Everest a must-watch film for
Film: Everest (2015) Director: Baltasar Kormákur Starring: Jason Clarke, Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, Robin Wright, John Hawkes, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson and Naoko Mori
climbers and other outdoor aficionados. It’s not a brutal reality check but it’s an enlightening viewpoint on the life and times of those who wanted to summit Mt. Everest. Even those that were present in the cinema – summiteers Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani and Suzanne Al Houby to name a few - found the film to be a reliving of their time on the mountain. If you want a film that deals with Mt. Everest from a different perspective, then this is the one to watch.
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Natural History
Outside the Classroom – Homeschooling in the UAE LIFESTYLE
Words + Photos By: Dan Wright
Surprisingly, the United Arab Emirates has a lot of homeschooled children and it wasn’t until I started looking into this area that I found several reasons why this is the case. Some families homeschool for religious reasons, others because they have children with specific educational requirements that are not catered for by schools. Some because the fees are too high and there is no free education and others because they move around so much that it is very disruptive to keep changing schools and social groups. Whatever the reasons, there are no laws against home schooling your child or anyrequirement that your childmust attend state or private schools, so many people choose home schooling. Homeschooling has a wide range of benefits for the student, such as allowing an individual who works quickly to go through chapters in a textbook at their own pace without being held back by the pace of a whole class. The same goes for students who need to take more time. It allows a student to complete a normal week of lessons in one or two days which then gives them time to pursue other vocational studies that interest them more. Consequently, by the age of 16 a homeschooled student will often have not just the normal academic qualifications, but will also be qualified through a young apprentice scheme or in a field of expertise that most young people wouldn’t achieve until they leave High School. A big part of Home Schooling is that it allows students to choose their own path,
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and a large percentage of students choose vocational, hands-on, experiential learning to do this. Field studies are usually a part of most curriculums in schools but due to time constraints and funding it may only be feasible to take students off on field trips once a term. But for homeschooled students it’s often just a case of getting a parent to take them or riding a bike or taking public transport which means it’s easy to go out and follow a wide range of subjects through field trips. My personal interest is of course in teaching Environmental Science and related subjects. As part of this, I have been taking various homeschooled students out to study Earth Sciences and the natural world around us. Ben and Laura in Fujairah are both homeschooled and, with their mum guiding their learning, we have managed to incorporate a few fun adventure activities like climbing and wadi exploring alongside their studies to bring the subject to life in a meaningful way that is easy to relate to. This is made much easier by the fact that there are only a few of us to transport in the car and that we can go out at any time without having to worry about missing school. Laura and Ben both regulate their own timetable and are responsible in part for their own learning, more so than they would be in school. This means that they can work quickly and efficiently and then have more time to pursue their own interests as well. Ben is an efficient computer programmer at just 12 years old and his older sister Laura is devoted to social programs. At 15, she has already been to India to work on a charity program and regularly runs philanthropic and community support programs in Fujairah. These are achievements that most
young people their age just don’t have time to do. So what else can a field studies program be used for and how can it enhance your curriculum? Well, homeschooled students mostly follow programs online or from books that result in mainstream qualifications. These require the student to work towards completion by acquiring credits for different activities that lead to the end unit. A student working towards a Key Stage 4 qualification, otherwise known in the British curriculum as G.C.S.E’s (which are completed in Grades 10 and 11) might need 20 credits in Geography in practical experience. This could be earned by attending a field studies course as a residential away from home in which the student not only learns about their
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subject but also gains invaluable soft skills in socialisation with other teens their own age. There are several organisations in the UAE and GCC that offer field studies in residential camps and these are a great way for students to learn and have fun at the same time. A typical day might consist of taking lessons in kayaking before heading out with a teacher to explore the mangrove habitats on the coastline and learn all about their niche in the ecology of the UAE. Another example would be a group learning to navigate then going out (under remote supervision) to hike a wadi system in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah whilst undertaking a project to count the different species of birds they encounter on the trip. The UAE has several different Homeschool groups that are very useful to both the parents of home schooled students and the students themselves. They provide a forum to share best practice, teaching tips and resources. Many of these groups meet on social media like Facebook and are easy to join. A few examples are: • Dubai + Northern Emirates Home Schooling • UAE Homeschoolers • UAE Homeschooled Teens Group
• HS - K12 Free Resources • Al Ain Homeschoolers These forums advertise camps and field studies programs that are run especially for homeschooled teens which normally include an academic syllabus that can count as credits towards a home school curriculum. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of a field studies program is that you can send your children away to learn about Environmental Science for a week, but within the course other aspects such as Languages, Maths, Physics and a wide range ofsubjects can also be addressed. This cross disciplinary teaching approach is very common to homeschooled students and they thrive from learning in this way. You can also go away with you and your family for a weekend and include an element of learning in your trip. You can easily book a short break at an adventure camp and there are plenty of these in the northern emirates like RAK. One big advantage of a trip like this is that you can take children who are very young with you and maybe two or three families can go away together. The adventure centres provide activities, supervision, food, safety, accommodation and learning programs and it’s a fun way for the whole family to be involved in your children’s education. If you need advice on homeschooling or family education programs in the outdoors in the UAE then take a look at the FB groups listed in this article or drop us an email at the magazine and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
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About the Author: Dan Wright is a freelance Wilderness Guide in the UAE and Asia, prior to that he worked for an Emirati Citizenship program. He has a degree in Environmental Science. Dan has been on several International wildlife and exploration expeditions with UK Radio stations and writes for a range of publications in Asia and the Middle East. His wife is the former Nepal National Mountain Bike Champion, Nirjala Tamrakar (See OutdoorUAE, issue44, page 8). They live in Fujairah with their son Percy and spend all their spare time exploring the UAE!
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LIFESTYLE
First Love You always remember your first love: climbing has been a constant in my life for six decades Words + Photos By: Stephen Turner
“This isn’t walking, this is climbing”, pronounced my first serious girlfriend, who was later to become my wife. I turned round in despair. We had walked only 500 metres from the car park to commence our first hike together on Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. With encouragement and promised bribes, we strode the steep grassy ridge and continued upwards to the summit. The clear summer’s day afforded beautiful views across the verdant landscape, criss-crossing fields wrapping small copses, sheep dotted everywhere. It made the hike satisfying and acknowledgement was begrudgingly given, “Yes”, she enjoyed it, while munching a sandwich at the top.
At an early age I would climb anything. Going upstairs to bed would feature different routes without touching the floor: door frames, handles, skirting boards and banister railsall served as hand and footholds. The local trees were fair game as we dared each other to climb ever higher.
North Face. We saw a teenage Leo Houlding at a Birmingham international climbing competition, pausing halfway up an E7 to rotate his baseball cap before completing the climb. Twenty years later, he is a global superstar making and appearing in his own award-winning climbing films.
Not being particularly academic, my only “first” at school was for climbing. A newly-built grammar school had an indoor climbing wall (yes, really) on which I spent all my Physical Education lessons (are they still called that?) climbing routes of increasing difficulty. No one else was interested so I just soloed.To my amazement the teacher gave me top marks for skill and effort, above all the football and badminton playing kids. I hoovered up all the books. Climbing and mountaineering produces the richest literature of any sport. The history of first ascents, tales of derring-do and controversy, the politics involved, the characters of the protagonists, the evolution of tactics and climbing ethics, let alone the travelogues; the excitement, adventure and storytelling far surpass other sports. When I was twelve, a student teacher took a group of pupils to a photo-lecture from a Brit who just returned from climbing in Yosemite. Seated on the second row, I stared up at his black and white slides of fantastic 3,000 foot granite structures, swearing that one day I would visit. It would be 27 years before I kept my promise. Since then we have heard most of the foremost climbers talk about their personal firsts: Chris Bonington, Dougal Haston, Don Whillans and Doug Scott on their huge expeditions. Joe Tasker (my wife’s favourite) and Peter Boardman on their alpine fast and light style. “Touching the Void” authors Joe Simpson and Simon Yates gave different accounts of their episode in Latin America. More recently, Ueli Steck proved to be a humorous and talented speaker, describing his speed ascents of the Eiger
Work/life balance may interrupt your first love but never kill it. A six-month pregnant wife enjoyed a climbing holiday in Austria. The Brecon Beacons were tackled again in winter with a three-month old son swaddled in clothes. A baby needs a beach holiday, so trips to North Devon ensued. It just so happened that it featured superb rock cliffs; so it was sandcastles by day, and climbing by evening. A significant local crag was Lower Sharpnose Point, where fins of rock jut 200 feet into the sea from the cliffs. 200 feet high but only three feet wide; amazing geological rock structures to climb. Our first new house was conveniently located by a new indoor climbing wall and new friends were made. Weekends were spent on trips to the Lakes, Wales, and the Wye Valley. Early Sunday morning dashes were planned with the target time of 100 minutes to cover the 100 miles down the M4; probably not possible nowadays with the speed cameras. On one trip, the four of us were exactly 20, 30, 40 and 50 years of age. My first VS route was called Freedom. I still remember the awkward mantle shelf halfway up. Favourites at Stanage Edge included the Right and Left Unconquerable, challenges kept to the end of the day when tired bodies made them appear harder, friends barracking from below if any wobbly legs began “playing the banjo”. It’s this camaraderie that elevates climbing from other sports - so much positivity and encouragement in competing with the rock. Time passes and a neighbour’s son who asked me to take him climbing as a ten year old is now a married man with his
own children. He still fondly remembers our days on the crags.Climbing trips to the Alps, including the iconic Matterhorn with Andy Cave, engraved memories deep into the soul - now selfies on Facebook digitise them. Mountain biking and skiing became new pursuits as climbing took a back seat after another house move. Then, several years later, a career move brought us to Dubai and a new best friend took me to Jebel Qihwi. Rawdah, Asfar, Sumanji and others follow. Scrabbling up the Qihwi chimney re-vitalised old desires. A suggestion to visit the Dorrell wall was arranged and so a new chapter of climbing life begins. What hasn’t changed are the rock shoes – they still hurt. A chance trip to Rock Republic and I arrive late for a bouldering competition. I seeked to participate in the “old and rusty” category but am thrown into the expert category…err no. My limbs have stiffened. My flexibility has gone. My footwork is clumsy and my fingers no longer have their strength. The grades of the climbing routes are unfathomable. I need a translation to old-school grades. I am sweat-sodden within ten minutes even though the room is air-conditioned. I don’t care. I am having great fun. If people see me grinning too much they may get scared... think Jack Nicholson in The Shining. The standard of climbing by competitors is outstanding as I watch East Europeans, locals and Brits climb high-standard test pieces. Yet, at the other end of the scale, a young girl is shepherded by her father in her first climbing competition. A tomboy, she is climbing well-above her experience and joyously completes all her chosen routes. I reflect on the age ranges,the different nationalities, the competitive camaraderie, the banter, the supportive encouragement,
and it stirs memories. I’ve made most of my best friends through climbing (or mountain biking) and introduced many people to the sport. There is also an intellectual aspect that people don’t realise. The planning of an expedition,the sequence of manoeuvres to overcome a crux section of rock, the inspiring literature, the confidence-building, the cross-political divide through a shared interest, the remote places. It’s a truly wonderful sport. At nine years old Susan Stock held my hand and planted a wet kiss on my cheek for my very first kiss. Can you remember your first love? Will your passion still be alive in your seventieth decade?
MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
PRODUCTS A ROUND-UP OF QUALITY PRODUCTS AVAILABLE RIGHT HERE IN THE UAE
Wanabee Foehn 55 Litres + 10 Litres Trekking Backpack 349 AED/QAR, 37.9 OMR
Available exclusively at all GO Sport stores A great trekking/hiking pack. Suitable for short weekend hiking trips. 65 litre total capacity.
Wanabee Atacama 6 Tent 999 AED/QAR, 108.6 OMR
Available exclusively at all GO Sport stores Six-person tunnel tent, ideal for a weekend in the desert with the whole family. Features • Dimensions: L 420 x W 210 x H 200 cm • Weight: 15.05kg
Wanabee Laki Light 10 Sleeping Bag
Wanabee Gobi 3+ Tent
Available exclusively at all GO Sport stores
Available exclusively at all GO Sport stores A light and compact three-person tent, perfect for weekends away in the desert. A waterproof cover keeps you dry, even if the humidity jumps or the dew settles.
249 AED/QAR, 27.1 OMR
A great lightweight sleeping bag, ideal for hiking or trekking. Ideally designed for cooler evenings in the desert, comfortable at 10 degrees. Features • Dimensions: 215 x 80 x 55cm • Weight: 920 g • Comfort Temperature: 10c • 100% Polyester
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275 AED/QAR, 29.9 OMR
Features • Dimensions: L 300 x W 125 x H 180 cm • Weight: 3.75kg
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Why You Need GTLS The completely self-powered 24 hour illumination technology. GTLS (Gaseous Tritium Light Source) is the most reliable form of illumination utilised in watches. On this page you will find the key facts about GTLS and why we use it in all of our watch models.
The Science Behind GTLS
Tritium, also known as super heavy hydrogen, was first discovered by Ernest Rutherford, ML Oliphant and Paul Harteck in 1934. Tritium emits electrons through beta decay and when these electrons interact with a phosphorous material, a fluorescent light is created that can last up to 20 years. When this tritium-powered illumination is sealed inside a glass tube, it is known as a GTLS (Gaseous Tritium Light Source) which is up to 100 times brighter over a long period than any comparable technology. To produce a GTLS vial, glass is lined with phosphorescent material, then filled and pressurised by a machine with gaseous tritium and sliced into segments by a laser beam to be sealed hermetically. Inside the vial, the electrons emitted by the tritium gas excites the phosphor to give off a cold, continuous light. GTLS can be created in different colours; generally green is perceived by the human eye as the brightest colour. Based on green (100%), the brightest output of the other colours is as follows; ice blue 60%, white 60%, orange 40%. Blue
GTLS, is often used in diving watches as it remains visible at up to 60m/187 feet in depth – longer or deeper than any other colour.
T25 vs T100 Illumination
the idea of “which is better” is simply a choice of preference and taste. If you have any concerns about the safety of GTLS technology, the electron emitted by tritium is so low in energy that it is unable to penetrate the human skin. It has also been shown that consuming 1 banana every other day causes the same dose as breaking a GTLS equipped watch (1GBq of activity) and absorbing 100% of its tritium content.
We offer both T25 and T100 GTLS watches. The T rating refers to the total watch radiation content which is measured in millicuries. All watches with a T25 rating contain up to 25mCi of radiation content and similarly, watches with a Available at T100 rating, contain above Instagram: @almekshah 25mCi and up to 100mCi. Whilst there are differences Facebook: www.facebook.com/almekshah between the amount of mCi Mobile:+971 55 9898954 in the T25 and T100 models,
Key Features
All of our watches contain GTLS illumination, providing you with the most reliable illumination available on the market. l GTLS is a completely safe and reliable form of illumination – The electron emitted by tritium is so low in energy that it is unable to penetrate the human skin. l The Trating relates to the total watch radiation content, measured in millicuries. We offer both T25 and T100 GTLS watches. l The GTLS illumination used in Nite Watches is supplied by mb-microtec of Switzerland , the original founders and market leaders of the technology. l GTLS come in a range of colour variants which are offered by Nite Watches including green, orange, blue and white. l GTLS technology does not require sunlight or any form of external power source in order to operate. l Superluminova illumination will fade over a short period of time whereas; GTLS illumination will remain constant throughout. l If green is 100% visible to the human eye, then white and ice blue are 60% and orange is 40%. l The GTLS glass vials are sealed by specially modulated CO2 lasers. l
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PRODUCTS Buff National Geographic Iran
Singing Rock Comic Chalk Bag
Available at Ski Dubai, Modell’s Sporting Goods and yallaoutdoor.com
Available at Adventure HQ, Rock Republic and yallaoutdoor.com
85 AED
The Original National Geographic Buff® is a multifunctional addition to your wardrobe suitable for all weather conditions and all seasons. Wear it under your helmet as a liner, on your wrist as sweatband or around your face for protection. Quality fabric and amazing new prints will fit perfectly with your active lifestyle.
95 AED
Large chalk bag with ergonomic shape and unique printing design. Features • Ergonomic shape and enough volume for chalking of the whole hand. • Soft and pleasant to touch corduroy outer fabric, fleece lining inside. • Dustproof closing system. • Wide elastic brush holder for more comfort when cleaning holds. • Double loops for stable attachment to the waist belt. Colour: White with black printing; yellow, blue, pink lace-webbing Material: Corduroy, fleece
Guide Tennie Approach Shoe
PARA’KITO Band and Clip
Available at Adventure HQ and yallaoutdoor.com
Available at Adventure HQ, GO Sport, Golf House and many more retailers (store locator at www.mapyr.com)
595 AED
The Guide Tennie’s hand-ground beveled toe delivers precision edging power without sacrificing hiking comfort, and the Stealth® C4™ outsole guarantees unrivaled traction.
89 AED
Number one natural prevention against mosquito bites, PARA’KITO refillable bands and clips offer a very unique combination: natural ingredients, patented technology, original designs, with an extremely easy use. The PARA’KITO pellet is soaked with essential oils extracted from plants selected all over the world. You just have to insert it in a band or a clip (each one is sold with two pellets) to be naturally protected against mosquito bites, during 15 days. PARA’KITO is suitable for everyone, because it doesn’t touch the skin. The protection is optimal under all conditions: sweat, water, hot and cold environment. Proven efficiency and economic, PARA’KITO is THE solution to stay protected from insect bites when doing outdoor activities.
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(with 2L Bladder), Fit For Women
Anti-chafe
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Words By: Tia Jones
I have been running ultras since 2012 and have used different types of hydration vests for running events - ranging from 20km to 162km. All of the vests that I have tried have been specifically cut for the female shape – some have been good and some not so. There also has always been something missing, so when I was given the opportunity to test out the Nathan VaporAiress I was delighted to give it a go. Since I moved to Dubai in 2014, it has taken me some time to get used to the summer heat and humidity when running outside as it is pretty difficult - with the challenge of being able to carry enough water to last for the duration of your run. Previous packs I tried had a two litre bladder with a single pocket in the front of the pack to hold an additional bottle, allowing you to carry a maximum of 2.5 litres of fluid. Sometimes I find that this capacity is not enough and I risk the chance of running out of water. The Nathan VaporAiress is the lightest women’s race vest that I have tried and it comes in two colours, Cockatoo and Sparkling Cosmo. Mine is the Sparkling Cosmo - a beautiful, vivid colour. I was initially worried about the colour running once
used to hold the bladder firmly in place, while the rear external shock cord can be pulled tighter or released depending on your storage requirements.
the vest got wet, but upon testing it the colour held firm. Reflective strips run down the back of the pack which is great when running at dusk or in the dark.
Hydration
I used the pack on a four-hour training run and was absolutely delighted with it. I filled the bladder up to its two-litre capacity and used two 16oz water bottles in the two front pockets, giving me a total of three litres of fluid. I believe this makes this pack stand out from the rest. It also comes with a magnetic clip for the hose, which very conveniently clips onto the opposite side of the vest making it easy to access and use.
Storage
I used the two side stretch pockets fitted with zips to store my gels, but I could have also used the two front pockets. The wipe clean surface of the front pocket is fantastic for the storage of sticky empty gels, so you don’t have to worry about residual gel making your pockets all gummy and tacky. There is plenty of storage in the front of the pack as well as at the back. The zipped back compartment can store anything from additional clothing to gloves, headlamps etc. What is great about this compartment is that the zip runs vertically down the back of the pack allowing you to easily reach in and grab your kit. The bladder compartment is divided into two: one for the bladder and the other can be used for storage. There is a fitted Velcro strip that is
I used the two side stretch pockets fitted with zips to store my gels
What I like especially about this pack is the binding. It is very soft to the touch and is very comfortable when running. Most importantly, it does not chafe. I love the stretch mesh pockets which expand a lot to accommodate gels, bars and any food you typically use on a long run. Nathan has created a superb pack. However, there is one area that I think would further improve this great product. I found out on my run that the material used for the binding below the side pockets stretched laterally too much, which does not allow the bottom strap to be sufficiently tightened causing the pack to bounce a little. I feel this binding should be made of none-stretch material which would still allow for expansion of the pockets, but would stop the stretch and allow the pack to fit more snugly. Overall, I found the cut of the pack to be very comfortable, allowing free movement of my arms. The colour will really appeal to women who like bright, vivid colours. It ticks all the boxes in terms of weight, comfort and storage. I will have many happy hours wearing this pack in the future and highly recommend the Nathan VaporAiress 7L. Here are some of the selling points of this pack: • Weight: 9.3oz/264g (weight includes bladder) • Storage capacity: 7 litres without the bladder and 5 litres with the bladder • Cut specifically to fit the female form • Over-the-shoulder load lifters to keep the water and gear close to the body for maximum no-bounce comfort • Body-mapped, super-breathable materials for maximum comfort • Equipped with a 2L bladder with quick-release valve • Two easy-access front bottle pockets • Side-stretch mesh pockets fit most smartphones • Front right stretch mesh stash pocket holds several gels • Front left pocket with “wipe clean” surface for easy storage of gel empties • Soft-touch, no-chafe elastic perimeter binding • Rear external shock cord for increased capacity • Available in XS, S/M and L/XL
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OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
PRODUCTS DJI Phantom 3 4K
Woo Kiteboard Sensor
Available at all Adventure HQ stores
Available at all Adventure HQ stores
Take to the sky and capture your world in beautiful 4K HD. The Phantom 3 is an easy to use, fully integrated package with an intelligent system that helps you fly. Even when flying up to 1.2 miles (2km)* away, built-in Lightbridge technology gives you complete control over your Phantom 3 and an immersive, live HD view of everything below. Further adding a new dimension to your experience, automatic video editing software and livestreaming capabilities let you share what you see instantly.
Simply clip the sensor onto your board and go ride. The WOO tracks every jump, including jump height, airtime, and more! WOO connects wirelessly with your iPhone to reveal the details of your session. Break down each jump’s height and airtime, plus total number of jumps and max height. Leave your mark on the global feed. Add a session and explore riders around the world boosting at their favorite spots. See how your riding stacks up in your region and worldwide.
5,700 AED
995 AED
It’s time to show kiteboarders worldwide what you’ve got. Be a part of the evolution and start riding with WOO today!
GoPro HERO4 Silver
X-LITE X-802R Ultra Carbon
Available at all Adventure HQ stores
Available at Al Yousuf Motors across the UAE
Features 1080p60 and 720p120 video, 12MP photos up to 30 frames per second, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and Protune for photos and video. Waterproof to 131’ (40m).
Nolan group’s top-of-the-range racing helmet has been further developed into the latest X-802R Ultra Carbon version with ultra-light carbon fibre shell. A stunning new helmet that is gorgeously shaped and extremely lightweight.
1,599 AED
Features • Built-in touch display + video trimming. • Professional video quality. • Fast, powerful photo capture. • New settings for after dark. • Control, view and share with built-in Wi-Fi + Bluetooth®. • Auto Low Light mode. • Improved camera control.
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2,100 AED
Features • 3 outer shell sizes. • Full ventilation system for optimal comfort. • Double D retention system. • Pinlock® anti-fog inner visor. • Inner liner which is fully removable and washable and has been conceived with the best fabrics. • Quick release visor.
PARA’KITO™, a complete mosquito solution, from protection to relief, naturally Special essential oil blends and patented formulas — those are the secrets that make PARA’KITO™ products safe and efficient to naturally protect you from mosquitoes or soothe their bites in case you forgot your protection. When it comes to protection, those essential oils are impregnated in pellets or as a gel in the roll-on and act as a natural repellent, making body smell hard to be detected by the biting insects. But the brand also has a solution for those who forgot their protection and got bitten — a bite relief gel.
Protecting all family members in any situation
The PARA’KITO™ pellet is impregnated with a blend of seven essential oils extracted from plants. Inserted in an adjustable band or a clip (each accessory is sold with two pellets). It naturally protects you from mosquitoes. This solution’s patented technology allows a constant diffusion of the formula, providing 15 days of protection, during any activity. There’s nothing simpler or easier. As the formula is chemical free and the pellet doesn’t come in contact with the skin, it’s suitable for everybody, including pregnant women, young children or individuals susceptible to skin allergies and irritations. The pellet is even waterproof so no need to take off the band if you go swimming, canyoning, canoeing or practising any watersport! All the accessories come in a range of colours and designs, so why not go for a splash of colour on your wrist, ankle, belt, bag or even baby’s stroller? If you prefer your protection to be discreet, no worries, PARA’KITO™ can match your style too!
The younger ones and their tiny wrists and ankles also have their bands now. They’re shorter, created with some fun designs inspired by the sea world, and even an identification label on which parents can write their phone number in case of an emergency. Travelling in an infested area? No problem. The PARA’KITO™ mosquito protection gel has been formulated for this. Delivered in a 20ml roll-on, for fast and precise application without spreading, it gives you the possibility to adjust the lines (and quantity applied) according to infestation level and your sensitivity. Its efficacy was tested up to five hours in a laboratory against the Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus).
There’s also a solution for those who forgot their protection
Coming in a smaller roll-on (5ml), the bite relief gel has been formulated especially to relieve bites from mosquitoes and other insects as well. The gel application has a soothing and cooling effect that reduces the itching sensation. Paraben free, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, it’s as safe as the other products of the range.
All PARA’KITO™ products are easy and risk-free to use but their efficacy has also been proved by tests in different laboratories or in natural environment – in different climates and conditions – in the United States, Europe, Africa and Australia. Effective, economical, easy to use, natural, universal, innovative… PARA’KITO™ is the holistic mosquito solution! The brand PARA’KITO™ is distributed in more than 30 countries in the world in Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Central America. The number one natural mosquito protection in France and Spain, the refillable bands and clips of PARA’KITO™ have been a great success since 2008, thanks to a very specific equation: natural ingredients, a patented technology, original designs and all that in a product that is very easy to use.
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The Tank in Your Pocket:
Words By: Linda Turcerova Delgado Photos By: Jung Francisco and Pavel Bafeel
Smartphones have become such a necessity in our lives that one can hardly spend a couple of hours without them. With retail prices increasing with every new model out there, it makes sense to protect what is probably your most expensive investment that you use every day. If you travel a lot and you are a regular sports person, you don’t want to carry extra cameras, cables, charges and cases with you. You want to travel light. LifeProof offers a great option – a case for your phone with multiple uses. You can use this as phone protection in everyday life (in case you are clumsy like me and drop your phone often) while adding a few accessories that can transform your phone into a cool sports camera. LifeProof is the company behind this great idea. They specialise in smartphone (tablets and pads) protection and that is basically the only thing they do. At just 35g in weight and a “fit like a glove” design, the phone slips in and settles into the case without any difficulty. In hand and pocket though, the package now feels slightly bulkier. I have gone through many phones and covers, from functional to bling versions in the past and this was the first time the cover felt like part of the phone rather than its bulky winter coat. All ports, buttons and functionality of my phone were accessible same as without the cover protection — so far so good.
Modularity
What is great about this cover is that it comes with different Life Active accessories
which give you the possibility to use it for whatever sport you want. The bike and bar mount is easy to install one click and its locked in place! The swivel function makes it easy to adjust the position and tighten it for the perfect angle. Then you can ride out while recording action footage, checking new routes via waterproof GPS or simply listening to music from your phone.
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The active suction mount meanwhile gives you the option to attach your smartphone to the windshield of your car or boat, to your stand-up paddle board and even your windsurf board! Basically, you can attach it to any flat surface. You can use it as a holder for your GPS navigation through the phone while driving a car.
Drop Proof
Before testing, I read some reviews on the cover and came to an interesting comment that someone had left the phone in the case on the roof of the car and had driven off and the phone still survived. With this in mind, there was nothing holding me back to try this. We went out during the Eid break and took a nice long drive to Oman. I left it on top of my car (as suggested) and drove off just to see how long I could go until I saw the phone flying off. Most of you would relate to this cruel exercise! I found the phone after approximately 40 metres (still ringing) in the middle of the road, relatively unharmed. It is guaranteed for survival from a drop of two metres. I cannot translate this into my experiment but the result was most satisfactory. To the surprise of my colleague (as the phone was his) it was still working
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
perfectly fine.
Dirtproof
Plenty of sand dunes later, we arrived at Asilah, a popular surf spot on the coast of Oman just below Sur. I kept dropping and leaving my phone all around the camp site and burying it in the sand to see how it will handle the abuse. After half a day of sandy hide and seek (oh yeah, I forgot a couple of times where I buried it so I fished out the trowel for the rescue) I gave it a rest and opened the cover to see not one grain of sand inside. Sand is a major issue wherever you may be in the Middle East. My smartphone being safe while being active outdoors scores high points on my scale.
Waterproof
Claiming one hour of safe submerging for up to two metres, this proved to be a tricky test in the swell of Asilah. However, I played with it at a safe distance from the shores. Again, not only water but also water particles such as salt and micro-abrasive water solids are dangerous to electronics when dropped in water. The confidence I had from the previous day’s sand test kept me at ease here; absolutely no water damage whatsoever to the case or my phone. As long as
you keep it sealed as instructed, you can enjoy watersports such as kayaking or SUP using the suction mount. All in all, this is a great solution for an all-in-one smart device. As a bonus, I felt brave enough to run the phone through a quick wash cycle (keep it under 30 degrees without a drop of water). As expected, the phone was without a drop of water and working perfectly. This case is available in over four different colours. I recommend going for the bright colours – as you would want to see where you dropped it in the water or between rocks when hiking or climbing. At just under 350 AED, it may appear a bit pricey but going without a case and replacing your smartphone (if it meets a mishap) will set you back tenfold. It makes perfect sense to protect one of your most important and most expensive pieces of technology.
The LifeProof is available at all GO Sport stores. Item Name
AED/QAR OMR
LifeProof FRE Series iPhone6 Case Black
349
37.9
LifeProof LifeActiv Suction Mount
199
21.6
LifeProof LifeActiv Bike/Bar Mount
199
21.6
LifeProof LifeActiv Multi-Purpose Mount 149
16.2
LifeProof LifeActiv Universal QuickMount Adaptor for Case
10.8
99
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Hit-Air Airbag Jacket Words by: Jack Moran
Motorcycle riders now enjoy more choices over the traditional leather jacket for injury and weather protection. Today, technology has evolved into good quality cloth-based jackets that include many built-in safety features as standard. In a top-of-the-line jacket, you expect to get great styling and colours, complete waterproofing; back; shoulder and elbow padding; removable lining for warm weather outings; pockets that don’t leak; a warm
collar; reflective sections for night riding and good length at the back. The Japanese Hit-Air EU jacket, manufactured by Mugen Denko Co. Ltd , has all of these, plus it turns into a protective airbag if you come off your motorcycle. From the original manufacturers of the airbag jacket, this could be the biggest revolution to rider safety in years. The airbag safety process occurs within a split second if the rider parts company with the bike and the thin bladder inside the jacket becomes fully inflated from a special gas bottle mounted high on the right chest. In moments, the jacket is transformed into something that can offer you more protection when you hit the ground. Wearing it during inflation static tests, it feels like someone with a huge vise is crushing you, such is the air pressure inside the jacket that you can feel it’s going to work for you. This feeling alone gives me great confidence in saying that it will help reduce injuries in most crashes. The head is supported at the back and sides under the helmet, by the now large airbag. At the back, the jacket bulges out probably 100mm just below the shoulder blades, tapering to about 75mm thick down towards the bum protector, which unbuttons and flips down automatically upon inflation. The front gets a blast of protective air too, with the chest area well protected with around 75mm of
air, including under the arms for extra rib protection. The jacket begins to slowly deflate about 30 seconds after activation. A coiled wire is easily attached to the bike in a suitable place, fitting into a female clip that is attached to the jacket. You need to give a good, deliberate pull before the jacket inflates. It takes approx. 30kg of force from the clip to activate the gas cylinder, so if you try to walk off forgetting to press the large disconnect button, you will feel a reminder tug because the jacket has some “give” in it and the coiled wire straightens out. Comprehensive literature with step-by-step photos is provided for fitting the coiled wire and cylinder replacement. The only downside to the airbag safety feature is where to put the small gas cylinder. Hit-Air mounted it vertically on the right side of the chest. It is always recommended that you should choose quality safety items through the authorized dealers such as Al Yousuf Motors where not only quality is good but you can also find their price very competitive. Above all, you can find Al Yousuf Showrooms throughout the United Arab Emirates.
MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
QATAR EXPLORER
In Search of Altitude
The Qatar rock climbing experience Words By: Eulogy van Dyk Photos By: Doha Climbers
When three Spanish expats set off “in search of altitude” in Qatar one would think it is rather an irrational idea in a country that is known for its flat terrains and with the highest point above sea level at only 103m/338ft. But nothing can stop the adventurer at heart, and so in 2011 these three Spanish guys went on a mission to find a rock climbing spot to continue their beloved hobby here in the desert. They literally Googled “rocks in Qatar” in the hope that it would disclose some unknown sites. After examining maps via Google Earth in depth, they saw that there were some formations on the northwest side of Qatar that could be favourable for their requirements. So they jumped in their car and started driving in that direction to see if they could find a suitable spot for their favourite outdoor activity. The Zekreet National Park is located on the northwest side of the country and has a number of large rock formations, the highest of them begin around 15 metres.This is exactly where they went. They found a number of favourable spots but one specific wall, shaped similar to a horseshoe when looking from above, caught their attention and that’s where it all started. The expats established a Facebook groupcalled the Doha Climbers and invited fellow rock climbers to join them on this new adventure. In the beginning, it was only“the three musketeers” who went on regular trips, but as the word spread, more and more people joined. It has now become a weekly activity that takes place throughout the whole year. The type of rock formation is mainly limestone, with very sandy conditions. It makes for difficult grips and some would say that it is technically challenging. Luckily the “designers” of the routes have made sure that you will not leave disappointed. The wall is about 12m high and is suitable only for top rope climbing. Currently there
are about 13 different routes with various difficulty levels that have names like “Tiger”, “Spanish Angel”, “The Crack” and “Chico Power”. If you are new to rock climbing, be aware that the difficulty level at Zekreet starts off rather high. So don’t be discouraged if you fail toreach the top on your first attempt!It is however a great place to start your exploration of climbing, with fantastic support and encouragement from the more seasoned climbers. Be warned, it is something that “ropes” you in! Pretty soon you will be climbing to the top andattempting the more difficult routes. I had the privilege to join the Doha Climbers group recently for a desert rock climbing adventure and what an amazing group of people it is - friendly, warm and social. Anyone is encouraged to join, no matter what age or ability. You don’t even need your own climbing gear, as one of the regular climbers will be able to help you out with a harness and ropes! One of the best things about the group is that they keep active throughout the whole year. During the cooler winter months, they meet mostly on Fridays for a day of climbing fun. And they don’t get beaten by the summer heat as they then change their climbing sessions to Thursday evenings and climb throughout the night! I can really
recommend the night climbing during the summer months, even though it can become a bit sticky when the humidity is high. It is a really great adventure to spend time outdoors during the hotter months in the Middle East. Weekly events are created on their Facebook page so it is easy to know what happens when and where. So if you have ever wondered what to do with that rock climbing gear lying around at home, bring it along for your next visit to Qatar! For more information on their weekly activities join the Doha Climbers Facebook group or send an email to dohaclimbers@gmail.com. Rock Climbing at night during the summer months
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Biking in the Mountains Words By: Nico de Corato Photos By: Giacomo Pompanin, Diego Gaspari Bandion and Cortina Tourism Board
Enjoy a great mountain bike outing, and then relax in a hot tub overlooking a beautiful landscape before rounding off the day with the typical gastronomic delights on offer in a mountain refuge. Autumn in the mountains. After a long, hot summer, there is nothing better than being closer to nature with emotions inspired by the rhythms of changing colours in the spectacular Dolomite landscapes in Italy. Watching the sunrise in the mountains is an unforgettable experience, especially during this season. There are lots of activities you can do: walking in the silence of nature, through blushing larch forests and across mountain peaks tinted in hues of red, which leaves you with a profound feeling of wellbeing and relaxation that touches your very soul. Allow yourself to rest in the refuges to witness a culinary highlight - indulging in all the flavours and fragrances brought on by the season. For adrenaline hunters, the rush of a downhill bike ride, a via ferrata (it is highly recommended to seek the advice of mountain professionals prior to attempting a via ferrata for the first time) or a classic climbing route, or even a run along a scenic mountain trail, offers that special satisfaction derived from transforming fatigue into pleasure. For this trip I have chosen to train riding a fatbike, a bicycle with over-sized tires,
typically 3.8in (97mm) or larger and rims 2.6in (66mm) or wider, designed for low ground pressure to allow riding on soft unstable terrain, such as snow and sand. They were invented for winter trail riding and racing but soon people also started using them in a desert environment. I’ve been to the Bike Park in Cortina, a place I love. Probably because it’s so different from Dubai, probably because I’ve spent already so much time there. This is the ideal place for all downhill fans, with four trails of different lengths and difficulties equipped with trampolines for jumps and technical sections in the woods. Trails range from black, reserved for more experienced riders; to red, where riders can train and have fun developing their skills. Track 1 - the most challeng-
ing - is 2,800 metres long with an average slope of 21% and maximum slope of 70%. The second is the same length, with a slightly higher average gradient (26%) and a maximum gradient of 61 %. The third is 980 metres long with an average slope of 21% and a maximum of 63%. I tried to spend as much time as possible on the bike, bringing all the food and water needed for the day, and planning dinner at the refuge in the evening. Since I’m preparing for a long desert exploration, I kept my goal in mind and I also tried to be self-sufficient throughout my time training there. Cortina has plenty of dedicated routes for those who really love two wheels, and since winter 2014/2015, two fatbike slopes have opened behind Col Gallina lifts, for
gravity descents. You cannot miss this thrilling experience! We also had the chance to organise a night run with dinner at one of the local refuges. This was a breath-taking experience which involved leaving at sunset to enjoy the last beautiful glimpses of light and appreciating the beauty of nature at night alongside the light plays formed by the twisting mountains. It is also possible to ride a fatbike along the paths and the routes normally used for snowshoeing and walking (but not along the ski slopes and the cross-country skiing tracks), so that the silhouettes of pinnacles, spires and towers, impressive and unmistakable Dolomite shapes, carved into the brilliant blue sky, become a perfect background for your ride. You only have to consider that fatbikes are rigid. Fat tyres do provide some very limited suspension action on their own when properly inflated. A rigid bike can be fast and efficient on smooth trails. However, as the trail gets rougher and rougher you have to slow down to maintain control plus you have to stand frequently to absorb impacts. The end result is a slower, more tiring ride on rough terrain. If you have the chance and you want to appreciate some of the best routes, you might
consider switching to a mountain bike on some occasions. During the winter you can also reinvent your MTB with a K-track: a special modification kit which is used to transform any mountain bike into a snow bike, letting you tackle snow-covered slopes with ease. In Cortina, the Kite4Freedom school introduces novices to this new sport, which at long last provides a bit of winter fun for mountain bike fans, no longer forced to leave their bikes stored in the garage for the duration of the winter. The best places for practicing with the k-track are those areas at the edge of slopes, where the snow is less compacted. So I’m looking forward to winter to also try this experience!
Ready to cycle again...
Blogger, marathon runner, triathlete, divemaster and heli rescue swimmer with Bergamo Scuba Angels. You can check my website www.dubaiblognetwork.com, contact me on social networks or via email at admin@dubaiblognetwork.com for information about this article or just to say hello.
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An Underwater Clean Up Words + Photos By: Jake Lyle
Despite Dubai’s reputation for glamorous high rise buildings and luxury supercars on the roads, this city is able to boast more than just manmade accomplishments as its waters are filled with an abundance of life, a biodiversity that is seldom seen just off the coast of a rapidly growing super city. The shores of Dubai are home to hundreds of species of fish and even more species of underwater plant life. Over the years, beach goers and boat enthusiasts have reported sightings of everything from dolphins and turtles, to stingrays and whale sharks – clearly this city’s waters are blessed with life. However, as the city grows, so does the threat to these underwater varieties – with more and more rubbish and waste being produced, the higher the chance of this waste finding its way into the ocean. Many of us have seen the troubling image of a turtle with a plastic bag wrapped around
its neck, or a dolphin with a plastic water bottle stuck in its snout, and unfortunately the frequency at which these instances are occurring is increasing. Its not all bad news however, as there is something that can be done to battle this problem, something that a team of divers and I did with the Pavilion Dive Centre in late September. A team of five divers and I undertook the task of cleaning up the reef along a wall and removing any litter or debris that was congesting the flora and fauna just off the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, in the hopes of im-
proving the overall health of the reef and its inhabitants. Obviously, this wasn’t a normal leisurely dive, and each diver had in hand a large empty rice sack, as opposed to a camera, and was ready to collect debris instead of photos. On our hands, we wore heavyduty gloves, which proved very useful when we came across sunken rusty metal objects, with sharp edges jutting out. And finally on our legs we had dive knives strapped in at the ready, equipped to disentangle and cut ropes that were constricting the reef.
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With all the gear prepared and checked, we set off on our mission to create a more sustainable environment on the reef. Once submerged, it was surprising to see so much life and so many colours so close to the shore and the harbor, but nevertheless, the reef wall was vibrant and animated – all the more reason to keep it in pristine condition. The search began. At first it was pleasing to see the scarcity of debris and litter throughout the reef, instilling a confidence that maybe we weren’t going to find anything and that the reef itself was already clean. But as we scoured the reef further and searched for debris, the sunken objects that didn’t belong underwater soon became apparent. Moving over the reef, we’d spot a green plastic bag caught between two rocks, swaying with the current and easily mistaken for some form of plant life that a turtle or a large fish would see as very appetising. More and more of these articles of debris became visible, and as we extracted them from the reef and collected them, the space in our bags began to quickly fill up. A piece of plastic between those rocks, an empty carton under another one, or some scrap metal resting over there. The search soon became busy. One of the most common and most difficult to remove pieces of debris that we came across was discarded rope. Tens of metres of rope had found its way onto the reef, spreading across it, weaving through it and tangling around it – making the task of removing it incredibly challenging. Not only does the rope restrict the reef, but it also presents a real hazard to any diver in low visibility that could easily become entangled in the labyrinth of twine, or any swimmer who dives down below to peek at the underwater landscape, leading to a very dangerous situation. With a series of systematic cuts from a dive knife at certain points along the ropes where it had been entangled, we were able to free
the ropes that we came across, extract them from the reef and pack them into the bags. Continuing the search, we discovered a number of metal poles and objects abruptly jutting out of the reef and rocks, which presented a clear danger to both marine life and anyone swimming in the water. The sharp poles, probably fallen or discarded overboard from a yacht or fishing vessel, protruded out from the wall and were standing in wait, in perfect position to puncture the side of any fish or person swimming nearby. Out from the reef and into the bag the poles went; by now the bags had begun to act as weights, forcing us to put in extra effort to keep them suspended in the water. Getting closer to the rocks, we were able to find the numerous hidden objects and pieces of rubbish that were concealed behind the reef that had fallen through the cracks and accumulated under cover. Among these hidden objects were things like plastic and glass cups, tubes of electrical wire and even some components of common garden equipment. The collection continued and every new discovery would be gathered into the sacks. As the dive was shallow, we were able to stay under for a longer period, maximising our time collecting the rubbish and cleaning as much of the reef as possible. Surfacing at just over 60 minutes, our bags were full and
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the reef was cleaner. The empty rice sacks were now full to the brim with a plethora of odd objects and discarded rubbish. The dive had been a success. After bringing the sacks back to the dive shop, we emptied each one and catalogued the different pieces of rubbish and debris that we had extracted. The masses of ropes, plastics and metals spread across the ground, and it felt good knowing that all that was now off of the reef, out of the ocean and soon to be into the proper waste disposal. Although in the grand scheme of things, the waste that we collected seems minimal, with those objects out of the sea, there are now far less dangers to both swimmers and marine life in the area. We have decreased the chances of a marine species caught in electrical wiring, of an unsuspecting swimmer cut on a rusty metal pole or of a section of the reef being slowly worn away by a series of ropes constantly scraping against it. It is sustainable approaches like these that leave the coastal environment safer and cleaner. It allows that reef wall to now grow and develop much easier, without the interference of rubbish holding it back. Despite the difference that has been made however, these cleanups are not the solution to the problem. Although we may have removed a few kilos of waste from the sea, it will not be long before a similar amount once again resides on the reef. Instead, the solution lies with Dubai’s residents; the proper discarding of litter and the care that must be taken to ensure this litter doesn’t end up in the ocean. It’s easy to properly discard of rubbish, by simply putting it in the bin, as opposed to leaving it on the ground, or making an effort to carry it until an opportunity to properly dispose of it becomes available. This will then help us to achieve a more sustainable and safer environment for Dubai’s growing population, and allow the city to boast of more than just five star hotels and exotic pets.
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Women on Wheels
The Mountain Runner Words by: Helle Bachofen von Echt Photos by: Roland Magon
It’s impossible not to feel at home while being collected by the same driver, greeted by the same smiling front desk staff and being served by the same waiters in the hotel restaurant as I did during my visit last summer, more than one year ago. Their facial expressions noticeably show that they recognise me. This is certainly a clear sign that all hotel staff are happy where they are. Nicola and Alberto Verdolin who run this family hotel are very professional, responsive and attentive; and I have witnessed how they make personal time for all visiting guests. It is impossible not to feel welcome and well looked after in this hotel. The Garda Bike Hotel, located in Peschiera at the south of end of the stunning Lake Garda, Italy, specializes in cycling holidays. And certainly, as a cyclist, whether beginner or experienced, you need not worry about a thing. Everything is taken care of for the guests. Every day of the week they have guided tours, a mix of easier and more challenging rides, a mix of flat, scenic, city, vineyard or mountain rides and within those a choice of difficulties or length of the ride. There is an option for all riders. Their guides too are very attentive and knowledgeable and their top priority is safety. Bikes are securely locked away in their dedicated bike room and there is a mechanic on site. They also do bike rental and offer a range of Pinarello bikes including the Dogma F8. Lunch and snacks are provided every day
for riders to take on tour and for the longer rides, a van will accompany the riders and carry all necessities as well as taking on board any riders who could potentially have overestimated their abilities on the day. A lunch buffet consisting of post-riding nutrition is open all afternoon for the hungry returning cyclist and the laundry basket is waiting for the drop off of sweaty cycling kits, to be clean and fresh for next morning’s ride. In the late afternoon, a selection of salty snacks are served and if there is a desire for some downtime, resting can be achieved either by the outdoor hotel pool or in the unquestionably comfortable lounge chairs (I am evidence that these can also be used for napping). Undeniably, Garda Bike Hotel has it all covered for the cycling visitor. This year I have returned to Garda Bike Hotel with a selection of passionate cycling friends who have flown in from London, Copenhagen and Abu Dhabi; a brilliant combination of people responsible for enormous amounts of laughter. We have all joined forces in Lake Garda to ride the first edition of the GranFondo Bike Division Peschiera Del Garda. However, we have arrived some days in advance to make the most of the spectacular scenery around the lake and the vineyards, but mostly to conquer some of the most famous climbs in the surrounding areas of Lake Garda. For many climbing enthusiasts, undoubtedly the Stelvio Pass is one to tick off the list, and
so it was for all of us. The excitement for this climb already grew while packing the allweather cycling gear for this trip. However, it turned out that unfortunately Stelvio at its 2,757m above sea level height was covered in 40cm of snow during our available days. At least, this makes the perfect reason to yet again return for cycling in this area. With the Stelvio Pass to be missed this time, instead we set off to tackle Monte Baldo, a mountain range in the Italian Alps located in the provinces of Trentino and Verona, peaking at 2,218m above sea level. We have woken up to a beautiful sunny day and we set off on a long day in the saddle. It’s a 50km flat ride to Avio - the base of one side of Monte
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Baldo. The last 10km of this part is just stunning; we snaked our way through the undisturbed green vineyards on a narrow pathway, with the mountain peeking on the side and clear blue sky rising above. We made a refuelling stop before setting off on the 21.08km climb of 7% average grade with a total of 1,495m of elevation. In the first couple of kilometres as per usual the riders spread out according to their abilities on the climb and most riders climb pretty much solo. The first 10km or so are covered by trees and as there is a long way to go, it’s all about finding a good sustainable rhythm and pedal stroke. On this day and on this climb, I personally choose to tackle Monte Baldo with comfort and enjoyment. I know I will eventually get to the top and I chose to keep my heart rate and lactic acid under control as well as making space for appreciating my surroundings and views. As the kilometres and switchbacks pass, I peek through the gaps of trees and witness the base slowly disappearing while I rise higher and higher. Every glimpse is increasingly wonderful. There is something very special about viewing our surroundings from above. I have to absorb quickly and snap a photographic picture in my mind as I must keep pedalling. Some parts of this climb increase to 12% average and the pedal strokes become deeper but otherwise it’s a very charming and merciful climb. As we reach 16km into the climb, the landscape flattens and we can regroup and take well deserved fuel and rest. We have now risen above the tree line, the mountain side is open and we receive views over additional mountain ranges in the distance. We must move on further as we all feel the cool mountain air through our damp jerseys. We have another 6km to climb towards the highest point for cyclists. Our guide comforts us with: “Not far to go and it’s almost flat”. It works and we continue with confidence. However, it’s not exactly true. As we pass the bends on the narrow mountain road and see yet another ascension towards the peak, I hear sighs around me — kudos to everyone for completing all 21km of climbing. We start our 35km of descending and we make one easy-to-miss but momentous stop not far from the peak. This is the only small viewpoint over Lake Garda from this side, but it is exceptionally breathtaking. I could have stayed in this spot in a trance all day. Layer after layer of the mountain range fills the space on the other side of the calm and blue Lake Garda. It is like a fairytale. One double espresso later, we continue our descending. 35km, some narrow roads with extra caution and some wide roads with perfect sized bends to go full speed chasing our guide to the bottom. After 126km, almost six hours and 2000m of climbing, we return back to our temporary home, all feeling a substantial sense of accomplishment. Our next challenge is the first edition of the 100k GranFondo Bike Division Peschiera Del Garda. The riders gather on the start line, 650 riders due to complete the GranFondo. We arrive in our start box at 8:00 a.m. and our sea blue team from Garda Bike Hotel is clearly visible in the crowd as the largest team of 40 riders. We take off in a sprint start and within minutes the blues are separated.
I continue my own race. On the flatter part during the first 36km, I race strongly and jump from wheel to wheel to keep the pace high while preserving energy. At 36km we hit a 4km climb and as climbing is my weakness, I feel myself sliding backwards in the crowd while I am being overtaken by too many people of all ages. As I reach the top, I settle back in with a smaller group of guys and I notice two younger guys pulling us along. I follow as they take a right turn at a split section and I fuel for the next challenge, the biggest climb of 12km of elevation. 10km later I am still waiting for that climb. Something is wrong. Where is it? I look around, there are no mountain sides besides us. I check in with the young guys. They are riding the Corto, which is only 75km and has four smaller climbs instead of the big one. OMG. I have gone the wrong way! Okay, in that moment, I am deeply disappointed that I won’t complete the GranFondo and equally not being a great climber, I am not utterly upset to miss the climbing under pressure. Instead I take the front of our group and power through the flat sections with the train of riders behind. That feels good, at least. I cross the finish line before my friends and the rest of the blue team riding the full 100K GranFondo and cheer for them as they pass our hotel, less than 1km from the finish line. As we all reunite in the hotel bar and experiences are exchanged, it is evident that everyone had a great time and each their own personal story. Everyone agreed that the course is fantastic as there is something for all abilities. A varied course, with flat and fast sections, undulated terrain with small bumps and both shorter and longer climbs; something to both challenge and satisfy each individual rider. We leave the hotel enriched with more adventures and experiences in our personal cycling stories, more kilometres and elevation meters in our legs, new friendships, family and endless laughter. Before taking off for our respective city lives, we all agree to make this an annual event. See you in 2016. Helle Bachofen von Echt is a Dubai-based sponsored Elite Road Cyclist competing in both local and international events. When she is not training, she is helping others achieve their health and fitness goals by running her own personal training services as well as giving indoor cycling classes. Helle loves travelling with her bike and you can follow her adventures and racing on Instagram @thegirlwhocyclesinthedesert.
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OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
OUR EXPERTS
30 AED Quick Wash Jig/Lure Box Words + Photos by: Kit Belen
It has been a while since I wrote a Do It Yourself article, so after a while of thinking about what to write here, I decided I was going to write about my most recent project. Shopping around the tackle shops for a decent box to hold most of my jigs, I found that there were some for sale that tick the boxes off on my list, but none except for one (which I found online) ticked everything - except for the price box. I wanted a lure box that I could put my jigs in or my chosen lures for inshore trolling. I don’t know about you, but often times when I get home, I am so tired from the fishing and driving that I usually do as many of the chores as I can and then sleep. One of the things that takes me a long time is cleaning the lures I’ve used. It’s a tedious and time-consuming job and more often than I want it to happen, I skip it just to save time. After replacing the hooks on my lures on several occasions, I decided to think of a way for me to wash them down without taking so long. With this box, I can wash and dry everything in the box without worrying about missing out lures that I forgot I used and foolishly dumped back into the pile. You only need PVC piping and a small icebox that you can get at Carrefour for about 30AED. I already have some PVC pipes from a previous project so there wasn’t really much spending on this except for the icebox. I’m sure someone out there will make a better version, but here is the basic idea from start to finish.
You will need a length of PVC piping and a 5 litre icebox
I drilled holes on the sides and one in the middle
The jigs neatly hang on the lip of the pipes
Cutting the pipe to length with a miter made it easy to make the lengths consistent and the edges straight
Our fishing pro who shares his experiences and expertise with OutdoorUAE through his regular column. thefishingkit@gmail.com
I tested the box out and washed everything inside - worked like it’s supposed to!
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OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
PEOPLE
Masooma Ali Age: 35 Nationality: Emirati Occupation: Sales Quality Manager
We here at OutdoorUAE love it so
much when we hear of amazing people via the community. We’re a magazine that is founded on the idea of being close to the community as much as possible. So when the people told us about the amazing story of Masooma – or Mas as she is popularly known within the cycling world, we just had to sit down with her and ask her about the life and times of an Emirati cyclist. How did your cycling story start?
My passion for cycling started in 2013 when I saw a bunch of elite cyclists riding on the road riding very professionally. The image of that peloton was so powerful that I immediately fell in love with it. So I said to myself, “I want to be like them”.
Tell us a little about your training regimen...
My daily training is usually made up of a 30 – 40k steady ride. In the weekends, I do longer distances with a group with some hard spinning.
What are some of the difficulties that cyclists experience here in the United Arab Emirates and how can you as a cyclist help out?
For me the main difficulty is the lack of cycling tracks and areas. Since it’s very dangerous to ride on the public roads, we are forced to use tracks. Currently we have the Al Qudra Cycling Path which is the biggest one. It’s quite difficult to travel for almost 40 minutes there for just a little spinning after work.
What should our readers, especially female readers know when they would like to try cycling out?
n Give yourself enough time to learn it and go the distance. The more you ride, the better you can synchronize with your bike. n Do not compare yourself to the pros, rather observe your progress. n Keep yourself hydrated all the time, eat well and healthy. This sport requires a lot of physical stamina so you will need all your energy.
n Get the right bike with the right fitting. Riding the wrong bike will affect your performance and can cause injuries. n Enjoy your ride. It will keep you on the saddle longer.
Does being a woman in the cycling community have its perks?
It definitely has some advantages in my opinion. Since this sport is just growing amongst women in the UAE, the general interest is at its peak. I see new faces joining our team every time with a great desire to continue learning the techniques and getting stronger. Second, being a woman cyclist in my community is not a common thing and it has its own challenges, but it’s attractive in its own way and encourages more women to take up cycling.
Are you involved in any other outdoor activities? I have recently started running but at a beginner level.
For you, what’s so special about taking your bike for a spin?
I feel free when I’m on the bike and I get a sense of power. It releases stress and leaves you with a positive feeling both physically and mentally. The more time I spend on my bike, the more my body engages with every movement. Your bike becomes an extension of your body.
Are you preparing for any events? What’s next for you? I like to participate in more races specially women’s events. My main reason for that is to gain experience and compare myself to those on the same level as me. I’m also looking forward to race in the Spinneys Dubai 92 which is coming in two months.
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LOCATIONS
Words + Photos by: Doe Lone
It was one of the sunny Fridays. Two bouldering aficionados are back in Ras Al Khaimah in the middle of September. What brought us here is “THE CUBE” a boulder that UAE forgot, a rectangular hut size rock in Wadi Shahah. A juxtaposition of RAK’s Hajar Mountain range in the background with this standalone boulder in the field, its texture and contrast never fail to attract us. Of course it is hot out there. How to escape the heat during summer? The simple answer is “Don’t go out” just stay inside fully air-conditioned offices and flats and often cars. But can we really can spend our life in this situation, really? Escaping intense heat by climbing in indoor gyms is fair enough in summer. It is a way to get ready and train for the upcoming winter climbing season in the United Arab Emirates. Climbing outdoor in the middle of September is complex psych of thirst for being exposed in earth, dust and humid winds and some add-on stupidity. We have to be brave enough to go out and
this made us go climb a rock. We already are acclimatizing well with UAE summers. We were here at “The Cube” last year too, it was me and our friend - Emirati climber Saif, along with Harold marking the 14year old kid’s first outdoor trip in the UAE. Harold’s family moved to the UAE last year from Singapore where Harold is a champion in a junior bouldering competition in Singapore. Kiwi-French youngster Harold is not only a talented bouldering problem solver but also has the climbing spirit in his blood. This time of year, only I and Harold head back towards RAK to repeat “The Cube”, hugging and chilling around by eating some chalk. Our crash pads are our prayer mats to worship this earth wonder — The Cube. We didn’t see any chalk dust on the boulder nor boot markings around it, assuming no one has ever come back to hug this rock ever since we did last year. We’re not surprised; “The Cube” is neither popular nor on the top list for outdoor climbers. Lack of interest in bouldering, or considering it is too easy compared with rope involved types of Sport or Trad, or lack of good spotting buddies and no crash pad, make The Cube a low profile boulder. Actually The Cube is just near some of the popular road side crags of RAK Vegas (what climbers usually nickname Ras Al Khaimah
because of its rich crags for climbing). Opposite on the other side of the road to the cube is the area for some of the busy sport routes. To the same side of the Cube is the Hajar Mountains area where lots of multi-pitch sport and trad lines including the Kharzang 90m 3-pitch bolted route we climbed last year. We hit there by 10am. Keeping ourselves hydrated is key in this heat. We laid out our crash pads and stretched. Harold warmed-up on the V1 flake first. Whenever we get our toes into our climbing shoes, it felt like the skin is literally burning and That doesn’t even come close to describing the actual suffering of my toes — it’s way hotter. We sit back and chill while hydrating which is another good part of the game. Some breeze whispers on our faces and we call it a lucky moment. THE CUBE – RAK, three side climbing surfaces, with another face with a ledge-like formation for easier descending off from the top of the boulder. After each climb on a particular bouldering problem, We down climb. Or there’s a bolt on the flat roof top of the boulder for you to equip with ropes to rappel down. We had two crashpads which we often use as our comforter during rests. We worked Mike’s V4 problem at around 11:00 a.m. with the naked sun on our faces. The rock is hot, the wind is hot and everything is HOT. This is not a very good day. “Dude!,
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My toes are burning” , Harold said. He’s right, both of us were suffering and we thought that it’s time to pack up. We then recall some of our stories and sharing good vibes while we rest. It’s one of the climbing magazines of late 2010 that brought me to the UAE. There is an article about climbing in the Arabian Peninsula entitled “Diamond in the Dust“ written by Molly Loomis. It describes Oman rock climbing; its limestone rock, deserts dunes and the sounds of the ocean are those which supported my decision to move to Dubai for work. In my early days in the UAE, I did buildering around Abu Dhabi and I was almost arrested by the police. (Yes buildering is climbing the building, making moves on any climbable manmade structures). Then I was inspired by Abu Dhabi climbers like Toby and Dave who welcomed us to their home’s boulder wall to train. Nowadays, outdoor bouldering in UAE is growing; from one dedicated boulder gym - Rock Republic, to meeting folks with same interests. Whilst outdoor builderers are still rare. Harold is pretty positive about finding more boulders in RAK, he said “Unknown routes, plenty to discover I think!” He is right, some of them have been discovered such as the Red Wall Boulder Field which requires an hour of intense 4x4 driving plus another hour of hiking makes those boulders more isolated. Even “The Cube” which is a lesser climb, but a classic bouldering problem in UAE is an hour’s drive from the Dubai Airport. The UAE still has huge potential to develop bouldering in the region with so much more to discover and offer.Go climb a rock folks.
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• APPROACH: THE CUBE is within 110km reach from Dubai International Airport. Yeah, just an hour drive. No 4x4, no problem, it’s a saloon friendly drive. Park beside the road and hike to reach the boulder in five minutes. Obvious landmark is the boulder “The Cube” itself in the field on the RHS of the road and background mountain has a cave-like formation to confirm the right spot. • GUIDE BOOKS AND TOPO: UAE ROCK CLIMBING guide book by Toby Foord-Kelcey covers its detail on page 61. Updated 3D printout top is available http://www.redarmadapublishing.com/cube.pdf • GEARS: CRASH PADS. And your climbing shoes of course. Load of chalk and big brushes will help too. Landing areas are fairly smooth to gravel ground around. Bouldering mats are must and highly recommended to use one or more for safe landing. Having a partner with good spotting is always great too. Down climb is possible on the other side of the boulder (bolted on top of the flat boulder- in case if you top rope project on V4 or rappel off for descend). • IMPORTANT NOTE: There is a small graveyard near “THE CUBE”. Make sure you are not climbing scattered boulders around the memorial stones of the graveyard area. There are a lot more settlement and farms along RAK roadside in recent years than before around, “THE CUBE” could belong to someone else’s territory, there are no issue with access so far and no fence has been around unlike nearby farms. Be respectful to the land, please do not litter including cigarette buds.
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LOCATIONS
Words By: Eranga Yasas Photos By: Channa Munasinghe
Day 3 - 16th April
It was a perfect start as usual. I was the first to hear the waves breaking on the shore, almost like a melody in my ear. The sun was already up and shining on the crystal clear water. By the time I came back from my short walk, the others were getting out of their tents. Channa had the drone out,already filming the surroundings. Bazil was making the morning coffee. The remaining Arabic bread was served for breakfast with cheese and a special Sri Lankan chutney. A quick start to the day was essential to cover as much ground as possible. Despite this, I couldn’t resist the clean water — a quick wash was much needed after Channa accidentally spilled the hot coffee on my foot with the powerful winds from the drone. Packing up was done and we were on our way out of the beach area when we spotted a soft patch of mud. Bazil is the usual culprit to try mud but today the star
Epilogue was Channa. Two tyres were in soft mud and the other two tyres were elevated on hard ground. This made getting out even more difficult. As we were speaking, two wheels were sinking. We assessed all possible options and decided that we would use both our vehicles to pull Channa’s car out. By this time some locals had also gathered to help us. They were very kind and we gave them some chocolate to share with their families. Finally the car was out and we were covered in mud. It was all good fun, but we were now behind our schedule. On the way to Wadi Bani Khalid, our first stop was Wadi Shab. The journey was uneventful, but this was a good thing as we needed to cover the distance before our lunch stop at Turtle Beach Resort. We made a plan to drive there as it marks the easternmost point of Oman. Afterwards we pro-
ceeded to Wadi Bani Khalid. On the way, we saw a few off-roaders getting ready for their afternoon drive. Waves were exchanged. We swore that we could see the Wahiba Sands in the distance towards to our left hand side while driving on Highway 23. Without further delays, we drove up to the famous spot where regular wadi visitors park their vehicles, and walked up to the water. The drone got a chance to capture the waterways before the sun set. We followed a gravel road going to a village on the top of the mountain, butit was dark and difficult to find a suitable camping spot because of the rocky terrain. However, with the help of some locals we found a flat spot in the backyard of a villager’s house, not realising what the spot wouldoffer us until thenext morning! We brought out more chocolate for the kids and received yet more smiles. Again a full meal was served for dinner amidst guitar tunes, and it was a treat before we said goodbye to the stars.
Day 4 - 17th April
The surprise was that we were right next to the three main ponds and, since we were also on high ground, we had a perfect aerial view of the water. Breakfast was courtesy of Bazil - red rice with bean curry, potato curry and fried salmon — a perfect Sri Lankan meal. Soon after the meal we walked further up the wadi looking for a suitable spot for a dip. Words may not be enough to explain the excitement of seeing crystal clear, fresh water gushing through the rocks and a lovely pool that was ideal for the four of us. We didn’t even realise that we had spent more than two hours playing in the water. Running water is utter luxury when you are overlanding! Packing up after a well-set camp is not as easy as setting up the camp. This was a learning experience for all of us as to how to arrange the vehicles with camping
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equipment. We were ready to go in another hour and the plan was to drive up to Jebel Shams, passing Al Hoota Cave on the way. Later on our way we took the new highway; I think the route was longer than we originally thought and we missed the shorter route. Somehow we reached Nizwa by the late afternoon. Since we had replaced lunch with on-the-go snacks, we decided to have an early dinner and settle for the short drive to Jebel Shams from Nizwa. The road construction delayed our plans and it was already dark when we left Nizwa. We drove towards Al Hoota Cave on dark, narrow roads and changed our plans yet again when we reached the turn off to Al Hoota Resthouse and started driving up the hill. This road leads to Wadi Shethan and we were lucky to find a nice, safe spot by the road for setting up our tents right at the top of the mountain. We started feeling the winter weather at this point, andas wehad alreadyhad a bellyful, we immediately retired to sleep.
Day 5 - 18th April
Wow… we were all shocked with the weather conditions and the view of the mountain range upon waking. We could see Jebel Shams from one side, and assumed that what we saw on the other side was Jebel Akhdar. Cheese, mushrooms, eggs and sausages were presented in a five star manner, one of the best meals served during the trip. We all knew that this was the final day and we were already planning our next adventure. Wadi Shethan was the last leg of the trip and on this leg we did more off-road than the entire trip. An all-gravel track with mind blowing scenery, we came across few campers driving up in the morning. We passed some small settlements: Al Hajir and Bilad Sayt. Bazil’s Cherokee suffered a flat tire and we repaired it with the tools we carried along with us. After four hours of wadi driving we came out to the tarmac on Rustaq-Miskin Road. Instead of driving to Al Ain, we headed towards Hatta with hopes that we would be able to collect
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
our Walkie Talkies, but instead our vehicles were checked and we were told to come later to collect the Walkie Talkies. It was indeed a memorable trip that helped us to bond well. It was a great opportunity to test the practicalities of the equipment we had and to discover what we needed for future expeditions, which we carefully discussed and noted down to improve trips in the future. We encourage such adventures as they are definitely a different experience to checking into a hotel room and taking a dip in a chlorine-infested swimming pool. We also have to be thankful for the safety in this region that allows such trips to be planned without any fear. Our hearts were full with sadness that we had to once again be a part of the rat race from the following day. We do believe that this is not the last time we will bid goodbye to Emirates Road. All in all, we encourage everybody to plan long trips such as this, so that you will be able to cover more distance and also stay safe on road. As always, abide the local laws and regulations and make sure you don’t litter the places you travel. Remember “All that goes in, must come out”.
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Exercises for Rock Climbing Words By: Milos Rankovic Photos By: Jung Francisco
For those considering taking up rock climbing, even for a one-shot adventure, it is important that you get physically prepared to go the distance as there aren’t any quick exits from the side of a mountain. So if you’re planning to take on a peak, you’ll want to spend an appropriate amount of time and energy on your body’s physical systems ready for the demands that puts on you. One of the most important physical capacities that you want to build in order to successfully conquer the peak of any mountain is to increase your strength levels.
Why is Getting Stronger Important to be Successful in Rock Climbing?
Physical strength is one of the most important abilities in life and getting stronger is the foundation of all fitness goals. Strength training can help make any outdoor activity feel much easier and hence a lot more enjoyable. It can also help prevent any injury by increasing joint integrity and maintaining muscle balance. Rock climbing doesn’t require powerlifting skills, but it does require a fair bit of strength. After all, you’re not just hauling your body up the mountain; you’re also probably hauling a large pack on your back and your body needs to be able to move vertically with that extra weight. Rock climbers will benefit from having strong muscles, but the lighter their bodyweight, the less they have to drag with them up the mountain. So while getting stronger is crucial, it is also important to keep your body weight in check! Here, I am going to present to you some of the best exercise that every climber should do:
1. Pull-ups
Undoubtedly the most universal exercise used by climbers. Pull-ups are a great tool for increasing the upper body pulling and grip strength that is crucial for successful climbing.
How to do it:
n Grab the pull-up bar with the palms slightly wider than shoulder width. n As you have both arms extended in front of you holding the bar at the chosen grip width, keep your torso as straight as possible while creating a curvature on your lower back and sticking your chest out. This is your starting position n As you breathe out, pull your torso up until your head is around the level of the pull-up bar. Tip: The upper torso should remain stationary as it moves through space and only the arms should move. The forearms should do no other work than hold the bar. After a second of holding your body in the final position, slowly lower your torso back to the starting position; when your arms are fully extended. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement. Repeat this motion for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
90 degrees
120 degrees
How to do it:
n Using a pull-up bar or the bucket holds of a fingerboard (palms facing away of course), pull up to the top position and lock off with your hands straight against your chest for a five-second count. n Lower yourself to the bottom, straightarmed position and then again, pull up to the top position but this time, lower yourself halfway and lock-off your elbow belt at a 90-degree angle. n Hold this position for a slow, five-second count then lower yourself to the bottom. n Pull up a third time but this time, lower yourself about two-thirds of the way with an elbow angle of 120 degrees to perform another static, five-second lock-off. n Lower to the bottom position and you will have completed one full cycle. (To be continued)
2. French Pull-ups
This amazing exercise was popularized by French climbers and kickstarted sport climbing in the mid-1980’s. This unique exercise incorporates isometric contractions within the range of motion of a pull-up, making this perhaps the best pull-muscle endurance exercise for climbers. They are however, inherently painful due to the lactic acid released by the large muscles on your back and arms. The payoffs are significant and obvious, both in terms of more lock-off endurance on the rock and a marked increase in pull-up ability. Here are the details of this effective, modified pull-up. 66
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Hydration in Extreme Heat Words By: Jon Edwards
Headache, nausea, muscle cramping and fatigue: all symptoms of dehydration, you might think. But these are symptoms of hyponatraemia - the over consumption of water - which has been found to be the true cause of symptoms in as many as a quarter of contestants who took part in prolonged exercise in hot climates and who thought they were suffering from dehydration. In sports activities where there are frequent supplies of fluid with electrolytes, you can in theory just keep topping up if the activity is well within your cardio-vascular limits. However, many activities in desert or hot climate regions often involve the circumstances of limited fluid supplies, such as hiking or adventure racing where you have to carry your own fluid supply. Good hydration is not merely about carrying and consuming water, but also about trying to minimise the loss of excess fluids and electrolytes from the body by maximising body temperature regulation and replacing those lost fluids and electrolytes.
Body Temperature Regulation
At rest, the internal organs of our body-core provide warmth to our muscular-skeletal
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system. However, when we undertake any exertion or exercise, the by-product of the energy our muscles produce is far greater heat than that produced by our body-core. This is not just the muscles on our limbs, it is every piece of muscle tissue in our body. The heat generated by all of this energy is then transported by our blood away from the muscles, but it is initially brought back to the body-core which at rest normally prefers to be at approximately 37oC (98.6oF). The significance of body temperature regulation is that life threatening heat stroke is an almost certain consequence of only a 3 degrees C (5.4 degrees F) increase in body-core temperature. Heat exhaustion is significantly misunderstood as many believe it is the direct effect of climatic heat on the body. This is not entirely true as many people suffering from heat exhaustion have body-core temperatures within the normal acceptable range. The cause of the exhaustion whilst exercising in hot climates is because the cardio-vascular system is trying to undertake two conflicting tasks and hence working twice as hard. In cool climates, the cardio-vascular system is mainly focused on supplying blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to the hard working muscles. However, in hot climates, the same oxygen and nutrient rich blood is being significantly targeted to the peripheral skin in a desperate attempt to shed heat from the body-core. World record marathon holder Paula Radcliffe famously failed to finish the 2004 Athens Olympic marathon, despite leading for the majority of the race and being well hydrated with a normal body-core temperature. She probably succumbed to merely the cardio-vascular exhaustion because of having
to divert so much blood to her peripheral skin to maintain a normal body-core temperature. A great topic for debate is whether, had she been wearing clothing more appropriate for extremely hot conditions, she would have been able to finish the race and win gold? It must not be underestimated that whilst a marathon in extreme heat may be needed to test the limits of professional athletes, lesser mortals can find their limits tested by far less strenuous forms of exercise in extreme heat.
Sweating
The body only sweats to regulate body temperature in hot climates or during exertion. It’s counter-productive to carry excess fluid if you are doing nothing to help your body stay cool. As your body-core temperature increases, your cardiovascular system shifts more and more blood to the task of carrying heat away from your muscles and organs to the skin, where increased sweating is your body’s natural attempt to cool yourself down by the cooling effect of the sweat evaporating. Imagine this as your body using sweat just as you would consider throwing water over yourself. The quicker the sweat evaporates, the more your body will need to produce sweat. Most modern sports clothing is designed for less severe temperatures and far greater design emphasis is given to preventing heat loss by pulling sweat away from your skin’s surface and keeping you dry, which in hot climates is working against your body’s thermoregulation mechanism. Sports materials wick sweat away from your body and evaporate that sweat as quickly as possible so that your body starts losing greater amounts of fluid and the blood that is working so hard to take
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heat to your extremities is the same blood that should be replenishing your muscles and organs. Thus your physical exercise capability becomes impaired. In extreme heat, plain cotton or wool is the preferred material of choice, despite them not being considered technical fabrics. This is because they evaporate fluid at a much slower rate, keeping a cooling layer of damp cloth against your body, helping it to stay cooler as the evaporation process becomes extended. Cotton will quickly smell bad but performance wools, particularly Merino wool, work brilliantly to regulate body temperature with the added advantage of not smelling. Alternating two thin wool tops from a small watertight canister proves a very efficient way to be able to regularly apply a freshly dampened base layer to your body. Athletes will calculate their sweat rates by measuring body weight before and after exertion. However this can’t be realistically done by lay persons during exercises of prolonged duration such as hiking or adventures in extreme heat. What the hiker should be aware of is that an average sweat rate during moderate exertion such as hiking can be between 1 to 1.5 litres per hour. So, for an eight hour trek, your body could lose 8 to 12 litres of fluids, which is an unrealistic quantity of replacement fluid to be carrying in your rucksack. Therefore, those undertaking long duration exertion in extreme heat without readily available re-supply points should be giving greater consideration of how to minimise body-core temperature and maximise the cooling duration of the sweat that they produce. If you want to conserve fluids, try to cover as much of your surface area as possible to keep your skin in shade and to increase the opportunity for a damp layer against your skin, prolonging the cooling evaporation effect and requiring more heat loss to evaporate sweat from material such as cotton or thin wool. Don’t pass on any opportunity to dampen clothing in the smallest of water supplies, but ideally save your clean fluids for drinking. Also be aware that high factor sun creams, particularly waterproof or once-a-day application varieties, can impede the evaporation of sweat and hence body-core cooling if they form a film of cream on top of the skin. SPF lotions most often supplied in sprayed bottles that appear to soak into the skin often provide the best benefit of sun protection whilst not impeding sweat evaporation and body-core cooling.
calcium and glucose, which can be found readily in many foods. Remember that food sources that are more liquid are absorbed far easier by your body. I favour pre-hydrating the night before hiking with fluids and Arabic or Bedouin style soups, then prior to the actual activity consume slow burning carbohydrates such as wholemeal pasta. Mixing most fruit juices or non-diet soda drinks 50/50 with water tends to provide an isotonic solution but sodium content isn’t reliable so for simplicity adding rehydration powders to water is probably the most convenient option and extra sachets can easily be carried should you find additional water supplies. Always check the sachet labels as they should give you suggested contents of the differing electrolytes. Many nuts, particularly salted almonds or cashews, are packed with vital nutrients and energy and often cannot be beaten for the packed size versus benefits. Salted yogurt drinks such as Ayran or Laban is a common Middle Eastern drink renowned for its benefits in hot climates. Small cartons can be carried in backpacks but they are often best as post-adventure refreshments served chilled in a café!
First Aid Implications of Hydration in Hot Climates
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The medical and first aid implications relating to hydration in hot climates is short and simple. Preparation and planning of any exercise in a hot climate should focus on prevention of getting into dehydration difficulties; Pre-hydrating, appropriate clothing and roughly calculating the distances you can reasonably hike based on the amount of rehydration fluids you can carry are possibly the most vital aspects of your planning, as well as having a pre-determined timeframe or distances at which you must turn back. Alternatively, choose an escape route to a guaranteed source of replacement fluids. Should you come across someone who has succumbed to the effects of the hot climate, your first priority is your own safety which includes the preservation of your own fluid supplies. The second priority is to try and implement the knowledge from above; hence you would probably achieve more for the casualty by recognising that any spare fluid should be used to aid skin surface cooling by dampening clothing equally as much as allowing them a drink. If they are exhausted in the heat they might merely need shade and rest to recover. If they have heat stroke they require cooling, hydrating and most definitely an emergency evacuation.
Fluid & Electrolyte Replacement
Exercising in a hot climate whilst only drinking water is likely to leave you either dehydrated or hyponatraemic, but rarely adequately hydrated as you won’t be replacing electrolytes which are as vitally important as the fluid itself. Some athletes will hyper-hydrate many hours before exercising. However, this is only of use if you are also increasing electrolyte intake at the same time. Fluid and electrolyte replenishment doesn’t need to be rocket science and fancy expensive sports drinks aren’t required. The electrolytes you need to replenish are mainly sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium,
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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 Go Sport, The Dubai Mall: +971 43253595; Abu Dhabi Mall: +971 26454595; Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 25868240 InterSport, Dubai Times Square Centre: +971 43418214 and Dubai Festival City: +971 42066581, www.intersport.ae Peiniger BMT Est., CBD, Khalifa Street, Yateem Optician Bldg., Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 26262332, www.peiniger.org Sun and Sand Sports, most shopping centres, +971 43504444, www.sunandsandsports.com
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Manufacturer Al Fajer Marine, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43235181, www.alfajermarine.com Al Jeer Marina, RAK border Musandam, +971 72682333/+971 504873185, www.aljeerport.ae Al Shaali Marine, Ajman, +971 67436443, www.alshaalimarine.com Alyousuf Industrial, LLC, +971 43474111, www.aym.ae, yamboats@alyousuf.com Elite Pearl Charter, Saeed Tower 1 office # 3102, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE,
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OUTDOORUAE
+971 43889666, www.elitepearlcharter.com Gulf Craft, Ajman, +971 67406060, www.gulfcraftinc.com Distributors and Dealers Art Marine LLC, Al Quoz Industrial Area, Sheikh Zayed Road, 3rd Interchange +971 43388955, www.artmarine.ae / www.artmarinechandley.com Azure Marine Dubai, +971 4 3706886, www.azuremarine.net Luxury Sea Boats, Dubai, +971 4 3284629, www.luxuryseaboats.com Macky Marine LLC, Dubai, +971 505518317, www.mackymarine.com Nautilus Yachts, Sharjah, +971 553419494 or 50 3419494, www.nautilusyachts.com The Boat House, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae UAE Boats 4 Sale, Dubai Marina, +971 44471501, www.uaeboats4sale.com Western Marine, Marina Yacht Club, Dubai, +971 43039744 Equipment Ali Khalifah Moh Al Fuqaei, Deira, Dubai, +971 42263220 Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11, The Curve Bldg., Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43808616 / +971 553899995, info@bluewatersmarine.com, www.bluewatersmarine.com Extreme Marine, Dubai, +971 43992995, www.extrememarine-me.com Japan Marine / D1 Marine, WS # 110, Dubai Maritime City, +971 4 4426395 or 55 1666035, uday@japanmarine.jp, www.japanmarine.co Rineh Emirates Trading LLC, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43391512, www.rinehemiratesme.com Repairs and Maintenance Extreme Marine, Dubai, Dubai Marina, +971 43992995, www.extrememarine-me.com Rineh Emirates, Sheikha Sana Warehouse 1, Al Quoz, +971 43391512, info@rinehemiratesme.com, www.rinehemirates.com SNS Marine, JAFZA Techno Park, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 501405058, info@snsmarine.ae, www.snsmarine.ae The Boat House, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae Cruise Operators Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, +971 26665491, www.marinaalbateenresort.com Al Marsa Travel & Tourism, Dibba, Musandam, +968 26836550, +971 65441232 Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek opposite the British Embassy, +971 43994994 Bristol Middle East, Dubai Marina, +971 4368 2480, www.bristol-middleeast.com Captain Tony’s, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, +971 26507175, www.captaintonys.ae Delma Industrial Supply and Marine Services, Al Bateen Jetty, Abu Dhabi, +971 26668153, www.delmamarine.net Eden Yachting, Dubai Marina, +971 504586171, www.edenyachting.com Emirates Yachting, Dubai, +971 42826683 El Mundo, Dubai, +971 505517406, www.elmundodubai.com Four Star Travel and Tourism, Dubai, +971 42737779, www.fourstartravels.net 4 Yacht Arabia, Shop No. 5, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, 800 92248, www.4yachtarabia.ae Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah, +971 92449888, www.rotana.com Ghantoot Marina & Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 529933153, www.ghantootmarina.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971 558961276, +971 503960202, www.happydaysdubai.com JPS Yachts and Charter, Room 225, Emarat Atrium building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43437734, www.jpsyachts.com Khasab Divers, Oman, +971 567255889, khasab.diver2@gmail.com Khasab Musandam Travel & Tours, PO Box 411, Khasab, Musandam, +968 93350703, info@tourkhasab.com Khour Shem Tourism, Oman, +968 26731919, www.khourshemtours.com LY Catamaran, Dubai, +971 505869746, +971 566506683, www.lycatamaran.com Marine Concept, Dubai, +971 559603030,
Pavilion Marina, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +971 44068800 The Pearl–Qatar Marinas, Doha, Qatar, +974 4965801, www.ronauticame.com Umm Al Quwaim Marine Sports Club, Umm Al Quwaim, +971 67666644, www.uaqmarineclub.com Dragon Boat Groups Dubai Dawn Patrol Dragon Boating, Dubai, +971 508795645 (Michael), www.dubaidawnpatrol.org Dubai Diggers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, pier next to 360, Dubai, +971 501547175 (Nick Hando), www.dubai-diggers.com UAE Dragon Boat Association, +971 507634008, www.dubaidragonboat.com
Camping & Hiking
www.marine-charter-concept.com Nautica1992, Dubai, +971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Noukhada Adventure Company, Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 26503600, www.noukhada.ae RAK Marine LLC, Ras Al Khaimah City Hilton Marina, +971 504912696, +971 72066410 Sea Hunters Passenger Yachts & Boats Rental, Dubai Marina, +971 42951011 Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971 503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Smoke Dragon Of London Yacht, Abu Dhabi International Marine & Sports Club, +971 507011958 / +971 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, +8008044, www.theyellowboats.com Marinas Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, Abu Dhabi, Breakwater, +971 26815566, www.adimsc.com Abu Dhabi Marina, Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, +971 26440300 Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam +971 72682333 or 504873185, www.aljeerport.ae Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, Oman, +968 24534554, www.almoujmarina.com Al Wasl Charter & Fishing, Airport Road, Al Qwais Bldg., Off. 207, Dubai, UAE, +971 42394760-61, 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 43388955 Four Seasons Marina, Doha, Qatar, +974 44948899, www.mourjanmarinas.com Fujairah International Marine Club, Fujairah, +971 92221166, www.fimc.ae Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Marina, Al Bateen, Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +971 26666888, www.intercontinental.com Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa Marina, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 48145555/5029, www.jebelali-international.com Lusail Marina, Lusail City, Qatar, +974 55843282, www.mourjan-lusailmarina.com Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat, Oman, +968 24737286 (ext 215), www.marinaoman.net
Equipment Blingmytruck.com, +971 505548255, www.blingmytruck.com Gulf Camping, Dubai, UAE, www.gulfcamping.com Jack Wolfskin, Mirdif City Centre Dubai, +971 42840228; Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, +971 24437802 Picnico General Trading, near Sharaf DG Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43951113 Tresspass, 2nd floor above ice rink, The Dubai Mall, +971 43398801 Tour Operators Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971 559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43459900, www.adventure.ae Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +971 42959428, www.arabiatours.com Libra, +971 559228362, www.libra-uae.com Mountain High Middle East, Dubai, +971 43480214, www.mountainhighme.com Sheesa Beach, Musandam, Dibba, +971 50336046, www.sheesabeach.com
Caving
Mountain High Middle East, Dubai, +971 43480214, www.mountainhighme.com Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre, Oman, +968 24543002, www.holiday-in-oman.com Oman World Tourism, Oman, +968 99431333, www.omanworldtourism.com
Climbing
Equipment Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai, Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +971 43466558, www.barracudadubai.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai, +971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com
MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Clubs Abu Dhabi Tri Club, www.abudhabitriclub.com Cycle Safe Dubai, Dubai Autodrome www.cyclechallenge.ae Dubai Roadsters, www.dubairoadsters.com
Diving
Jack Wolfskin Mirdif City Centre Dubai, +971 42840228; Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi +971 24437802 Services Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43459900, www.adventure.ae Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +971 26429995, 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 42824540, 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, products@allbikers.net Cycle Sports, Shop No. 1, Al Waleed Bldg., Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +971 43415415, www.cyclesportsuae.com Fun Ride Sports, 301, 3rd floor, Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi, Rm. 4, Mezzanine floor, C-13 Bldg., Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, info@funridesports.com, www.funridesports.com Micah’s Bike Shop, Warehouse no.4 6th St. Al Quoz 3, Dubai, +971 43805228 Peak Performance, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Dubai, +971 43413056 / +971 43308023 Probike, Dubai, Al Barsha 1, +971 43255705, www.probike.ae Rage Shop, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City, +971 43369007, www.rage-shop.com Revolution Cycles, Shop G05, Apex Atrium, Motor City, Dubai, +971 43697441, www.rcdxb.com Ride Bike Shop, Dubai Mall, Festival City, Oasis Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43750231, www.ridebikeshop.com Sportz Unlimited, Sheikh Zayed Road & Jebel Ali, Dubai, + 971 43388644 Tamreen Sports LLC, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 26222525, www.tamreensports.com The Cycle Hub, Motor City, Dubai, +971 505528872, www.thecyclehub.com Trek Bicycle Store, Seih Al Salam, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, +971 48327377, www.trekbikes.ae Trikke uPT, Dubai, +971 45081202, +971 556096757, www.trikkeme.net Wolfi’s Bike Shop, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43394453, www.wbs.ae Operator Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43459900, +971 506259165, www.adventure.ae, info@adventure.ae
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, +971 43468000, Dubai www.masaoodmarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Blue Waters Marine, +971 42232189, Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com Gulf Marine Sports, Abu Dhabi, +971 26710017, www.gulfmarinesports.com Premiers for Equipment, Abu Dhabi, Sh. Zayed 1st. Road, +971 26665226, www.premiers-uae.com Scuba Dubai, Al Barsha, Al Khail Road, Dubai, +97143414940, info@scubadubai.com Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah, +971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com Diving Centres Al Boom Diving (equipment), Dubai, Al Wasl Rd, +971 43422993, www.alboomdiving.com Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam, +971 72682333, www.aljeerport.ae Al Mahara Dive Center, near Muroor St across from main bus terminal, +971 26437377, info@divemahara.com, www.divemahara.com Arabian Diver, Hilton Marine, Ras Al Khaimah, +971 72226628, +971 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 28015400, www.divemahara.com Divers Down, Fujairah, Rotana Al Aqah Hotel Resort & Spa, +971 92370299, www.diversdown-uae.com Emirates Divers Centre, Abu Dhabi, near Meena Fish Market, +97126432444, www.edc-ad.ae Euro-Divers Oman, Muscat, Oman, +968 95035815, www.euro-divers.com Extra Divers Ziggy Bay, Oman, Musandam, +968 26735555, www.extradivers.info Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, contactus@freedivinguae.com, www.freedivinguae.com Freestyle Divers, Dubai, Al Wasl & Dibba, Royal Beach Hotel, +971 43944275, www.freestyledivers.com Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah Beach, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah, +971 92449888, www.rotana.com Global Scuba Dive Center, Civil Aviation Club, Oman, +968 99317518, www.global-scuba.com Khasab Divers, Oman, www.khasabdiver.com Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com Moonlight Dive Center, Madinat Qaboos, Oman, +968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre, Oman, +971 503289642, www.holiday-in-oman.com Neptune Diving, +971 504347902, www.neptunedivingcentre.com Nomad Ocean Adventures, www.discovernomad.com, +971 508853238, Dibba, Oman Oman Dive Center, Muscat, Oman, +968 24284240, www.omadivecenter.com Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment), Dubai, +971 44068828 Scuba Oman, Oman, +968 99558488, www.scubaoman.com Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah, +971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com Scuba UAE.com, +971 502053922, www.scubauae.com 7 Seas Diving Center, Khorfakkan, +971 92387400, www.7seasdivers.com Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +971 50784 0830, www.bsac406.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam,
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
+971 503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Sky &Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005, www.watersportsdubai.com The Dive Shop, 34G, European Center, Green Community, Dubai, UAE, +971 48135474, www.thediveshopdubai.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.thefilipinoscubadivers.com Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, contactus@freedivinguae.com, www.freedivinguae.com Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +971 507840830, www.bsac406.com
Fishing & Kayaking
Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, +971 43444468 Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +971 43390621, 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 / +971 553899995, www.bluewatersmarine.com Challenging Adventure, Wadi Al Bih Ras Al Khaimah, +971 561060798, 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 43459900, 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 72434540, 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, +974 4 2394760-61, 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),
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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 9222558 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 53244550, www.funbeachsports.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971 558961276, +971 503960202, www.happydaysdubai.com Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +971 26811900 Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com Nautica 1992, Dubai, +971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Noukhada Adventure Company, Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 26503600, www.noukhada.ae Ocean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre, +971 502898713, www.oceanactive.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971 503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Soolyman Sports Fishing, Dubai, Umm Suqeim, +971 508866227, www.soolymansportsfishing.com Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai, +971 42573084, www.summertimemarine.com Xclusive Yachts, Dubai, Dubai Marina, +971 44327233, www.xclusiveyachts.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Camping, Fishing & Kayaking Club, mohamed.almahrouky@gmail.com Dubai Surfski & Kayak Club, Kitesurfers’ Beach, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, +971 554986280, www.dskc.hu
General Sports Equipment Distributors
Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha 800 Sport, Al Quoz, Dubai +971 43467751, www.800sport.ae Flip Flop Arabia, flipme@flipfloparabia.com, www.flipfloparabia.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai +971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com Goal Zero, +971 509128353, www.goalzero.ae Highbury Trading, Dubai, UAE, www.highburytrading.ae Jack Wolfskin Mirdif City Centre Dubai, +971 42840228; Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi, +971 44437802 Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735, www.kitesurfsup.com PORTABLE SHADE UAE, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE, +971 4 3469600, www.portable-shade.net
OUTDOORUAE
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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Sakeen General Trading, +971 47094224, www.sakeen.ae Sport in Life Distribution, Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Khor, Dubai, UAE, +971 42896001, +971 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 & Requisites Trading, Al Khawaneej 1, Dubai, +971 554733110, www.asifa.ae Black Horse LLC, Abu Dhabi, +971 26422237, 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 / +971 501978888 Desert Palm Riding School, Near Al Awir Road (going to Hatta-Oman), Dubai, +971 43238010, www.desertpalm.peraquum.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, www.goldenstables.ae HoofbeatZ, located just inside the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, +971 501810401, www.hoofbeatz.com Mushrif Equestrian and Polo Club, Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai, +971 42571256, www.mushrifec.com Qudraland Community, info@qudraland.com, www.qudraland.com Rahal Ranch, Al Wathba Racing Area, Abu Dhabi, +971 566127914,
www.rahalranch.com Riding for the Disabled, Dubai, lessons@rdad.ae, www.rdad.ae, Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road, +971 65311188, www.serc.ae Racecourses Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500, www.adec-web.com Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +971 25629050, www.grpc.ae Jebel Ali Racecourse, off the main Abu Dhabi - Dubai Highway (Sheikh Zayed road) beside the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, +971 43474914 Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, +971 43270000, www.meydan.ae Sharjah Racecourse, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah, +971 65311155, www.serc.ae
Jet Ski Dealers
Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Japan Marine General Trading, Al Garhoud Road, Liberty Building, Dubai, +971 559299111 / +971 42828255, uday@japanmarine.jp, www.japanmarine.co Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43419341, www.libertykawasaki.com
Motocross & ATV’s
Dealers Al Badayer Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, +971 507842020, www.albadayerrental.com Al Shaali Moto, Ras Al Khor, +971 43200009, sales@alshaalimoto.com. www.alshaalimoto.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Golden Desert Motorcycles Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +971 551532550, www.goldendesert-dubai.com Just Gas It, Hatta Rd., Al Aweer, Dubai, UAE, +971 509192394, www.JustGasIt.net KTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42, +971 4323151, www.ktm.com Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43419341, www.libertykawasaki.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 25555144, www.polarisuae.com Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai, +971 48321050, www. wildx.ae Equipment Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +971 42959429, www.arabiantours.com Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental), Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43470270, www.sandstorm-motorcycles.com Sebsports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com 2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai, +971 44548388, www.2xwheeler.com Wild X, Dubai, Um Al Ramoul Industrial Area, +971 42852200, www. wildx.ae Workshops and Services Moto-X and Quad, PO Box 476214, Dubai, UAE, +971 50 6169727, www.gasgasmotos.me
Motorcycling
Distributors and Dealers Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, www.aym.ae/yamaha Ducati, Mussafah 4, Street 10, Abu Dhabi, +971 25535771, info2@ducati.ae, www.ducati.ae Duseja Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43476712, www.dusejamoto.com Harley-Davidson, Mussafah 4, Street 10, Abu Dhabi, +971 25540667, hd.auh@harley-davidson.ae, www.harley-davidson-abu-dhabi.com Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange4, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 42822144, www.libertykawasaki.com Polaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex, Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor, +971 42896100, www.polarisuae.com Tristar Motorcycles, +971 43330659, www.tristaruae.com Workshops and Services Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu
72
OUTDOORUAE
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.com Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, +971 43678700 www.dubaiautodrome.com Emirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain, +971 67681717 2xWheeler Adventures, Dubai, +971 44548388, www.alainraceway.com Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Off-Road
Dealers Bling My Truck, +971 503634839 / +971 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 4 285 8989, www.aaadubai.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744, www.icon-auto.com Mebar Auto, Al Quoz, Industrial Area 2, Dubai, UAE, +971 4 3469600, www.mebarauto.com 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 / +971 505548255, info@blingmytruck.com, www.blingmytruck.com Heartland UAE, Al Mafraq Industrial, Abu Dhabi, +971 567231967, www.heartlanduae.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744, www.icon-auto.com Mebar Auto, Al Quoz, Industrial Area 2, Dubai, UAE, +971 4 3469600, www.mebarauto.com Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +971 48321050, www.wildx.ae Yellow Hat, Nad Al Hamar, and Times Square Center, Dubai, +971 42898060, www.yellowhat.ae Tour Operators Arabian Adventures, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +971 43034888, www.arabian-adventures.com Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +971 42959429, www.arabiantours.com Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +971 4 2628832 or 4 2686826, www.opdubai.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Off- Road Club, www.ad4x4.com ALMOST 4x4 Off-Road Club, +971 507665522, www.almost4x4.com Dubai Offroaders, www.dubaioffroaders.com JEEP Wrangler JK Fun Club, suffian.omar@yahoo.com, www.jk-funclub.com ME 4X4, www.me4x4.com
Running
Clubs ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi, www.abudhabitriclub.org Abu Dhabi Striders, admin@abudhabistriders.com, www.abudhabistriders.com Al Ain Road Runners, Abu Dhabi, +971 504188978, alainroadrunners@yahoo.co.uk Mirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.info Dubai Creek Striders www.dubaicreekstriders.org
Stand up Paddling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding
Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Ikönic Brands, Suite 509 Düsseldorf Business Point Al Barsha Dubai, UAE +971 506874178, info@ikonicbrands.com Kitesurf Dubai, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqueim and Jumeirah 3 +971 505586190, www.kitesurfdubai.ae Pearl Water Crafts, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, +971 553749398, www.pearl-watercrafts.com Picnico, Jumeirah Beach Road Opposite Sunset Mall, Dubai, +971 43941653 Surf Dubai, Dubai, Umm Suqeim, +971 505043020, www.surfingdubai.com Surf Shop Arabia, Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai,
+971 43791998, 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, Dubai, Umm Suqeim Beach, +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 Kite4fun.net, Abu Dhabi, +971 508133134, www.kite4fun.net 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, astrid@shamalkitesurfing.com, www.shmalkitesurfing.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 556010997, 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, UAE, +971 26395997, www.watercooleduae.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle, www.abudhabisup.com UAE SUP www.uaesup.com
Water Parks
Aquaventure Atlantis, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, +971 44260000, www.atlantisthepalm.ae Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al Quwain, Emirates Road, +971 67681888, www.dreamlanduae.com Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, +971 37818422, www.wadiadventure.ae Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai, +971 43484444, www.wildwadi.com
Other leisure activities
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, + 971 25588990, www.adgolfclub.com Al Tamimi Stables, Sharjah, +971 67431122 / +971 44370505, www.tamimistables.com Blokart Sailing, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, +971 556101841, www.blokartme.com
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW 10 -14 NOV 2015 DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE
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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Adventure tours and desert safaris
Bike and Hike Oman, PO Box 833, Ruwi, Postal Code 112, Oman, +968 24400873, www.bikeandhikeoman.com Dolphin Qasab Tours, PO Box: 123, P.C.
QATAR DIRECTORY Adventure tours and desert safaris
Al Mulla Travels, PO Box: 4147, Doha, Qatar, +974 44413488, almullatrvls@qatar.net.qa Alpha Tours, PO Box: 13530, Doha, Qatar, +974 4837815, info@alphatoursqatar.com Al QAYED Travel & Tours, PO Box: 158, Doha, Qatar, +974 44072244, www.alqayedtravel.com Arabian Adventures, PO Box: 4476, Doha, Qatar, +974 44361461, www.arabianadventureqatar.net Black Pearls Tourism Services, PO Box: 45677, Doha, Qatar East Marine, West Bay, Doha, Qatar, +974 55200078 E2E Qatar Travel and Tours, PO Box: 23563, Doha, Qatar, +974 44502521, www.e2eqatar.com Falcon Travels, PO Box: 22031, Doha, Qatar, +974 44354777, www.falcontravelqatar.com Gulf Adventures, 29, PO Box: 18180 Qatar, +974 44221888, www.gulf-adventures.com Net Tours Qatar, PO Box: 23080, Doha, Qatar, +974 4310902, www.nettours.com.qa Regency Travel & Tours, +974 4434 4503/4718, www.regencyholidays.com Qatar Adventure, PO Box: 13915, Doha, Qatar, +974 55694561, www.qataradventure.com Qatar Desert Gate, Doha, PO Box: 18496 Ad Dawha, Qatar, +974 55594016, www.qatardesertgate.com Qatar Inbound Tours, PO Box: 21153, +974 77451196, www.inboundtoursqatar.com Qatar International Tours, PO Box: 55733 Doha, Qatar, +974 44551141, www.qittour.com Qatar Ventures, Doha, Qatar, +974 55776679, www.qatar-ventures.com
Clubs
Cycling, Running & Triathlon Doha Sailing Club, Katara Beach +974 44439840/+974 55649995 www.qmsf.com
SkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of The Emirates, +971 44094000, www.skidxb.com Spacewalk Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, +971 24463653, www.spacewalk.ae
811, Khasab City, Musandam, Oman, +968 26730813, www.dolphinkhasabtours.com Go Dive Oman, Capital Area Yacht Club (CAYC), Sidab Muscat, +968 99289200, www.godiveoman.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, www.omantrekkingguides.com
+968 99877957, www.musandam-diving.com Global Scuba LLC, +968 24692346, www.global-scuba.com Moon Light Dive Center, P.O. Box: 65, Madinat Qaboos, Muscat Oman, +968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com Oman Dive Center Resort, PO Box: 199, Medinat Sultan Qaboos, Oman, +968 24824240, www.omandivecenter.info Omanta Scuba Diving Academy, Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati Area, Muscat, Oman, +968 97700564, www.omantascuba.com Oxygen Diving and Adventures, PO Box: 1363 PC130 Alazaiba, Muscat, Oman, www.o2diveoman.com Seaoman, PO Box: 2394, RUWI PC 112, Oman, +968 24181400, www.seaoman.com Sub Aqua Dive Center, Hilton Salalah Resort, PO Box: 699, Salalah 211, Oman, +968 99894031, www.subaqua-divecenter.com
Oman’s Kite Center, +968 94006007, www.kitesurfing-lessons.com
Stand Up Paddeling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding
Manufacturer Saphire Marine, PO Box: 11, Post Code 118, Muscat, Oman, +968 99877243, www.sapphire-marine.com
Equipment Al Marsa Musandam, PO Box: 44, Dibba, Sultanate of Oman, +968 26836550, www.almarsamusandam.com Al Sawadi Beach Resort, PO 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, PO Box: 940, Muscat, Oman, +968 95035815, www.euro-divers.com Extra Divers Musandam, PO Box: 498, PC 811 Khasab, Musandam, Oman,
Qatar Chain Reaction, www.qatarchainreaction.weebly.com Qatar Sandstromers, +974 77775207 / +974 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, www.galaxysportqatar.com GO Sport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, Qatar: +974 44631644; Villaggio Mall, Qatar: +974 44517574, www.facebook.com/gosport.qatar Sun & Sand Sports, City Centre Mall, Qatar: +974 44837007; Dar Al Salam Mall, Qatar: +974 44932973, www.sunandsandsports.com
Boating & Sailing
Equipment Regatta Sailing Academy, Katara Beach +974 55503484 www.regattasailingacademy.com Distributors and Dealers Speed Marine, Speed Marine, Museum Road, PO Box: 9145 Doha, Qatar, +974 44410109, www.speedmarinegroup.com
Horse Riding
Equestrian Clubs/Centres Al Shaqab, PO Box: 90055, Doha, Qatar, +974 44546320, www.alshaqab.com Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, Racing and Equestrian Club, PO Box: 7559, Doha, Qatar, +974 44197664, 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,
Add your free listing to the 74
OUTDOORUAE
Dusseldorf Business Point, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +971 44502418, www.sltme.com Sport and Health Centres Bespoke Wellness, Dubai, +971 553724670, www.bespoke-wellness.com Original Fitness Co., C6 Tower Al Bateen Bainunah St, Abu Dhabi, +971 2406 9404, www.originalfitnessco.com Orthosports, 5B Street, Jumeira Beach road, Dubai, +971 4355060, www.orthosp.com The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, +971 44370570, www.physiocentre.ae
Children’s City, Creek Park Gate No.1, Dubai, +971 43340808, www.childrencity.ae Dolphin Bay Atlantis, Dubai, +971 44260000, www.atlantisthepalm.ae Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park Gate No. 1, +971 43369773, www.dubaidolphinarium.ae iFly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +971 42316292, www.iflyme.com Sadiyaat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, +971 25578000, www.sbgolfclub.ae Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah, +971 43999005, www.golfandshootingshj.com
Diving
OMAN DIRECTORY
OCTOBER 2015 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Health, Safety & Training
Safety Lessons Marine Concept Yacht Charter & Sea School, Rania Business Centre, Dubai, +971 559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.com Safety & Leisure Training Middle East,
Equipment, Operators Kiteboarding Oman, Sawadi Beach, PO Box: 133, PC 118, Muscat, Oman, +968 96323524, www.kiteboarding-oman.com
PO Box: 5048, Doha, Qatar, +974 66304061, www.dohasubaquaclub.com Extreme Adventure, PO 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, PO Box: 2489, Doha, Qatar, +974 44449553, www.pearl-divers.org Poseidon Dive Center, Ras Abu Abboud Street, Al Emadi Suites, Showroom #2, PO Box: 11538, Doha, Qatar, +974 66084040, www.pdcqatar.com Qatar Scuba Center, 187 Al Mansoura Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar, +974 66662277, www.qatarscubacenter.com Q Dive, Souq Al Najada cnr of Grand Hamad and Ali bin Abdulla Str.; Al-Odeid Aisle numbers 129-132, +974 55319507, www.qdive.net World Marine Centre, PO Box: 6944, Doha, Qatar, +974 44360989, www.worldmarinecenter.webs.com Pearl Divers, Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street, Doha, Qatar, +974 4444 9553, www.pearl-divers.org Poseidon Dive Center, Ras Abu Abboud Street, Al Emadi Suites, Showroom #2, PO Box: 11538, Doha, Qatar, +974 66084040, www.pdcqatar.com Qatar Divers, Marriott Hotel Marina Near Old Airport, Ras Abu Aboud Area, Doha, Qatar, +974 44313331, www.qatardivers.com Qatar Marine, Go Sport City Center West Bay, PO Box: 16657, Doha, +974 553199507, www.qatarmarine.net Qatar Scuba Centre, 187 Al Mansoura Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar, +974 66662277 / +974 44422234, www.qatarscubacenter.com Qdive Marine Center, PO Box: 16657, Doha, Qatar, +974 44375065, www.qdive.net World Marine Centre, Old Salata Street, near the Qatar National Museum, Doha, Qatar, +974 55508177
Fishing & Kayaking
Equipment Al Kashat, Fishing and Hunting Equipment, Souq Waqif, next to the Falcon Souq,
Camping & Hiking
Tour Operators Safari Desert Camp, PO Box: 117, Postal Code 421, Bediyah, Ghabbi, Oman, +968 99310108, www.safaridesert.com
Fishing & Kayaking
Equipment Az’Zaha Tours, +968 99013424, www.azzahatours.com Water World Marine Oman, PO Box: 76, Muscat, 113, Sultanate of Oman, +968 24737438, www.waterworldoman.com
Boating & Sailing
+974 66724828 Al Mamzoore Marine Equipment, PO 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, PO 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 Entalek, +974 3023 3207, www.entalek.org
Motocross & ATV’s Dealers
Qatar Adventures, Barwa Village, Building # 9 Shop # 11, Doha, Qatar, +974 77700074
Stand Up Paddeling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding
Equipment, Operators Fly-N-Ride, Ras abu Aboud, Doha, +974 33117089, www.fly-n-ride.com Flo Kite School, Westbay, Doha, +974 55041039, 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 40165155 / 40165156
ONLINE DIRECTORY