XMotion Issue 4 by tpg media

JULY 2018

THE UAE’S NUMBER ONE EXTREME SPORTS AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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INTERVIEW

OMEIR SAEED

UAE National Wakeboard Champion

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE JULIEN WAHART DESIGNING DREAM SKATEPARKS SKYDIVE DUBAI A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ‘BUZZ’ MOHAMMED BALOOSHI MAKING HISTORY AT THE DAKAR DAMIEN WALTERS DEFYING THE LIMITS xmotionmag.com |  xmotionmag |  @xmotionmagazine

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MANAGING DIRECTOR

EDDIE RAYNER

e.rayner@tpg.media MANAGING EDITOR AND PHOTOGRAPHER

WAYNE GRAY

wayne@tpg.media PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the first print edition of the XMotionMag. It’s been a long, yet extremely rewarding road to get to this point. Together with a great team behind the scenes, we have created the UAE’s only dedicated Urban Extreme and Lifestyle magazine - a visual platform to highlight athletes at their best as well as a place to gain insight into the mindset of those at the top of their field through in-depth interviews.

LAURA WOJCIECHOWSKI laura@tpg.media MEDIA CONSULTANT

STEFAN BESWICK stefan@tpg.media

MEDIA CONSULTANT

KIMBERLEY GOMES kimberley@tpg.media DESIGN MANAGER

DANIEL MURAD dan@tpg.media

PRODUCTION MANAGER

CHERRI FAWZY cherri@tpg.media

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Action sports and the entire lifestyle that surrounds them is something I have been extremely passionate about since I was a little kid racing my BMX around the garden of my parents’ house.

VIDUSHI KEWLANI vidushi@tpg.media SWITCHBOARD

I have felt that athletes never quite get the recognition they deserved here in the UAE. There is an incredible melting pot of talent here, across a huge variety of sports; from skateboarding to motocross and wakeboarding to skydiving. This is how my vision for the magazine began - by combining my love of action sports and photography I have created a place where the incredible talent that is right here on our doorstep can be showcased - enabling the stories of these amazing sports men and women to be told.

+971 4 349 4925 info@tpg.media www.xmotionmag.com www.waynegrayphoto.com

In this issue, we chat to three inspirational Emiratis; Mohammed Balooshi and his unforgettable ride at this year’s Dakar rally; Three-time UAE National Wakeboarding Champion, Omeir Saeed; and as well as the highflying BASE jumper from Ras Al Khaimah, Khalifa Alghafri. We also gain insight into the creative process of Julien Wahart from Hardcore Skateparks, as well as with a chat with Daniel van Dooren from Surf House Dubai. There is also an opportunity for you to get your daily fix of local and international events through articles and videos on our website www.xmotionmag.com

This magazine is published by TPG Publishing LLC. All material is the copyright of TPG Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. This magazine is the property of TPG Publishing LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form whole or part without written permission of the Managing Director of TPG Publishing LLC. While every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it. In the case of company or product reviews or comments, these have been based upon the true and honest opinion of the Editor at the time of going to press.

IN THIS ISSUE 52 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JAVIER ORTIZ EVER WONDERED WHAT A CAMERA FLYER DOES? JAVIER ORTIZ SHARES REVEALS ALL.

68 DUBAI MOTOCROSS SEASON STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH WHAT WENT ON DURING THE ACTION-PACKED SEASON OF RACING.

72 EMIRATES DESERT CHAMPIONSHIP THE OFF-ROAD SERIES ENDED WITH A BANG!

75 MOTORSPORT GOVERNING BODY IN UAE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE AUTOMOBILE AND TOURING CLUB OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (ATCUAE).

76 HOW TO… ENSURE ESSENTIAL DIRT BIKE MAINTENANCE BROUGHT TO YOU BY SRG, THIS QUICK AND SIMPLE GUIDE IS ALL YOU NEED TO MAINTAIN YOUR DIRT BIKE.

80 DEFYING THE LIMITS AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BRITISH STUNTMAN, DAMIEN WALTERS TO LEARN ABOUT HIS EPIC JOURNEY IN THE WORLD OF STUNTS.

COVE R

STORY

OMEIR SAEED

32 Photos: NAIM CHIDIAC & WAYNE GRAY

88 WHAT’S HOT… OUR TOP PICKS OF THE HOTTEST PRODUCTS IN THE MARKET RIGHT NOW… DON’T MISS OUT!

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20 THE SKATE REVOLUTION

38 SHARING THE STOKE

44 HIGH FLYER

62 CONQUERING DAKAR

WE DISCUSS THE RAPIDLY GROWING DEMAND OF SKATEPARKS WITH JULIEN WAHART.

KHALIFA ALGHAFRI REVEALS HIS THOUGHTS ABOUT THE WORLD OF BASE JUMPING.

TIME TO TALK WAVES WITH DANIEL VAN DOOREN.

FIND OUT WHAT MOHAMMED BALOOSHI SAYS ABOUT BEING THE FIRST EMIRATI TO COMPLETE THE DAKAR.

JOSH BELL CROOKED GRIND AT “ THE BLOCK” IN D3. PHOTO: Wayne Gray

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FINAL WAVE OF THE DAY: TAKING IN THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSET OFF THE COAST. PHOTO: sw_photo

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KHALIFA ALGHAFRI LAUNCHES OFF MONTE BRENTO IN ITALY DURING A PRACTICE RUN. PHOTO: Cris Cristian Benedini

MOHAMMED BALOOSHI PERFORMS DURING THE OPENING STAGE OF THE ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE 2018. PHOTO: Marcin Kin - Red Bull

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JULIEN WAHART The ever-expanding landscape of Dubai has seen a recent insurgence of top-notch recreational parks, catering for everything from rock climbing to basketball and skateboarding.

THE SKATE REVOLUTION Photos: WAYNE GRAY

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ADAM ABDUL HAKEEM

‘The Block’ in Dubai Design District

Skateparks are becoming a lot more prominent to meet the demands of the rapidly growing sport in the region and communities recognising the benefit of having these parks. Two of the most recent builds include the DSO Lake Park Skatepark and the massive facility known as ‘The Block’ in Dubai’s uber trendy Design District. Flanking the Dubai Canal with the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop, you couldn’t find a better location to build a skatepark and it’s easy to see why it has quickly become a firm favourite amongst the skate community.

3D Model of ‘The Block’

The DSO Park is the smaller of the two at around 5,000sq.ft. with a natural flow to the rails, ledges and banks. A perfect size plaza style park. The Block spans a massive 19,000sq.ft. featuring rails and ledges to a large raised deck with stair sets and banks.

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“ MY PASSIONS ARE CONSTRUCTION AND SKATEBOARDING; AND TO BE HONEST, BEFORE THAT SPECIAL DAY IN 2009, I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF COMBINING BOTH PASSIONS INTO ONE JOB!”

Hardcore Skateparks were the company tasked with designing and building these parks, with over 20 years experience, the team consists of professional skateboarders, BMX riders, landscape architects and graphic artists that call on all their experience to build a dream location. Contracted to build over 400 parks in more than 20 countries around the world, Hardcore creates innovative, functional and site specific designs that cater to everyone from beginners to professionals alike. We chatted with Julien Wahart, Project Manager of Hardcore to delve into his mind set and gain some insight into the creative process that goes into their builds.

Julien Wahart

JOSH BELL Josh Bell doing a super casual Feeble

XMOTION: Hi Julien. With the latest opening being the park in D3, which others have you designed and built in and around Dubai? Julien Wahart: Hey guys! Yes, D3 has had its opening; but this is not our latest project in Dubai! Right after completing D3, we went to the Silicon Oasis to create a small but fun and functional street plaza, which will be open to the public soon. I have quite a few experiences in Dubai already. I built the Tashkeel Ramp in Tashkeel; designed and built the skatepark for the American University of Sharjah; and built the small concrete skatepark in Business Bay. Now with Hardcore Skateparks, after D3 and DSO, we have recently completed the new Business Bay and Junction Skatepark right next to Zaha Hadid’s last project, which should hopefully open in July. XM: How did you get into the industry of skatepark design/construction? JW: I would say it was simple luck! My passions are construction and skateboarding; and to be honest, before that special day in 2009, I would have never thought of combining both passions into one job! I was skating a mini ramp, which was open to public before the Tony Hawk Show in Grand Palais, Paris when the ramp builders approached me to do demos for their company. I was stoked! After checking all the cool stuff they were building (like ramps for the X Games, Dew tour, etc), I thought that could become a bigger opportunity than only doing demos! So I took my chance and here I am! In 2011, after finishing my School of Engineering, I was sent to my first skatepark project in Germany. Since then, I’ve built skateparks around the world!

“ I THINK MY BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IS TO BE WHERE I AM RIGHT NOW! I CAN LIVE OFF OF MY PASSION AND I AM THANKFUL TO SKATEBOARDING FOR THAT!” Julien Wahart

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ADAM ABDUL HAKEEM

XM: Where do you draw your inspiration from? JW: I try to find inspiration from what is around me – it can be shapes I would see on the streets or even a cool feature that misses one little detail to be perfect for skateboarding like the perfect bank with a big curb in front of it, a gap of stairs with a broken stone at the top, these kind of things. Some say, this is what skateboarding should be – not perfect, rough, and difficult. That’s a fair opinion; but when it comes to designing and building a skatepark, the goal, in my opinion, is to make what you could find in the streets more accessible so you can work on your skills and your style before going out in the real world! Designing at Hardcore Skateparks is never the job of one individual. Before presenting a design to a client, we not only discuss our ideas with Pierre (our dedicated Designer) and with Bill (the Boss), but also with members from the skateboard community! Everyone has a different relationship with skateboarding that directly affects the path we take when it comes to design. I firmly believe that, having multiple inputs at early stages of design will benefit the designers and the client, but most importantly, the end-users. XM: What is the biggest challenge when it comes to designing and creating skateparks? JW: Skateboarding has become a trend that’s progressing really quickly; and I think the most difficult part when it comes to design is, to look beyond the trend. It’s easy to say but that’s also why designing a skatepark is a really sensitive subject. When it comes to building a skatepark, I think what comes into play most of the time is the end-user’s feedback and the builder’s experience. A skatepark doesn’t need to be big or full of features as long as the park is well designed for the space and the community who will be using the park. Everything in the building process is important because at the end, what you see is what you get! Hardcore Skateparks tries to pay attention to every detail: edges, concrete finish, heights, reveal of copings, cold joints, etc… Of course, we are not perfect but we tend to get better day after day! Of course, we are not perfect but we tend to get better day after day!

Adam Abdul Hakeem shreds the Hip

XM: What would you say is the signature characteristic of a Hardcore designed park? JW: Creative design is what distinguishes us! We want the users to express their creativity freely and imagine things they would never had thought possible somewhere else. XM: What do you think are the key elements to a park build? Are there any different aspects for different communities? Street, bowls etc. JW: Most of the time, a skatepark is a complex combination of street elements, transitions, bowls and unique features but it should also fit all kinds of users: skateboards, rollers, scooters and BMX. In addition to that, you have to consider the users’ skills. All these conditions define what kind of a skatepark we will design and build for the client. It is not an easy task as our challenge is to adjust all these parameters in a way to satisfy everyone, from the client to the users. But let’s face it, it is almost impossible as the needs of each community is quite different, the client will push for maximum safety and fun, while the user will need challenge and progression… And each type of user has different challenge and progression levels! For example, if you create a curb or a ledge for skateboarding, it won’t fit the needs of BMX riders and vice versa. For the street sections, this is problematic as your space and budget is limited. When it comes to transitions, it kind of works for everyone, but still, depending on the heights and radiuses of the curves. The best solution to this is to dedicate parks that cater every type of users. That would be more radical and easier! I think at the end, if you don’t have possibility to make a park for each community, the best is to give to everyone a bit of what they need and play a lot with heights and possible transfers to bring along options for everyone. But this is what is always amazing with extreme sports; the riders always find new ways to skate with what they have. Is the curb too low for your daily crooked grind? No problem! I will do more tech tricks! Why not add a flip to my trick or land in a different way than usual? Why not make a line with multiple tricks? The possibilities are infinite. Give them a concrete slab, they will skate it! XM: Since skateboarding became an Olympic sport, do you feel there is more acceptance of skating and parks? Are authorities/communities more willing to create skateparks?

JW: Skateboarding is definitely trendier now than it was a couple of years ago and it is possible that the Olympics announcement has something to do with it. It makes skateboarding an official sport, promoting all its good sides and wiping off all the negative clichés that could go with it. So at the end, I think it’s appropriate to say that skateboarding is more accepted, thanks to Olympics. With its better image, authorities and communities are keener to create skateparks and give more trust into designers and builders to make better projects. As skateboarding has become a real sport, it needs quality installations. XM: What has been your biggest achievement/ proudest moment? JW: I think my biggest achievement is to be where I am right now! I can live off of my passion and I am thankful to skateboarding for that! We go to many countries, discover new cultures, meet and greet people, and at the end what we do is design and build skateparks to entertain the kids! I want to believe that we are participating in the development of our youth, helping them gain new skills in their everyday lives. XM: Do you have a favorite build? JW: D3 is my favorite! Until the next one… Can’t wait! XM: Thanks so much for taking the time with chat to us and we look forward to seeing more of your work in the future right here in the UAE.

SO Lake Park Skatepark D Silicon Park, Silicon Oasis Dubai, UAE Size: 5,000sq.ft. The Block Dubai Design District, Downtown Dubai, UAE Size: 19,000sq.ft. Business Bay Skatepark Al Amal Street, Business Bay Dubai, UAE Size: 5,000sq.ft. (approx). Instagram: hardcoreskateparks Facebook: @Hardcoreparks www.hardcoreskateparks.com

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JOSH BELL

“I THINK THE MOST DIFFICULT PART WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGN IS, TO LOOK BEYOND THE TREND.” Julien Wahart

W.A.R - BE YOUR OWN HERO Around 500 warriors test their grit at Wadi Adventure in Al Ain. Wadi Adventure Race also known as W.A.R has been in the limelight for all levels of fitness-minded people since its inception. Wadi Adventure, the first ever man-made whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing destination in the Middle East hosted its signature Wadi Adventure Race 16 (W.A.R) that took place in April.

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“Extreme obstacle racing is one of the newest fitness trends and Wadi Adventure Race (W.A.R) 16 proved to be a thrilling spectacle as it mastered at testing the inner fortitude and determination of its participants in a fun and friendly environment”, stated Chief Executive Officer for Tamouh Investments Group, Mr. Ghanem Mubarak Al Mansoori.

W.A.R is a pioneer of obstacle races in the UAE, having a natural terrain and largest number of militarily styled obstacles. Wadi Adventure Race is in its 17th edition of success; the series began in November 2012 with 75 participants and a handful of spectators. Each subsequent event saw a massive growth in interest and popularity from runners, spectators and sponsors alike; withdrawing in a whopping 900 participants during W.A.R 6; which then became the benchmark for all W.A.Rs to follow. W.A.R was initially conceptualised with the fitness-obsessed in mind. However, it grew to an incredible level and now incorporates people from all fitness levels from podium contenders to people who want a challenge from their daily routine of life.

The nail-biting build-up W.A.R 16 was split into three grueling race courses: 5km, 10km and 15km. This provided the challengers the opportunity to test their physical limits and, along the way, conquer a series of over 35 indeterminate obstacles, including climbing ropes, hauling heavy-duty sandbags, crawling under barbed wires and plunging into ice-filled water before reaching the finishing line. The 10km was extended to a full loop course and incorporated a bunch of new obstacles that proved to be the highlight of the day, adding more zest to the popular racing event. Each participant can register for any of the three racecourses; 5K, 10K and 15K. Racers in the elite categories are eligible to win medals and prizes. For elite categories, missing an obstacle would disqualify the racer from winning. However, racers in all other categories can treat obstacles as ‘challenge by choice’ and receive finisher’s medals.

This aspect has created a dedicated fitness segment and lifestyle for all W.A.R participants within UAE and beyond. Eighteen podium winners from the both men and women’s categories were awarded medals, trophies and sponsored goodie bags. At Wadi Adventure, we maintain the adventure style theme in relation to all the races, something Wadi Adventure has always stood for. The event marks a major milestone in local water sports and affirms Al Ain’s coming of age as a world-class adventure sports destination. With W.A.R 16 coming to an end, the next race planning is underway. W.A.R 17 is scheduled to take place on September 29th 2018. Stay tuned to know more about registrations.

adi Adventure W Jebel Hafeet Al Ain, UAE Telephone: +971 3 781 8422 Instagram: wadiadventure Facebook: @WadiAdventure www.wadiadventure.ae/events

ADVENTURE ZONE, HEALTHY BODY AND HEALTHY MIND Adventure Zone is your only ultimate experience for outdoor activities while being indoors in Dubai and is available all year round in a safe and fun environment. An Emirati brand passionate for outdoors and delivering excellence in the services it provides thus, exceeding the expectations of its pioneer’s shareholders. It’s the healthiest way to have fun, increase physical strength, flexibility, and endurance for body. While on the other hand reducing stress, anxiety, even symptoms of depression and replacing it with positive energy, cognitive skills, mindfulness as well as productivity for the mind. The Adventure Zone is an all-round package for a healthy lifestyle for as young as four years and as old as 60 years individuals, families, schools or corporates.

“Adventure Zone is a group of passionate individuals striving to promote a healthy lifestyle and being a catalyst towards positive change in the UAE” says our Brand Guardian. The concept is truly unique in the outdoor activity industry, as it contains climbing pinnacles, bouldering walls that resemble real rock faces to give authenticity to the experience, an artificial tunnel system with authentic features that takes the adventurers on a journey beneath the earth, cable climbing consisting of high and low ropes, zip line that extend over 60m and The Lodge, a log cabin available to book large parties. The programs at Adventure Zone brings adrenaline packed sessions developed to provide highimpact learning, increase team skills, communications, improve morale and efficiency for all adventure seekers.

A O G U SK R R U O P S U A A P R B B T O O Y U O A T K N IN D G S

Looking for a fun ďŹ lled adventure? An indoor adventure facility that guarantees an exhilarating experience for all! Adventure zone is a stimulating indoor adventure park, consisting of numerous exciting activities for people of all ages, at any level of experience. These activities include: caving, climbing, cycling, trampolining, skate boarding, and much more. Spacious and supervised by trained specialists, Adventure Zone is the perfect entertainment hub for families, events, parties and corporate team building.

Activities (varies depending on venue)

Climbing Pinnacle & Climbing Wall

Caving

Themed Fun Walls

Zip Line

Trampoline Park

Low Ropes Course

High Ropes Course

Boulder Wall

Skate Park

Football Pitch

ABU DHABI Dalma Mall | Tel No.: +971 2 445 6995 Yas Mall | Tel No.: +971 2 565 0872

DUBAI Times Square Center | Tel No.: +971 4 346 6824 The Galleria Mall | Tel No.: +971 4 343 5110

www.adventurezone.ae

info@adventurehq.ae

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OMEIR SAEED One name synonymous with wakeboarding in the UAE, is Emirati sensation, Omeir Saeed. Consistently on the top step of the podium in the National Series, Saeedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural talent, passion and relentless dedication to succeed is what keeps him a step ahead of the competition.

PASSION DEDICATION SUCCESS Photos: NAIM CHIDIAC & WAYNE GRAY

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Omeir made waves on the international stage when he was crowned ‘Amateur Champion’ at the 2012 WWA Junior Men World Championship, just one year after he first got on a board. XMOTION: Firstly, congratulations on another impressive season, claiming your third National title in a row. Omeir Saeed: Thank you and thank you guys for chatting with me. It felt great to start the season well and carry on to win the nationals again, in both boat and cable. What makes me even happier is that my little brother, Ahmed, also won nationals consecutively in both disciplines as well. XM: You’re more known for riding cable parks, but you also defended your title in the Boat series. Is it a lot tougher behind a boat? What are some of the differences in technique required for cable and boat? OS: Riding behind a boat is a lot different than riding in the cable especially because I don’t usually ride boat. It is harder to ride behind the boat but since I have a good background in cable wakeboarding, it is much easier for me to learn the

OMAIR SAEED

tricks behind the boat, simply because I am already familiar with the tricks and rotations. Behind the boat, we don’t have a kicker to jump off so we need to use the wake that is made by the boat. Moreover, the rope is not connected as high as it would be on the cable and on top of that, the rider really depends on the driver of the boat to keep it steady so that the tricks can be performed properly, unlike the cable where it is consistent. With boat riding, you also have to take the water conditions into consideration because if it is too choppy, it is harder and more dangerous to perform tricks. XM: Your little brother, Ahmed, is following your footsteps and also just won the Junior National titles back to back. You must be really proud of him. OS: It makes me the proudest brother in the world to watch my little brother learn to wakeboard and develop over the years and be able to secure podium finishes consecutively. It fills my heart with joy hearing his name being called out during the award ceremony and seeing him stand on the podium.

XM: It must be really nice to be able to pass on all your knowledge to him at such a young age. A real star to look out for in the future. OS: Since all my friends travelled abroad to study, I never had anyone else to ride with other than my little brother so we would go and ride at the cable park every weekend supporting and motivating each other to learn new tricks and push ourselves to the limit. He reminded me why I fell in love with the sport in the first place - to go out there and just have fun. Wakeboarding has taken me on many journeys around the world and is a big part of my life. Seeing Ahmed’s love and dedication to the sport tells me that he will have a future in this sport and nothing would make me happier than to see him pass me and take the sport to levels I couldn’t reach.

“I JUST LIKE GOING BIG, GRABBING MY BOARD AND MAKING SIMPLE TRICKS LOOK GOOD.” Omeir Saeed

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XM: You have done a fair amount of travelling, what is your favourite destination for wakeboarding? OS: The best place I have been to so far is Thailand. I went there with a good group of people and they have three cable parks next to each other so everyday we got to go to a new place.

XM: You spend a lot of time at the Al Forsan Resort? A world-class facility. Do you feel that it’s helping to progress the sport in the region? OS: We are lucky to have a facility like Al Forsan as we not only have one cable but we have two. One clockwise and one anti-clockwise so it helps the riders progress much faster.

XM: You have great sponsors. Red Bull and most recently Liquid Force. It must be really satisfying that all the hard work pays off? OS: It feels good knowing that all the hard work paid off in the end. I am lucky to have sponsors that support me and guide me to be the best I can.

XM: Any travel plans over the summer? OS: I don’t have any plans for the summer at the moment. I will be in the UAE for the first part of the summer. But after that, who knows where my board will take me.

XM: You’ve made quite a name for yourself in only a short period of time. You only started wakeboarding in 2011, how did you get into it and what are the reasons you love it so much? OS: I fell in love with wakeboarding from the first day I tried it. When the board fist touches the water, it’s a way for me to clear my mind and forget about all my worries. It’s a place where me and my friends can challenge ourselves and push ourselves and at the same time just hang out and have fun.

“IT FEELS GOOD KNOWING THAT ALL THE HARD WORK PAID OFF IN THE END.I AM LUCKY TO HAVE SPONSORS THAT SUPPORT ME AND GUIDE ME TO BE THE BEST I CAN.” Omeir Saeed

XM: Do you prefer big air tricks or more technical rail tricks? OS: I enjoy all aspects of the sport; I tend to progress my air tricks and rail tricks equally. XM: Other than wakeboarding do you spend any time doing other sports? OS: On Thursdays, after the cable park I like to play football.

XM: You are studying at the American University, how do you balance your studies with training? OS: I tend to spend my weekdays studying and on my weekend, I can dedicate all my time doing what I love, Wakeboarding!

XM: Anybody that you look up to and inspires you? OS: Ahmed Nasser Al Zaabi and Hazza Saeed Al Ghafli. Both of them motivate me and guide me when it comes to learning new tricks.

I nstagram: omeir_saeed Facebook: @Omeir.Saeed.UAE

XM: Any hidden talents people may not know about you? OS: (Laughs) Not really! I’ll stick to wakeboarding. XM: What is the worst part of wakeboarding? OS: When the cable breaks and we can’t wakeboard! XM: What motivates you? OS: My family, sponsors and friends - all motivate me to be the best I can. Moreover, the sport is progressing at a very high pace and that motivates me to progress my riding with it.

XM: You have a huge amount of tricks, which is your favourite? OS: Some times the most basic tricks are the most fun. I just like going big, grabbing my board and making simple tricks look good.

Omeir Saeed and his brother, Ahmed.

SHARING THE STOKE Photos: WAYNE GRAY

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DANIEL VAN DOOREN We catch up with one half of the duo behind Surf House Dubai, Daniel van Dooren, to discuss waves,Â the progression of surfing in Dubai and the challenges faced along the way.

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DANIEL VAN DOOREN

Our biggest challenge along the way was the ban of surfing in Dubai in 2009. The authorities saw surfing as a risk to swimmers and beach goers so they put a ban to the sport completely. This lasted for six months with endless visits and meetings with the government to justify why surfing should be allowed and why in fact the teachers were a safer place with surfers in the water. Eventually the ban was lifted and we could continue with our lifestyle and business.

XMOTION: Hi Daniel. Tell us a little bit about the journey of Surf House. How it came to be? Were there any challenges along the way (biggest challenges faced)? Daniel van Dooren: Hi there! Surf Dubai started back in 2005 with a bunch of surfboards and a Jeep Cherokee. Scott Chambers started the business as a surf school. I, then, joined him at the end of 2007 where we grew the business into what it is today. The next addition to the school came the surf shop where our main goal was to provide the local surf community with the best surf equipment available in the market. This was a great compliment to the business as it provided a platform for aspiring surfers to learn the sport of surfing and then purchase their first board. We could also supply avid surfers all the equipment they could think of instead of having to buy it from overseas. The company changed its name from ‘Surf Dubai’ to ‘Surf House Dubai’ in April 2014, when we moved to our current location. The idea behind Surf House was to create a platform where others could share the lifestyle that we live and breed everyday through surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, yoga, being outside on the beach and of course, eating good quality food. We have always had a passion for good quality food, which is why ‘Single Fin Cafe’ was born in 2017. We wanted to offer quality food at an affordable price. Keeping it simple.

XM: Progression of the business (food, clothing, co-work space etc.) Did you envision from the start that it would grow into all these different businesses or was it just a case of changing with the times? DvD: The Ban to surfing came as a big wake up call and made us diversify our business. It made us realise that we needed to think outside the box and hence, we came up with the idea of offering yoga. Surf fitness training, Cowork spaces and so much more! Whilst offering all these other aspects to our business we wanted to make sure that it was all relevant and only complemented what we do. Yoga, surf fitness and healthy food - all contributing to that active healthy lifestyle. Of course, everyone in Dubai needs to work and so our offering of the co-work space was ideal as people could still enjoy going for a surf or SUP in the morning followed by a healthy breakfast and then power through some work all in the same place. XM: Training, coaching, sup, rentals. Do you find it growing in the region with the youngsters? DvD: We offer a School Go Surfing (SGS) program that teaches the youngsters all they need to know about the sport of surfing but it also offers so much more. The program builds the child’s confidence in the water, which is a priceless lesson in life. The SGS program involves a strong theory section including oceanography and essential beach/surf knowledge as well as practical in-water instruction.

“ THE IDEA BEHIND SURF HOUSE WAS TO CREATE A PLATFORM WHERE OTHERS COULD SHARE THE LIFESTYLE THAT WE LIVE AND BREATHE EVERYDAY.” Daniel van Dooren

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XM: Best spots to surf around the Middle East? DvD: You used to be able to surf all the beaches along the coast of Dubai, till they build the off shore constructions like the Palm and World Islands. This put a stop to 90% of the surf unfortunately. But there are still beaches with waves if you search hard enough. Sunset beach, next to the Burj Al Arab Hotel is Dubai’s most popular surfing beach and is very accessible. Nikki Beach on the Pearl Islands has some of the best waves and is still accessible with purchasing a surf pass at the hotel. Considering it is a private piece of land that cost millions of dollars to build, the surf passes are available at a very affordable price and gives you access to surf the Pearl.

On flat days, students will be stand-up paddling and refining fundamental water skills essential to surfing. XM: Born and raised in UAE... Not exactly known as a hotspot of surfing. How did the passion come about? DvD: Scott and I were both born and raised in the Middle East. Although many people around the world still think there are no waves in the region, Dubai sits in a perfect place to learn. The water is warm all year round and conditions are ideal (never too big) to learn. Occasionally, we get some great conditions where surfers at all levels would be satisfied. In general, we get 2-3 ft. high waves and the surf seasons are from Sept/Oct - Apr/May where we typically see 90-100 days of surfable waves. Dubai is situated in the middle of the world making travel very convenient to other places with world class waves such as Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and many more.

XM: Brands you sell. Specific reasons for choosing those brands? DvD: We only sell brands that we believe in and would use our selves. We try to offer the best brands that are available on the worldwide market. XM: Would you like to give any top tips for beginners and people looking to get into the surfing lifestyle? DvD: Please come down to Surf House Dubai and we will be more than happy to share the lifestyle that we live. We offer everything from first time beginner lessons to more advanced coaching. We can guide you to the best places to surf in the region and the surrounding countries. We supply the best equipment in the region and most importantly, we are here to share the stoke.

“ DUBAI IS SITUATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD MAKING TRAVEL VERY CONVENIENT TO OTHER PLACES WITH WORLD CLASS WAVES.” Daniel van Dooren There are waves in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah as well. The summer time is when the East coast lights up and you can find some great waves in Fujairah and Oman. Oman is the land of rights, with long right-hand point breaks. If the right swell direction and wind lines up, you will be in for a treat.

S urf House Dubai Umm Suqeim Beach Park, Jumeirah 2 Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 4 457 3212 Instagram: surfhousedubai, singlefindubai Facebook: @surfhousedubai @singlefindubai www.surfingdubai.com

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KHALIFA ALGHAFRI Khalifa Alghafri, a 31-year-old Emirati, is making a name for himself in the BASE jumping world and has his sights set on global competition. From jumping off mountains in Ras Al Khaimah to launching off buildings in Europe, we dive head first into what makes Khalifa tick.

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KHALIFA ALGHAFRI

Photo: NAWAF AL AWADHI

“I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THEY WERE DOING. I WAS INTRIGUED BY IT, SO I DECIDED TO GIVE IT A SHOT!” Khalifa Alghafri

XMOTION: Hi, Khalifa. Thank you for chatting with us. Firstly, how did you get into BASE jumping? Khalifa Alghafri: Hi, thank you for having me! And, to answer your question, I used to watch videos of BASE jumpers flying off mountains and buildings, but I had no idea what they were doing. I was intrigued by it, so I decided to give it a shot! I began skydiving and when I had completed 200 skydives, I learned to fly a wingsuit. At first, I struggled to find someone to mentor me for BASE as it can be dangerous. I learnt to BASE jump in Turkey and returned last summer for an awesome BASE jumping event - jumping bridges, antennas and buildings. XM: What’s the craziest/scariest jump you’ve done? KA: For me, the scariest are the low altitude jumps. I always make sure that safety is paramount and isn’t compromised in any way. I trust my instincts and if I have any doubts about a jump, I will pause and pull back. Everything needs to be perfect and very precise. I’ve been on the exit point and changed my mind three times. XM: Who sponsors you? KA: Sports Extreme, it’s a small company. I am helping them build a name. They organise events and were the ones who organised the event in Turkey last summer as well.

XM: Describe your daily routine. KA: Wake up early and work hard mid-week. I run on a daily basis. My weekends are spent doing as many sports as possible. I like to go hiking in the mountains in RAK, climbing, paragliding, paramotoring, skydiving, BASE, cycling, gym, fishing and kayaking. XM: How many jumps do you do in a week? KA: As many as possible! But it all depends on the amount of free time I have and the weather. Sometimes I can do up to 20, but it can also be none. We track the weather on the internet to decide on the best times and even then it could change. The smallest change in the wind can have a massive effect on the jump. XM: What big jumps do you have coming up? KA: I’m part of a world record attempt event coming up in Norway this summer, which is going to be awesome! We are also planning some building jumps in Kuwait. There is one more that we’re working on, but that’s top secret for now!

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“ START SKYDIVING, ENJOY AND LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ABOUT SKYDIVING FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS.” Khalifa Alghafri

Photo: CRIS CRISTIAN BENEDINI

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KHALIFA ALGHAFRI

Photo: WAYNE GRAY

XM: Do you get nervous when you jump? KA: Yes, having some nerves is normal. It ensures you into taking all the necessary precautions and be safe. I double-check all my equipment and carry out safety checks before every single jump. Also checking weather and wind directions, ensuring that everything is safe and calculating all eventualities and at least two possible landing areas to make sure the jump is safe! XM: Have you won any awards or competitions? KA: I haven’t actually started competing, I will in the next two years. I enjoy going to events but for now, it’s a hobby. I’m hoping to further advance in this sport in the next couple of years. XM: What are your top tips for beginners? KA: Don’t rush. Start skydiving, enjoy and learn as much as possible about skydiving for a couple of years. The most important thing is to be calm and safe in this sport. And find a good BASE course and mentor! When I started BASE jumping, I spent six months looking for someone to mentor me, but no one would because it’s so dangerous. I met someone from Skydive Dubai who put me in touch with a Turkish instructor who trained me and thanks to him; I reached the level that I’m at today. People approach me for advice now and I want to help new jumpers but it depends on who the person is. If the person is calm, I’ll help them.

“ WHEN YOU DECIDE AND GO, IT’S JUST YOU IN THE MOMENT, LIVING.” Khalifa Alghafri

Khalifa jumping from Jebel Al Jais in Ras Al Khaimah

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“ THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO BE CALM AND SAFE IN THIS SPORT.” Khalifa Alghafri

Photo: ZEESHAN MIRZA

XM: How long ago did you start your skydiving/BASE jump journey? KA: Five years in total. I focused on skydiving and wingsuiting for the first three years before progressing into BASE. XM: How many BASE jumps have you done to date? KA: So far, I’ve done over 250 jumps. XM: What different jumps do you do? KA: My favourite BASE jumps are from the mountains in the UAE and Europe wearing wingsuits and one-piece tracking suits. I also jump from bridges, antennas, buildings, helicopters, and from my paramotor. XM: Do you do any other action sports? KA: Paragliding, climbing, caving, kayaking and paramotoring. I used to ride motorbikes a lot. Doing stunts and wheelies on a sportbike. But, my focus at the moment is on BASE jumping. My target now is to compete in a BASE jumping event in China, where only the top BASE jumpers in the world are invited to attend and participate. That is where all my focus is at the moment.

Khalifa jumping with a view of The Palm

XM: What do you prefer, BASE jumping or skydiving? KA: BASE jumping – it’s just awesome! Sometimes I stand on the exit point for over an hour thinking if I am going to do this - about the flight path, about my fear, about life and sometimes, I walk away if it’s not a 100% right. When you decide and go, it’s just you in the moment, living. XM: What checks do you have to do for wingsuits? KA: It’s important that the suit fits correctly and my suits are all custom made. I practise and train in my wingsuit in the skydiving environment before I begin to use it in the BASE environment. I usually put a minimum of 50 training skydives on the suit before starting to BASE jump in it. Before every jump I make sure all my equipment is in good condition and look for any for wear and tear.

I nstagram: khalifa_alghafri_uae Facebook: @KhalifaTabootaUAE

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JAVIER ORTIZ A camera flyer isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a regular skydiver. They are professional photographers with the ability to get the best shots, and the flying skills to get into the best positions to take said shots. During a tandem skydive, they exit at the same time as you and ensure every unbelievable second is recorded on video, and that your exit, freefall, parachute opening, and landing are all captured in high-quality images.

TANDEM CAMERA FLYER

Photos: MARC NORMAN - SKYDIVE DUBAI

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“ A CAMERA FLYER ISN’T JUST A REGULAR SKYDIVER.” Javier Ortiz

9.53 am The dropzone opens for customers at 10 am, so a few

minutes before that I’ll head inside, check what ‘team’ I’m working with that day, layout my gear and do the first safety check of the day. As you might imagine, we are exceptionally safety conscious. Everything is constantly monitored as part of the daily routine – the equipment, the winds and conditions, the cameras, lenses, aircraft, everything! 10.20 am Once I’ve run through my checks, I start on my

Javier Ortiz better known as ‘Buzz’ in Skydive Dubai, is one of the best in the business. He started skydiving while he was still in high-school and has travelled the world with his parachute and lens in hand. Buzz has been working at Skydive Dubai for a number of years and currently serves as an assistant chief instructor. He holds multiple skydiving instructor ratings and just loves to take amazing pictures on the ground and in the sky.

cameras. I love photography and have spent many years working on technique and expanding my knowledge of the equipment, functions, features, composition of the shot, etc. My cameras are my babies! I make sure I have empty memory cards and spares if needed and spend a few minutes cleaning the lenses thoroughly. I’ll always take a few snaps on the ground in various lighting and make sure the settings are exactly how I want them for the day. 10.45 am The first load usually takes off about 11 am once the

This is what Javier has to say about a typical day in his life: 7 am Mornings in Dubai nearly always have good light, so I often

get up early to work on some photography project or the other. I live in the Marina area, which gives me plenty of opportunities to shoot buildings, people, daily life, or just try out new lenses. So, after a quick breakfast, I’m out the door for an hour or two. 8.45 am After having a bit of fun with the camera, I come back

home, change, and chill with a cup of coffee for a while (I’m a cappuccino man!), before skateboarding to the dropzone for work. One of the many great things about working at Skydive Dubai is that if you work at the Palm you have your mornings free because we start work at 10 am. 9.30 am I like to get to the dropzone early. It gives me a chance

to chat and relax with the other instructors and staff before the day really begins. We have a great rapport here between the staff because we are after all working in an amazing industry and live a life that’s pretty special. There are very few people who get to say their office is 13,000ft. in the air!

first batch of customers are checked in. At this point, the tandem instructor is briefing the first student of the day, after which I interview them. Everyone has their own interview style, and I feel it’s important to make the student feel comfortable. At this point, they’re in the skydiving harness and about to get onto an aircraft, so it’s good to have a few minutes to see how they’re feeling. During the interview I’ll always ask if they have understood everything the instructor has said just in case they have a question, and of course, if they’re ready to skydive, which usually gets an ‘Oh yeah!’ Everything else depends on the person, some people are really scared, and some are really pumped. 11 am When the plane arrives we get on the buggies which drive

us to the loading area at the Palm dropzone. I think this is when it hits some people that they’re about to jump out of a plane, and just chatting and asking people about themselves can ease some of their tension. 11.02 am In the loading area I take some photos of the student

and the instructor with the airplane in the background, and then we get on-board and buckle up our seatbelts.

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11.05 am The scenery is spectacular, and I still

love flying here every day. The runway juts out into the Arabian Gulf, so when we take off it’s all blue water, yachts and boats, and then over the Ain Dubai, which is currently under construction. When we’re a little bit higher, it’s nice to look down on the skyscrapers, and see people going about their daily business while we’re flying!

“ THERE ARE VERY FEW PEOPLE WHO GET TO SAY THEIR OFFICE IS 13,000FT. IN THE AIR!” Javier Ortiz

11.18 am The instructor gives the count. Ready, 11.10 am About half way up, I’ll interview

the student again in the plane. It’s a shorter interview this time, but it looks great on the video edit afterward, especially when the students are excited, or nervous, or making jokes. 11.15 am As we approach exit altitude, I check

all my equipment again and the instructor attaches the student to the tandem parachute system. I make sure all my cameras are on and ready to shoot, and because I’m in front of the instructor and student I make sure all the little things are sorted, like goggles are on properly and the seatbelts are out of the way. 11.17 am Once we get the green light from the

pilot, I’ll climb into position outside the door of the aircraft, and the instructor will get into position so we’re looking at each other face to face. The student is usually nervous at this point, so I always try to give them a big smile and thumbs-up. As soon as they smile back, they always look a little more relaxed

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set, and we leave the plane. At first, I’ll try and be a little bit below them, so I can get the faces of both the student and the instructor and the plane in the background always makes for a great exit shot.After a few seconds, I’ll position myself in front of the tandem passenger. Although you can’t hear them in freefall you can always see a ‘Woohoo’ or an ‘Aaaaah!’ Most people start to smile and enjoy the experience at this point.I’ll fly a bit higher to get a good shot with the Palm in the background and do a couple of rotations around them so the video has a nice 360 view of Dubai, the World Islands, and the skyline. Depending on the conditions or time of day I might try and include a few clouds, or a sunset silhouette if possible. They make for some great photos too. When the instructor is ready to deploy the parachute, I pop up a little bit again and keep the Palm in the background. If I’m a little higher the student passes right by me and I can get their reaction on camera. Then I turn and deploy my own parachute. All that takes about 60 seconds.

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“ I TURN AND DEPLOY MY OWN PARACHUTE. ALL THAT TAKES ABOUT 60 SECONDS.” Javier Ortiz

Javier doing what he does best - capturing!

11.21 am Because our parachutes are faster

than the tandem parachutes, I land a couple of minutes before them. The instructors here are excellent and always land in a great position in front of me, which really round off the video well. I’ll ask them if they enjoyed it, and if they would do it again. They’re still full of adrenaline after landing so there’s often some great reactions! Then I’ll escort them off the landing area. 11.25 am At this point, I’ve shot all footage

needed for the video and the pictures, so I give my memory cards to the video department so they can do their edits, add music and slow motion, and make the video worth watching again and again. We’re really proud at Skydive Dubai that we not only deliver a great experience, but a great product afterward. The quality here of the photographers and the instructors is outstanding when compared to many other dropzones around the world, so we do work very hard to make sure that the customer goes away with a product that goes well beyond expectations.

11.30 am That’s the first jump of the day done.

And for me, it’s time to interview the next tandem student and start the process again. We usually do 7 to 8 skydives a day, and it really is an amazing profession to work with your friends on the dropzone. 5 pm We finish work when the sun begins to

set. At the moment, that’s a little after 5 pm. After work, I like to relax. There’s always a lot of mental and physical energy used throughout the day, so I like my downtime in the evening. I throw on some music, take a shower, and cook dinner. If I’m not out working on a new personal photography project, I’ll do some photo or video editing, or meet up with the guys for dinner. It’s great to have such a bond with your colleagues that you want to meet after work or do something on the weekends. And we’ve such a diverse and driven group of people here that everyone always wants to try something new or do some activity. 10 pm That’s it. Then I’m off to bed to get my

beauty sleep for the next day!

S kydive Dubai – The Palm Al Seyahi St, Mina Seyahi Dubai, UAE Skydive Dubai – Desert Campus Near Margham Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 4 832 8080 Instagram: skydivedubai Facebook: @SkydiveDubai www.skydivedubai.ae

CONQUERING DAKAR

Photos: MARCIN KIN - RED BULL

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MOHAMMED BALOOSHI 2018 marked the 40th edition, the 10th successive year in South America, of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toughest race, The Dakar Rally. Covering more than 9,000 km over 14 stages. Starting in Lima, Peru and traversing through Bolivia and Argentina eventually finishing in Cordoba.

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MOHAMMED BALOOSHI

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“ I COULDN’T BE MORE PROUD TO FLY THE UAE FLAG ON THE FINISH LINE AND BE THE FIRST EMIRATI TO DO SO, IT WAS A VERY SPECIAL MOMENT.” Mohammed Balooshi

2018 was labelled as the toughest edition in the events’ history with varying terrains from deserts to river beds to mountain passes at extremely high altitudes. There were 139 motorcyclists who entered the gruelling race with only 85 finishing in Cordoba. One of those 85 to arrive in Cordoba was none other than the Emirati star, Mohammed Balooshi. Reaching the finish line Balooshi became the first ever Emirati motorcyclist to complete the toughest race in the world. We caught up with the 38-yearold to chat about his monumental achievement. XMOTION: Firstly, congratulations on becoming the first ever Emirati to complete the Dakar on a motorcycle. An incredible achievement. Mohammed Balooshi: Thank you! I am still so happy with this achievement of mine. I had always wanted to do this one thing and now I can finally cross it off my “to-do” list. In 2012, I was close. But unfortunately, I got injured. This time, when I crossed the finish line, I was quite emotional and super pumped. I have done a lot of events.

I couldn’t be more proud to fly the UAE flag on the finish line and be the first Emirati to do so, it was a very special moment. XM: Tell us about your preparation leading up to the race. MB: I believe you should be fit throughout the year and train a little harder just before the event. I stayed fit all year long and tried to stay healthy, that was the key. For Dakar, I stayed on my game and being fit for our local championship, The Emirates Desert Championship (EDC), helped me a lot. By the time I was going to Dakar, I was on my A-game already – in good shape, fitness, stamina and strength wise. My confidence was through the roof. I always like to stay fit regardless of what race or championship it is. XM: It’s been said that 2018 was the toughest rally in the Dakar’s 40 year history. Explain to us the physical and mental strain your body went through.

MB: Definitely! The 40th edition was one of the toughest if not the toughest edition. For me, I know from my previous experience in 2012, which was already tough, but this outdid the 2012 edition. For me, anytime I go away from my family and friends, I start to feel homesick and that played a lot of games in my head. You need to block all these negative feelings and thoughts and try to stay focused. The best advice I ever got is to stay in the moment and focus on the race day by day. In 2012, I did not do this, I used to have countdowns; 8 days to go, 7 days to go until the finish, which added a lot of pressure. The biggest challenge for me was the altitude and cold weather, I have been living all my life at sea level, which is why my body couldn’t comprehend the shock it got at an altitude of over 5,000m above sea level. It was very difficult for me to adapt to it. Also, my bike wasn’t working like it would on the sea level, that’s another difficulty that I faced. And this year, I think, we spent a lot of days in the altitude, it was really difficult mentally and physically. So I am really happy to have completed it. XM: Covering 9,000km in two weeks is just crazy. Explain a typical day at the Dakar. MB: A typical day at the Dakar is a very long one. You finish a stage and you come to your service area and you handover the bike. They inspect the bike for any damages after which they try to fix and service the bike. You jump in the shower, try to cool off, go get something to eat as soon as possible and before checking the next stage’s road book, try to have a small nap if you can which is very difficult. The road book for the next day is released at 5 pm, it takes 2-3 hours to do all the markings, depending on how big the stage is the next day. After you have done that, you go for a quick bite and its time for bed (8:30-9 pm). Its normal to wake up in the middle of the night out of anxiety and nervousness, I usually eat dates when that happens, to try and get more calories in the system. Wake up around 4 am, have a proper breakfast and make sure you have enough electrolytes in your camelbak. You get on the bike and do the liaison, usually the liaison is quite long just to get to the starting point. Then you wait for your start time to come. You could have dunes, mountains, rocks, riverbeds...everything! After this, there is another liaison to the service and you repeat the cycle all over again! Once you get used to this routine, it’s easier to survive. It’s important to force yourself to drink enough water and stay hydrated and to eat and have enough fuel in your system during this time.

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XM: Talk us through your emotions at the finish line after completing the rally. A landmark moment for you and the sport in the UAE. MB: I had a few incidents – one with the altitude on Day 8 which made me want to quit and pull out of the race. Day 9, I crashed and broke my fingers, which did not help. Day 12, drowning the bike in the Rio (riverbed) I thought I was out one day before the finish. The last day was the shortest, it was only 150km but it felt the longest like 1,500! From the get-go, I knew what it took to reach there. A lot of training for many years, people investing in me, the target was to finish so this was quite heavy on the mind. Every day was spent thinking about getting to the finish, which added a lot more pressure to cross the line. I remember covering the last 10km and I kept motivating myself saying “just don’t do anything too extreme, don’t push, go even slower, just reach the finish line, take it easy!” When I saw the finish line I remember telling myself to not get emotional but I couldn’t control my emotions. All of us had been through a lot in those 14 days. The whole journey flashed in front of my eyes on how I was almost about to quit, really difficult days, leading up to it and how we gathered the budget to do this. Once it was over, I was thankful to god that I made it. XM: Closer to home, you recently won the Dubai International Baja. Tell us about your weekend. MB: To win the International Baja, this was like the icing on the cake for my season! I have had two really good seasons back to back. I was a little bummed with how EDC finished, like how I lost the title. Hats off to Aaron Maré who did a really good job in winning it. But I was a little disappointed, some days with my performance and also with a mechanical failure. But to win the International Baja made up for that. I lost in national championship but won international. This gave me a lot of confidence and I am really happy with this. I think it will only keep me motivated. I am also very happy to be the first Emirati to win it. This is another milestone I achieved and would like to continue like this in the coming rounds.

MOHAMMED BALOOSHI

Mohammed Balooshi making his way to the finish at Dakar

XM: Give us a little insight into your G-Shock collaboration. MB: I remember I used to own G-Shock as a child and I still do. To be provided with the opportunity to collaborate with them was amazing! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be the face of it. To be from the Emirates adds a lot of pride. I was really proud to know they picked me, I am really grateful. I have spent 20 years doing sports and this goes to show that I must have done something right. I try to be down to earth and stay humble. I try to achieve my goals and hopefully they picked up on this. For me, it is a good platform; hopefully we will build from here to put this sport on the map and to make it the No. 1 sport in the region– that’s my biggest goal. It is a unique experience to be on a dirt bike, there is nothing like it. XM: What’s next? Baja World Cup, Dakar 2019… MB: Unfortunately, I cannot do the whole crosscountry world championship due to political issues with neighbouring countries. After this, I will be focused on the Baja World Cup and what comes next will be announced through XMotionMag.

X-Academy M Mina Jebel Ali Exit 13 Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 50 951 1151 Instagram: balooshi_official mxacademy_dubai Facebook: @ MohammedBalooshi @mxacademydubai www.mx-academy.ae

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“ IT IS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TO BE ON A DIRT BIKE, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT.” Mohammed Balooshi

DUBAI MOTOCROSS SEASON Recap Taking a look back at an action packed season of racing from the Jebel Ali facility. A vastly different track layout with riders being pushed to their limits made for some thrilling action throughout the series. The 2017/18 Dubai Motocross Season came to a close, with an awards banquet held at the Jebel Ali Hotel to honour all the seasons champions. Another season that showcased the great talent that the region has to offer, we witnessed some thrilling racing across all the classes throughout the nine round series. In the premier MX1 class, it was the reigning champion, Michael Docherty that once again displayed why he holds the #1 plate, putting together an incredible season aboard his Infiniti Motorsports Husqvarna. The South African missed the opening round due to illness however, he returned to put in an absolutely dominant display through the remaining eight rounds, winning every single moto to comfortably defend his title. The runner-up spot went to Balooshi Racing KTM’s Daniel Hutchinson. The Brit took the win at the opening round and was solid all year, finishing second to Docherty all season long. The battle for third place was a little more interesting, with Infiniti Motorsports’ Aaron Maré eventually claiming the final podium spot after some really tough early season battles with SRG Motorsports Portable Shade Husqvarna’s Ryan Blair. Blair suffered an injury midway through the season and missed the final four rounds, putting an end to his podium charge. Mitchell Malpass rounded out the top five.

SRG Motorsports Portable Shade Husqvarna rider, Eugenio Barbaglia, took home top honours in the MX2 division aboard in his Husqvarna TC125. The young Italian was clearly stronger in the competition, but didn’t have it all his own way, after suffering a bit of an up and down season with a few crashes and mechanical issues. Runner-up spot went to Dale Jullien on his Yamaha YZ125 and Liberty Kawasaki’s Jinan CD rounded out the podium. The 65cc class produced some of the best racing of the season, with constant battles at the front as well as down the order. Myles Sexson almost completed a perfect season, winning 16 of 18 motos. It wasn’t easy for the young American as Umberto Cini made him work hard for those victories, stealing two away from him at rounds four and five. Cini is the holeshot king of the class and just needs to limit his mistakes to be a title contender. Third place went to the much improved, Liam Sexson, who got progressively faster all year long, regularly on the podium in the latter half of the season.

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MICHAEL DOCHERTY

The 85cc class was, by all accounts, a one-man show for the title, with Alex Mortada winning six of the nine overalls. Rounds one and two to UK rider Alfie Jones and the last which occurred at Round 8, losing out by the narrowest of margins to the UK import Vinnie Guthrie in what was undoubtedly the race of the season. Mortada went on a ten moto win streak through the middle of the season to cement his status as Dubai’s quickest 85cc rider this year. The runner up spot went to last seasons champ, Emirati, Ahmad Al Nuaimi with Mohammed bin Laden rounding out the podium. Tom Elliot and Joey Mortada completed the top five. New for the 2017/18 season was the formation of the Emirati class and what an addition it turned out to be! Providing some of the best and most exciting racing of the season, with the top four riders all running at very similar pace and putting everything on the line throughout the series. In the end, it was Mohammed Jaffar that came out on top by just five points from youngster, Abdullah Al Nuaimi. Sultan Al Balooshi completed the podium.

Sean Holder regained the title he lost a few seasons ago in the masters’ class. Holder was solid all year, never finishing lower than second. Sean Gaugain finished the season in second place after missing the opening three rounds. Gaugain won every moto he entered and will no doubt be the favourite going into the next season. Third place went to last season’s champ, Brent Gregson. The Canadian was coming off a perfect season in 2016/17 but suffered a big crash and subsequent injury at round five that put an end to his title defence prematurely. Balooshi Racing KTM’s Shannon O’Connor claimed the Veterans class title; taking four overall wins and only finished off the podium once all season. The South African was the definition of consistency all season long. Duncan Crerar ended his season on a high note with victory at the final round, securing second overall in the championship. John Watkinson finished in third after climbing onto the podium five times throughout the season. Last years champ, SRG Motorsports Portable Shade Husqvarna’s Mark Ackerman will be eager to get next season started and fight to reclaim the title he lost. Suffering from injury, Ackerman only competed in three rounds this season and will no doubt come back hungry for victory after the long summer break.

R E S U LTS

MOTORCROSS SEASON

ALEX MORTADA

FREDERIQUE IDRI SEAN HOLDER

FREDDIE BARKER

MYLES SEXON

Frederique Idri is undoubtedly the queen of the Ladies class at the moment. Claiming 15 of 18 moto wins and 8 out of 9 overall victories to successfully defend her title. Runner up was the much improved, Ashely O’Connor. O’Connor was super consistent and only finished off the podium once all year. The final podium spot went to Malia Gregson. Some of the most exciting racing to watch is the hotly contested Clubman class, with battles raging all the way through the field. In the end it was Freddie Barker that came out on top and was crowned champion. After missing All events take place at the DMX track in the opening two rounds, Barker Jebel Ali near the Jebel Ali Beach Resort, had his work cut out for him, Dubai, which has fantastic facilities but proceeded to go on a ten and atmosphere. The Dubai Motocross moto win streak to finish off the Club offers club invite motocross sport season 13 points ahead of Yasser enthusiasts. Souremi with Mattia Meneghello Instagram: dmx_dubai at an additional 42 points back to Facebook: @DubaiMotocrossClub complete the podium. Doryan Idri took home the title in the 125cc Youth class ahead of Emirati, Jassim Al-kubaisi and Charlie Sellick.

SHANNON O’CONNOR

xmotionmag.com ISSUE #4

DMX

2017-2018 Season Results MX1 Michael Docherty - 600 Daniel Hutchinson - 559 Aaron Maré - 316 Ryan Blair - 300 Mitchell Malpass - 286

MX2 Eugenio Barbaglia - 509 Dale Jullien - 474 Jinan CD - 470

EMIRATI EUGENIO BARBAGALIA

Mohammed Jaffar - 346 Abdulla Al Nuaimi - 341 Sultan Al Balooshi – 295

MASTERS MOHAMMED JAFFAR

Sean Holder - 395 Sean Gaugain - 300 Brent Gregson - 191

125CC YOUTH Doryan Idri - 450 Jassim Al-kubaisi - 190 Charlie Sellick - 44

65CC Alex Mortada - 432 Ahmad Al Nuaimi - 370 Mohammed Bin Laden - 304

VETERANS Shannon O’Connor - 401 Duncan Crerar - 381 John Watkinson - 331

LADIES Frederique Idri - 441 Ashley O’Connor - 381 Malia Gregson - 334

CLUBMAN Freddie Barker - 312 Yasser Souremi - 299 Mattia Meneghello - 257

The fifth season of Dubai’s premier off-road series, The Emirates Desert Championship concluded with one of the closest points races since its inception to the racing calendar in late 2013. Heading into the fifth and final round of the season, there were five riders with a mathematical chance of claiming the coveted ‘Overall MOTO’ title. Relative newcomer to the series, in just his second season, Infiniti Motorsports Kawasaki rider, Aaron Maré, would have his hands full with a host of former champions all in with a chance. The 2015/16 champ KTM UAE’s Ross Runnalls, 2016/17 defending champion Mohammed Balooshi, the 2013/14 winner SRG Motorsports Portable.

EMIRATES DESERT CHAMPIONSHIP

Shade Husqvarna’s Sean Gaugain and the ever consistent Kuwaiti, Mohammed Jaffar. The final round took place in the fast and demanding dunes of Al Faqaa, with Maré and Runnalls tied on points at the start of the day, it was a ‘winner take all’ situation for the two South Africans. The other three riders would need a bit of luck to go their way in order to secure the title.

Anything was possible as Red Bull KTM factory rider, Sam Sunderland, was also in town and could shake up the standings and points. It was not to be however as Sunderland suffered from some bike issues and a puncture and was forced to retire. Runnalls also suffered from a mechanical issue on lap 6 that ended his hopes of claiming his second title in three years. Maré and Balooshi were left to battle it out at the head of the field, with Maré holding on to claim his third win of the season and his maiden Emirates Desert Championship title. Balooshi crossed the line in second place with Jaffar in third. Gaugain never seemed to find a rhythm and finished seventh.

Recap SEAN GAUGAIN

ROSS RUNNALLS

MOHAMMED JAFFAR

xmotionmag.com ISSUE #4

EDC

AARON MARÉ

2017-2018 Season Results

Winner of EDC Season 2017-2018

Aaron Maré: “This season went exactly the way I had hoped. I got off to a perfect start with a win at the opening round in Al Faqaa. Going into round two, I was feeling really confident but a minor bike problem forced me to retire. That put me under pressure for the rest of the season as I had already given up my only throw away round and we still had three rounds to go. The following two rounds would see me finish second and first, which meant going into the final round I was tied on points with Ross Runnalls. The last round went really well for me, I got up front from the beginning and managed the race well to keep my lead and take my third win of the season. Overall, I am really happy with how the season went and really happy to secure my first EDC title. I really have to thank the whole team, Infiniti Motorsports, PPS and Liberty Kawasaki for all the support, without them, none of it would be possible.

T he rounds take place in different emirates and offer a challenging competition consisting of 15-20 km laps for the duration of two hours. Any competitor over the age of 18 with valid competition licence issued by ATCUAE (start permission will be required for non-UAE residents who hold licences from other countries) can enter the event. Facebook: @EmiratesDesertChampionship

OVERALL MOTO POINTS Aaron Maré - 97 Ross Runnalls - 87 Mohammed Balooshi - 86 Sean Gaugain - 74 Mohammed Jaffar - 74 OVERALL 450CC POINTS Aaron Maré - 97 Ross Runnalls - 92 Mohammed Jaffar - 86 OVERALL OVER 450CC CLASS POINTS Sultan Al Balooshi - 100 Joel Cretan - 91 Dominic Coleman - 73 OVERALL MASTERS CLASS POINTS Sean Gaugain - 100 Shannon O’Connor - 88 Paul Anselmo - 63 OVERALL VETERANS CLASS POINTS Mohammed Balooshi - 100 Warren Christie - 91 Ari Kananen - 75

MOHAMMED BALOOSHI

OVERALL QUAD CLASS POINTS Mansour Al Suwaidi - 94 Mohammed Al Shamsi - 90 Fahad Al Musallam - 78

xmotionmag.com ISSUE #4

The Dubai International Baja goes back to the early 1980’s and until 2015, it was known as the Dubai International Rally, a round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. It has been won by the ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem 15 times. Following the 2015 event, the decision was made by the ATCUAE and the Dubai Government to evolve the event from a special stage rally to a cross country Baja, with a target of elevating the status of the event from regional to world class.

MOTORSPORT GOVERNING BODY IN THE UAE The Automobile & Touring Club of United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE) was established in 1965 and is the governing body for motorsport in the UAE. It is the sole representative of the world governing bodies for autos and motos, the FIA and the FIM, in the UAE. The organisation’s President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is also the FIA Vice President for Sport and is looking after the development of motorsport in the Middle East and North Africa.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge powered by Nissan is one of the world’s most prestigious international cross country rallies and was founded by Mohammed Ben Sulayem back in 1991. It is one of the toughest rallies on the FIA and FIM cross-country rallies calendar and consists of five days of competition in Liwa desert. Over a hundred competitors, both amateurs and professionals, travel from all over the world to take part in this event and test their skills and machines.

President of ATCUAE, Mohammed Ben Sulayem

The Club is the regulator, whose duty is to ensure that all motorsport events in the UAE are run in accordance with FIA and FIM Sporting Codes and safety regulations. Sporting regulations of all 120+ motorsport events which are annually taking place in the UAE have to be approved by the ATCUAE. Similarly, all competitors must be in possession of competition licences. ATCUAE is licencing the UAE nationals and residents who are competing in national and international motorsport events. ATCUAE is also the promoter and organiser of a number of world-class events. Dubai International Baja and Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge are UAE’s oldest motorsport events and both are on the FIM and FIA international calendars. Both are open for bikes, quads, car and buggies and have amateurs competing alongside the professional teams.

utomobile & Touring Club A of United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE) PO BOX 507 Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 4 296 1122 Instagram: atcuae Facebook: @ATCUAE www.atcuae.ae

HOW TO… ENSURE

ESSENTIAL

DIRT BIKE

MAINTENANCE Brought to you by 4 6 5

3 CHANGING ENGINE OIL

This is probably the most vital preventive maintenance you can perform on your bike. Fresh oil helps your internal parts stay cool, while minimising friction.

AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE A dirty air filter sucks the life out of your engine so it’s crucial to ensure the air filter is properly cleaned and oiled after every ride. It’s a dirty job for sure but imagine if all that dirt got inside the engine! Clean your air filter thoroughly with kerosene and let it soak to remove all the sand, then soapy water in a separate bucket and thirdly, in a bucket of fresh water. Let it dry completely and then soak it with air filter oil, around 200-250ml. Let it get real tacky before you install it and ride again. We offer an air filter cleaning service here at SRG, so it makes life easier than having to do it yourself.

2 COOLANT Make sure to check your coolant level and top it up before every ride. Even more so during the summer! Making sure the level is correct ensures your bike stay cool and stops the engine from overheating, especially here in the deep sand.

Most manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil every 8-10 hours, but it depends on how hard the bike is being ridden. It would need to be done more frequently for bikes that are being raced as opposed to bikes that are going out for a social desert ride. I would suggest getting an hour meter installed on your bike if it doesn’t come with one, so that it’s easier to keep track. Make sure to always replace the oil filter and check in your owner’s manual for recommended oil, oil levels and correct torque settings for the oil drain plug.

xmotionmag.com ISSUE #4

S RG Motorsports, 5 Adden Street, 5 Adden Street, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area 1 Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 55 577 5388 www.srg-motorsports.com Instagram: srgmotorsports Facebook: @srgmotorsports

3 5

4 CHAIN AND SPROCKETS Never ride with a dry, un-lubricated chain and sprockets. A lubricated chain lasts a lot longer and reduces the wear and tear on the entire drive train. Always clean the chain and sprockets after a ride and then follow that with good lubrication. Remember when you’re adjusting the chain tension, the chain should never be tight—there should be some slack to compensate for suspension movement. A good rule of thumb is to have around a three-finger gap between the chain and swing arm (from the rear of the chain slider). If you see significant wear and tear on your chain OR sprockets, its best to replace both at the same time. When you have a new chain and new sprockets, they wear together. Replacing the whole drivetrain allows you to get the most out of your chain and sprockets.

5 SPOKE MAINTENANCE AND TIGHTENING There is a definite science to tightening spokes; you can’t just crank them tight with a spoke wrench and call it good. When tightening spokes, always space out the tightening, skipping five spokes at a time. It will take about seven wheel rotations to tighten every spoke. Skipping those five spokes allows them to be tightened evenly; you won’t be pulling one side of the wheel more than the other. When tightening, go a quarter turn at a time with your spoke wrench to avoid pulling the wheel out of true. If any spokes are loose but the nipples are hard to turn, give them a drop of assembly lube or motor oil so they turn with more ease.

6 CHECK BEARINGS AND LUBE IF NECESSARY The bottom line is that every moving part on your bike needs some type of lubricant. When it comes to your swing arm bearings, steering head or wheel bearings, you need grease, like once or twice a year to prevent them from seizing. Keeping a check of all the above-mentioned things should keep your bike running fresher for longer.

WIN

an adventurous day at Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi! Challenge your photographic skills and enter our competition for a chance to win a free session of wakeboarding in Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu DhabiT

Here is what you need to do: Upload a photo of you or a friend doing an extreme activity, tag @alforsan_resort @xmotionmag and use the following hash tags: #alforsan_resort

#xmotionmag

The Winner? The winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photo will be posted on the XMotion magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Instagram page - @xmotionmag Competition closing date: 31st July 2018

www.alforsan.com TERMS & CONDITIONS Passes are valid for one year. Entries must be submitted before 30th July 2018. The pass is non-saleable, non-transferable and non-refundable. Employees of Al Forsan are not allowed to enter.

DEFYING THE LIMITS Fresh off his most recent stunt with XDubai and Swyp, where he launched down the world’s longest urban zip line, the XLine Dubai Marina without a safety harness, we caught up with Damien Walters, a British stuntman to learn more about his epic journey in the world of stunts. Photos: XDUBAI

xmotionmag.com ISSUE #4

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

DAMIEN WALTERS XMOTION: Tell us a little bit about the planning and organisation that went into performing the XLine stunt. Damien Walters: As with any stunt, a lot of time is put into planning and preparation – safety is always the top priority. Along with the pre-planning with the team at XDubai, we did two days of rehearsals testing out the speed and height of the XLine in Dubai Marina. This was mainly so that we knew how long I had to hold on for, and when I would have to let go as the landing area was only approximately 20m long. XM: How did the idea come about? DW: The idea came about when XDubai got in touch to see if I was interested in doing something on the XLine. We had a brainstorm session about different ideas but then eventually came up with this one. The XDubai team and I think alike hence, when it comes to these kinds of stunts, it’s easy to be creative together. XM: You had a very successful gymnastics career before becoming a professional stunt man. Was it something you had always wanted to do or was there a specific stunt you saw that inspired you to pursue it? How did the journey begin? DW: To be honest, I had always thought about being a stunt man when I was little, but it always seemed like a pipe dream. I forgot all about it and solely concentrated on my gymnastics career. Then back in 2006, I was getting ready training for the world championships one day when I had a phone call from a guy who claimed to be Jackie Chan’s stunt coordinator. I originally thought it was a joke, but he convinced me he was being serious and within two weeks, I was out in Budapest doing a movie. From there, I went from movie to movie and here we are today!

New lockup - Secondary logo

New lockup - Primary logo

Dubai X www.xdubai.com Instagram: xdubai Facebook: @xdubai XLine Dubai Marina XShop, Dubai Marina Mall Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 4 346 0003 www.xdubai.com/xline Instagram: x_line Facebook: @XLine XDubai Skatepark Kite Beach, Jumeirah 1 Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 56 831 2349 www.xdubai.com/skatepark Instagram: @XDubai Facebook: @XGrounds

XM: From Skyfall to Assassins Creed, you have worked on a bunch of movies with a lot of Hollywood’s elite. Can you pick a favourite stunt scene from all the movies you’ve worked on and what made it so memorable? DW: My most memorable scene I have done in movies would probably have to be the church fight in the movie, Kingsman. I was in charge of organising the fight as well as performing so I was very busy but it was good fun. The fight took 10 days to shoot and we had over 100 people all fighting and smashing things around. Very fun! XM: What is the scariest stunt you’ve ever done? In the real world and on a movie set. DW: Definitely the scariest stunt I have done would be the Leap of Faith in the movie, Assassin’s Creed. The jump was from 135ft.

high and the airbag was only 30ft. wide. So basically, it looked very very small from up there. XM: How do you mentally prepare and overcome the fear? DW: Everyone gets scared and people who say they don’t ever get scared are lying. It’s just how you deal with it. I feel like if I – and those around me - take the right steps leading up to a big stunt then all I have to do is trust in the preparation that we have all put in. XM: When you’re planning new stunts, do you aspire to have it bigger and better than the previous or do you think more about the technical difficulty than the sheer scale of it? DW: Yes, I always try and do bigger and better stunts. I love pushing myself and seeing how far I can go so I always like to think of new things.

XM: I’m guessing you have to deal with injuries on a regular basis. Common injuries and what has been your worst injury? DW: I have had a lot, but I guess the worst was when I completely pulled my ankle out of its socket. Luckily, it didn’t break the bones as it came out so after they got it back in, I tried as hard as I could to get it better. We shot the movie, Kick Ass, three weeks after I did it. I couldn’t run properly for maybe 3 months, but we managed. XM: What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing? DW: The things that motivate me is that if I sit down for too long, I get bored and eventually, my brain starts thinking of new ideas. I love doing what I do and want to do it for as long as I can.

LI F E ST Y LE

DAMIEN WALTERS

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Enjoy

Nad Al Hamar Avenues, Dubai, UAE.

Free Classes

Free Class

Call us or drop by to book T: 4 397 3338

Nad Al Hamar Avenues, Dubai, UAE.

Call us or drop by to book Location: Nadd Al Hamar Avenues, Block E, Ground Floor

Contact Numbers: 04 397 3338 052 897 7281

Email: info@curvalicious.fit www.curvalicious.fit

Free Class

Call us or drop by to book T: 4 397 3338

Nad Al Hamar Avenues, Dubai, UAE.

xmotionmag.com ISSUE #4

FLY & SPLASH: THE DAY & NIGHT EXPERIENCE Day and Night Yachts & Watersports has always been a steadfast provider for adventure seekers visiting Dubai. A wide array of activities is presented to guests, so they can choose which one will fit the level of adrenaline rush they are looking for. From cruising with yachts to ascending toward heights with the Fly board, Day & Night can surely cater your personal and group’s needs. If you are looking for a good and affordable way to spend your holiday – alone, with friends or family – then we have the perfect activities for you.

YACHT CRUISE Your group can hire a yacht to cruise around the Palm and see two of the most luxurious hotels in world, Atlantis The Palm and the Burj Al Arab hotel. You can also opt to stop for a swim, bask under the sun and enjoy good food, good drinks, good music and the best company. JET SKI Revving loud and proud around The Palm Jumeirah are our jet skis that you can hire for different durations. Each duration differs with the destination that you can reach but they all have one thing in common – they will give you an adrenaline rush for days. FLY BOARD If you are one of the adventurous few who are into extreme watersports, then Fly Boarding will surely be your cup of tea. More commonly known as the hover board for water, this might look as hard as a rock but with our expert instructors and equipment, you will be able to play like a pro in minutes.

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“Cruise around the majestic The Palm Jumeirah and catch the sunset while enjoying the views of Atlantis The Palm and Burj al Arab.”

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“Circle through The Palm Jumemirah while having the best adrenaline rush of your life”

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ON FLYBOARD SESSION “Not for the faint-hearted but will definitely bring you to heights you’ve never imagined and an experience to cherish for a lifetime.”