issue 25

Price: 10 DHS

THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST

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WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM Issue 25, January 2013

The Transhajar MTB race oMan

Riding fRom the Roots

Cath Runs From Dubai To FujairahCoast to Coast

Mike and PeTe conquer The idwal BalaTa sakhria

Kings of the RoCK!

darryl exPlores The rugged oMani islandmasiRah island

Great Escape: ++

مقابلة حصرية معالشيخ أحمد بن حمدان آل نهيان

Dubai:The Dubai Mall, Level 2Fashion CatwalkTel: +971 4 325 3595Email: [email protected]

Abu Dhabi:Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Level 1Next to the CinemasTel: +971 2 586 8240Email: [email protected]

Doha:City Centre Doha2nd FloorTel: +974 4 463 1644Email: [email protected]

starts 3 January 2013

Dubai:The Dubai Mall, Level 2Fashion CatwalkTel: +971 4 325 3595Email: [email protected]

Abu Dhabi:Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Level 1Next to the CinemasTel: +971 2 586 8240Email: [email protected]

Doha:City Centre Doha2nd FloorTel: +974 4 463 1644Email: [email protected]

starts 3 January 2013

3OUTDOORUAE

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

All contents are under copyrights and may not be reproduced in any kind without written permission.

© 2013 Outdoor UAE FZEReg. at Creative City FujairahP.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.

WHEN YOU’RE DONE READING,

PLEASE RECYCLE!

THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST On the Cover: Sam Whittam photo by Daniel Birkhofer

Managing Editor Daniel BirkhoferEditors Kim Perks, Tara Atkinson, Angelo CabreraDesigner Oybek DaniyarovAdministration Jane Mesina

Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries)Tara AtkinsonTel: 04-447 2030Mobile: 055 [email protected]

Published byOutdoor UAE FZEP.O. Box 215062Dubai, U.A.E.Tel. 04-447 [email protected]

DistributorTawzea, Abu Dhabi Media CompanyP.O. Box 40401, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

Printed atGaladari Printing & Publishing LLCP.O. Box 11243Dubai, U.A.E.

© 2013 Outdoor UAE FZEIssue 25 January 2013

BETWEEN THE LINES

Daniel Birkhofer Founder and Editor in [email protected]

Oybek Daniyarov Graphics & [email protected]

Kim Perks Copywriter and Editor

Tara Atkinson Sales and Marketing [email protected]

Zaid AdhamArabic Editor

Jane Mesina [email protected]

EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

Tori Leckie Writer, runner, blogger, adventurer and adidas athlete

Kit Belen Our fishing pro

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

Mike Nott The 4x4 expert

John Basson Moto/ATV and all round adventure seeker

Pete Aldwinckle Climber and all-round adventure seeker

Toby Foord-Kelcey Climbing Expert

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

Gordon T Smith Desert Diver and wannabe Marine Biologist

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? CONTACT US! [email protected]

++

++

New things are coming our way this 2013, and also, plenty of new and exciting adventures to look forward to Outdoors and in the UAE.

Of course, challenges will be there, too; it is impossible to live a life without having to face one, no matter how great or insignificant it may be. But I believe that having them is good thing, as it defines your worth as a person and it adds flavor and excitement to your exist-ence.

In the new year, if the going gets tough, the tough get going, as they always say. Step up to the challenges that will come your way. And no matter how hard things could get, you’ll make it through eventually so as long as you “keep calm, and carry on,” as how Britain had put it during one of their most trying times.

As for me, it has been a great time sharing with you my gift of words and vision for some time now at OutdoorUAE, and I wish you all the best with your life’s journey, and success in every step of the way.

Always stay safe, and enjoy the world of the great outdoors.

Angelo

Price: 10 DHS


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WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM Issue 25, January 2013

The Transhajar MTB race oMan

Riding fRom the Roots

Cath Runs From Dubai To FujairahCoast to Coast

Mike and PeTe conquer the Idwal Balata Sakhria

Kings of the RoCK!

darryl exPlores The rugged oMani islandmasiRah island

Great Escape: ++

مقابلة حصرية معالشيخ أحمد بن حمدان آل نهيان

THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

4 OUTDOORUAE

CONTENTS

EVERY ISSUE

EVENT REVIEWS

TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

OUR EXPERTS

14 T

HE

WA

DI A

DVE

NTU

RE R

AC

E 2

22 RIDING FROM THE ROOTS: THE TRANSHAJAR OMAN

05 BEST SHOTS06 EVENTS CALENDAR30 PRODUCTS50 PEOPLE67 DIRECTORY

10 URBAN-ULTRA DESERT STINKER12 DUBAI CREEK STRIDERS HALF MARATHON13 DUBAI 92 CYCLE CHALLENGE

20 WEST TO EAST UAE KAYAK CHALLENGE22 TRANSHAJAR MTBING OMAN24 SCALING JEBEL SHAMS26 A LONG WEEKEND TO ICELAND

62 ACRO YOGA - FLYING INTO THE NEW YEAR64 FITTING YOUR BIKE WITH BODY GEOMETRY

36 WINTER DOLDRUMS - THE FISHING KIT38 ADVENTURE CHICK IN SOUTH EAST ASIA - TORI40 CLIMBING IDWAL BALATA SAKHRIA - MIKE NOTT42 CARS BIKES AND QUADS - JOHN BASSON

TIPS + TRICKS

50 An interview with HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan

Featured Event14 WADI ADVENTURE RACE 218 DMX TEAM PROFILES

48 AN 18-MONTH OBSESSION

28 The Marmot Limelight 3P TentTRIED AND TESTED

46 GETTING TO GRIPS WITH MTB’ing

ON THE COVER


5OUTDOORUAE

BEST SHOTS

Sunil Bhalla

WINNER!

WINNER!

WINNER!

Read Macadam

Here are The best shots sent in by you for the monthly ‘Want Fame?’ photog-raphy competition! Thank you for all your entries, they were all great and it was hard selecting the best photos this month. Con-gratulations to the top 3 winners (who each receive Buff headwear and 5 free copies of the magazine) Gordon T. Smith, Naomi Ab-boud and Sunil Bhalla. Well done!

To submit your shots simply email us at [email protected] with the subject ‘Best Shots’. You can submit maxi-mum 3 image per month.

Gordon T. Smith

Naomi Crusing

Merry Christmas

Camping with the Family


6 OUTDOORUAE

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

The Polar Beast: Wadi Adventure Al Ain January 18, 7:30 a.m. Jebel hafeet, al ain

Get ready for the challenging swim-bike-run race that was described as the toughest sprint triathlon in the world by a former Ironman world champion. Course through the beautiful lakes at Wadi Adventure, Al Ain, then cycle for 20km with 800m accent to the summit of Jebel Hafeet, then finally finish off with a 5km run. For more information, contact Dave Mutch at [email protected] or 050 817 8955.

Surf Dubai Sunset Open Between January 18 to february 16, Umm suqeim open Beach, dubai

The local surf school, Surf Dubai, in partnership Quiksilver with will be holding its 4th annual “Sunset Open” between January 16th and February 18th depending on weather conditions. Registrations for the larget local surf competition are now open for the Men’s and Women’s division, longboard division as well as two categories for youngsters – groms (11 to 16 years) and super groms (5 to 10 years). Competitors can contact Surf Dubai at 050 504 3020 or visit www.surfingdubai.com.

Dunlop 24H Dubai: 8th Edition January 11 to 12, 2:00 p.m., dubai autodrome, motorcity

Feel the ground vibrate as the drivers rev up their machines for this pioneering international endurance race for GTs and touring cars. More than 80 teams from all over the world will compete at the 5.39km grand prix circuit at this highly anticipated motoring event. For more information and tickets, visit www.24hdubai.com.

Wadi Bih Mountain Bike ChallengeJanuary 11, 8:00 a.m., golden tulip hotel (start Point), dibba, oman

The MTB race is set in the dramatic and stunning Hajar Mountains near Dibba Oman. Its route follows the Wadi Bih run course through the Wadi Khabb Shamsi into the Musandam moun-tains. Take note that due to current restrictions at the border crossing Dibba, the location of the route may change. For more information,visit www.wadiadventure.com or send your enquiries to [email protected].

ZOGGS Aquathlon Series Race 2 of 3January 12, 7:00 a.m., madinat Jumeirah, dubai

This run and swim race for adults and juniors is split into three divisions (Super Sprint, Sprint and Olympic) will take competitors through a running path along the Madinat Jumeirah grounds and then to a swim course. Super Sports Dubai encourages entrants to bring a towel to mark your transition area, preferably a distinctive one, so you can find it amongst everyone else’s. Participants should also lay out goggles and any other clothing on the towel for an easy transition from run to swim. For more information, visit www.supersportsdubai.com or contact Warren at [email protected] or at 050 657 5021.


7OUTDOORUAE

EVENTS CALENDAR ++

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2013January 25, 7:00 a.m., the Pavilion, downtown dubai

This year’s Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon will take place in Downtown Dubai adjacent to the Burj Khalifa. The start for the three-category race (42km marathon, 10km road race and 3km fun run) will be from the same start gantry location just up from the Burj Khalifa outside the Pavilion. The finish area will be through the same finish gantry location on the opposite side of the road from the start gantry. For more details and registration, visit www.dubaima-rathon.org.

Transhajar MTB Race 2013 January 30 to february 2, 8:00 a.m., al amarat area, muscat, oman

This MTB event is described as a low-budget, grassroots stage race that offers participants four days of tough and challenging ride through Oman’s picturesque countryside. The key objective is to get as many people out racing and attempting a multi-stage MTB race. This is said to be riders’ preparation for their Cape Epic bid later in March, while others just take it on as a personal challenge. In any case, be assured that you will have a memorable ride. For more information, check out their website www.transhajar.com.

CSI3-W Dubai Show Jumping Championship 2013 January 31 to february 2, 11:30 a.m., emirates equestrian Centre, next to Bab al shams Resort

Watch Olympic medallists and local show jump stars display their skills on a horse and battle it out for the grand prize. This three-day event at the Emirates Equestrian Centre, which forms part of the region-wide Arab League, promises top-class entertainment from international riders, and family-friendly fun that includes food and beverage kiosk, activities like pony rides and prizes. To know more, visit www.emiratesequestriancentre.com or call 050 5587656.

Big Boys Toys 2013 January 31 to february 2, 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, dubai

Big Boys Toys is the Middle East’s premiere annual luxury lifestyle exhibition featuring latest technologies, the biggest brands and high-impact entertainment. The three-day affair pro-vides an exclusive opportunity to showcase innovative products from the different exhibitors that will be seen for the first time in the region. This year’s edition promises to bring so much more in store for everyone! For more details, visit www.bigboystoysuae.com.

Featured Event pg. 14Wadi Adventure Race 2January 19, 8:00 a.m., Wadi adventure, al ain

Wadi Adventure has organised a head-to-head individual race that incorporates five unique and adrenaline-fuelled challenges, which includes a unique 3km run, water retrieval, surf pool traverse, whitewater river navigation, extreme obstacle course and many more! Each challenge will test your physical and mental strength, but it will provide both spectators and competitors ample amount of fun! The race is open to men and women. Prizes will be given to both classes, and there will be water stations all over the course. For more information, call 03 781 8422 or email them at [email protected] or visit their website www.wadiad-venture.ae.


NEWS + COmmENT

8 OUTDOORUAE

“Trek UAE is delighted to have this opportunity to join with the UAE Cycling Federation in helping to sup-port women’s cycling at a National level,” stated Faisal Al Marri, CEO of Gymcare General Trading, distributor of Trek bikes in UAE.

The Trek Bicycles UAE retail store in Oud Metha (next to Lamcy Plaza) will offer compre-hensive workshop support to all

members of the Cycling Fed-eration, six days per week from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. This store is open to the public and has everything available, from fully-customised professional level racing bikes to entry level bikes, with specific designs for women and children and a well-stocked workshop with all neces-sary spares and accessories.

In support of the UAE’s Fe-male Cyclists, Trek UAE will be providing the National Women’s team with brand new equipment in sizes tailored specifically to

their requirements:• 15 Trek Madone 2013 Women’s

Specific Designs Carbon road rac-ing bicycles

• Women’s Specific road bike sad-dles, road bike helmets and road cycling shoes

• Bontrager road cycling jerseys uniquely printed with sponsor’s and team’s logos

• Women’s Specific road cycling gloves, socks, track suits, training shoes and other accessories.Trek UAE looks forward to

helping with the continued development of the Women’s

Road Cycling Team to the high-est possible level for many years to come.

For further details, please con-tact Dominic Ford (Sports Divi-sion manager) on 04 335 0399 or [email protected].

Trek UAE is proud to announce their sponsorship of the UAE Women’s National Road Cycling Team 2012-2013

++

Q&A ++

???Can you name a good camping spot that has easy-medium terrain?

Location: SuwaydanVehicle: 4x4 or by road in a normal carGPS: N25°07.179 E055°46.424

This campsite is perfect for anybody and directly accessible via paved roads. Coming from Dubai or Abu Dhabi take the Emirates Road 311, drive towards Hatta on the E66 until you reach the E611 exit to Sharjah. Follow the road until the Kalba exit E102. Then on to exit Makafiz E149, take the second left towards Makafiz and continue until you reach your coordinates. You can park your car on the road and walk to the campsite or call a friend to pick you up with a 4X4.If you are going off-road your starting point is : GPS: N25°09.977 E055°34.150, and in general it is very simple: follow the power masts on the off-road tracks until you reach a camel farm. From there you can enter the dunes on either side and head to the final GPS coordinates N25°07.179 E055°46.424.

We are an outdoor equipment distribution company based in DIP and we are looking for somebody to join our team, can you help?

Global Climbing are looking for somebody to join their team to work in the international purchasing, logistics and inventory management department. Applicants should be computer literate (MS Office), numerate and be able to work with an attention to detail. A significant amount to the work is communication in written and spoken English, so applicants should be able to structure correspondence and communicate effectively on the telephone. This is an office-based job with normal office hours five days per week.

Previous work experience is not required and we are prepared to invest in the right candidate, who is looking for a start and an op-portunity; is motivated, looking for a challenge, willing to accept responsibility and wants to work in a dynamic, multi-national and fun environment. Interested applicants should send their details, including education, interests, living location along with details of work experience and references to [email protected]. These details along with any covering letter should not exceed two pages A4.

“

“

???


on thursday, 11th of October 2012, the lives of Richard Holland and his family changed forever. Whilst training for an Ironman Triathlon, Rich was hit from behind by a car and sus-tained multiple life-threatening injuries, including a severe injury to his brain stem, resulting to a persistent coma.

Back On Your Bike has been established to assist Rich Holland and his family by rais-ing money to cover his immediate and future medical care.

Rich’s condition is now stable, but he remains in a state of very low consciousness (semi-coma) and requires intensive medi-cal supervision to care for him round the clock. Rich faces an unknown hospitalisation period. After a severe brain injury, particu-larly to the brain stem, which controls motor function, it is only possible to guess at the recovery time and the likely outcome. All that is certain is that recovery is a slow pro-cess and will take months and years, rather than weeks.

Rich has received excellent medical care in Dubai from both Rashid Hospital and The

City Hospital. However, a key step in his re-covery involves admitting him into a neuro-rehabilitation facility where he can receive the best possible rehabilitation therapies for a brain stem injury. As soon as he is stable enough, Rich will be medically repatriated to either a facility in his home country, South Africa, or a facility in Australia where his im-mediate family currently reside. Moving Rich back to South Africa or Australia means he can be given the intensive medical care he needs along with the much-needed support of friends and family.

According to projected medical bills, Rich’s health insurance (AXA) will run out soon and he will then have no remaining cover. At this stage, he will not have medical cover in South Africa. AXA have graciously agreed to cover Richard’s medivac flight when he leaves Dubai and we are so grate-ful. Reachable fundraising goals have been set for the various stages of Rich’s recov-ery. The first fundraising target of 150,000 USD will cover the most pressing medical expenses and those of the next few months. These targets will be increased as we learn more about the Rich’s recovery process.

Given the uncertainty of the recovery period, the total fundraising target is set at 1,700,000 USD. This amount has been esti-mated based on the first six weeks of treat-ment, the multiple surgeries he has already undergone, as well as future scheduled procedures, physiotherapy (neuro and physi-cal) and the projected amount of rehabilita-tion treatment required in the long term. This amount was validated using information from the DANA Foundation which calculates the lifetime expense of a coma patient be-tween 600,000 and 1,875,000 USD.

The road to recovery will the toughest challenge Rich has ever faced. We all know him as a young man in the prime of his life; a fighter of fierce courage and steely determi-nation. We believe that with love, care and support, Rich will get back on his bike and continue to live his life doing the things he loves so much.

For more information or to donate, please check out the website www.backonyour-bike.com.

Photos By: backonyourbike.comWords By: Gary Flint

9OUTDOORUAE

Editor’s Note:

Continuing their campaign, the group also hosted a movie fundraiser on December 18 at Grand Cinemas in the Ibn Battuta Mall. Friends and family watched the premiere of the drama film “The Impossible” starring Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts. The film is based on a true story of a family’s struggle during the tragic Southeast Asian tsunami disaster in 2004. As the group stated, “Depicting moving scenes of determination and hope, this movie is a great opportunity to help maintain support and get Richard back on his bike.” All tickets sold at 100 AED in Revolution Cycles, Adventure HQ, Ride Bike Shop, The Cycle Hub, Wolfi’s Bike Shop and during the Spinney’s Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge went directly to the Back on Your Bike fund.


10 OUTDOORUAE

Desert Stinker

with my efforts, but the same can’t be said for the drive home with lead weights attached to my hips! The stinker was a great event and well-organised with some good route selec-tions. It was massively accessible with runners of all ages and abilities, entering into the two distances, and not just for the running elite. I would like to say a huge thank you to Louise Adamson and all the team at Urban-Ultra for a fantastic event and for helping me find a love for a landscape I had previously ignored.

Urban-Ultra

21mins. I was happy! All that was left now was to get the BBQ lit for some well-earned grub and listen to fellow campers singing songs around their fires.

Disgustingly early on day two, it was time to rise, get some brekkie and prep my kit for the next race. As I said, this was more challenging than the last and it didn’t take long to see why. Turning onto the sand and clambering my first dune, I was greeted with a never-ending sea of windswept dunes, seemingly untouched by anything. These untouched obstacles were relentless with a constant up and down, trying to stay light on my feet so as to not get bogged down in the soft sand. In spite of this, I was more than happy with how I was coping with the energy-sapping inclines and felt strong throughout. Then it went slightly wrong. The red and white markers that lined the route suddenly disappeared and a group of us mistakenly carried on (I was 4th at this point). It soon became apparent we had gone too far and we all headed for the main reference point, which were the electricity pylons. It wasn’t long before we picked the route back up, but the damage had been done. My position had dropped dramatically and it turned out that I ran an extra 5k! Anyway, I kept pushing for the last couple of kilome-tres along the world’s longest straight track, which seemed to go on forever! It was here I had a mental battle with myself: one side of me imploring me to stop and the other side screaming at me to keep going! I kept up the fight and made it to the finish as I stum-bled in, drenched with sweat and a time of 2hrs 21mins. Not ideal, but I finished which was an achievement in itself.

I had taken on the challenge of the dunes and the open desert, coming out very happy

For some, the desert is just some-thing they drive past on the way to work or the mall. The sprawling open sand and rolling dunes are usually left to the adventurous drivers and their 4x4s. But today, many runners will be tackling this unspoilt beauty on foot in the inaugural Desert Stinker, with all the funds raised going to Macmillan Cancer Support and the Richard Hol-land Back on Your Bike fund.

So what is a Desert Stinker? Urban-Ultra, a Dubai-based events organiser, invited people to take part in a two-day race in the Bab Al Shams area, where competitors had the option of completing either 10k on the Friday and 10k on the Saturday, or 20k-20k. The first distance would be completed under the delightful Dubai night sky with the second race posing a slightly more difficult challenge of running over the dunes the following morning. The stinker part comes in with the overnight camping. As the event organisers put it, “no frills” – meaning no showers, so you can imagine the smell would be “fresh,” as I like to say.

I have quite a bit of experience when it comes to running races across various distances, but running on sand was entering the unknown. To top it off, I threw myself straight into the deep end with the 20k-20k distance.

So I arrived at the campsite for a very simple and easy registration where I was pre-sented with some goodies from the events sponsors, including a handy can of deodor-ant. Before I knew it, the sun was going down, the stars were coming out and head torches coming on, setting the scene for the first run. The command was given to start and I can imagine it would have been quite a sight watching from a distance the mass of light moving as one, even if only for a short moment, before the route split with the 10k runners wishing the 20k runners good luck.

The beams of light soon faded as the run-ners broke away from each other, it was how-ever amazing to look back and see a long line of head torches bobbing away, with only the occasional sound of footsteps to disturb the silence. The route was well marked and easy to follow, and the terrain easily han-dled. This kind of event is why I love running – I get lost in my music, take in the amazing scenery and let my thoughts just wander off. At that point, you feel so light on your feet, as though nothing else exists and it’s just you and the route ahead. This was compounded by the dark open landscape and, before I knew it, the finish was in sight and there was one last burst of effort to cross the line in 1hr

EVENT REVIEWS

Words + Photos: Lee Bradbury

Kicking off the start of 20k over the dunes

Lining up ready to start day 2

Post 20k over the dunes. It got surprinsgly warm towards the end


3rd January until 3rd February 2013 While stocks last.

3rd January until 3rd February 2013 While stocks last.

12 OUTDOORUAE

“Did you like the fantastic goody bag when you collected your race num-ber?” “Yeah, the best,” said the woman to her friend before the 11th running of the Johnson Arabia sponsored race. Not the normal conversation on a startline, when personal best times are normally traded, or excuses about injuries or disrupted training plans are shared, but typical of the conversation for this well-loved race. A free sports kitbag, shirt, two water bottles, food, gels, skincare and many discounted offers from co-sponsors redeem the entry fee even before the race begins.

Filing into start pens that reflected the expected finish times, the elite elbowed to the front to ensure minimum hassle at the off. There was a short delay while the police approved the final road closure, and then finally the countdown to the hooter sounded for the 1600 runners and cheers erupted from the multitude of spectators at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Waves of runners separated by two-minute intervals ensured safety and a comfortable start along the access road and onto the proper roads.

The course is essentially a figure of eight highlighting the most scenic aspects of the creek. Heading out towards the Aviation Club, the field began to thin. A stationary dragon boat crew at the river were hooting and hollering encouragement to the runners. At the top of the slope to the bridge, a man is already sitting down panting a bit early at 2km. The bridge framed an evocative sunrise as the large ball of fire cut through the hu-mid mist to offer glorious views of the river and the water traffic, reflections dazzling in the low angle sunshine. “Aren’t you hot?” I asked a runner dressed in three layers, including a hoodie. “Well it was cool at this time yesterday morning,” was her response.

Before the start, a group of Harley David-son bikers had roared up to the race village. I naively assumed they had joined the wrong event. Nope, they were helping as road marshals. Dropping off Al Garhoud Bridge, the “Eye of the Tiger” boomed from one HOG bike to motivate us as we grabbed our first drink. Dubai Creek Park perimeter then led us to the Al Maktoum Bridge, the numer-ous smiling marshals en route, some clearly families of mum, dad and the kids, cheered us along. Three fit pony-tailed women run-ners had been chatting together from the start and continued to do so even now. At this point, most blokes were in the grunt and groan stage. How do ladies do it?

After crossing the bridge, the route took us on the north side of the creek past the moored dhows, a mixture of diesel, tyre aro-

mas and cardboard filled the air. Their crews looked on in bemusement. You could only guess their confusion as to what we were do-ing so early on a Friday morning, but joined in the spirit with “good mornings,” claps and waves to reciprocating runners. The half way stage approached the pedestrian under-pass to transfer us to the south side and the restored historic buildings. A welcome drinks stop manned by a local school offered wet sponges to cool heated bodies. Ahh, bliss.

Following the water’s edge, we continued along and through the textile souk. At its exit were numerous spectators controlled by two enthusiastic bikers with loud speakers blasting “Move that a** to the beat” – a wonderfully appropriate song.

By now my shirt is soaked in sweat and I’m not the only one, proven by the sweat drops dotting the flagstones past the Ruler’s Court. The sun is now higher in the sky and directly in our faces. I didn’t wear my hat or sunglass-es, so I am beginning to squint. I have a pain in the ball of my right foot. My hip hurts. My pace is slower than March’s Emirate Hills Half. It must be owing to this hilly course – the slopes up the bridges! Approaching Al Maktoum Bridge, I spot my marshalling wife. Quick kiss on the cheek and I’m off, the blokes behind queuing for one too.

Two kilometres to go. A voice in my head wonders about upping the pace. Another voice says, “Err... no,” just get to the end in an enjoyable state. The finish line approach-es and two friends cheer my name. I try to look fit and cross under the finish arch into a sea of faces, and a Harley biker presents my medal. Now to find the showers and the post-race breakfast, whereupon my friend wins the top raffle prize selected by your race number – two flights to Cape Town. Magic.

Billed as the worlds’ best half marathon, it is certainly the most scenic urban half. Having raced around the world, I can attest it should also claim to be the best organised, too.

Ismail won the men’s race in 1hr 10mins and Anne-Mari for the women’s in 1hr 20mins. Needless to say, a big congratula-tions to all competitors, Dubai Creek Strid-ers’ organisers and the sponsors alike.

EVENT REVIEWS

Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon A View from the Back of the Pack

Photo by: Margot Turner

Words By: Stephen Turner

Photo by: Barry Morgan BM Sports PhotographyPhoto by: Barry Morgan BM Sports Photography

Photo by: Barry Morgan BM Sports Photography


13OUTDOORUAE

Ryan Tanguilig from Team Jumeirah and Victoria Norvall from Team BMC were the first male and female cyclists to cross the line in the 3rd annual Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge on December 14.

Over 1,100 cyclists set off on the Chal-lenge at 6:00 a.m. and just over two hours later, riders from Team Jumeirah formed a breakaway to finish one and two.

The president of the UAE Cycle Federa-tion, Mr Osama Al Shafar, was at the finish line at the Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park to wave the chequered flag as Tanguilig crossed the line just moments before the second place. Tanguilig set a time of 2hrs 12mins 14secs, beating last year’s finish time by one minute. Moments after crossing the finish line, he said: “It’s a great feeling to cross the line first in this event. We talked about who would cross first if we made a breakaway and we are a team, so it was a decision we made as a team.”

“The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is terrific event. It is very well organised and supported, and I would like to thank everyone who has come out and supported it today.”

Victoria Norvall is a familiar name at the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. The Team BMC rider has crossed the line first in the previous two years and her domination of the event continued that today. She set a finishing time of 2hrs 12mins 36secs, smash-ing her time last year by over 14 minutes. On being the first across the line again, she said: “The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Chal-lenge is something special and it rivals the best rides I’ve done. The route is perfect and it goes past some of the world’s most famous landmarks.”

“The organisation is excellent and the vibe here is just incredible. I’ve done it every year and it’s getting bigger and better each year,” she added.

Finn Ramirez was first across the finish line in the new youth category.

“Congratulations to Ryan, Victoria and Finn on crossing the line first in their categories,” said the challenge race director Stewart Howison. “They recorded excellent times and they have raised the bar for next year’s Cycle Challenge.”

“I would like to thank Mr Osama Al Shafar, president of the UAE Cycle Federation for being here to see the riders cross the line and Dubai Sports Council for their continued support of the event.”

“We owe a huge debt of thanks also to the RTA and the police for keeping the riders safe. Without them, none of this would be possible. We also are extremely thankful to our main sponsors Spinneys and Dubai 92 who have backed us every year and continued to do so,” he added.

“We have had a fantastic response to the Challenge this year,” he continued. “The number of participants is the most we’ve ever had and the cycle track at Nad Al Sheba has enabled us to take the whole event, including the kiddie rides and the family activities, to a new level. I have no doubt this is an event that will continue to grow and the goal is to eventually stage an event along the lines of South Africa’s hugely popular Cape Argus, which attracts over 40,000 participants each year.”

The Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park was a hive of activity all morning with the popular kiddie rides at the Cycle Proficiency Track suit-able for children up to 8-years-old and on a specially-designed 2km oval track for the nine to 15-year-olds. All children received a certifi-cate and two from each event were selected at random to win a 300 AED gift voucher from Spinneys.

There were also plenty of activities to keep families entertained in the Cycle Village like the bouncy castles, inflatables, bike stalls and more.

All information on the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is available online at www.cyclechallenge.ae.

Tanguilig And Norvall Take Top Honours AtTHE THIRD ANNUAL SPINNEYS DUBAI 92 CYCLE CHALLENGE

Mr Osama Al Shafar at the finish line Photo supplied by Cycle Challenge

Starting Line - Photo supplied by Cycle Challenge

Photo by: Barry Morgan BM Sports Photography

The Kiddies Ride - Photo supplied by Cycle Challenge

Biting off more than i can chewTara and Oybek take on the world of adventure challenges, mountain biking and CrossFit in a race to get fit!

14 OUTDOORUAE

It’s 9:00 a.m. The wind is howl-ing, and I’m making my way up through a spectacular wadi. I’m try-ing to focus metres ahead on the terrain, but I can’t stop looking at the wadi walls starting to close in on either side of me and the grow-ing lunar-esque summit towering above as we inch closer to the top.

It’s technical and it’s not easy. I’m wind-ing my way slowly but steadily up to the top – my legs are burning and lungs are on fire, but I’m still pushing on. Taking the lead through the rocky wadi bed is Bobo from Mountain Biking UAE, who I’d met by chance at the Showka Dam meeting point. It’s been one of those days where everything went wrong: the GPS, the timing, the meet-ing point, the group I was supposed to leave with, but yet I’ve made it – I’m riding.

Once at the top, we took a break at the summit point of the single track, I could tell I was holding him back. I was starting to feel a bit broken after the first two hours. The wind was still putting up a good fight as I looked down on what was to come. Bobo reassured me, “It’s all downhill from here, but you should take it slow, and don’t look down when you cross the bridge.”

I didn’t, I kept my focus and kept a steady pace once back on the bike. I was trying to keep up, but lost sight of Bobo. I then noticed a steep incline, leading up to a rocky silhouette opening only to the sky. I pushed up and through, and suddenly found myself looking down a steep face. My tyres dig into the loose rock, then hard rock, then loose rock again. Uncertain, I stupidly break, the back wheel comes out, I hold the position onto the hard rock for a second or so, but then get scared, I break again. This time the back wheel slides all the way under me, and my leg is trapped under the bike as I’m sliding down, trying to get it back up so I can get back on it, but as I stand I’m falling forward...

Let’s rewind slightly. This little crusade of mine all started a few weeks ago when I was asked if I wanted to enter the Al Ain Wadi Adventure Race 2. I said yes without thinking. It only occurred to me a week after

I gave my registration details that “real” people will be entering this event, the ones that run half marathons, do triathlons, cycle 92km and the list goes on. In a bid to make myself feel better about saying yes, I also convinced OutdoorUAE’s designer Oybek to enter as well.

I’m not a big fan of regimented activity and I believe that getting fit should be fun. I mainly give into peer pressure and get roped into things that are above and beyond what I’m capable off (for instance a 16km technical mountain bike ride at 7.00 a.m. on a Friday morning) – exciting and fun things that do require some sort of fitness level. I do them, wipe myself out for a couple of weeks and then find something else to hurt myself with. It’s a vicious cycle!

Unfortunately for me, surrounded by long-day specialists here at OutdoorUAE, it was only a matter of time until I decided to say yes to bite off more than I could chew.

Time to commit By the time this goes to print, there will

be only 19 days left till the Wadi Adventure Race 2. It will be held at the Wadi Adventure water park in Al Ain, and it’s a head-to-head individual race that incorporates five chal-lenges.

So far, they have only told us that it involves a 3km cross country run with a twist; water retrieval; 5kg bag run; surf pool trav-erse; whitewater river navigation; raft leap

Last year’s Wadi Adventure Race in Al Ain Water Park.

A taster of what is to come this year.

FEATURED EVENT

15OUTDOORUAE

frog; balance beam; barb wire crawl; wall climb; bag toss; extreme obstacle course and so on. They also have a picture on their Facebook of a huge rope on the side of the wave pool with three bodies auspiciously climbing up it, waiting to take a seriously big wipe out. ( Pictured left). Their prerequisite is that you should be a good swimmer, have a

basic level of fitness, be over 1.2 metres tall and expect to have a fun day (Wadi Adven-ture mentions the whole race should take an hour or so).

In a bid to find out more about what type of fitness we needed to prepare ourselves for the race, we got in touch with Lee Bradbury (one of our contributors this month and a coach at Reebok CrossFit LifeSpark, who also enters adventure races, challenges, midnight and morning desert 20K runs). He put us in touch with Candice and Ben (the gym owners) of Reebok Crossfit LifeSpark in JLT, a facility that prides itself on enabling its members to say YES to any challenge. (LifeSpark believe that fitness is essential to a great life. Their coaching focuses on teaching movement techniques and skills, physical conditioning and the development of healthy workouts and eating habits).

Lee suggested that with the mountain biking that I had taken up, we should also include CrossFit and some running into our workouts at least three hours a week to prepare ourselves for a good level of fitness for the adventure race.

Having not really any idea what CrossFit was, or what I would be in for, I said yes – a second time.

The verdict This is the most regimented training (apart

from PE class in school) that I’ve done in a long time. Run by Lee, the class started with some dynamic stretching and warm-up movements that prepare you for the

WOD (Work Out of the Day). The WOD can include anything from dedicated strength work to stamina, endurance and flexibility training. That day the skill work was endur-

ance focused with 2 x 800m sprints with five minutes rest in between. In the WOD, we focused on stamina, adding in weightlifting movements using kettle bells and medicine balls. It was the longest eight minutes I’ve ever been through and was followed by a cool down. I was aching, to say the least. My legs, muscles and lungs were burning, but I felt good, and caught myself laughing a few times at my disbelief that I was “pumping some iron!”

Tara’s Facebook Update: “First CrossFit session tonight! Wish me luck!”

“I’m scared just reading this (on your behalf),”said Matt Farr.“One of the best forms of exercise. If you’re not sick your first time, you’re not doing it right,” said Andy Valentine.“That is going to hurt you!!,” Johnathan Hallmark.“Cross fit is mental!!! I went to a CrossFit gym once... Nearly died!!,”Lisa Gould.

“Good luck! Let me know if you need a recommendation for a Physio,” Dominic Ford.

Quotes from my friends on facebook

“Oybek getting to grips with the fundamentals.

Taking the fundamentals class with Ben the head coach.

Tara attempting to do a pull-up

Tara practising a kettle bell swing.


The world’s top wakeboard riders brought back the heat in Abu Dhabi this winter for three days of intense wakeboard-ing action to prove who is king of this year’s World Wakeboard Association (WWA) Wake Park World Champion-ships.

The international competition held from December 6th to 8th at the Al Forsan Inter-national Sports Resort was the final stop of the World Wake Park Championships Series. It brought together some of the watersport’s “rock stars” to battle it out for the grand prize. Tom Fooshee, Dominik Gührs, and the youngest WWA champion, 15-year-old Daniel Grant, were among the stellar cast of contenders who showed their tenacity and athleticism as they pulled off a barrage of aerial flips and masterful manoeuvres that awed the spectators.

At the end of the adrenaline-fuelled finals match, Australia’s James Windsor stole the show with his display of sleek and snazzy tricks to grab the championship trophies in both the Pro Men’s and the Pro Features Only divisions.

Fooshee and Grant, who are both good friends of Windsor, landed in second and third place in the Pro Men’s division, respec-tively. They then traded places in the Pro Features Only match.

Meanwhile in the ladies’ tiff, South African wakeboard rider Angelika Schriber took the gold in the Pro Women’s division, knocking out Dutch contender Maxine Sapulette to second place and Austria’s Astrid Schabran-sky to third place.

In the amateurs’ competition, 13-year-old Scott Rosewell pulled off an amazing top podium finish in the Features Only division and bested men twice his age.

After the competition, fans had seized the chance to chat up with their favourite wakeboarding stars, who happily signed autographs and posed for photos. At the awarding ceremonies, the WWA presented a commemorative wakeboard signed by all the competitors as a memorabilia to Al Forsan for generously hosting the Wake Park World Championships for the second time. The celebrations continued with an after party that went into the night.

The WWA Wake Park World ChampionshipsWired for some watersport action!

16 OUTDOORUAE

CrossFit uses functional and compound movements with shorter, higher intensity cardiovascular sessions aimed to strengthen and condition your body, developing foun-dational fitness for other athletic endeavours or life. CrossFit view fitness and health on a continuum ranging from sickness to wellness to fitness. You can’t have true fitness without health first. CrossFit training improves the 10 components of fitness; cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agil-ity, balance and accuracy. All the things I would probably need in an adventure race and could build up in a short space of time.

I really enjoyed the class despite my initial concern about it not being fun. CrossFit is as much and as little as you need it to be and it is different every time you go. Everyone who enrols goes through a three-hour fundamen-tals class which is run by Ben (head coach and co-owner), which educates you in the

basics CrossFit movements and principles, WOD protocols, nutrition and much more. It is definitely more of a lifestyle choice and Oybek has already confirmed he’s going to continue doing it even after the adventure race is over.

In regards to training for specific skills for the race, there is a space on the member’s board where others have already signed up to the Wadi Adventure Race 2. This means that one of the nights during the week will be set aside to help build on skills essential to the challenges, which will be really help-ful. The gym has not only great equipment, but it is run by people who want to help you get better and feels very community driven, the doors are always open and I would recommend signing up for a session to give it a try.

“Ideal Training Schedule”

• 2-3 Hours per week of CrossFit• 1-2 hours or running per week (tread-

mill, park, or swimming if able to)• 2-3 Hours of continuous exercise once

a weekend (Mountain Biking/ Surfing or Paddleboarding)

Hoping that with all of this training and a spot of luck,I maybe able to finish the race. Make sure you get yourself down to the event and give Oybek and myself a cheer on the 19th of January. OutdoorUAE will also be down there giving away free magazines so come say hello.

Tara

One of the CrossFit classes focusing on strength and agility.

Oybek, Tara, Candice and Ben.

Words + Photos: Angelo Cabrera

17OUTDOORUAE

Since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamt of becoming a fighter pilot. But when I graduated from high school, my eyesight wasn’t as sharp as I wanted it to be, so I decided to study civil engineering instead as the construction indus-try was booming in 2002.

During that period, I saw a video on YouTube of a guy with an engine and a fan on his back, taking off with a parachute. At that moment, I realised that I could at least achieve a little of my dream and have a taste of flying.

In 2006, I ordered my first set of equip-ment online and tried to teach myself through YouTube videos, as we didn’t have any instructors at that time. It was a rough road I was going through and full of acci-dents, thankfully none of them were major.

Right from the beginning, I really started to like the sport. The idea of carrying an aircraft in the boot of your car and taking off from basically anywhere you want is an amazing feat. This is the future and it gives you a chance to see the world from a com-pletely different perspective. Taking off after a short run, experiencing the speed and acceleration at take off, feeling the wind in your face as you ascend climbing to 3,000m, or flying low till your feet scratches the ground – it’s just amazing! Later in 2007, I decided to take an instructor’s course in Em-puriabrava in Spain and it was the first time for me to meet with pilots from around the world. After a challenging course, I success-fully obtained the license and came back.

Since then, I have tried to attend every event held in Europe and I have built so many friendships from all over the world. The paramotor community is relatively small in comparison to other sports, everybody knows everybody. It’s very useful to have friends and connections as it makes things easier when you travel to other countries to fly. In 2009, I was invited to a competition in South Korea. It was during a yearly balloon festival and everything was paid for, so how could I resist? It was my first competition and I learned so much. Flying under stress makes you learn fast! I achieved 7th place out of 35 pilots. We had a chance to fly in Downtown Daejeon City, around buildings and over the motor ways. It was the craziest thing

bikes, if you ride it in the city you’ll get arrested, but it is fine to ride it in the desert. Therefore, we tend to fly as far as possible from the cities to avoid any noise, privacy disturbance and commercial airplanes. We are currently working with Emirates Aviation Association and the General Civil Aviation Authority to introduce basic regulations to the sport.

To date, I’ve had two interesting “close call stories” that I can remember. One of which, happened when I was flying in the desert close to Big Red and 50m below me I suddenly saw an F-16 passing at a very high speed. I thought I was dreaming! It was like “Wooaah! I better land now!” The other incident was when I had an engine failure about 30km away from my car, I had to hike back and hope that someone would pick me up. With an approximately 45kg on your back, 45°C heat and 90 per cent humidity, it was not an easy job. After an hour and a half of hiking, thankfully, my friends estimated where I was and they drove to pick me up. Such a mistake taught me to carry a bottle of water and a mobile phone on every single flight!

I can see a huge future for this sport in the UAE. The perfect environment and minimum restrictions makes it one of the best flying places in the world. For training, I recom-mend a very good friend, who’s a professional licensed instructor and has taught over 120 students. His name is Johan and can be contacted on [email protected].

Paramotoring in Dubai

a paramotor pilot could have dreamt of! I made a video of that trip and it went viral on YouTube.

In 2011, we had a fatality in the UAE as a pilot fell in the water and drowned. It hit me hard as he was a good friend and I was devastated. This is where I realised that the sport was growing fast in the UAE and that safety measures needed to be introduced. So I organised the first Paramotor Safety Seminar. I invited two of the main heads of the sport to speak about various topics related to paramotoring. The response to the seminar was phenomenal and it was attended by around 70 people from all over the GCC countries. Other than the serious safety aspects of the seminar, we also in-cluded a fun flying part where the top pilots showed off their skills. The participants were greatly impressed!

Unfortunately, the sport is not yet regu-lated in the UAE. It is similar to the quad

Words + Photos: Ali Al Hammadi


At the start of this year’s racing season, the DMX Bandits were formed by a disparate bunch of lost and lonely riders. Starting with only six members on the first club day, the team of young and young-at-hearts grew over the first race days. Now, they currently have a 12-member race team covering nearly all classes. The Bandits are a social team with members from age 10 to 50 who gets together on race days and enjoys the company and support of fellow team members and their families.

Although they feel participating stands above winning, the young ones take their racing seriously taking many podium positions in the races to date. Meanwhile, some of the more senior members are happy to get round the track intact and make it to work on Sunday! This is reflected in the graphic design on the sleeves of the team shirts.

The Bandits’ camaraderie also extends outside the track with other like-minded riders joining up for weekly Bandit desert rides.

Balooshi

Bandits

Anybody who would like to be a racing member, desert riding member or supporting social member are most welcome to join the DMX Bandits.

TEAMprofiles

The Dubai Motocross Club riders are all revved up for this season’s races! This month we catch up with the different DMX teams (Balooshi – Futuretech, Bandits, Sandstorm and Sun Blast) to find out more about them.

The next race is Friday 18th January, check out www.dubaimotocross.com for more info

Founded by Mohammad Al Balooshi and Tycho Lieske from Futuretech Engineering Group of Companies, the team aims to promote the sport of motocross and any form of off-road motorcycle racing in the GCC region. The team focuses on teaching young Arab riders how to be competitive in this demanding sport throughout the region and beyond. By providing training on and off the bike, as well as good service, we give our riders the needed support to become future champions.

We participate in races across the gulf and we have a professional set up at race tracks across the region so our riders get the best support during competitions. The team consists of 10 riders in MX1 and MX2 classes. By competing all over the GCC, we give our riders access to international level of racing and a step-up on the ladder. Balooshi Racing would like to thanks it’s sponsors for their support: Futuretech Engineering, Delleuse Trading LLC and Al Marakeb Boat Manufacturing Company.

18 OUTDOORUAE


EVENT REVIEWS

Team Sandstorm supports many riders throughout the year from full sponsorship including bikes to discounted kit and race support. Pictured here a couple of Sandstorm team’s current riders.

Team Sun Blast is a Dubai-based motocross race team sponsored by Arab Beverages and Organic Foods & Café. The team riders hydrate themselves with the Arab Beverages range of drinks, which include the Sun Blast range of vitamin waters recharge and rehydrate, as well the organic juices, coconut water and the Active O2 range of sports drinks. The team supports their diets with the product range from Organic Foods and Café, which is also the club DMX’s on site catering company. Team Sun Blast comprises of six riders including the only actively racing UAE woman rider. The team race in the UAE at the DMX Jebel Ali and Umm Al Quwain venues. Team riders include: 39-year-old Jens El-Accad (race number 4) of Germany, who is the team owner and races in master class; Birgitt Schelke (race number 128) of Germany, who previously successfully rode in the Women’s European GP series; 13-year-old Erik Björn Landgren of Sweden (race number 11), who

sandstorm

sun Blast

65cc1st Eugenio Barbaglia2nd Abdulla Al Nuaimi 3rd Alexander Mortada

85cc1st Jessie Lee Davidson2nd Thomas Hudson3rd Samuel Porter

125cc1st Ryan Wynn2nd Dean Jullien3rd Darren Berry

Clubmans1st Jarno Elo2nd Anwar Khusaif3rd Saif Al Kumiti

Masters1st Brent Gregson2nd Lee Corby3rd Corrado Meneghello

Pro Quads1st Mansoor Al Suwaidi2nd Nick Black3rd Sebastian Husseini

MX2 1st Ross Runnalls2nd Sean Gaugain3rd Dale Jullien

MX1 1st Chris Moelecki2nd Sean Gaugain3rd Ross Runnalls

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was DMX Cadets Champion, overall Club Champion 2005, DMX Junior Champion in 2006, 3rd place in 65cc class 2007. The team also hosts Jimmy Jonsson (race number 44), a 34-year-old rider from Sweden who won

the Swedish Junior Enduro Championship in his youth; 30-year-old Clinton Wyngard (race number 5) from South Africa, who was 5th in 2008 in MX2 and 5th in MX1 in 2011; and 36-year-old Johan Engelbracht from South African (race number 556) riding in MX1.

For more images logon to our

facebook page www.facebook.com/outdooruae

19OUTDOORUAE


From diving to kayaking to hiking, John loves the great outdoors.

20 OUTDOORUAE

This January , John Weston and dan Wills will be pushing off in their kayaks from Ras al Khaimah on the west coast of the Uae, and heading north towards the entrance the arabian gulf, the strait of hormuz. they will be in omani waters, known for 20 to 30ft swells and perilous currents. they will survive their unsupport-ed six-day journey eating only the food they can catch along the way, and sleeping on beaches they find on the many islands dotted sporadically throughout the strait.

Once through the strait, they will head south and eventually back into UAE waters to Fujairah.

Averaging around 30 to 40km per day, the challenge will be both mentally and physically exhausting and should take five to six days, depending on the conditions. They will encounter sharks, scorpions, as well as dolphins and hopefully, some whale sharks will join them for some much needed moral boosting.

John says…Kayaking from RAK to Fujairah started as

a question, “I wonder if I can do it?” I kayak fairly regularly, and have always enjoyed the freedom the little boats give you, plus the exercise is fantastic! And so, “I wonder if I can do it?” Soon became, “Of course I can do it, but how and when?” and then I added the extra pressure to the challenge, “I wonder if I can do it and only eat what-ever I can catch along the way?”

The challenge started as a solo trip, many of my friends are into the outdoor life and sports, but I figured none of them would enjoy, being hungry, tired and wet for five to six days. So I planned to go solo. It’s by no means the hardest challenge anyone has ever done, but it will definitely not be easy. The hardest aspect of this trip is to plan for the unknown. There’s so many factors to think about, weather, current, swell, food supply, water supply, energy, emergencies and the list goes on. All we can do is plan

for the worst and hope for the best.Dan and I, along with a group of friends,

camped out in Oman and hiked up Jebel Shams last year. I told him about the trip I was planning and he naturally sounded very interested, and knowing what I know about Dan, and his history of enduring challenges, I thought to myself that if anyone was going to be able to complete this with me, it’s this

Two men in a little boat, in a test of endurance and ability

WEST TO EAST UAE KAYAK CHALLENGE

TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

Words + Photos: John Weston & Dan Wills

guy. So, the trip evolved yet again to accom-modate an extra person.

We’ll be kayaking in an open tandem kayak, carrying the fishing kit, GPS and a small personal dry bag each, in case we capsize and get separated. The small dry bags will have two-way radios so we can find each other again, and our personal effects, plus some water. We will be towing a small one-man kayak that will hold around 50l of water, our clothes, sleeping bags and the cooking equipment. The plan is to land on a beach each night and cook the fish that we hopefully would have caught during the day. We did a test run around the Palm Jumeirah, and, fully laden, we can expect to be averaging three to 3.5 knots. The plan is to complete 30 to 35km per day. We expect to take five to six days to kayak from the northern point of RAK to the northern point of Fujairah.

As I mentioned earlier, the challenge isn’t the hardest anyone has ever undertaken, and I’m sure there will be people reading this who’ll agree. The most difficult aspect of the challenge is actually the unknown. The Strait of Hormuz is very unpredictable. I have been in the strait on dive trips, and it’s been seriously unpleasant on a big boat, let alone in a small kayak with no engine. The currents are strong and can whisk a small kayak out to sea with no warning, the swells can be 20 to 30ft, and the weather in January will be as bad as it gets in the region. Plus, who knows if we’ll catch any fish to eat! It will be a seri-ous test of endurance and will power. It will be both mentally and physically exhausting.

I’ve always loved the outdoors; my family originated from a small village in the coun-tryside of Essex in the UK, so being outdoors walking and working comes quite naturally to me. I joined the Royal Air Force cadets when I was 12, and soon found myself spending weeks away camping, fending for ourselves and hiking mountains in Wales and the Lake District. Also kayaking, rock climbing, shooting, flying, gliding and biking, basically anything that got us outdoors, and involved getting cold and wet. I remember sitting on top of a mountain in the UK when I was about 15. After spending a few days hik-ing, we were soaking wet, freezing cold and in danger of being blown off the top by the

GC-OUTDOOR UAE-525x280.pdf 1 12/20/12 2:36 PM

Dan and his brother went on a cycling trip across the Australian outback.

strong winds, but I just remember the awesome feel-ing when we were coming back down, I was obviously glad to be off the mountain and heading somewhere warm and dry. But most of all, a little part of me loved the achievement, from then until now, I prefer to be outdoors than indoors. I also took up fishing when I was about 10, and it soon became a hobby. Finding different spots to fish, camping out and just being surrounded by good friends was a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors.

So now, I live in Dubai, and for anyone that isn’t al-ready aware, this country has everything an outdoors-man could ask for, plus a lot more, and OutdoorUAE magazine pretty much covers it all.

I now spend my weekends kayaking, biking, hiking, fishing, diving and generally loving the outdoor life. Once the kayak expedition is over, I have one week break before the marathon, and then I’m setting my sights on a sailing course and my skydiving acceler-ated free fall for 2013, and of course, there’s few more challenges still in the early days of planning.

Dan says…The outdoors has been part of my life for as long

as I can remember. I was brought up in suburban Mel-bourne, Australia, but holidays were always spent on family camping trips. I joined the scouting movement from the age of eight and military cadet training was part of my high schooling, which would have us out in the bush for a week at a time in semi-survival mode. From the age of 14, I started overnight cross country skiing, kayaking and hiking expeditions in the alpine areas of Victoria, and like John, although I would often find myself soaking wet, in freezing cold condi-tions and in very remote areas, the personal challenge and sense of achievement at the end eventually had me hooked!

My first big challenge was at the age of 16, which was the Kokoda Track in the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. This was a gruelling seven-day hike through extremely tough terrain and was made famous by extensive fighting between the Japanese and Australian forces in 1942. This trip was also fol-lowed by cycling the length of New Ireland in Papua New Guinea.

Joining university opened up many new opportuni-ties, before long, I was a competitive cross country mountain biker and actively involved in rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, skiing, cross country running, etc. My love of hiking grew, and I spent every other weekend attempting a new trail in the Victorian Alps. Some notable hikes included the Overland Track in Tasmania, the Inca Trail in Peru (unsupported with a 30kg pack) and various routes within the Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile. By the time I reached the end of university, I merged my love of mountain biking and hiking into cycle touring and cycled the length of my state.

Probably my biggest achievement to date was inspired by my ancestor William Wills, who was part of the famous ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition of 1862, in which they were the first explorers to cross the Australian Continent. My brother and I cycled unsupported from the southernmost to northern-most points of mainland Australia and along the way, we retraced the route taken by the Burke and Wills expedition. This took us through 5,500km of the harshest terrain that Australia has to offer; the route is through the middle of the Australian outback and over 5,000km was off road (mostly sand).

My most recent challenge was several years ago, which at the time was the longest staged mountain bike race in the world (1,000km), the Cape Epic in South Africa. Since then, I’ve been waiting for the next challenge and jumped at the opportunity when John suggested kayaking around Musandam. We spent a lot of time in the area diving, mountain bik-ing, running and hiking, and to be able to take in the landscape from the water, with the added challenge of being without food, was an opportunity that was too good to miss.

The kayak challenge is set to raise 3000 GBP for Cancer Research, a charity that is close to everybody’s hearts.

You can find out more about the Kayak Challenge and all of my upcoming challenges at www.jdweston.com and you can even sponsor us at www.justgiving.com/jdweston.

22 OUTDOORUAE

Wednesday, 1st February 2012, 08:30 a.m.

Months of training, hard work and long rides have all brought me to this moment. In spite of all the work, I am not entirely sure how well I will perform. But I have done everything I can to be ready. The training is now complete. The bike is cleaned, checked and lubed. My CamelBak is stocked with water and spares, and I have a couple of gels stuffed into the leggings of my cycling shorts.

I am on the start line of day one of the TransHajar MTB Race in the magnificent Hajar Mountains in Oman. My stomach is in knots and I know today’s race is mostly against the clock. It’s the individual time trial and I am being counted down to my start. Riders are being sent out in one-minute intervals. It’s a 39.5km course that offers a mixture of challenges and varying courses. The timekeeper finally bellows, “3-2-1-GO!”

My movement is certainly no F1 pace, but it’s got my heart thumping and my legs working. The course is marked with bright pink markers – a brilliant choice. There is certainly no second-guessing the way to go and my focus is on the route. I’m thankful for full suspension technology. Some of the obstacles certainly rattle my aging frame, but my Giant Anthem X is working flawlessly and my body is pumping. The magnificent scenery and perfect weather take some of the sting off, but not all of it.

I reach the short sharp hills of the Arqi Loop just past the halfway mark and my

heart rate is at an all-time new record. The hills are way steep and the downhill on the other side simply leads to yet another steep climb. By the time I reach the single track section, my legs feel like lead. The terrain through the single track is simply awesome. Only goat trails and the pink markers to light my way. My technical skills are truly put to the test as I round small boulders and trees to keep my pace up. I then reach the wadi bed that is covered in shoebox-sized rocks and aptly named “The Rock Garden.” I keep my poise and momentum and clear the wadi leading into a series of goat trails. I approach a narrow pass and to my surprise, I see nothing but a rocky steep descent that leads into the goat trails of a wider flat area.

I‘m really pumping and my heart rate has never been so high. I clear the goat trails, cross a small rocky obstacle and enter a wide wadi with old tracks. I approach the last descent and I’m surprised by the loose surface. I manage to negotiate the turns and the fast approach

into the soft pebbles of the wadi below.

I pass the finish line in just under two hours and I’m stoked. There are three more days and they guarantee to push my limits. I’m really looking forward to it.

I originally entered the race to prepare for the Cape Epic in South Af-rica in March, and this is perfectly timed for those planning to take on that big race. Besides, it’s only a four-day race, so how hard can it be?

I finish putting up my tent, and then take a shower at the shower

block in the Race village. I chill with the other racers near the Race Office and talk bikes with people from all over the Gulf region. Some have travelled from as far as Spain and Switzerland to be here today, and like all mountain bikers, they’re all pretty laid back.

The timekeepers post the results of the day and like bees to honey, we hover around the results pages discussing the standings. The Race Village is well equipped with power generators and lights and a small chill zone of sorts. We retreat to our cocoons in anticipations of tomorrow’s stage.

Thursday, 2nd February 2012, 06:30 a.m.

Just like an orchestra, alarms start going off within seconds from all over the camping grounds. People emerge from their tents; some are feeling the pain, while others look somewhat fresh – I belong in the former group. I start preparing breakfast: oats with a banana and honey and a couple of fried eggs. The breakfast of champions! Race start is 8:00 a.m.

Friendly banter fills the air as the aroma of coffee wafts around the camp. Today’s stage is the first of three marathon stages and although the time trial of yesterday took some effort, we still have some in reserve for this 86km stage. No sooner have you finished breakfast, lubed your chain and got dressed, then it’s already time to head over for the briefing.

The pre-stage meeting sees all the riders congregate around the entrance to the Race

Riding FRom the RootsA personal account of the Oman TransHajar MTB'ing race 2012

Photos By: Graham Fleet

The participants at the starting line.

The race was tough, but the view was splendid.

Words By: Michael Masson

TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

23OUTDOORUAE

Office and race founder, Lake Arapakis, de-scribes the challenge of the day. The various obstacles to be aware of and other details are described. He is joined by the route director and co-founder, David Beniston, who further discusses some of today’s more notable sights.

With 10 minutes before the start, we line up for the group start. We’re all a lot more relaxed this morning having survived the time trial of yesterday. At 86km of racing, we were really in for a treat. The pace was fast, but the steep hills played a significant role in splitting the group. The lead riders had long disappeared and I was to discover later that they were all riding together for most of the stage until the last 20km, which saw all riders racing back to the Race Village finish line through Wadi Lahloo. The challenge here is that the wadi is mostly uphill and the steep little climbs only add to the effort. With 60-something kilometres already in our legs, this part of the race is just torture.

My legs are cramping and my well-thought out nutrition and hydration plan is being put to the test. I’m suffering climbing the last hill before the finish. The sight of footprints is both reassuring (I’m not the only one to walk this last hill), and a warning of what happens next. Both my legs cramp at the same time and I’m alone on the hill waiting for the muscles to loosen up. It takes a minute or so and I step off the bike and start the push over the top. The descent to the finish is one of the most excruciating mo-

ments of relief that I have ever encountered. I find out later in the afternoon that every-one, including the lead riders felt exactly the same way.

Friday, 3rd February 2012, 7:45 a.m.

We’ve just been told that we have 114km of “incredible” riding to look forward to today. I look around at some of the other

riders, and those whose eyes I catch do not appear to share Lake’s enthusiasm. We are told that there is a mix of tracks, blacktop, graded roads, and the soft wadi beds of Wadi Quriyat. The pace starts gently enough with the lead riders controlling the pace, until we hit the trails of the aptly named “Power Line Trail.” The leaders take off and a large plume of dust marks their progress. As for me and those around me, the effort of the last two days is speaking volumes. But it’s a race and we press on. The walls of Wadi Quriyat are simply magnificent and seem to rise into the sky. Small river crossings add a certain element of challenge that was really unexpected in a desert race. The wadi floor with its pebbles and soft trails really take a lot of work. We reach the climb of the old Quriyat Highway and even though it’s blacktop, it’s grade reminds you to do a bit more hill work.

The ride to the finish seems endless, and then we turn into “The Spike,” an impossible climb that forces everyone to portage their rides to the top. The effort is debilitating and my calves are burning, but there is no point in stopping. The relief at the top is greeted by a steep descent and the last few kilom-eters over old tracks are welcomed. I reach the finish completely spent. I have just taken on one of the biggest days on a mountain bike, and I only have one more day before becoming an official TransHajar finisher.

Saturday, 4th February 2012, 08:00 a.m.

Everyone’s legs are feeling the past three days. It’s just as painful for the guys strug-gling in the back of the pack as it is for those in the lead. Today’s course will be shorter, but still tough. The plan is to get everyone across the finish in time for lunch and the closing ceremonies. Three nights in a tent and three days of solid racing have taken their toll on my body. I lined up for the start this morning with a determination to earn my finisher’s medallion. The course starts off with a massive climb. I just don’t have the power today and I find myself amongst the majority of riders who resort to pushing their rides up this climb. The single track section tests the technical skills, but it’s hard to find the strength. There is nothing but relief at the finish. My smile says it all and I feel the pride overwhelm me. I have just completed four, great days of racing through some of Oman’s most picturesque scenery.


24 OUTDOORUAE

I started from the wadi (start of the W4 footpath) at ap-proximately 4:30 a.m. and 24°C. i made my way to the canyon edge using the head torch. on previous visits to Jebel shams, the moonlight has been excel-lent, but i wasn’t so lucky on this occasion. Walking along-side the “grand Canyon” watch-ing the sunrise was amazing. then i continued to the summit ridge, only stopping briefly to take in the views of the omani mountains.

Jebel Shams is a climb of almost 1,000m from start point to summit, focus and attention should be given to the rolling landscape, additional height climbed and horizontal distance to the summit. The route repeatedly gains and loses height, which adds considerable time all the way up and back – making this a very difficult moun-tain to summit not due of technicality, but because of the horizontal walking distance and amount of vertical height climbed. Its location and the climate makes it challenge too even for the experienced mountain-eer. It’s located in the Oman desert where temperatures regularly hit over 40°C, with almost zero wind speed and heat reflecting

from the baked rock which keeps the temperatures constant all the way to the summit. This requires careful attention.

After walking alongside the “Grand Canyon” I reached the summit ridge, where I saw the rock face of Jebel Shams with a stunning vertical drop to the valley floor of approximately over 1,500m. Just when you feel you’ve completed most of the walk, you then realise you’re probably little over half-way. Although this appears flat on almost every map I’ve found, there are many descent points. It’s a relentless mental battle of expecting the next high point that will lead to the summit, only to be shown yet another descent.

Once on the summit, I took in everything: the beautiful view and the amazing feeling of another achievement – over 1,000m direct height gain with a lot of addi-tional height climb in severe heat up to 39°C over good distance. Oman itself is said to be a very inhospitable desert and requires spe-cial skill set to walk. To be able to conquer the summit of the highest mountain in Oman and in the GCC is an incomparable personal accomplishment. I was lucky enough to have

an eagle fly about fifty metres above. This was without a doubt one of the most amazing sights and landscapes I’ve ever seen.

After a rest, it was time to return and I set along the same route I took to the summit. I had planned my water usage correctly, unlike my previous summit in December 2011, which saw me climb down into a large wadi and drink boiled wadi water (not recommended). I had only used 3l by the summit with 3.5l remaining of the 6.5l which I started with. The journey back seems endless as your body tires more as the day con-tinues, also you still need to climb many sections as you go back even until you reach the starting point.

I was on a timeline so I continued straight on knowing that I didn’t want to waste a moment, stopping briefly to

realise that I hadn’t applied my sun cream for several hours and had not changed my top for the anti-UV. Once I’ve changed and ap-plied the sun cream, it was straight on to the worst part of the walk, which is returning to the car. I say the worst part because most ac-cidents happen at the end of the day, where you become exhausted and not to mention the low sugar, salt levels and dehydrated state due to excessive physical exertion.

Once I had negotiated what seemed like double the amount of wadis compared to earlier, I eventually could see the start point, which raised my spirits a lot higher. It soon became apparent, however, that there were still several more wadis to negotiate! This is where a mountaineer’s persistence comes into play and you just continue on regardless of everything else. Eventually, I made the last wadi climb and walked across the plateau descending into a wadi, which was the start point to my finish.

The day was a great success thanks to the fantastic views. Mountaineering is my passion and I love the outdoors and all that it has to offer. I look forward to the next visit to the Omani mountains, which is an amaz-ing environment to be a mountain leader, explorer and adventurer.

Scaling Jebel Shams

TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

Words + Photos: Gary Edwards

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26 OUTDOORUAE

Iceland

TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

Words + Photos By: Geoffrey CartwrightA long weekend to

We’re originally from the North-east of England, where it’s cold, wet and windy most of the year. We live in the UAE now and we love the heat, the fact that there’s little rain, and definitely no snow or ice (if you ignore the icing-sugar that dusts the highest peaks one day every few years in the UAE).

So where did we go for a long weekend? Iceland, in the North Atlantic - home of snow, ice, rain, volcanoes and earthquakes. Iceland is the country to go for extreme sports if you can face the cold and wet. The landscape is ancient, rugged, awesome and at the same time, beautiful – like the Highlands and west coast of Scotland after a visit to Dr Frankenstein’s lab. Igor – pass the lightning conductor!

They apparently have more volcanic erup-tions and earthquakes there than almost anywhere else on earth, and the landscape displays the evidence in abundance. Great cracks and fissures in the bedrock wherever

you look. Precipitous mountain faces and boulder fields tell of massive earthquakes and gigantic lava flows are the fruits of volcanic eruptions, with steam and boiling water belching out of the ground every-where. Icelanders get all of their electric-ity from geothermal sources and drinking water from the glaciers – 40 years of natural filtration from glacier to the city then it’s free from every tap.

At our age, we (my wife Janet and I, two adventurers in their late 50s), don’t do any-thing too strenuous, but we do like to see the world and dabble a little in the exciting stuff.

It was late September when we were there, just on the turn from warm(ish) sum-mer towards winter. Wind and rain was generally the order of the day, and tem-peratures were in the low teens. We didn’t know what the weather would be like as it’s very changeable, so our cases were packed to the limits with loads of warm and wet weather gear. Luckily, we didn’t need most of it, but at least we were prepared.

We’d pre-booked two days of adventures, as our stay was only for three nights. So, on the first day we were signed up for a ten hour off-road tour, in the type of truck made famous by the BBC TV programme “Top Gear” many years ago. A 4x4 on steroids, with giant tyres and can “go anywhere” – and it just about did, with room for six passengers and all of their winter gear. Deep into the hinterland, we had to cross a mountain range to get to Langjökull Glacier, where we took part in snowmobiling on the glacier. It really made a change from dune bashing at Big Red and Liwa! There was no snow on the mountains or roads until we hit the glacier, but in the winter, snow covers most of the island and the whole travel experience gets fantastically exciting.

The glaciers are up to 600m thick, so there’s no chance of them melting overnight with a little rain. Unfortunately, the lack of

fresh snow meant that there was a lot of exposed ice, made very wet and even-more slippery by the water. Very slippery, very rough and very cold ice, and with us novices on snowmobiles in misty rain and on bumpy ice, spells spills!

Many in the party succumbed to the uneven battle of heavy snowmobiles leaning at all angles against the laws of gravity (but not us!). The experts said it would have been much easier in snow! But maybe not as exciting.

We were kitted out in fleece-lined one-piece coveralls, with boots, gloves and helmets - geared up for the arctic and imagining we were Roger Moore chasing “Jaws” across the frozen wastes, limited visibility, freezing rain, headlights on – just awesome. I’ve not jet-skied yet, but I imagine it’s

pretty similar, if you forget the water, the sun and the near absence of clothes!

Two hours passed very quickly, and we were all too soon back to the 4x4 and out to journey around the island. Allegedly the best inland, underground snorkelling in the world is here as well, we watched those brave enough to do it prepare, but we gave that one a miss this time. I can’t imagine how cold the water must have been.

We were due to take part in another full day off-road trip on our second day along the rugged south-east coast, crossing rivers, boulder fields and more mountains, but it was cancelled at the last minute. So we were then offered the chance to visit “The Blue Lagoon”; hot springs turned into a tourist attraction where

you swim or wade around in hot water up to your waist, while ice cold rain pets down on your head and upper body. To be honest, it wouldn’t have been our choice, but it was kind of foisted on us at the last minute and, because the tour company had messed up, it was free.You can see the steam, the rain and the fools in their bathing costumes in the picture below– but just look at the lifeguard! He’s wrapped up for the North Atlantic convoys!

Iceland has been on our bucket list for ages and now we’ve ticked it off, but we want to go back, experience more winter sports and explore the rugged landscape in detail. We’ll probably hire our own transport next time, the island is large enough to quite easily spend a week exploring and still only see a portion.

It’s an expensive place to visit, flights aren’t too frequent and hotels are “rustic.” Food, drinks, tours and so on are frighteningly costly – but the rewards are there to be experienced. Marks out of ten (apart from the cancelled tour!)? Definitely ten and highly recommended.

Now, it’s camping in the dunes and burnt feet next!

28 OUTDOORUAE

In last month’s issue of OutdoorUAE, we saw Nizar Fakhoury, the founder of Climb for Cancer (a non-profit initiative in Dubai), along with three members of his team spend 24-hours camp-ing out in Ski Dubai as part of their climbing training program. Essential to their preparation for an expedition later this year, the team used this time to test out the gear they would be taking with them.

We caught up with Nizar to see if the gear lived up to his expectations in Ski Dubai’s sub-zero environment.

“The Marmot Baffin Hoody Jacket is likely the best piece of outdoor clothing I have tried in recent years.”It has an alarm-ing heat-to-weight ratio for a jacket that is extremely light (439g!), you won’t even feel you’re wearing one. It provides unbeatable warmth in cold environments down to slight-ly below freezing point with its Thermal R Eco insulation, requiring nothing more than a thin-layer underneath for optimal comfort. This jacket is not designed to be used as the outer layer on sub-zero expeditions; however, it is a perfect lightweight mid-layer during any cold-weather adventure. During long expeditions, you will cherish anything that is lightweight and this remarkable jacket is exactly what you need to reduce space and weight. Its water repellent qualities will keep you dry, but it should not to be confused as a waterproof jacket. The fabric is thin, making it overall sensitive to the rugged elements. The interior mesh pocket is ideal for keeping snacks or liquids close to your body and it’s large enough to carry few essentials. Its Angel-Wing design gives you freedom to easily move your arms – perfect for climbers and mountaineers. I’m very impressed with this featherweight jacket, which will definitely accompany me on my next adventure trip.

“Another essential piece of gear we put to the test is the Limelight

3P Tent.” The amazing aspect of this tent is that it requires only two minutes to set up even for a first timer. This is perfect after a long day of climbing or trekking when your energy levels are at their lowest and you just want a comfortable enclosure within min-utes. Inside, it is remarkably airy with mesh side panels, doors and higher-than-average ceiling. When sharing with two others, you will know how precious it is to be able to get some fresh air inside! As a result, this tent

is not designed for extreme sub-

zero conditions. The tent has two D-shaped zip doors on both sides for easy access. Anyone who’s ever camped will know how difficult it is to step over others in case you need to leave the tent at awkward timings, so this feature simply makes life very easy. It also has a small window perfect for looking outside without leaving the comfort of your sleeping bag. The flooring is waterproof to keep you dry on wet or snowy conditions, and it is also curved upward on all sides to avoid the doors opening directly on the ground. It also includes sufficient mesh stor-age on the inside to neatly tuck away your personal belongings. The mesh ceiling is a great touch to avoid tent moisture dripping on you while you sleep. This is a three-sea-son tent which is very well-made, extremely easy to set up and super sturdy for those harsh weather conditions.

“And lastly, the Never Summer Sleeping Bag.”In sub-zero temperatures, this bag will be your best friend! It performed nicely in temperatures down to –8°C. The liner is extremely soft and with 600-fill goose down keeps you very warm and comfortable. The bag holds slightly more foot room than your traditional sleep-ing bag, which gives you more comfort and overall movement. A stash pocket located inside the bag is perfect to keep your batter-ies from draining overnight. The zipper guards do an average job as there is a good chance that the liner fabric will get caught in the zipper, so caution is required while zipping. The bag is easily packable and can be compressed to a decent size and weight. Another superb feature is the down-filled collar to ensure cold air does not seep into your body, plus it provides great comfort near your neck. The side seams of the bag located at the ground level allows a full layer of insulation above you from side to side. A small pocket close to your feet is great for people who like to use heat pack-ets. Anything below –9°C and this bag will do a great job in keeping you safe and alive overnight without any hesitation.

In support of Climb for Cancer, ZSI Trading, the official distributor of Marmot in the Middle East, supplied the group with Marmot award-winning products. To find out more about Climb for Cancer, logon to www.climbforcancer.org.

PRODUCT REVIEW

Sub-zero HeroesNizar tests out some great gear from Marmot in Ski Dubai


Photographer Andy Mann

ZSI Trading LLC, Official Distributor of Marmot in the Middle East. Marmot Collection available at GoSports, Mall of the Emirates, Adventure HQ, Times Square Centre, Snow Pro,Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates.www.zsicorp.com

Marmot Advert FP.pdf 1 12/24/12 6:04 PM

30 OUTDOORUAE

A round-up of quality products available right here in the UAE

Trek Madone 3.1 WSD Carbon Road Bike 8,990 AED

Marmot Leadville Jacket 785 AED Available at Go Sports Mall of the Emirates and Adventure HQ Times Square Center.

This non-hooded jacket delivers high-calibre, M2 softshell performance perfect for any active sport from aerobic sports to alpine climbing to cross-country running to spring skiing. With WINDSTOPPER® fabric (windproof with maximum breathability), Angel-Wing Movement™ and a lightweight form-follows-function design, it provides comfort and unrestricted movement.

• GORE® WINDSTOPPER® fabric that is wind and water-resistant• Marmot M2 Softshell that is water-repellent, highly breathable, wind-resistant, durable and warm• Windproof, water-resistant and breathable• Hand pockets with concealed zippers• Chest pocket with concealed zipper• Venting side panels• Adjustable Velcro® cuff• Reflective logos• Elastic draw cord hem for adjustability in serious weather• Angel-Wing Movement™ allows full-range of motion in arms so jacket doesn’t ride up

PRODUCTS

Fox Instinct Boots (white with red) 2,600 AED Available at Al Yousuf Motors showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. (Special offer from Al Yousuf! Get a free Fox Shuttle Gearbag with every purchase of Fox Instinct Boots).

The Fox Instinct Boots are made with new instep material and piping as well as new gasket material for improved abrasion resistance. Other features include a new instep pattern to eliminate any gaping and a TPU hinge cover to eliminate premature wear over the hinge bolt on inside of boot. Featuring rounded edges on all straps to prevent chaffing of instep, each boot also has a longer underlay on two lower straps. Claiming to be the boots that make you go faster, this piece of kit is an essential part of any motocross gear bag.

• RCI (Ride Control Interface) provides the rider with unobstructed contact with the bike• DURATAC™ rubber compound on the outsole, burn guard and hinge cover to achieve optimal

grip with bulletproof durability• FRE (Full Response Engineering) hinge design provides a controlled range of movement allowing

effortless linear mobility and incredible lateral stability

Available at Trek UAE (Oud Metha, next to Lamcy Plaza) Tel: 04 335 0399 or visit www.trekbikes.ae, also available at Probike (Al Barsha 1).

Already used to win by women cyclists at the very highest level worldwide, the UAE Women’s National Team will also be riding and racing on the Trek Madone 3.1 WSD this 2013, as sponsored by Trek UAE. This bike packs a ton of high-end road bike tech into Trek’s greatest Carbon value yet, delivering superior performance and the winning legacy that defines Madone.


31OUTDOORUAE

If you’re going to invest in one piece of fit-ness gear this year, make sure it is the Polar RC3 GPS, which guarantees smarter training and an improved performance by tracking your route, speed and distance using built-in GPS and then providing you with instant post-session feedback. The one-stop fitness aid incorporates some of the most state-of-the-art technology in sports equipment today and despite weighing in at just 58 grams; it packs a formidable fitness punch.

A must for anyone looking to see real results.Here are six ways in which the Polar RC3 GPS will change your fitness regime forever:

1. Thanks to the new built-in GPS, the innovative Back to Start GPS feature directs you back to your starting point in the shortest possible distance when training, enabling you to explore more adventurous off-road routes in the UAE, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be directed back to your starting point at the press of a button.

2. With the Sports Profile feature, you can pre-select a sport before you begin your train-ing. This easy-to-use pre-select option lets you monitor your training intensity to the demands of your specific discipline so you can be sure to train at the right level every time.

3. The unique Smart Coaching feature is your ultimate guide to boost your training for rapid improvement and feedback on your progress. Each feature can be personalised to your train-ing needs for maximum motivation.

4. To get to grips with the effectiveness of your training, Training Benefit analyses each training session to make sure you are on the right track to achieve your targets. And for those looking to maximise their training, you can vary the intensity of training sessions to avoid any under or overtraining which can be detrimental to your fitness regime.

5. Running Index is the easiest way to moni-tor your running speed, in terms of how easily you can run at a given pace and how efficient your body is at maintaining this race pace. The most effective way to use this programme is to measure your Running Index over a period of time to monitor your progress as it develops so you can build on your performance day-to-day.

6. After training, the Training Load pro-gramme will tell you how hard you’ve trained and how much time it will take you to fully recover before you can begin training again. This way you can control your fitness regime effectively, identify your personal training limits and compare variances in recovery time be-tween sessions to notice when you really begin to make improvements.

The Polar RC3 GPS also captures all your training data and can be reviewed at the end of each session. To keep you focused and on-target the Polar RC3 GPS enables you to log onto www.polarpersonaltrainer.com for free and is designed to motivate and support your training, from beginning to end.

RC3 GPS HR 1,450 AED Available at Sport in Life in January 2013.

The RC3 GPS includes training device, USB cable and H3 heart rate sensor. Sleek, complete with SiRFstar IV GPS technology and long battery life.

• Battery life in continuous use when recording a training session with the GPS function ON up to 12 hours

• In continuous use when recording a training session with the GPS function OFF up to 1,700 hours

• When you train on average 1 hour/day, seven days/week with the GPS function ON up to 11 days; with the GPS function OFF up to 120 days; and when only the time view is used up to four months.

Find your way to ultimate Fitness

with the new Polar rC3 GPs

32 OUTDOORUAE

MSR WhisperLite Universal 965 AED Available at Adventure HQ Times Square Center

The ultimate, hybrid-fuel backpacking stove. The WhisperLite burns just about any fuel you are likely to find.

• Hybrid-fuel performance: patent pending AirControl™ technology creates the op-timal fuel/air mix for top-notch performance with canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline

• Canister Liquid Feed: increased cold weather performance with consistent output regardless of fuel levels; canister stand Included

• Lightweight: aluminum mixer tube, extra-stable stainless steel legs and refined design keep weight to a minimum

• Easy transitions: liquid and canister fuel couplers pair with fuel-specific jets for quick and easy transitions

• Field maintainable: self-cleaning Shaker Jet technology and redesigned leg assem-bly facilitate fast cleaning and even easier maintenance in the field

SHOEI Hornet-DS 2013 2,780 AED

Available at Sebsports contact at 04 339 3399 or visit www.sebsports.com

The new dual-purpose on-and off-road helmet; SHOEI Hornet-DS delivers double action! The Hornet-DS is a SHOEI helmet designed for use on all terrains. It unites the advantages of a full-face helmet with those of an off-road helmet. The removable visor shield doesn’t just look fantastic, it also ensures great aerodynamics and keeps the rider’s face safe from flying dirt on off-road terrain. The wedge-shape design reduces drag especially at high speeds as it diverts the airstream to the back of the helmet thereby reducing wind pressure. This is the perfect symbiosis of design and function. This model would make an excellent companion for your next road trip or adventure tour to the east coast or Oman.

Casio Pro Trek PRG-550-1A9 1,495 AED

Available at G-Factory Al-Ghurair (04 2525217) and all other leading watch outlets in UAE.

From Pro Trek, the watch trusted by outdoor adventurers everywhere, comes a new collection of easy-to-read analogue-digital combination models. Big, Neo Bright coated analogue hands in-dicate time, direction, altitude differential and barometric pressure changes. The simple design of the face makes measurement data easy to read, and a Tough Solar power system helps to ensure uninterrupted operation.

• Tough Solar• Triple Sensor: compass, barometer/thermometer, altimeter

• Low temperature resistant (-10°C)


33OUTDOORUAE

Icey-Tek Cooler 60L 750 AED Available at www.iceytekuae.com. For more information, email Ali on [email protected], or contact 050 611 5616.

Icey-Tek is powered by pressure injected, medium-density ICI polyurethane. The 35mm walls, floor and lid, ensures ice longevity of up to 12 days using block ice. The boxes are NASA tried and tested; having been used for their insulation quali-ties!

• Thermoplastic latches• Rope handles• Heavy-duty hinge system• Rubber sealed lids• Dual bungs• Packaging

• Largest range

Scott Genius 730 16,795AED Available at Wolfi’s Bike Shop

This is the ultimate Trail bike. The all new Genius 730 features a totally re-designed frame optimized for 27.5” (650b) wheels. The 6061 alloy frame is offered in 150mm travel and a high end component spec.

• Frame: SCOTT Genius 27.5’’/650b Alloy 6061 • Fork: FOX 34 Talas 650b Evolution, 3 modes, 150-100-0 mm• Shock: SCOTT DT Nude2, 3 modes • Group set: Shimano XT /SLX • Brakes: Shimano SLX • Parts: Syncros 1.5 / 2.0 series • Wheels: Syncros XC-55 27.5’’/650b

Endura Equipe Race Gilet 375 AED

Available at Adventure HQ Times Square Center and all good bike shops.

The compact gilet has a front windproof panel with waterproof rear pockets. Due to the nature of the material, the pack size will easily fit in a jersey pocket.

• Ultra packable stows in jersey pocket• Windproof and shower-proof front with full zipper• Stretch shoulder and side panels for non-flap fit• Zipped security pocket• Laser cut inner storm flap• Stretch fit collar• Mesh back for optimal venting• Splash back waterproof back hem panel• Silicone gripper lightweight hem• 80% Polyamide (Nylon),10% Elastane (Spandex),10% Polyester

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34 OUTDOORUAE

Rose Sultani 69 AED Available at The Dubai Garden Centre

Deep pink or purple-pink with an amazing and strong rose fragrance, this flower is perfect for the outdoors. This beauty has large, full roses with up to 26-40 petals in small clusters and quartered in bloom form. Once-blooming in spring or summer. Remember to remove old canes and dead or diseased wood, and prune after flowering is finished.

Jamie Oliver Wood Fired Oven Dome 60 6,995 AED

Available at The Dubai Garden Centre

Described as one of the best outdoor ovens out there, this wood-fired oven is an essential part to any outdoor cooking experience. Even more versatile than a BBQ, it will quickly become a social hub whatever the season. Reaching up to temperatures of more than 450°C, and just 1m wide, it sits easily in a small garden or on a terrace and takes just 20 minutes to assemble. With great heat retention, you can even cook in it for up to two hours after the fire goes out.

Stanley Adventure Vacuum Food Jar (green, 18oz) 160 AED

Available at Go Sport The Dubai Mall

Featuring Stanley Classic’s superior double wall vacuum insulation, this stainless steel food jar will keep your grub hot or cold for six hours. It comes with a full-sized spork, 12oz insulated lid/bowl and a storage compartment inside the stopper to hold your matches, money or snacks – perfect for hiking and camping.


Run by riders, for riders!

Get geared up

Al Quoz Industrial Area 1Dubai, U.A.E, Tel: +9714 3393399GPS: N.25.09.602 E.055.14.338

The first & only online shop of its kind in the Middle East, sebsports.com is your one stop shop for world class off-road power sport accessories and equipment. Supported by a full-fledged workshop for services, repairs and customisation, sebsports.com is run by riders, for riders. Drop in, and gear up!

The 2013 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is just a few months away, so if you’re thinking of taking part in this great weeklong ad-venture now’s the time to start thinking about getting your motorcy-cle or ATV set up for what’s ahead. A lot of people don’t necessarily realise the amount of work involved in preparing for an international rally such as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, so make sure you start as early as possible. This will allow you to spend the weeks leading up to the event focusing on your mental and physical pre-paredness instead of the state of your motorcycle or ATV.

Sebsports Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

With countless years of Desert Chal-lenge experience, the team at Sebsports offers customers a turnkey cross-country racing solution. Since the team’s first Desert Challenge in 2003 we have worked with various original equipment manufacturers like Yamaha, Suzuki and KTM to help them achieve their racing aspirations. Indeed, Sebastian Husseini, manager of Sebsports, was the 2007 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (International Motorcycling Federation or FIM) Quad Cross-Country World Champion.

All these years have allowed us to build a deep body of cross-country racing and Desert Challenge knowledge, as a race-ready motorcycle or ATV is nothing like the one you would see on a showroom floor.

Auxiliary fuel tanks are installed to give you the extended range and autonomy that is re-quired by the regulations. FIM-approved elec-tronic communication, navigation and safety equipment is also installed to allow you to

navigate the course and communicate with safety officials. These systems also allow your family, friends and spon-sors to track your progress online in real time. On the performance side, we typically recom-mend terrain-specific, custom-built racing sus-pension to ensure proper handling even with all the weight of the extra equipment. The suspension is coupled with heavy duty racing wheels and tyres that are designed to cope with the harsh environments encountered dur-ing the rally. Engine modifications are kept to a minimum in order to maintain factory levels of reliability – we have seen great success with the simple additions of an oil cooler, high-flow air intake and free-flow exhaust system. We will, of course, re-map the engine control unit to ensure optimal engine performance with all these modifications.

Sebsports offers a service package that includes maintenance, technical assistance and trackside support. We also handle the supply and logistics of spare parts, accommo-dation, transportation and branded race-wear if required.

If you’re a little crazy and enjoy pushing both yourself and your bike to the limits, then you should really consider taking part in this legendary rally. The terrain of the Empty Quar-ter is simply stunning and the atmosphere of camaraderie at the bivouac is second to none. Give us a call, we’d be happy to discuss the various options with you.

2013

36 OUTDOORUAE

Our fishing pro who shares his experiences and

expertise with OutdoorUAE through his regular column.

[email protected]

OUR EXPERTS

Winter is the peak time for fishing here in the UAE and Oman. The challenge is when it gets too cold, too fast.

When the temperature drops, the fish suddenly get a bad case of lock-jaw and finding success in these times could be very challenging. This is the time when catch rates just plummet, just as fast as t he mercury!

Fish become lethargic in cold water and oftentimes refuse to feed as they normally do. Although you will still catch fish, the overall catch rate drops. Fish would be most likely be tight on structure and it becomes important to fish closer to cover, closer than you normally would in normal fishing conditions.

As the air temperature drops, the surface water temperature also drops. This will force fish to move into deeper water looking for a temperature range that they are more comfortable in. This would be in places where the water temperature is warmer. Fish are cold blooded and their body temperature is regulated by the surroundings. They become lethargic in cold water, as their metabolism slows down.

Since they will be extra lazy in these conditions, they will not be in the mood to chase fast moving prey. Although feeding won’t be on top of their priority list (since their metabo-lism is slow, they won’t be needing much food to survive) big meals are not needed, easy meals are! Food that don’t take much energy to catch and

consume could trigger their feeding instinct.

With those variables in mind, you can piece together the puzzle that would spell you some success in this challenging time: a snack, instead of a meal, fishing deep, fishing light and fishing slow is the name of the game.

Although there are a lot of special-ist lures you can use to fish in these conditions, the easiest to use would be soft plastic lures.

Arguably the most versatile of lures, the soft plastic is probably the most confusing to the neophyte angler! With over a hundred variations and more colour combinations than the most psychedelic of rainbows, the choice to pick one is a daunting task!

To make matters simple, I stick to the three basic ones that catch fish, and use most often: the curly tail, the paddle tail and the jerk shad type. Of the three, I most often use the paddle tail, followed by the grub. When the fish is most active or when I’m pros-pecting, I use the jerk shad.

Paddle tails are perhaps the most straightforward of all and has account-ed for most of my fish in soft plastics. To fish it, you just simply cast out and reel it in. Depending on the fish you’re after, you either adjust your speed by reeling in fast or slow, you can twitch it, jerk it and you can fish it just under the surface or “slow roll” it by reeling it slow just off the bottom.

When the fish are actively feed-ing or when I’m fan casting an area, I use a jerk shad. It is the first soft plastic I would rig with because it’s a fast-paced lure (although I know some people that effectively fish it slow with great success) I find that this type of soft plastic gets the most reaction bites and is still quite fast even when worked slow.

The grub is my top choice for fishing in the slowest pace and is my top lure for cold weather fishing. The curl tail does its magic even in the slowest of

speeds and is deadly when it’s slowly falling towards the bottom after the cast. You get a lot of strikes when fish intercept it while on its slow decent to the bottom. One of the most im-portant things to remember with soft

Words + Photos By: Kit Belen

Winter DoldrumsHow to beat the cold and make your fishing hot!

Lunch with the Boynes - Seabream caught with tiny jigs and very light leaders

Storm Clouds and strong winds plus a cold morning launch told us not to expect much of the morning’s fishing

Fishing with a light Madai Jig slowly off the bottom made all the difference for Alan Boyne, with this nice diamond trevally

Redbird fitted with more rod holders for trolling, the high winds made for some awesome sailing!

Heading out in a cold morning


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plastics is to use just enough weight to reach the bottom. I see far too many people using a jig head that’s far too heavy for the place they are fishing and is the key to fishing cold weather.

The choice of which colour to use is a matter of personal preference, however, the choice of which type to use is a matter of experience. In cold water situations however, I stick with the curly tail grub and the paddle tail to help me catch my fish.

Fishing with leaders as light as 4 to 6lb (2 to 3kg) breaking strain is not for every-one, but when the chips are down, I would rather have a strike and a chance at landing a good fish, than none at all! In the best of times, the size of the gear you use would not matter and you can catch a whole mess

of fish. In tougher times, fishing with light line and with the right rod, reel and lures or bait that goes with it will make a difference. Although fishing with light line will get you most strikes in ideal conditions, it shines its brightest in situations where you require stealth and cold weather fishing.

If you want to try something new or when fishing deep water, don’t miss out on the action and tie on a Japanese slow jig. The Madai jigs are very simple to use, just cast them out, let them sink to the bottom and slowly reel them in, hopping them occasion-ally or just reel them in with a slow straight wind. They are very effective and consistent producers the world over. There are a few places in Dubai that sell them, all of them work, just remember to fish them slow.

The winter gives us some great fishing days, but we already know that the best fishing time for us isn’t always the best time for fish to bite. It is up to us to find a formula that works. Flexibility and a little bit of patience goes a long way in our sport and before you know it, there will be a few things you will learn to apply to your regular routine by fishing slow and light. We still have a few months to go before the heat starts creeping in. Make each outing count!

Till next tide change,

KitGrubs are great for working slow and deep, their tails move even in the slightest twitches of the rod tip

A paddletail soft plastic bait, easy to use and fish love them, the micro sized ones are great for cold weather fishing!

Tiny soft plastics coupled with light line and leaders can make or break a cold day trip


OUR EXPERTS

AdventureChickin South East Asia

tori writer, runner, blogger &

adidas athletePS. My email address is

[email protected] for thoughts, ideas, and

suggestions… or just to say hello!

After last month’s awesome 100km in the ma-jestic mountains of Manaslu, Nepal, I returned to the sandpit for a short hiatus before heading off to the bright city lights of Hong Kong for yet another brutal event. This time for the Oxfam Trailwalker race – an arduous 100km trail race and the original in the now global Trailwalker series.

The route was stunning and saw some 4,000 competitors take part, all in teams of four. This was my first team event, a prospect I found as daunting as the terrain and distance itself. Putting a solo artist-slash-in-trovert into a group setting is like forcing a fish out of water, but actually, with the giggles we four adventure chicks had, I wouldn’t have swapped it for the world.

The weather was atrocious and many hours were spent in darkness, leaving me with plenty of time to reflect on the race and what I learnt along the way. Some, although not all, follow:

• It need not be a hindrance to not know the course or route. My team and most others trained often on them. I opted instead for my usual little sand-based excursions here in Dubai, normally pack on back and list of errands in tow. That and my much-loved stair-climbing in Media City’s Twin Tow-ers. I welcomed this and found there was always an element of surprise and wonder. The views from the top of some mountain ridges were nothing short of spectacular – truly stunning!

• Support crews in races such as these are a godsend. We had a cracking crew who proved quietly efficient, super supportive, über motivating, helpful, kind, encouraging and just total rock stars.

• Ditto when it comes to the volunteers. They remain kind, helpful and supportive for hours and hours on end and are rarely given the thanks they deserve.

• Team dynamics are really important. The four of us had never trained together, but despite being on the trails for a very long time, much of which was in the dark, with torrential downpour, strong winds, mam-moth and some pretty technical ascents and descents, never mind the sleep depri-vation this brings, not once was a bad word spoken.

• Regardless of the challenge that lies ahead, you can never have a too glamorous team. We may be total adventure chicks, but an up-to-date buff and polish is essential, as are a lash of mascara, a swipe of lip gloss and perhaps a little bling thrown in for good measure.

• Bungee rope is a marvelous invention to support team members in need of a bit of a tow. Of course, my back disagreed post-race after doing it for so long but still…

• Never listen to marshalls when they tell you how many kilometres remain. I swear we must have covered 105km and the look on the faces of my team when I ran back to say, “here’s the finish guys,” only to realise that the flags denoted “last 700m” will remain forever etched.

Partying straight after the race was deferred in place of some much needed shuteye, but we made up for this the following nights at some of the cities coolest night spots.

Post HK, I cushioned the blow of leav-

38 OUTDOORUAE


ing the scene of most of Adventure Chicks formative years with a petit vacances in Thai-land. Well, if indeed you can call it a holiday. You see, for the first time, I was on tour not for a race myself, but to support a race – the Ironman 70.3 in Phuket where I was an official TWAG, meaning Triathlon Wives and Girlfriends! I must admit, I spent the days leading up to the event with complete and utter race envy. The electric atmosphere, the growing anticipation, the nervous excite-ment – they are feelings we all love to hate prior to a race. I spent my days asking every

competitor I spoke to a myriad of questions. The quest to learn about another sport becomes a sport in itself. And I spent a lot of time thinking about why Ironman races and triathlon, in fact, has become such a phenomenally massive sport. I came to the simple yet sweet conclusion that it’s down to the lure of having a big, hairy and audacious goal.

People love big goals. BIG goals. Most New Year’s resolutions fail not because people make them with an intention to fail, but rather because they set them too small. Choose little goals and they don’t matter, they seem unimportant and not worth the hassle to achieve. But set yourself a big challenge and the will to win becomes worth committing to. You stir up motivation and determination from deep within.

On that note, this issue of OutdoorUAE will hit the shelves at just the perfect time

to set some new goals for yourself in 2013. Christmas will have been and gone and with any luck the calorie-laden brunches and ex-cessive drinks will be behind us. The weather however, remains glorious, so get outdoors and embrace the cool crisp air and the joys of being active.

Love Tori x


800 [email protected]

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40 OUTDOORUAE

Some things are worth waiting forOUR EXPERTS

It’s said that patience is a virtue. But sometimes, it’s not by choice and it can be the source of much angst. In 2007, while travelling in the Musandam, Oman with my family, I caught sight of an un-feasibly large rock slab. Although it lay beyond a couple of distant ridgelines and seemed unlikely to be easily accessed, we wanted to see if we could get close to it. We drove to the head of the last wadi nearest to it – the Wadi Ba’neh – where we were met by a head wall that, at the time, appeared to be too horribly loose and precipitous to scale. So, our plan to see the slab up close was thwarted. Having subsequently found it on Google Earth, the “easi-est” way to reach it appeared to be a 22km long walk-in from the coastal village of Limah, which is only accessible by boat. So the plan to ever get there was put on to the back burner of aspirations.

In July 2011, I ended up in the same place again, but this time the prospects of getting to the slab had improved considerably. A new wooden pylon line had been constructed over the ridgeline that had previ-ously barred the way. There was now a rough construction track beneath the pylons up and over the ridge. Being so horribly hot in July, I went back in December and “proved” the route. This was also tied into my plans for the Musandam Adventure Race, which subsequently took place in February

last year). From the ridgeline, the slab could be seen in all its glory and it was immense. So, after having waited pa-tiently for five years, the plan to climb this slab was now a “go’er”.

Pete Aldwinckle, a local climbing guru and legend, partner in Global Climbing LLC and, more importantly, my friend, was persuaded to come and climb the slab. Two weeks before the agreed date, I walked the route over the ridgeline and up to the base of the slabs and dumped three litres of water, which I hoped would save us a bit of weight on the actual walk-in to the climb itself. We left Dubai at 6:30 p.m.

on a Thursday evening and headed up the E611 and on to Ras Al Khaimah, Sham and the border crossing to Al Dhara, through which we passed very swiftly. We went along the coast road, over the ridge down to Khasab and then off-road for 65km. The off-road section is one of the most picturesque drives in the region and it was Pete’s first time to do it, though it’s not quite the same in darkness! We eventu-ally reached the head wall at the end

Climbing Idwal Balata Sakhria in Musandam

Words + Photos: Mike Nott

mike is an avid adventurer. He is also the expert behind the

ME4x4 supplements that we have shared with you over

the year. We will also be bringing you his ‘opus’, if you

will, in the form of a book entitled ‘Advanced Off-Road

Adventure Routes for the UAE and Oman’. Available now at www.outdooruae.

com and Adventure HQ, Times Square Mall, Dubai.>>

The author finding it thirsty work.

41OUTDOORUAE

Some things are worth waiting for

of Wadi Ba’neh, arriving there at about midnight, put up the roof tent, got out the chairs and a couple of tinnies and marvelled at the stars and the meteor shower that was on show.

Up at around 6:00 a.m., we ate breakfast and packed a lead rack, rope, harnesses, helmets, rock shoes, water and vegetable spring rolls and samosas. We headed up the interminable slope to the ridgeline, rested briefly at the top and enjoyed the “wow fac-tor” view. We headed down the other side on the – at times – exposed and vertiginous construction path. Then we had the pros-pect of walking up the next wadi and scree slope to the base of the slab and reached it by about 9:30 a.m. The slab lay in front of us and the technical ease of the ascent became immediately obvious, though not disap-pointingly so. We “geared up,” tied into the rope and started off up the slab, picking the line as we chose and enjoyed being in the cool of the morning shade. The route comprised some smooth, slippery faces, thin cracks, rough slabs and a couple of ledges, but all at an angle that really didn’t present too much danger. I placed a runner on pitch one, but after that we had 60m run-outs with no protection – apart from the belay stances – for the next five pitches. Pete placed a runner on about pitch seven and even took his fleece off. By pitch nine, we had reached the summit and the ridgeline edge at about 12:30 p.m.

Our guesstimate was that after nine pitches, we’d climbed 450m (1,440ft) or so. The sight of the slab from the top was even more expansive than from the bottom and the views over towards Limah were superb. The drop-off on the other side of the ridge-line from the slab was huge and impressive, and we enjoyed it as we ate lunch. Then followed – well, for me – the least fun part: the descent off the slab. We traversed the decidedly sharp ridgeline along the top to the edge of a scree slope. Pete confidently strode out along this knife-edge, while I, at times, resorted to back climbing until I was able to “let go” and walk off. Neither of us is in the spring of youth, and the descent from the slab bottom was a painful experi-ence as our knees cried out.

We then faced the depressing prospect of the ascent up the construction path and the even worse descent back down to the car, but we plodded on, reaching the car at

about 4:30 p.m., that’s nine hours after we had set out. After a quick change of clothes, we packed the car, drank and ate again and headed off back towards Khasab, passing through the Jebel Al Sayh cutting at a chilly 10°C, and arriving at the border at Al Dhara. Again, we swiftly passed through immigra-tion, only stopping for hot chocolates at Pete’s preferred garage in Ras Al Khaimah. We arrived home by 10:30 p.m. and we were pretty shattered.

We agreed that the chances of either of us going back to climb the slab again are almost nil, but it had been a great day out and in a place that we can confidently say had not been visited before by climbers. If you’re keen to have a go, the base of the slab is at N25° 54.988 E56° 19.359.

Mike Nott

The start of the slab

Pete defying gravity

Pete about half way up.

cars Bikes

OUR EXPERTS

John Moto/ATV and all round

adventure seeker

when my friend Alex invited

me, and told me about some of his latest camping and riding gadgets, I just had to join! (Alex and I seem to have a competition to see who can own the most gadgets.) As I was in the market for the new Go-Pro Hero3 helmet camera, I used this as an excuse to get past my wife, who was not keen on camping that weekend. “Better I know what I am buy-ing than just buying,” were my words. “Ha-ha, you are going to buy it regardless,” was her reply.

The camping was just outside Abu Dhabi at Alex’s regular spot, “Die Dooie Kameel” (The Dead Camel). And as I still had lots to do, I only joined them at around 16:00 hours that Friday, the National Day weekend. As most will remember, there was quite a bit of rain during that weekend and for about 30km between Sweihan and Abu Dhabi, I

drove through a very heavy down-pour. Luckily for us, the rain clouds had passed for the night by the time I arrived at the campsite.

It was a rather large gathering of about 40 South Africans and all camping in true traditional style, just like back home! For those who read my article on “Camping and the Bare Necessities,” well, these guys all have the same mindset when it comes to camping. In fact, the campsite looked more like semi-permanent structures rather than what most people are used to. These guys had

some impressive gear and everything was custom-made to their personal requirements! Awesome stuff!

Well, this article is not about the camping gear, but rather the great family “combination ride” we had the following morning. As the rain had hardened the sand, the group decided to do a big ride with the vehicles, quads and bikes. This was going to be the first time I was riding with vehicles as part of the ride and not sure how things would turn out.

There were four vehicles, nine quads and three bikes. It was decided

and Quads

43OUTDOORUAE

that each “group” would stick together and just keep the other two groups visual and advance in the same general direction to a predetermined point. This way, no one would interfere with each other, yet we stay together. I was pessimistic at first, but it worked very well and it was a lot of fun.

No one was out to race or impress, but rather to all have fun. We even had four dogs to accompany us in the vehicles. Due to wet sand, the vehicle drivers were a bit overconfident and did not even deflate their tyres. This worked well for the first ten or so kilometres until the first guy got stuck. Then things went as follows: FJ pulls Cruiser, Jeep pulls Ford, Jeep pulls Ford again, FJ pulls Jeep, Ford pulls Cruiser, and then the guys deflated their tyres with no more pulling after that!

The morning was perfect with overcast conditions as we started, and then clear, clean blue skies by the time we finished. I think the worst (or funniest) thing about the day was that three of the four dogs didn’t seem to enjoy the dune riding as much as their owners thought. Luckily, there were spare clothes for those riders whose dogs became “slightly car sick” whilst sitting on their laps!

Then there was my quad. I suspect that some water must have entered into the fuel system the previous day on my way to the camp in the heavy rain. The quad would be

fine and then suddenly it backfired once or twice, lost power and cut dead! It was not possible to start her using the starter and then the list above became: Jeep pulls Su-zuki, Jeep pulls Suzuki again and one more time Jeep pulls Suzuki!

Each time Mark towed me at least 50 to 100m before she started in a hail of coughing and backfire! By the third time, I told Mark that I was going to head back at full-power to keep the engine at very high RPM – hoping that this would limit the effect of the water in the system. Chris, who also rides very well, then accompanied me on my “kamikaze run” for the camp just in case the quad died again. It worked and luckily we made it back safely, well ahead of the rest.

It was a great day out and enjoyed by old and young, slow and fast.

Ride Safe and Go For Gold,

John Basson


Words + Photos By: Cath Todd

44 OUTDOORUAE

COAST TO COASTDubai to Fujairah 222km RunThe Coast to Coast Challenge

Dubai, is a popular single-stage road cycling event held twice a year and organised by Wolfi’s Bike Shop (check out www.dubairoadsters.com). Cyclists ride from the Lime Tree Café on Beach Road in Dubai and across the UAE to the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujai-rah, taking them anywhere between five to eight hours. The event raises money for UNICEF’s Road to Awareness campaign. I have rid-den in this event once before, but this year I decided to see if it was possible to run it and in a sub-30 hour time.

On the 14th November, I went to see Nic, manager of Sport in Life, to get some much required Aqualyte for hydration throughout the run (available at www.sportsouq.ae or Adventure HQ) and to see if I could potentially raise awareness for Rich Holland, a good friend, Sport in Life rep and avid member of the triathlon community, who had recently been knocked from his bicycle and was in a coma suffering multiple life-threatening injuries. After the Coast to Coast, the website www.backonyourbike.com had been set up to help raise funds for Rich, who still is, at the time of writing this article, in a critical condition in hospital.

I also dropped into Wolfi’s Bike Shop to have a quick brief of the course and to note any potential danger-zones. Besides the major freeway junctions, including the 611, as well as those along the 44, the tunnels were apparently hazardous. Thankfully, during the run the tunnels had pedestrian paths on either side, so we were fine to run through them. With a final quick chat to Wolfi, who joked that he could loan me a bike if I needed it (it’s ok, I already have two bikes from Wolfi’s), I headed home to get my kit together and have a quick nap before running the 222km to Fujairah.

I didn’t sleep a wink and at midnight, I headed down to the Lime Tree Café with crew captain James Hares, for a 1:00 a.m. start on November 15th.I headed off with James who was leap-frogging in the Jeep, past Safa Park and on the way out of town. Shafi, my other crew member for the start, met us at Safa Park and ran with me for a while. We got a bit lost around Meydan, but were back on track in no time and as James and Shafi took turns at pacing me, we made

our way out of town. The roads were surprisingly quiet, even the 44 (Al Khail Road), and around sunrise I hit the petrol station on road 50 at Al Awir. For the first 50km I had been suffering from stomach problems, but after sunrise they seemed to subside. I’m finding on many races that sunrise is a boost for the soul and with the sun coming up, I made my way to the 611 (Bypass Road) and soon onto the “long haul” down the 116 (Kalba Road) towards Fujairah.

After a short stretch down the 116, I de-cided to change from my road runners into my Salomon trail shoes and move further away from the road. I ran most of the 116 off-road in the sand and loose gravel for safety, as it was the busiest road I encoun-tered, with the traffic heading to the coast for the public holiday. Around 8:00 a.m., I was met by my next crew team, Bethany Dunnett and Helena Hyde, who took it in turns to pace me during a hot part of the day until around noon. Again, the crew leap-

frogged along and always parked off-road for safety. At one stage, the car looked a bit stuck in the sand, but Helena and Bethany, managed to get it out quickly. It was a hot, long stretch running the 116. Around Fossil Rock, I decided to sit down on the cool box

for five minutes, to try to take in some food. Until then, I’d been eating and drinking as I ran along, but I needed a quick reprieve from the sun. I couldn’t chew or swallow a sandwich, so I had some avocado and crisps (the ultrarunner’s “bomb”) and some more fruit juice, then started back running after dowsing a t-shirt in the ice water and wiping my face, neck and arms with it.

Soon after the stop, I was met by my next crew team, Marianna Marx and Scott Bunce. Marianna drove and crewed whilst Scott paced me, still along the “long haul” 116. It was still hot and I could see the mountains, but they didn’t seem to get much closer. It was around 100km that the mountains were nearing and it was with great relief when we reached them. There were a lot of gorgeous pools where families were camped and enjoying the water, but we just kept running along the road up into the mountains. As the sun started to go behind the mountains it began to cool off and my next crew team, Anja Hav Thomsen and her husband Alan, joined. Alan drove and crewed, whilst Anja paced. Anja had read a book on pacing and


REPORT

was very, very good at running up to get special-needs foods and drinks, chatting and giving me some peace when I needed it.

All of my crew were amazing. They really kept me going. I had a patch in the mountains, where I didn’t feel so good, so I sat down for five minutes, treated my blisters, changed my clothes, socks and shoes, put on my night vest and head torch, drank some yoghurt and soon after starting

again, I felt much better.The mountains were surpris-

ingly not too difficult and I did enjoy that section. The tunnels were fine, although it seemed to take a while to reach them. After passing through the tunnels my spirits were up, Anja and I were chatting and the run didn’t seem too bad at all. I guess we were around 150km by then. We had a few locals who stopped to see if we wanted a lift or any water, they were very friendly. After passing through the mountains and on the way down towards the coast line, a friend, Sean James, who works in Fujairah thought he’d come out to say hi. This was a nice surprise and around this time, James returned to crew. Anja and Alan soon headed home, as did Sean, and James crewed alone. This proved quite tricky and soon I discovered that I had 60km to go. All of a sudden I had my worst patch in the run. I did not feel good. I felt incredibly tired (it was the second night in

a row I had not slept), sore and just not in good spirits. I had to ask James just to agree with me, irrespective of what I said, and he did. Sean rang James to see how I was getting on and thank-fully came out to help. Sean and James paced and crewed me through Fujairah, possibly the toughest section of the run; you know you’re close, it seems close as you’ve hit the coastline, but it’s still a long, long way to the hotel.

Apparently, the cyclists feel this way too when they hit this stretch.

After a while, with bits and pieces of food, and some sips of coffee that James had brought with him, I was running fine again. Sean knew the stretches along the coast and we ran most of it off-road (the cars were going quite quickly and there wasn’t much room to run on the side of the

road). Sean directed us through a town along the way, which was good as there were a few turns. For the last 30km, I was running six minute kilometres, which is not too bad for the end of a 220km run, and I was in pretty good spirits. However, with 24km to go I felt a sharp, immense pain on one of my toes. I had to stop and take my shoe off. A blood

blister had formed all around the top of one toe and the nail was loose, and digging into the blister with every step, but I couldn’t rip it off. After a long time of trial and error with Band-Aids, flip-flops (no, you can’t run after 200km in flip-flops), a team-effort and new innovation came about. I put a lot of padding around the toe, some large blister plasters over it, cut a hole in the sneaker and sock, and ran with my toe sticking out of my shoe. Thankfully, it worked and I was happily running again, pain-free.

Around 10km from the end, James twisted his ankle and around 7km I tripped over a cat’s eye and “ate asphalt” but it was surprisingly smooth and I was back up running, with a bloodied knee and elbow. A few kilometres from the end, my knee started getting a lot of pain so I strapped it up the best I could and kept running. That final 3km towards the hotel was bliss and a glow was starting to appear in the sky.

The last 1km, I ran to meet Sean and James at the end. I felt another blister pop as I ran down the final stretch and into the hotel car park. The nice security guy got me a seat and it felt good to take those sneakers off. The hotel manager came out to greet us and after a few photos, we headed in for showers, drinks and a well-earned rest, both me and my crew. The cyclists came in around lunchtime and they seemed pretty happy to get to the end too, enjoying good food and a speech from Wolfi.

The Coast to Coast took 29hrs 29mins and 10secs to run, finish-ing November 16th just before 6:30 a.m.

The best part: my crew (awe-some friends), who learned the difference between crisps and Pringles, lemonade and sprite! Worst part: the Fujairah coast-line. It’s beautiful, but seemingly endless!

Cath Todd

46 OUTDOORUAE

Outline of cycling in UAEWith the rising profile of cycling among both the expat and Emirati population in Dubai, it is good to see that the Al Qudra, Nad Al Sheba cycling tracks, and the Motor City Autodrome, are being increasingly used by more and more people wanting to get out and about on two wheels. In parallel with this, other aspects of cycling are gaining popularity – along with the recent invitation to the Track Cycling Velodrome in Sharjah, there are significant numbers of riders head-ing to the hills for a more rugged version of riding. Every weekend, numerous groups meet around the Showka area (on the Madam road en route to Kalba) to ride the trails in the vicinity, varying from 4x4 graded track to technical single track, covering rocky wadi beds, steep but short descents and everything in between. This might sound like something beyond the skills of the average cyclist; however, it’s an excellent way of get-ting out of town, improving bike handling skills, meeting a great bunch of enthusiastic amateurs and seeing another beautiful aspect of this lovely country.

MTB’ing here in the UAE There are regular gatherings of riders in and around Dubai to get experience or commonly known as “time in the saddle,” by riding on flat unpaved terrain. Besides

Martin Harris talks about what to expect and how to prepare

The key aspect is to have appropriate equip-ment. There are many bikes available which are sold as “mountain bikes” but would dis-integrate if challenged with anything more than a beach surface. Reputable cycle shops will give advice depending on the style, frequency and terrain of your rides. Other equipment would include:

Levels of skill/experienceBefore heading into the hills, it’s important to be confident with your skills. Riding a bike down the street is only the start! Find some-where quiet where there isn’t any traffic, and try riding over kerbstones or down a few steps. Also try bringing the bike to a com-plete stop and without taking your feet off the pedals, ride away again. Try to balance

the trails of Showka, there is an area of sand and construction at the rear of the Meydan race track, which offers a taste of off-roading without the intimidation of steep slopes and sharp rocks. (This is normally held at night.)

Benefits of MTB’ing Mountain biking off-road is a good way to increase bike handling and general confi-dence, which can be useful when riding in groups or on the road. Being able to react quickly to uncertain terrain and sudden changes in speed contribute to bike handling skills significantly. It’s a very different type of fitness – road riding tends to be more constant and the benefits of “drafting” other riders are notable, whereas mountain biking can be much more like “interval training,” i.e. periods of hard work (up inclines with loose surfaces) followed by rest (the whizzing down the other side, screaming with glee).

Easy to start Starting out can feel quite daunting – everyone will be better/faster/fitter, have the right equipment, and be more experienced in handling the terrain. My personal experi-ence was in the UK, chasing riders far more experienced than I was, petrified that I would get lost or left behind. It was very different in UAE. Thanks to Facebook, it’s easy to find a group who are of like mind, who will tackle rides of appropriate skill and duration, and give advice where necessary.

Getting to grips with mountain biking

• Protection – bike helmet (vital!) sports eyewear /sunglasses, elbow and knee and shin pads (helpful, but not vital) sunblock, padded gloves and sturdy riding specific shoes

• Spares - spare inner tubes, pump, multi-tool set and, more importantly, the knowledge of how to use it. Zip ties and allen keys are also handy!

• Hydration and nutrition – small snacks, gels or bars (which won’t melt, like Fruseli/nut bars and SIS gels) a backpack with enough water for your ride (CamelBak are a good example although there are others) and some energy drink like Gatorade, Pocari Sweat or Lucozade for salt replace-ment which minimises cramping.

• Front and back lights and high-visibili-ty clothing for night rides.

Photo by: Guida Verschut

REPORT

for as long as possible between stopping and starting (it’s called a track stand, due to this skill being necessary in the Velodrome – but that’s another thing altogether). It’s a lot harder than it looks! The 4x4 trails in UAE range from graded tracks to single track with surfaces from shingle/sand to substan-tial rocks. There can be quite a lot of walking involved in mountain biking!

Riding in a group is important, as mountain biking is inherently dangerous. If anything goes seriously wrong, it’s good to have people around to assist or go for help. It’s also a very social affair with lots of chat – the only downside being is that chatting takes up time, which should be used for riding!Within the group should be at least one experienced rider who knows the trails and can advise on what’s coming up – steep descents or other hazards requiring caution and consideration. Ideally, there should be one experienced rider leading the group and another bringing up the rear ensuring that everyone is doing well and avoiding any accidents.

www.trekbikes.ae +971 4 3350399

EventsAfter some practice rides and developing your confidence, there are events being run periodically which offer not only a good social gathering, but also a good test of recently gained skills. These events vary from short “out and back” rides to six-hour endurance rides, to multiple day stage races like the TransHajar Race. Its up to you, get involved and try something new! For more information about mountain biking and how to get started, get in touch with OutdoorUAE, [email protected].

Photo by: Martin Harris

Photo by: Martin Harris

Photo by: Guida Verschut

48 OUTDOORUAE

Many climbing related articles have little of interest for non-climbers as the focus are often technical climbing details and use of jargon such as crimp, crush, send, sloper and similar. However, the majority of people will relate to the situation when you just do not want to pick up the phone when it’s your parents calling. This is usually due to their immaculately bad timing such as children’s bath time, when you are in a noisy location with rowdy com-pany, who will be very enthusiastic to talk to them or just at the end of a bad day that you do not want to burden them with.

My parents were calling on my mo-bile, this was definitely a “do not answer moment.” The timing was very bad and potential subject matter of discussion would be incomprehensible to them. I was hanging on a thin rope 200m directly above the wadi floor with 100m above me to the top of the rock wall. Hanging between my legs was an indus-trial hammer drill and my rucksack was laden with spare batteries, water and other accoutrements of sports climbing route development. A cooling breeze was slowly spinning me round giving views of sweeping vertical rock walls, the moon rising over the mountains on the other side of the wadi and the ground below me disappearing into an increasingly inky darkness.

The phone continued to ring, but I re-alised I was too exhausted to even con-template answering it. With 100m still to ascend to the safety of the summit, I needed to conserve my energy. Every metre gained ascending the rope was a struggle between the desire to be safe and my body telling me that enough was enough. Think being strapped into a gym exercise machine, pushing your-self to your limit, then repeating it for the rest of the day, and every time you

stop you’re given electric shocks and beaten until you restarted.

This self-imposed masochism was almost the culmination of an 18-month project that had developed into a near obsession. The previous summer, Mike Nott had taken Toby Foord-Kelcey and me to a potential climbing location near Dibba. Mike had named it “Nant Biddy.” A short walk from the end of the road took us into a narrow wadi with towering rock walls on either side. Un-like many of the cliffs in the region, one of these walls was not a series of steep sections divided by horizontal steeps; it was vertical and in some areas there were enormous capping overhangs above steep slabs. This was a truly unique mountain feature for the region.

Early autumn 2011, Toby and I made our first attempt on this wall from the ground up using traditional climbing techniques. We were repulsed without making significant progress. Loose rock, heat and dehydration, lack of protection and the enormity of the undertaking got the better of us. A different approach was required, so we carried drums of rope, drills and bolts the long way around to the top and abseiled down to work out the complex topography of the wall. After several weekends of exploration and numerous aborted forays down potential lines, we indenti-fied a continuous line that appeared to be climbable from the wadi floor to

the top. The following months were spent cleaning the loose rock from the route, bolting and generally scaring ourselves. By the end of summer, there was a nearly established route, only two relatively short sections remained. Toby completed one of them prior to his departure to Canada and despite the best efforts of the revised Dibba border protocols, I had now closed the final gap. Eleven pitches of climbing with 300m of vertical ascent were waiting for an attempt from the ground up.

I did reach the summit of the moun-tain after my parents call, and by eight o’clock the following morning, Hamad and I are on pitch one.

We are sharing a rucksack with a cou-ple of litres of water, some snacks and our walking shoes for the descent from the top via potentially ankle-breaking boulder fields. We had set ourselves a target of climbing a pitch every hour in order to get over the major difficulties during daylight with the final relatively easier climbing and descent to be com-pleted by head torch. Hamad was now climbing pitch one, with me who sat safely at the first belay. Suddenly the rope snapped as Hamad’s weight came on it and a large piece of rock crashed into the wadi below, not the ideal start.

Pitch two was dispatched without

ObsessiOnAn 18-month

OUR EXPERTS

Words + Photos: Pete Aldwinckle

Pete Climber and all-round

adventure seeker

Carpark preparations

Under “Nant Biddy” wall. The first real view of the route.

Hamad seconding Pitch 5.

49OUTDOORUAE

previous night was still in place and with some Boy Scout knots and improvisation, we overcame the difficulties and headed to the summit. Changing into walking shoes for the descent was a relief as our feet were skinned, numb and bleeding from our climb-ing shoes. Eleven hours after leaving the car, we were back where we started.

Our route, still unnamed: F6a, 6a, 6b+, 6a, 6b+, 6b, 5, 6a, 4, A2 (hooks)/8a+?, 5 and scramble to the top; approximately 350m.

A note of caution to those that enter into “Nant Biddy” (turn left at Dabba Dam, follow tarmac road to dirt road to the far side of small village and park just beyond the stone bungalow on the rise after the dip in the track). The residents of the village close to “Nant Biddy” should not have to put up with inconsiderate driving or parking, car door slamming, indiscreetly dressed climbers, litter and rubbish etc. If you are going to “Nant Biddy,” be on your very best behaviour at all times. Particularly to the elderly gentlemen that lives in the bungalow where you will park. While his behaviour may appear a little eccentric, it is his house and you are on his land, so please be polite, humble and discrete.

In addition to the route described above, there are a number of single pitch sports and traditional climbs in “Nant Biddy.” This is an extremely serious climbing venue of Alpine proportions. Good rope work, self-sufficiency and an ability to sensibly improvise when required are all required once you move more than one pitch off the wadi floor. There is potential for falling rock, cut ropes and debilitating exposure. While death or seri-ous injury is not guaranteed, be prepared to be challenged and very scared.

Many thanks to Toby Foord-Kelcey for his major contribution to this project and companionship on the wall. Guida, Theo and Marie for their supporting roles. And Hamad for joining me on a great day out on the wall, you can go back to your boulders now.

Pete Aldwinckle

drama. I was now leading pitch three, the first relatively hard section of the route that required climbing an overhanging corner that would give access to a relatively easier groove and slab system. The previous day’s exertions caught up with me high in the corner. My fingers slowly opened and

despite a desperate lunge for better holds, I was falling into the void below the corner. After a short rest, I returned to the strug-gle in the groove and made some progress until I was again falling and swinging in free space. These processes we repeated several more times until, with heaving lunges and destroyed arms, I pulled myself onto the belay ledge. Once Hamad joined me on the ledge, retreat was now impossible, we were committed to climbing to the top as our ropes would not reach the ground and the rock topography made it impossible to abseil to the previous belay stances.

Two further pitches of climbing estab-lished us on “The Balcony” about an hour ahead of our schedule. This was the first good ledge to take a rest. It was also where Hamad was hit by the mind-numbing exposure, expressed in a few unrepeatable expletives. He recovered from this wobble and confidently led the next pitch up a very steep wall with a couple of hanging tomb-stones of rock attached to the main wall by a thin layer of crumbling mud.

We continued upwards until the penul-timate pitch. I knew it would be extremely difficult climbing, but had completely misjudged just how difficult. Fortunately, the rope I had used to ascend the wall the

Hamad leading Pitch 2.

Hamad reaching “The Balcony” at end of Pitch 5.

Hamad seconding Pitch 11.

Pete and Hamad happy to be at the top.

The view from “The Balcony.”

Pete’s hobbit feet at top of Pitch 10, 250m above the wadi.

Pete resting at bottom of Pitch 8.


50 OUTDOORUAE

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan is a lover of nature and has a very special relation-ship with it, whether on land, sea or air. His favourite sport is kitesurfing, as well as paragliding. Sheikh Ahmed’s passion for sports in general goes back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his hadith proclaiming, “Teach your sons swim-ming, shooting, and horsemanship.”

As such, Sheikh Ahmed does not leave any local sporting event unattended, in hopes of encouraging local youth to partici-pate in sports. In fact, most of these events are under his sponsorship. It is this passion for sports education (particularly physically demanding sports), that has encouraged the Sheikh to publish “Land Sea Air” magazine to teach the youth and shed light on the heroes and champions of those sports.

How did the idea of “Land Sea Air” – the first magazine dealing with extreme sports – come about? The story of the magazine goes back to 2002 when I began to kitesurf. Through some friends, I got to know this new sport. I then embarked on an arduous trip in an attempt to find mention of it in any Arab sports magazines, newspapers and websites, but to no avail. During this journey of exploration, I discovered the importance of having a publication that specialises in these types of sports written in Arabic. I don’t mean kitesurfing alone, of course, but all non-traditional sports such a parasail-ing, surfing, skating, boat sports such as kayaking, jet-skiing, base jumping, climbing, endurance sports, yachting, boating, diving, hunting and many more.

How did your relationship with sports, specifically marine sports, first come about? The pursuit of sports activities in general is one of the matters that Islam encourages.It mentions that our children should pursue sports and learn them, most notably swimming, archery (or shooting)

and horseback riding. That’s why I always make sure to befriend those who practise them. Sports in general are very beneficial. Marine sports, for example, teach us about wind directions and the tides. It nurtures our knowledge of nature, and drives us to be creative and strategic, especially since one could be alone at sea without a chance to think of anything else except handling the givens of nature.

When did you begin kitesurfing? I started around the year 2002. Although I was a fan of sailing sports, I was always on the lookout for more exciting things to try. From there, I contacted a sports equipment agent in Dubai and purchased all the necessary equipment to begin practising. Despite my initial concerns, it wasn’t difficult and very soon I was able to partake as an amateur. I gradually began to enjoy it and practised independently, all the while keeping up with all advancements and news via the Internet. I also watched videos of kitesurfing professionals and amateurs from around the world and applied what I’d seen to my own sessions. Gradually, the circle grew and the sport began to attract more marine sport fans in the UAE and not just locals too! This included residents from other nationalities who were only on the fringes of the sport. Those numbers soon grew and I was keen on following kitesurfing events, from official contests to amateur gatherings in suitable locations. I also participated in the Dubai

An exclusive interview with

Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan

PEOPLE

51OUTDOORUAE

Kitesurfing Championship, locals division, and won first place!

Does the sport require any particular physical fitness level? Kitesurfing doesn’t require any particular level of physical fitness, however, all sports have a certain requirement that those who participate in them have a basic level of fitness and have the physical ability to withstand them. This of course applies to any sport out there.

What is the difference between kitesurf-ing and buggykiting? Kitesurfing and buggykiting (or landkiting) are practically one and the same sport, using the same equipment with very few differences be-tween sea and sand. I personally believe that buggykiting is more dangerous because the kite can reach speeds of up to 60kph, sometimes even 100kph. It’s not as popular

as kitesurfing however, and those who practise it are few, whether here in the UAE or outside. It does not have as many championship events organised for it.

Where are the best locations to practice kitesurfing in Abu Dhabi? The UAE has some very fantastic beaches and the country benefits from very suitable seasonal winds that are an advantage for kitesurfing. The UAE also has long coastlines, and some of the greatest places to practise are the beaches of Al-Mirfa in the Gharbiya region, the northern tip of Yas Island, and elsewhere in Al Dhabiya Island.

Sheikh Ahmed added that through this maga-zine, they aim to highlight the athletes of these extreme sports and become the definitive guide of these activities for Arabs.

*هل يتطلب ممارسة هذه الرياضة مواصفات جسمانية معينة؟

ـ الكايت سيرف ال تحتاج إلى مواصفات خاصة لمن يمارسونها، لكن من المؤكد أن كل الرياضات تحتاج إلى أن

يكون من يمارسها في األساس رياضيا ولديه القدرة الجسمانية على تحملها، مثل أي رياضة أخرى في العالم.

*ما الفرق بين رياضة التزلج على البحر من خالل الكايت سيرف والتزلج على الرمال؟

ـ التزلج على الرمال أو )الكايت باجي( هي نفسها الكايت سيرف، وتستخدم فيها تقريبا األدوات نفسها مع بعض االختالف بين البحر والرمال، وأعتقد أن التزلج على الرمال أكثر خطورة

ألن الكايت قد تصل سرعته إلى ٠٦ كيلو مترا في الساعة وأحيانا قد تصل إلى ٠٠١ كيلو متر، لكنها ليست بنفس شعبية الكايت سيرف؛ وعدد من يمارسونها قليل سواء في اإلمارات أو خارجها، وال تنظم لها بطوالت

بحجم الكايت سيرف.

*ما األماكن المناسبة لممارسة الكايت سيرف في أبوظبي؟ـ تمتلك دولة اإلمارات شواطئ رائعة؛ باإلضافة إلى وجود رياح

موسمية مناسبة تماما لممارسة الكايت سيرف، واإلمارات تتميز أيضا بطول سواحلها ووجود رياح، “خاصة وأن الرياح تعد عامال رئيسا لممارسة هذه الرياضة، ومن األماكن المتميزة شواطئ مدينة المرفأ

بالمنطقة الغربية، والطرف الشمالي من جزيرة ياس، ومكان آخر في جزيرة الضبعية.

52 OUTDOORUAE

50 OUTDOORUAE

الشيخ أحمد بن حمدان آل نهيانأحمد بن حمدان آل نهيان:

الكايت سيرف رياضة مفيدة لإلنسان والبيئة “بر بحر جو” أول مجلة عربية متخصصة في رياضات

المغامرات

الشيخ أحمد بن حمدان آل نهيان.. عاشق للطبيعة.. تربطه بها عالقة خاصة جدا.. )برا وبحرا وجوا( رياضته المفضلة “الكايت

سيرف” التي تمكنه من مالحقة األمواج صعودا وهبوطا طبقا لسرعة الرياح.. ومن الرياضات األخري.. )الباراجاليدنج( أو

الطيران علي الهواء دون ماكينة، اعتمادا علي الرياح.

عشق الشيخ أحمد للرياضة بشكل عام ايمانا بالحديث النبوي الشريف “علموا أوالدكم السباحة والرماية وركوب الخيل”..

وإمتدادا لما ورثه األجداد.. من حب للرياضة.. ال يترك الشيخ أحمد فاعلية رياضية محلية إال ويشارك فيها.. بهدف تشجيع الشباب المواطنين لممارسة الرياضة.. وكثير من

هذه البطوالت تكون تحت رعايته.حبا في نشر الثقافة الرياضية بين الشباب وخاصة الرياضة

التي يتعرض أبطالها للمخاطر.. أصدر مجلة “بحر بر جو” لنشر هذه الثقافة.. وتسليط الضؤ علي أبطال هذه االلعاب الرياضية

المظلومة في االعالم العربي.. المقروؤ والمرئي.. حتي أن “بحر بر جو” تعد المطبوعة العربية األولي التي تهتم بهذه النوعية من

االلعاب الرياضية. التقيت الشيخ أحمد بن حمدان آل نهيان في مقر المجلة في )أبوظبي(.... وكان هذا الحوار، الذي فتح لنا افاقا جديدة حول

رياضات ال يسلط االعالم العربي عليها الضؤ، وكواليس وأسرار رياضة )الكايت سيرف( الذي أصبح فيها خبيرا، وقدوة للشباب

من المواطنين.بداية كيف تكونت فكرة تأسيس مجلة “بر بحر جو” التي تعد أول مجلة عربية متخصصة في رياضات المغامرات والصعبة

وغير التقليدية؟قصة المجلة تعود إلى عام 2002، عندما بدأت أمارس رياضة

“الكايت سيرف”، ورغم كوني من عاشقي رياضة الشراع، إال أنني كنت دائم البحث عن األكثر إثارة، وعن طريق بعض

األصدقاء عرفت هذه الرياضة، حيث حدثوني عن وجود رياضة عالمية تدعى “الكايت سيرف”، وقتها بدأت رحلة بحث شاقة في كل الصحف والمجالت الرياضية العربية، وكذلك مواقع

اإلنترنت، من أجل التعرف إليها، لكنني لم أجد أي معلومة إال في مواقع بعض المجالت الرياضية العالمية، أو بعض المواقع الرياضية المتخصصة، وجميعها باللغة اإلنجليزية، وخالل تلك

الرحلة اكتشفت أهمية وجود مطبوعة رياضية متخصصة في هذه األنواع من الرياضات، وال أقصد الكايت سيرف فقط، ولكن

أقصد كل الرياضات غير التقليدية، ومنها على سبيل المثال ال الحصر اإلبحار بالمظلة أو “الباراسيلنج”، ركوب األمواج، التزلج

بأنواعه، القوارب بأنواعها كالتجديف والشراع والكانو، دراجات الماء البخارية “الجت سكي”، الكاياك، القفز بأنواعه، التسلق بأنواعه، سباقات القدرة، اليخوت، القوارب، الغطس، الصيد،

وغيرها الكثير من الرياضات، التي يفتقدها القارئ العربي “برا وبحرا وجوا”.

كيف بدأت عالقتك بالرياضة، وتحديدا الرياضات البحرية؟ ـ الرياضة بصورة عامة من األمور التي حث عليها اإلسالم،

حيث دعانا إلى تشجيع أبنائنا على اإلقبال عليها وتعلمها، كالسباحة والرماية وركوب الخيل، لذلك أحرص دائما على اصطحاب أبنائي

معي للمشاركة في الفعاليات الرياضية المختلفة سواء كانت داخل اإلمارات أو خارجها، أما بالنسبة للرياضات البحرية فهي

تمثل بالنسبة لي حالة خاصة جدا نظرا النعكاساتها على من يمارسها، وفوائدها الكبيرة، فالبحر يعلم اإلنسان اتجاهات الريح

والمد والجزر، وينمي معرفته بالطبيعة، ويدفعه إلى اإلبداع واالبتكار والتفكير والتخطيط، خاصة أنه في البحر قد يكون بمفرده، وليس لديه أية فرصة للتفكير في أي شيء آخر غير

التعامل مع معطيات الطبيعة.

*ومتى بدأت ممارسة رياضة الكايت سيرف؟ـ تقريبا في عام 2002، ورغم كوني من عاشقي رياضة

الشراع، إال أنني كنت دائم البحث عن األكثر إثارة، وعن طريق بعض األصدقاء تعرفت إلى هذه الرياضة، حيث

حدثوني عن وجود رياضة عالمية تدعى )الكايت سيرف(، وقتها بدأت رحلة بحث شاقة في كل الصحف والمجالت

الرياضية العربية، وكذلك مواقع اإلنترنت، من أجل التعرف إليها، لكنني لم أجد أي معلومة إال في مواقع بعض المجالت الرياضية العالمية، أو بعض المواقع الرياضية المتخصصة،

وجميعها باللغة اإلنجليزية، ألن الكايت سيرف في تلك الفترة لم يكن لها وجود ملموس على المستوى العربي بصفة عامة وعلى

مستوى اإلمارات بصفة خاصة؛ رغم أن اإلمارات وتحديدا أبوظبي تمثل بيئة مثالية لممارسة هذه الرياضة. ومن ثم

توصلت إلى وكيل ألدوات هذه الرياضة في دبي، فقمت بشراء كل أدواتها، وبدأت التدريبات التي لم تكن صعبة في البداية، رغم أنني كنت أعتقد غير ذلك، وفي خالل مدة بسيطة بدأت

ممارستها كهاو، وشيئا فشيئا أحببتها واعتمدت على نفسي في ممارستها، وكنت أتابع بشكل مستمر كل ما هو جديد من خالل “اإلنترنت”، وكنت أحيانا أشاهد بعض مقاطع الفيديو الخاصة ببعض أبطال الكايت سيرف في العالم، وأحيانا بعض الهواة،

ومن ثم أطبق ما أشاهده، وتدريجيا بدأت القاعدة تتسع، وبدأت الكايت سيرف تجذب عددا كبيرا من هواة الرياضات المائية في

اإلمارات ولم تقتصر على المواطنين فقط؛ بل اتسعت القاعدة لتشمل المقيمين أيضا من جنسيات مختلفة، وبعد أن كان عدد

من يمارسون هذه اللعبة قليال، ازداد العدد، وبدأت أهتم بمتابعة الفعاليات الخاصة بالكايت سيرف سواء كانت بطوالت رسمية أو تجمعات جماهيرية غير رسمية في بعض األماكن المناسبة

لممارسة تلك الرياضة، وشاركت في بطولة دبي للكايت سيرف فئة المواطنين، وحصلت على المركز األول.

مقابلة حصرية مع

*هل يتطلب ممارسة هذه الرياضة مواصفات جسمانية معينة؟

ـ الكايت سيرف ال تحتاج إلى مواصفات خاصة لمن يمارسونها، لكن من المؤكد أن كل الرياضات تحتاج إلى أن

يكون من يمارسها في األساس رياضيا ولديه القدرة الجسمانية على تحملها، مثل أي رياضة أخرى في العالم.

*ما الفرق بين رياضة التزلج على البحر من خالل الكايت سيرف والتزلج على الرمال؟

ـ التزلج على الرمال أو )الكايت باجي( هي نفسها الكايت سيرف، وتستخدم فيها تقريبا األدوات نفسها مع بعض االختالف بين البحر والرمال، وأعتقد أن التزلج على الرمال أكثر خطورة

ألن الكايت قد تصل سرعته إلى ٠٦ كيلو مترا في الساعة وأحيانا قد تصل إلى ٠٠١ كيلو متر، لكنها ليست بنفس شعبية الكايت سيرف؛ وعدد من يمارسونها قليل سواء في اإلمارات أو خارجها، وال تنظم لها بطوالت

بحجم الكايت سيرف.

*ما األماكن المناسبة لممارسة الكايت سيرف في أبوظبي؟ـ تمتلك دولة اإلمارات شواطئ رائعة؛ باإلضافة إلى وجود رياح

موسمية مناسبة تماما لممارسة الكايت سيرف، واإلمارات تتميز أيضا بطول سواحلها ووجود رياح، “خاصة وأن الرياح تعد عامال رئيسا لممارسة هذه الرياضة، ومن األماكن المتميزة شواطئ مدينة المرفأ

بالمنطقة الغربية، والطرف الشمالي من جزيرة ياس، ومكان آخر في جزيرة الضبعية.

53OUTDOORUAE

54 OUTDOORUAE

Matthew BarronAge: 26

Occupation: Buyer – Land Sports, Adventure HQ Nationality: Australian

How long have you been in the UAE?I moved in April of 2012. I came to Dubai to work as a buyer for Adventure HQ and build a world-class store with quality products and premium brands.

Tell us more about the races you’ve en-tered and your passions. My main passion is cycling. It takes up most of my time and money! I have raced in almost all forms: downhill, 4X, cyclocross and cross country. Now, I’ve started racing on the road here in UAE.

What races should we look out for this year? This month, there are races on every weekend, as well as two of the biggest mountain bike for the road racing calendar. The Wadi Bih Race is on the 11th of January and the TransHajar Race is on from the 30th of January to the 2nd of February.

What is your main goal for the TransHajar? The goal for the TransHajar is to finish every stage! I haven’t been riding my mountain bike enough, so it will be a tough race. My goal for the year is looking at a race in Italy in May. Still planning that one!

What do you think is your biggest race achievement so far? I do a very good job of filling in the numbers and not podiums at events. Marathon racing on a mountain bike requires a lot more training than I usually give it! The most recent major achievement was setting a new personal record and improving my placing by 90 positions at the Otway Odyssey this year, the largest moun-tain bike marathon race in Australia. In my age category, I finished 239th out of 383 in 2011. After focusing more on my training, I managed to finish 148th out of 466 in 2012. My best result to date was 14th at a two-day,

three-stage race at Mt Buller in Australia against some very tough competition. I think I actually trained properly for that one!

How did you train for this? “Get out on your bike and ride”, is the first thing that comes to mind. I’ve been doing some long road rides and getting out on the mountain bike. Doing long, steady rides and some short intense intervals to replicate the steep ascents and technical sections of the trails will certainly be the main part of my training plan. My aim is to train around 10 hours a week, which will be enough to get through the race.

What is the most gruelling race experi-ence you’ve had? Racing for eight hours on a wet, muddy, clay-filled course. Once you were out of these sections, your bike was so full of mud that you could barely get going again. Most descents were filled with ruts, roots and rocks that were so slippery that I think I spent more time sliding down the descents on my a** than riding them. That was a long day.

But what is the best experience? The best experience was competing at the inaugural Tour de Timor in 2009. It was an amazing event and it really opened my eyes to Aus-tralia’s nearest neighbour and, at the time, the newest and poorest nation on earth. The race was fast and hard, and the scenery was breathtaking. There were some spots I certainly wish I had my camera instead of

shedding every bit of extra weight to ensure we made it up and over the massive moun-tains! It was my first mountain bike stage race and the five days certainly tested my physical limit. Riding into Dili on the final day was a full-on Tour de France experience with thousands of people lining the streets and parting before you. That was easily my best cycling experience.

What’s your game plan this year? I’m looking forward to doing more riding in this region and seeing new places I wouldn’t have seen living in Australia. Salalah in Oman looks like a great mountain bike trip to do, along with a load of road rides I’m yet to do all over Oman and the UAE. Being close to Europe certainly makes me ponder some summer cycling adventures. I just have to make the toughest decision: take the mountain bike or the road bike. The ultimate trip would be to ride the Trans-Provence, which is right up there on my cycling trips list to do.

What is your advice to our readers who want to get into the sport? Ride regularly and build up your fitness gradually. Try throwing in an interval session once a week to push yourself and get prepared. When it’s time for race day, relax, smile, enjoy and remember, it never gets easier, you just go faster.

PEOPLE

55OUTDOORUAE

How long have you been in the UAE? I’ve been here since March 2008.

Why did you come to the UAE? My girl-friend, who has since become my wife, grew up in Dubai. On completing my military service, she suggested I move here. I have always been interested in living in a different country, so it seemed like a great idea.

Besides running, what are your other passions? Before coming to Dubai, I had never participated in a running race. Six years ago, I wouldn’t have even considered running a 10km, but after moving here, I began running and really enjoyed it. Back in Iran, I used to do a lot of mountain climbing and skiing. What I enjoy most is climbing a mountain with my skis on my backpack and ski down. I also like to take part in cycling, running and triathlon races. One of my big-gest ambitions is to finish an Ironman with my brother – we’re very close and have had a lot of adventures together. When I moved to Dubai, I thought my mountain climbing days are over, but after a while I realised there quite a few challenging mountains in the UAE and Oman. Out of which, I found Jebel Shams and Jebel Bih the most chal-lenging so far.

We heard that you ran 72k solo last year at the 2012 Wadi Bih Race. Some may think this is a bit mad, others would say a challenge. Why did you do it? Before sign-ing up for Wadi Bih, the biggest run of my life was 21km. The idea of running 72km was so temping and daunting that I had to try it. I know someone who had done it the year before. This guy was so sure of himself and once we ran together, I realised he was not much better than me, so I decided to sign up and put myself to the test. Some people were calling me mad, but when I was at the race, I realised there are really crazy people out there. There were some who started the

race at midnight and ran the whole thing twice!

How did you prepare for a run like this? I think my biggest hindrance is I’m not very regimented. I generally do not train enough. I’m just overconfident with my physical ability that I think I can do almost anything. Some-times it works, sometimes it leads to injury. For Wadih Bih, I looked into a few 16-week programmes, but they were very demanding and required hours of running. Being a bit lazy and not completely focused, I only did two big runs (about 35km), and I also did the marathon two weeks before the race. So I hoped that my regular weekly football was intense enough to keep me going for 10 hours. In reality, I was not prepared at all for a full 72km race. After the Wadi Bih, I had to take a month off exercise.

What is the most gruelling part of the run? I think after about 55km, I developed some kind of injury in my right knee, which made it quite painful to run. I was contemplating on giving up. My running mate recommended a Brufen tablet, which temporarily stopped the pain and allowed me to continue.

The next Wadi Bih Race is on the 8th of February, what is your main goal for this race? Last year, I was a bit concerned about the race, so I didn’t partake in any of the fun on the race night. As soon as we got to Dibba, I ate something and went to my sleeping bag on the beach. Normally, you would have a team of five with a support vehicle. Generally, one person is running and every 7km the runner will swap with one of the passengers, which makes the event more fun and social. This year, I’m thinking of entering as a team, but instead of having the support vehicle, we have four bikes. So each team member should cycle instead of sitting in the car. This way, you end up cycling about 55km and run about 17km. I think this will be much more challenging and environmentally friendly!

What is the best experience you’ve had outdoors? I have so many great experi-ences related to adventure sports and have met many good friends through it. Once, with couple of my friends, we attempted to do the Stairway to Heaven in RAK. We started the trek 6:00 a.m. in mid-April. After 15 hours of walking, doing the full loop, we

Kayvan Bahraini

were lost in a canyon with big drop in front of us. We were so exhausted that we could not move, we were running out of water, it was dark and very humid – really desperate stuff. After half an hour of a very tiring and disheartening search, we managed to find the way out. The feeling when we were sure that we had found the way out was one of the best feelings of my life!

What would you recommend our readers who want to start running? I would like to encourage people to be more adventurous and to try new things. Be more outdoorsy and try to live closer to nature. UAE and Oman have much more to offer than the shopping malls and five-star hotels. It’s cer-tainly worth exploring them.

Occupation: Planning Engineer Nationality: Iranian


56 OUTDOORUAE

EAST COAST

Words + Photos: Gordon T. Smith

CAR CEMETERY

LOCATIONS

Perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, but for an underwater photographer looking at micro photography, this is one of the best sites on the east coast. some may consider it a boring dive if you’re not interested in small critters like nudibranchs and shrimps, however, when the visibility is good on this site it is totally awesome.

LocationThere is no mooring at this site, although

plenty of fishing pot markers are visible, but not a 100 per cent reliable indicator, so a GPS is essential in locating the exact spot to drop the anchor (N25°25.128 E56°22.606). Previously, we used to line up some land-marks in order to find the location, but when it is hazy on the surface this method is not practical.

The vehicle wreckage, which sunk here in the late 80s as an artificial reef, barely resembles the original shapes of vehicles. Although you can make out wheels and the odd chassis, there is such a lot of growth and debris around, including old fishing nets and line that could be an entanglement hazard.

It is advisable to make sure you and your buddy are carrying some tools such as knife or line cutter to free any possible entangle-ment.

Try to establish your buoyancy about one meter from the bottom in a nice horizontal position and refrain from vigorous fin move-ments. The visibility at this site can drop dramatically when divers fail to observe this posture underwater.

Marine LifeOnce you have descended the anchor

line, take note of its position and if visibility is very poor it might be worth running a line from a spool attached to some object near the anchor. If you attach the line to the anchor, be aware that if the boatman sud-denly decides to pull the anchor up for any reason you may have to abandon the line or go with it!

Access: Boat Experience Level: Novice to experienced diver Max Depth: 16m Dive Profile: Square profile diveHazards: Sharp debris, fishing net or line, sea urchins, occa-sional electric ray, poor visibility and, sometimes, strong currents can make this a challenging site to navigate.Other Notes: If diving with Nitrox you can easily achieve a nice, long relaxed dive at this site. No decompression limit (NDL) on air is 72 min; NDL on EAN32 is 130 min, provided of course your surface air consumption (SAC) rate is good enough.

Bring a torch, there are a lot of dark hiding places around with some very nice colourful surprises – in particular nudi-branchs, my fa-vourite subject. And you might also find an elusive pinecone fish (Monocentris japonicus), some-times mistakenly called a pineapplefish.

There are a variety of shrimps and lots of small gobies and blennies, as well as a cou-ple of very large honeycomb moray eels. If you do decide to kneel on the sandy bottom, be very careful not only of the scorpionfish, but also the electric rays. I have spotted some very large ones at this site, and you could be in for a nasty shock – literally!

If you do strike it lucky with good visibility, you will notice a shoal of snapper that exists in the area as well as dozens of circling barra-cuda. They’re small ones though, so nothing to fear. As I mentioned before, maintain your buoyancy at least a meter above the bottom, maintain a horizontal position and frog kick to avoid silting up the area and reducing visibility.

If you cannot locate the anchor line at the end of the dive, shoot your surface marker buoy (SMB) and ascend using it. The boat-man should be able to locate you easily and possibly be close by the time you have com-pleted your safety stop and surfaced.

Gordon T. SmithEditor’s Note: No maps are are avalible for this site because it is on a flat bottom.

UAE Local Dive Sites

Gordon


Distributor [email protected]

Available at: Go Sport in The Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre, Ibn Batutta Mall,

Mall of The Emirates, Adventure HQ in Times Square Center

Alpha 250Adventure tent

525,-

The New 2 man Alpha 250 is strikingly different in both design and user features. The arched

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TOTAL WEIGHT 3.6 Kg

PACK SIZE 58 x Ø16 cm

PITCHING TIME 10 min

Distributor [email protected]

Available at: Go Sport in The Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre, Ibn Batutta Mall,

Mall of The Emirates, Adventure HQ in Times Square Center

Alpha 250Adventure tent

525,-

The New 2 man Alpha 250 is strikingly different in both design and user features. The arched

front pole with U shaped door opens up the front of the tent and adds head room. The NEW

Linked in Groundsheet transforms the traditional flat groundsheet into an enclosed ground-

sheet which shelters the porch area.

TOTAL WEIGHT 3.6 Kg

PACK SIZE 58 x Ø16 cm

PITCHING TIME 10 min

58 OUTDOORUAE

Visiting Masirah Island off the southwest coast of Oman for the first time feels like taking a trip back in time. With its rugged inte-rior and rocky shoreline, the island hosts 12 small villages, one small town and a military base spread primarily over the northern end of the island. In total, there are nearly 180km of untouched, uninhabited, easily-accessed beach offering a true desert island experience; mak-ing this one of the true hidden gems of Oman. Dotting the coastline are many traditional examples of the Arabian dhow and several well-preserved shipwrecks.

The locals here still drive their 1970s Land Rovers, many of which have been fixed up to look like new, giving the island a unique sense of nostalgia. The temperatures range in winter from the low to mid-twenties and in the summer from the mid-twenties to low thirties during the Khareef (southeast monsoon), making it a cool reprieve from the high temperatures in northern Oman. One of the other highly appealing features of the island is the consistency of the winds during the Khareef. From May until September, the winds average between 12 to 16 knots creating large rolling waves and transform-ing this small desert island into the perfect playground for kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfing and body boarding.

The island is not only popular with tourists in the summer months, but with turtles as well. Loggerhead, green, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles arrive on the beaches en masse to lay their eggs in the sand. The entire sea-son for the various turtle species ranges from February until October, peaking in the sum-mer months. For this reason, the beaches are extremely sensitive during these months.

LOCATIONS

OmanescapesWords + Photos: Darryl MacDonald

At the time of this writing, there are currently no protected areas in place on Masirah Island, but all beaches should be treated as such during the peak periods in order to aid in the protection of these fragile, indigenous populations. More information on the turtle population in Oman and on the island can be found on the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) website (www.environment.org.om).

As the summer monsoon comes to an end and the seas begin to calm, fisherman flock to the island for the start of the fishing season. This is the perfect time of year for camping along the coast and exploring the island. Humpback and Bryde’s whales have been spotted off the coast this time of year along with several species of dolphins including bottlenose and common dolphin. The southwestern end of the island, in part because of its unique bathymetry, offers some of the best snorkeling in Oman and, for the same reason, generally has clearer water than the rest of the island. Massive schools of fish and excellent examples of both soft and hard coral can be found in this area including some of the best opportuni-ties to see turtles.

The only way to access the island is via ferry that leaves from the town of Shina, which is about a four-hour drive south of Muscat along the coast. The ferry generally runs from 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. depend-ing on the sea conditions and will take you to the town of Hilf, on the north end of the island. Once on the island, there are a small range of hotels to choose from and plenty of opportunities for camping. If you are there for the watersports, a company called Kite-boarding-Oman (www.kiteboarding-oman.com) runs a Bedouin style camp about 40 minutes south of town between the months on May and August. They offer room, board, rentals and lessons and are a great source of information for the rest of the island.

Masirah Island offers a wide range of adventures for just about everyone and is definitely a place worth exploring. If you decide to undertake this weekend adven-ture, it’s always a good idea to bring extra supplies including water, first aid kit, snacks, sunscreen, etc. If you do any camping on the beaches, a 4x4 is a must and it’s generally a good idea to carry off-road supplies like a compressor, shovel, tow strap and tools; and travel in a convoy.

As we like to say in Canada, get out there, have fun and “keep your stick on the ice.”

Darryl MacDonald

60 OUTDOORUAE

Get Them Off That Game ControllerTHE NEXT STEP!Route 3 – Medium - Hard 4 to 4.5 hrs

JEBAL AR RAS ASH SHARIQ, 792m

LOCATIONS

Words + Photos: Jim McIntosh

(Part 3)

This mountain walk is part of a series of routes and is in conjunction with the advice covered in routes one and two. Do not attempt this route if you are a beginner or inexperienced in mountain walking.

Happy New Year mountain goats and kids! With the New Year comes new chal-lenges. Now that you have completed two previous mountain walks, Fossil Rock and Jebel Rawdah are nicely in the bag, it’s time to push onwards and upwards. The previous two routes should have given you a great feel for the ground here in the UAE and will prepare you for some more demanding routes in the future. Fossil Rock at around 6km is a very steady and easy introductory walk for you and the kids, while Jebel Raw-dah at around 4.5km may be 1.5km shorter, but it does have a much steeper ascent and will definitely get the heart pumping a little more. So with that in mind, it’s only right that you should now start to increase the height and distance of your walks. But if you found Jebal Rawdah hard or the kids were making you look bad, you should probably consider working on your fitness before attempting any more difficult routes. If hopefully there were no problems, then you are well on the way to becoming a Jebal goat, bagging peaks like they are going out of fashion.

Jebal Ar Ras Ash Shariq is a standalone peak at nearly 800m high, right next to the highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Yibir, which is 1,525m high. The route up to the plateau before the push for the peak, although higher and longer than the previous routes, follows a well-used – until recently – donkey supply route to the farms above. This easily followed route enables you to simply follow a track and to always see the peak without having to concentrate too hard on check-points.

The route GPS Datum: (Military Grid Reference System) MGRS, World Geodetic System (WGS84) Head north out of Dubai on to the Emir-ates Road to Ras Al Khaimah and turn right on to the E87 to Dibba. Follow this road until you come to the first roundabout, head straight across and look for a sign to

LEG FROM TO DISTANCE DESCRIPTION

1 1100 3266 1038 3250 650M Start point to shoulder of hill

2 1038 3250 1012 3250 250M Small field check point 1 (cp 1)

3 1012 3250 0960 3310 700M Small track junction/ tree, cairn (cp 2)

4 0960 3310 0898 3275 800M Farm (cp 3)

5 0898 3275 0906 3171 1100M Track wadi jct (2 cairns in open look left) (cp 4)

6 0906 3171 0891 3171 580M Top of track flat area, wadi running away

7 0891 3171 0939 3181 460M Small field

8 0939 3181 0949 3241 600M Summit, communications mast (cp 5)

9 0949 3241 1012 3250 650M Small field (cp 6 and 2)

10 1012 3250 1038 3250 250M Shoulder of hill

11 1038 3250 1100 3266 650M Start point

Escape route, if you don’t want to go up to the summit at cp 4 head down to cp6

A 0906 3171 1012 3250 From cp 4, head up the wadi and through grid 0891 3171 as if heading up to the summit on route card. As you come around the back side of the hill, you will see another lower field (not the higher one you would pass if going to the summit) and a track heading down the right side of a large wadi. Follow this back to cp 1.

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Available at Adventure HQ in Times Square Center, Micah’s Bike Shop in Al Quoz area, Revolution Cycles in Autodrome Motor City

Distributor

Global Climbing

T E C H N I C A L C Y C L E A P P A R E L

Tawiyen. You will need to do a U-turn after the civil defence station at grid 0706 2188, which is the route into Tawiyen. Once in Tawiyen, drive through, pass the two schools and head down a dirt track behind them. Cross over the road and follow the track up on to the new main track that heads up into the mountains following the main wadi, Osaq. Follow the track up and over the high ground to a T-junction and turn left. You will now see the track that that goes up to Jebal Yibir grid 1193 3260 and is marked by two green and yellow border guard signs. From the signs, turn left at the pylon, follow the track down and over the wadi, tracking to the left, passing a water tower. Then head to a small white building at grid 1101 3266. Plan on 1hr 15mins travel time from the Mirdif area and do your homework before leaving home.

Using the sketch map From the start point, head up the obvious well-worn donkey track to CP1, a flat field area with a rock wall. Look up to the top of the Jebal and you will see the track has widened to quad bike width and heads to the right of the summit. At this point, if you look to your left (southwest) over the large wadi, you will see the track coming down the left side of the wadi, this is the

route down marked “escape route” on the sketch map should you not want to continue to the top of the Jebal. From here, follow the quad bike track up and over the rise, and continue to follow it down to a small junction with a tree and marked with a cairn, this is on the left side of the track just before it starts to head downwards and northerly. This track follows around the base of the Jebal and down to a small farm (the farm is tended by a nice guy called Zahab, so say hi). Pass the farm on the left hand side and pick up a small track to the left of the wadi.

Follow this track until the ground starts to flatten out and the ground becomes flatter and less rocky. When you come to some piles of rocks, look for two cairns, look left and you can see four trees and a track head-ing up the right side of a small wadi. Head up to the top flat area and on the other side is a steep wadi heading away from you.

Pick up the track that is to the left and fol-low it around the back trying to maintain the same height. As you come around the back, gradually start climbing upwards. If you find yourself crossing a small wadi and a large flat area (the escape route) turn left and head up the wadi to a smaller flat farmed area as per the sketch map. From here, pick your own route up to the left of the mast to the summit.Once you have had a brew and a bite to eat, head down to the western end of the mast fenced area until you can see CP 1. Carefully pick a route down to the field and then retrace your footsteps back to the start.

62 OUTDOORUAE

TIPS & TRICKS

If you are a young at heart thrill-seeker and an adventurous daredevil, then you may just have found the right yoga practice for you. Take the mindfulness of yoga, add the thrill of acrobatics, blend with the therapeutic powers of Thai yoga massage and you get AcroYoga – a practice that is fun, explorative and just a little bit crazy.

It works like this: you have a base (person on the ground), a flyer (the person in the air) and a spotter (the safety officer, who doesn’t usually make it into the photos). The base lies on the floor and the flyer is lifted up onto their feet or hands to experience the exhilaration of “flying” (and sometimes a healthy dose of fear). As you progress in the practice, the transitions between one posture to another become faster and soon you are spinning through the air, communi-cating with your partner only through touch and breath.

This practice is centered around trust, communication, clear role definition and fun. It requires teamwork and commitment to succeed, and teaches you to stay calm in situations that are rather usual. This last point comes in handy a lot in regular life too. It is a very reflective experience. You will soon learn whether you like to lead or follow; if you find it easy to trust or are afraid of falling; and how much are you prepared to let go of limiting beliefs. It’s designed to bring you out of your comfort zone and face your fears with the support of your partners. And, of course, it’s oh so fun.

While it looks very impressive and it feels like you’re defying gravity, it’s actually very easy. AcroYoga works with the principals of bone stacking. Once the bones are aligned at a perpendicular angle to the ground, they become like strong steel structures and it’s very easy to hold the entire body weight of another person on them. In these so-called “power lines” the muscles can release and the bones can do the work. It is also incred-ibly healthy and nourishing for the bones to bear this weight.

I started practicing AcroYoga two years ago when a guest teacher was visiting Dubai. I attended her workshop, she flew me and that was it – I was hooked. Since then I have practiced a few times a week, attended countless trainings and started to teach the practice in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and South Africa along with my teaching partners at our company, Phoenix Rising. We now host regular AcroYoga trainings, Thai massage trainings and weekly workshops and classes. There is a growing demand and we feel this is because more and more people are look-

ing for ways to forget about stress, do some-thing out of the ordinary and come back to what we knew so inherently as children – it is fun to play!

What I find so beautiful about this practice is that it puts the principles of yoga into a real life scenario. It is extremely meditative to base or fly, and you really have to be in the present moment. If you are not 100 per cent focused, then it’s likely you will fall or drop somebody (hence, the spotter). While it requires concentration and attentiveness, it also requires equal amounts of tenderness and understanding. It teaches me constantly that in softness there is a lot of strength; in allowing yourself to be afraid, there is so much bravery; and in trusting, there is always freedom.

There are many physical benefits too, such as improved bone strength, improved flex-ibility and longer, leaner muscles. We do a lot of partner stretching before our sessions and in the practice itself. Basing lengthens the hamstring muscles in the back of the

thighs, strengthens the quads, belly and arms. For the flyer, it’s a full-body workout. And anybody can do it. It’s not just for the super fit yogis. By using the right technique, this practice is accessible to everyone. But don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself. If you walk away feeling less than empowered, I will be surprised.

When people hear about this unusual practice they often simply ask me “Why?” Well, I say, for the same reason that you would climb a mountain, ride out into the desert for hours or row off towards the hori-zon. It’s about the journey, the camaraderie, the teamwork and a strong determination to succeed. It’s not about the destination, it’s for the glory of the ride.

Sandy Joy Edwards

F l y i n g I n t o T h e

New YearWords + Photos By: Sandy Joy Edwards

63OUTDOORUAE

Hamstring leanBoth partners face away

from each other and bend forward to look between their legs. Cross arms and hold wrist to wrist. Gently lean away from each other equally.

Hamstring stretchSit back to back. One partner comes

up onto their feet and places sit bones onto partners sacrum. The other partner leans forward as the weight of their partner opens up the back of their legs.

Shoulder openerStand facing each other, palms

to palms. Lean into the hands of your partner and push your chest towards the floor and your hands up. Keep the back flat.

Straddle stretchSit facing each other with the legs

as wide as you can get them. Cross arms and take a wrist to wrist grip. One partner leans back with a flat back as the other leans forward with a flat back. Work slowly and keep communicating.Backpack – psoas

and quad stretchThe base puts your bum on

the low back of your partner and gently leans forward with a flat back. The flyer fills an opening through the psoas muscle, quads and upper back.

ParTNer s t r e t c h e s

Dan, the Desert Gardener loves

Bougainvillea

There is one word to describe bougainvillea and that is spectacular.

It is one of the most popular ornamental plants and will be one of the most colourful plants to have in your garden, and it comes in; pink, magenta, purple, red, orange, white, yel-low and Coconut Ice (a combination of white and pink).

The middle of the flower is small and gener-ally white in colour, but then there is a cluster of bright coloured bracts, which remind you of very thin tissue paper.

In the UAE, it can be planted directly into the ground or in a pot and it is even used as hedging here. It can be pruned to make a standard and can grow along fence lines on

walls or up a trellis. It can be a Bonsai or in a hanging basket. It’s versatility is legendary and well-used in the Middle East.

Bougainvillea is native to South America and because of interbreeding there are over 300 different types. It is nearly pest-free and disease-resistant.

Philibert Commerçon, a French botanist, is thought to be the first European to see the plant while he was sailing around the world in 1798. He named it after the French Navy admiral and explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville whom he was travelling with at the time.

Bougainvillea is salt, drought-tolerant and grows best in dry soil with full, bright sun. It can flower all year and requires little water once established so perfect for the Dubai cli-mate. The plant is a thorny, woody vine and can grow from one to 12m high. You need to make sure you position bougainvillea in your garden in a place where there is no foot traf-fic as the spiky thorns can give a nasty cut.

Bougainvillea is an absolute must in that sunny spot of your garden in the UAE.

64 OUTDOORUAE

Observation is the key.

Cycling has always been a great pastime, mode of transport and, of course, a tool for winning trophies and gold medals. Anyone can and should be able to get involved. It’s as easy as just walking into a shop, choosing a bike and riding away knowing that you are doing something good for yourself and the environment. But it can be complicated to enter into a new sport where the elite are just amazing and the technology can be bewildering.

Bicycles are made by manufacturers taking

into account averages. They calculate aver-age heights of people in each of the markets they serve and value the riders fit, comfort and success. They use research and racing results to build bicycles that are close to as many averages in terms of leg length, reach and bone structure as possible. It is possible that your bicycle is the “right size” for you when you are able to reach for the bars and touch the ground with your feet, but that is probably where the match of rider and bike ends.

Now, consider human body calculations. Realistically, it is necessary to understand how exactly you are built and how to adjust the bicycle to fit you. It sounds so logical, but when was the last time someone asked you if you had a varus (big toe up) or valgus (big toe down) cycling action?

Half of the bones in the human body are in the feet and legs, and they should be one of the key starting points in making adjustments and aligning the working of the mechanisms that provide human-powered

propulsion. There should be a full review of your body and spinal curve, lengths and muscle mass. It’s a real eye-opener when someone is actually looking at the mechan-ics of your body and explaining how things work together.

Having recently completed my Specialized Body Geometry Fit training, (a service now offered at The Cycle Hub), I also became the physical test subject for the training. During this time, I was able to learn and witness firsthand the changes in my cycling comfort and performance through this system, and I’m sincerely keen to shout it to the world. Everyone should be aware that the bike needs to be fitted to them to ensure a safe, efficient and comfortable cycling experience.

Something as simple as knowing my left femur was 4mm shorter, and being able to adjust the inner sole of my cycling shoe by adding a wedge and shifting my cleat position (where you attach your feet into the pedals) allowed me a smoother action and reduced the effort my muscles were com-pensating for. Now, I can cycle a little further if I want to and have less tension in my leg muscles, which I used to think was caused by my left leg being weak! We also managed to remove the tension and hunching in my shoulders while riding with a stem change. We replaced the 100mm stem with an 80mm stem and made better saddle adjustment. Imagine being able to cycle 15 per cent further or longer just because you made adjustments to your own bike!

The variances become so evident when you know what to look for and the solutions always immediately show improvements.

It is no wonder that Specialized invests so much in the program with Dr Pruitt at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, and offers a complete range of equipment such as BG shoes, BG arch supports, BG shims, BG saddles and BG gloves to support the program.

So, your femur is 4mm longer on the left side and you want to be a cyclist? Specialized’s Body Geometry Fit Integration Technology is what you need...

Words + Photos: Sam Sayadan

Angle of the handlebar drops.

Checking the angle of the arch

Leg flexibility is acceptable.

The proud graduates.

The plumb to show exact lines of distance to the pedal crank centre from the saddle position.

Levelling the axles of the bike to set the starting measurements.

The BG Fit adjustable stem is an incredible tool. It allows a multitude of angles and length to be applied in seconds to reach the optimum.

TIPS & TRICKS

66 OUTDOORUAE

Today, for the first time since I moved to the UAE, I commuted to work on my bike and it felt great. I live just outside Arabian Ranches and Global Climbing Towers is in Dubai Investments Park (DIP). In the pickup, it’s a 15-minute tootle along the Outer Bypass Road (611). On the Moonland-er (fat bike), it’s a 45-minute, 15km cycle ride through the desert along disused sandy tracks.

Bikes have become a recreational toy, but they are at their best as a mode of trans-port. Wikipedia says bicycles are the most efficient form of transport, twice as efficient as walking and an equivalent of 879mpg, or 373.701 km/l.

Today, while riding to and from work, I could feel this efficiency. The extreme fat tyres of the Moonlander don’t feel as efficient com-pared to a fast road bike on the blacktop, but on the sandy stretches they make light work of this low-grip surface and make cycling easy in places all other bikes would flail.

The route I’ve found is mainly on sand and sandy tracks with just a bit of closed road to a postponed golf development and the last kilometre or so in DIP to the office. No traffic, no fear, no faff, just me and my bike moving with purpose, going somewhere.

The reason I’ve finally got off my backside, recced the route and started commuting is because I’ve always found that I’ve been at my fittest when I’m cycling back and forth to work (in London and North Wales). The commuting miles hardly take any time out of your day and that daily mileage soon racks up into significant fitness gains. I need these fitness gains because there are some big projects on the horizon. I’ve decided to par-ticipate in the TransHajar MTB Race in Oman and there are two big fat bike adventures in the pipeline. All of these are going to be epic and will need all the endurance fitness I can build in the run up to them.

Now the game is to turn these mind-clear-

31ST OF DECEMBER

2012

ing morning commutes through the desert into a habit. I know from experience the first three weeks are always the tough ones. The last day of 2012 feels like a pretty good time to be making this resolution.

Ian Ganderton

The Body Geometry (BG) FIT PROCESS

Pre-Fit Interview Flexibility Assignment Side View Front View Follow-up

Every fit – whether it’s for a novice or experienced cyclist – starts with a brief interview between a trained techni-cian and rider that addresses the indi-vidual’s injury history, needs and goals.

This evaluation gains an accurate picture of the individual’s flexibility and other physical attributes, including assessment of foot structure, knee position, spinal curve, shoulder extension, hip flexion and leg length, among others.

Assessed using the side view of the rider. The goal is to deliver a correct neutral position that’s both powerful and comfortable through adjustments to seat height, handlebar height, stem length and cleat position.

Analysis from frontal view to optimise hip, knee and foot alignment for greater performance and bal-anced power delivery. It includes analysis of pedal and shoe place-ment and squareness on the saddle.

After a week or so, the technician calls to discuss the effective-ness of the adjust-ments and to answer any other questions or concerns the rider may have.

A sceptic could easily assume that in our commercial world, it’s just another marketing tool to sell. However, once you take a moment to consider the fluidity of your body and the limited action of a

bicycle’s mechanism when it comes out of the showroom, you are thankful that there is a comprehensive solution from a major cycling brand which ensures the continuity and growth of their core business – making it

easier, safer and more efficient for people to be one with their bicycle. For enquiries or to book a Body Geometry consultation, contact [email protected] or call 050 552 8872.


FINAL ThOUghTS

67OUTDOORUAE

general sports equipment megastoresAdventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.aeDecathlon, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +97142839392Go Sport, The Dubai Mall: +97143253595; Ibn Battuta Mall: +9714368 5344; Mall of the Emirates: +9714341 3251; Mirdif City Centre: +97142843034InterSport, Dubai, Times Square Centre and Dubai Festival City, +97142066587, www.intersport.aeSun and Sand Sports, most shopping centres, +97143504444, www.sunandsandsports.com Sport in Life, Nad al Hamar Rd., Ras al Khor, Dubai, +97142896001, www.sportsouq.ae

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DIRECTORY

+971 50 552 [email protected]

GoSport The Dubai Mall

Tel: 04-3253595 Fax: 04-3253590

[email protected]


68 OUTDOORUAE

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CavingMuscat Diving & Adventure Centre, Oman, +96824543002, www.holiday-in-oman.comMountain High Middle East, Dubai, +97143480214, www.mountainhighme.comOman World Tourism, Oman, +96899431333, www.omanworldtourism.com ClimbingEquipmentGlobal Climbing Trading LLC,Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai,+97148829361, www.globalclimbing.comAdventure 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, +97143466558, www.barracudadubai.com Jack WolfskinMirdif City Centre Dubai, +97142840228; Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi+97124437802ServicesAbsolute Adventure, Dubai, +97143459900, www.adventure.ae Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +97126429995, www.alshaheenme.comArabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.comDorell Sports Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, +97143065061, www.climbingdubai.comE-Sports UAE, Dubai, +97142824540,www.esportsuae.comThe Club, Abu Dhabi, +97126731111, www.the-club.comInformation UAE Climbing, +971506456491, www.uaeclimbing.com

CyclingEquipment/DealersCycle Sports, Shop No. 1, Al Waleed Bldg., Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +97143415415, www.cyclesportsuae.comMicah’s Bike Shop, Warehouse no.4 6th st. Al Quoz 3, Dubai, +97143805228 Probike, Dubai, Al Barsha 1, +97143255705, www.probike.aeRage Shop, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City, +97143369007, www.rage-shop.comRide Bike Shop, Dubai Mall, Festival City, Oasis Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +97143750231, www.ridebikeshop.comRevolution Cycles, Shop G05, Apex Atrium, Motor City, Dubai, +97143697441, www.rcdxb.com Sportz Unlimited, Sheikh Zayed Road & Jebel Ali, Dubai, + 97143388644Tamreen Sports LLC, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, +97126222525, www.tamreensports.comThe Cycle Hub, Motor City, Dubai, +971505528872, www.thecyclehub.comTrek Bicycle Store, 1a Sultan Business Centre, Oud Metha, Dubai, +97143350399, www.trekbikes.aeFun Ride Sports, Rm no. 4, Mezzanine flr, C-13 bldg. Khalifa A City, Abu Dhabi,+97125566113, www.funridesports.comPeak Performance, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Dubai, +97143413056/+97143308023 Wolfi’s Bike Shop, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143394453, www.wbs.aeClubsAbu Dhabi Tri Club, www.abudhabitriclub.com Cycle Safe Dubai, Dubai Autodrome www.cyclechallenge.aeDubai Roadsters, www.dubairoadsters.com

diving Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, +97142894858, www.alboommarine.comAl Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000,www.masaoodmarine.comBlue Waters Marine, +97142232189, Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com Gulf Marine Sports, Abu Dhabi, +97126710017, www.gulfmarinesports.comPremiers for Equipment, Abu Dhabi, Sh. Zayed 1st. Road, +97126665226, www.premiers-uae.comAl Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai,+9714 3444468 Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah, +97192388477, www.scuba-2000.comScuba Dubai, Al Barsha, Al Khail Road, Dubai, +97143414940, [email protected] Centres7 Seas Diving Center, Khorfakkan, +97192387400, www.7seasdivers.comAl Boom Diving (equipment), Dubai, Al Wasl Rd, + 97143422993, www.alboomdiving.com Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam,+97172682333, www.aljeerport.aeAl Mahara Dive Center, Downtown Abu Dhabi, +971501118125, www.divemahara.comAl Marsa Musandam, Dibba Harbour, Musandam, Oman,+968 26 836550, www.almarsamusandam.comArabian Diver, Hilton Marine, Ras Al Khaimah, +97172226628, +971502428128 www.arabiandiver.comArabian Divers and SportfishingCharters, Al Bateen Marina Resort,Abu Dhabi, +971506146931,www.fishabudhabi.comDeep Blue Sea Diving, Dubai, International City, +97144308246, www.diveindubai.comDivers Down, Fujairah, Rotana Al Aqah Hotel Resort & Spa, +97192370299, www.diversdown-uae.comEmirates Divers Centre, Abu Dhabi, near Meena Fish Market, +97126432444, www.edc-ad.aeEuro-Divers Oman, Muscat, Oman, +96895035815, www.euro-divers.com

Extra Divers Ziggy Bay, Oman, Musandam, +96826735555, www.extradivers.infoFree Diving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, www.freedivinguae.comFreestyle Divers, Dubai, Al Wasl & Dibba, Royal Beach Hotel, +97143944275, www.freestyledivers.comFujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah Beach,Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah,+97192449888,www.rotana.comGlobal Scuba Dive Center, Civil Aviation Club, Oman, +96899317518,www.global-scuba.comKhasab Divers, Oman, www.khasabdiver.comLe Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah, +97192449000, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com Moonlight Dive Center, Madinat Qaboos, Oman,+968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre, Oman, +97150 3289642, www.holiday-in-oman.comNeptune Diving, +97150 4347902, www.neptunedivingcentre.comNomad Ocean Adventures, www.discovernomad.com, +971508853238, Dibba, OmanOman Dive Center, Muscat, Oman, +96824284240, www.omadivecenter.comPavilion Dive Centre (equipment), Dubai,

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+97144068828Scuba Oman, Oman, +96899558488, www.scubaoman.comSharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +97150 784 0830, www.bsac406.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971503336046, www.sheesabeach.comSky &Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +97143999005, www.watersportsdubai.comThe Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment), Dubai, +97144068828ClubsAtlantis Underwater Photography Club, Dubai, +97144263000Desert Sports Diving Club, Dubai, www.desertsportsdivingclub.netEmirates Diving Association, Diving Village, Al Shindagha, Dubai, +97143939390, www.emiratesdiving.comFilipino SCUBA Divers Club (FSDC),Dubai, UAE, +971 56 6952421, www.thefilipinoscubadivers.comSharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +971507840830,

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fishing & KayakingEquipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +97142894858, www.alboommarine.comAl Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamahaAl Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, +9714 3444468Arabian Divers and SportfishingCharters, Al Bateen Marina Resort,Abu Dhabi, +971506146931,

www.fishabudhabi.com Blue Waters Marine, Dubai, +97142232189, www.bluewatersmarine.com Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.comBarracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai, Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +97143466558, www.barracudadubai.comGlobal Climbing Trading LLC,Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai,+97148829361, www.globalclimbing.comLeisure Marine Beach Hut, Dubai, The Walk JBR, +97144243191, www.leisuremarine-me.comOcean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre, +971502898713, www.oceanactive.com OperatorsAl Boom Diving, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah, +97143422993Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +97143459900, www.adventure.aeAl Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah, +97172434540, www.alhamramarina.comAl Mahara Dive Center, Downtown Abu Dhabi, +971501118125, www.divemahara.comAl Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +97126429995, www.alshaheenme.comAl Wasl Charter & Fishing (Al Wasl Passenger Yachts and Boats Rental LLC),Airport Road, Al Owais Building, Dubai, +97142394761, www.cruiseindubai.comArabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, +971506146931, www.fishabudhabi.comArabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.comBarracuda Diving Centre, Fujairah International Marine Club, +9719222558Belevari Marine, Abu Dhabi,+97126594144Captain Tony’s, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, +97126507175, www.captaintonys.ae Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai, +97153244550, www.funbeachsports.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971558961276, +971503960202, www.happydaysdubai.comHiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +97126811900Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah, +97192449000, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com Nautica 1992, Dubai, +971504262415, www.nautica1992.aeNoukhada Adventure Company, Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi, +97126503600, www.noukhada.aeOcean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre, +971502898713, www.oceanactive.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971503336046, www.sheesabeach.comSummertime Marine Sports, Dubai, +97142573084, www.summertimemarine.comSoolyman Sports Fishing, Dubai, Umm Suqeim, +971508866227, www.soolymansportsfishing.comXclusive Yachts, Dubai, Dubai Marina, +97144327233, www.xclusiveyachts.comClubsAbu Dhabi Camping, Fishing & Kayaking Club, [email protected] Surfski & Kayak Club, Kitesurfers’ Beach, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, +971554986280, www.dskc.hu

general sports equipment distributors800 Sport, Al Quoz, Dubai+971 4 346 7751www.800sport.ae Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Flip Flop Arabia, [email protected], www.flipfloparabia.comGlobal Climbing Trading LLC,Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai+97148829361, www.globalclimbing.com

Goal Zero, +971509128353, www.goalzero.aeJack Wolfskin Mirdif City Centre Dubai, +97142840228; Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi+97144437802Ocean Sports FZE, +971559352735, www.kitesurfsup.comSakeen General Trading, +97147094224, www.sakeen.aeTresspass, The Dubai Mall 2nd floor above ice rink, +971 4 339 8801

horse RidingEquipmentAl Asifa Horse Equestrian & Requisites Trading, Al Khawaneej 1, Dubai, +971554733110, www.asifa.ae Black Horse LLC, Abu Dhabi, +97126422237, www.blackhorseuae.comCavalos Equine Care and Supplies,16th Street, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, +9172 2222433, www.cavalosuae.comEmirta Horse Requirement Centre, Sheik Zayed Rd, Dubai, +9714 3437475, www.emirtahorse.comHorse & Carriage Equestrian Equipment LLC, Dubai, +97142895069,www.horseandcarriageuae.comMirzan Equestrian Equipment, Dubai, +971 4 4472808, www.metdubaihorse.comEquestrian Clubs/CentresAbu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +97124455500, www.adec-web.comAl Ahli Riding School, Al Amman Street, Dubai-Sharjah Rd., +97142988408, www.alahliclub.infoAl Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.comAl Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971 44274055, [email protected] Dubai Polo Academy, Dubai, +971508879847, www.dubaipoloacademy.comDubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, Arabian Ranches, +97143618111, www.poloclubdubai.comDesert Equestrian Club, Mirdif, Dubai, +971503099770, +971501978888Desert Palm Riding School, Near Al Awir Road (going to Hatta-Oman), Dubai,+97143238010, www.desertpalm.peraquum.comEmirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971505587656, www.emiratesequestriancentre.comGhantoot Polo & Racing Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +97125629050, www.grpc.aeGolden Stables Equestrian Club, Al Khawaneej, Dubai, (Nouri) +971555528182,www.goldenstables.aeHoofbeatZ, located just inside the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai,+971501810401, www.hoofbeatz.com

Mushrif Equestrian and Polo Club, Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai,+97142571256, www.mushrifec.comQudraland Community, [email protected], www.qudraland.comRahal Ranch, Al Wathba Racing Area, Abu Dhabi, +971566127914, www.rahalranch.comRiding for the Disabled, Dubai, [email protected], www.rdad.ae,Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road, +97165311188, www.serc.aeRacecoursesAbu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +97124455500, www.adec-web.comGhantoot Racing & Polo Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +97125629050, www.grpc.ae Jebel Ali Racecourse, off the main Abu Dhabi - Dubai Highway (Sheikh Zayed road) beside the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, +97143474914Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, +97143270000, www.meydan.aeSharjah Racecourse, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah, +97165311155, www.serc.aeEquine Hospitals/ClinicsDubai Equine Hospital, behind World Trade Center, Zabeel 2, Dubai, +97143178888, www.dubaiequine.aeGulf Vetcare, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, +971508617590, www.gulfvetcare.comSharjah Equine Hospital, Bridge no. 6, Al Dhaid Road, next to Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Center, Sharjah, +97165311881, www.seh.aeCentral Veterinary Research Laboratory, next to Dubai Equestrian Hospital, Zabeel 2, Dubai, +97143375165, www.cvrl.ae

Jet skiDealersAl Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.comLiberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange 4,Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143419341,www.libertykawasaki.comAl Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamahaRentalsFun Beach Water Sports, Dubai, +971 5 3244 550, www.funbeachsports.comThe Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah, +9717206000, www.rotana.comXventures, Dubai, +971555404500, www.x-ventures.ae

motocross & atV’sDealersAl Badayer Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, +971507842020,www.albadayerrental.comAl Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamahaKTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42,

Al Quoz Industrial Area 1Dubai, U.A.E, Tel: +9714 3393399GPS: N.25.09.602 E.055.14.338

Online shop for power sport accessories and equipment.

Full-fledged workshop for services and customisation.

Run by riders,for riders!

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Opposite Arabian Ranches P.O.Box 7477, Dubai, UAE

Tel: +971 4 361 8111Fax: +971 4 361 7111

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70 OUTDOORUAE

+9714323151, www.ktm.comGolden Desert Motorcycles Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +971551532550, www.goldendesert-dubai.comPolaris UAE (atv’s), Ras Al Khor, Nad al Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex, Dubai, +97142896100, M4, Sector 13, 10th Street, Mussafah Industrial, Abu Dhabi, +97125555144, www.polarisuae.comLiberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, 04-3419341,www.libertykawasaki.comSandstorm Motorcycles (Rental), Al Quoz, Dubai, +97143470270,www.sandstorm-motorcycles.comSebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1Dubai, +97143393399, www.sebsports.comWild X Adventure Shop, Dubai, +97148321050, www. wildx.aeEquipmentDesert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +97142959429, www.arabiantours.com 2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai, +97144548388, www.2xwheeler.comSandstorm Motorcycles (Rental), Al Quoz, Dubai, +97143470270, www.sandstorm-motorcycles.comSebsports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, +97143393399, www.sebsports.comWild X, Dubai, Um Al Ramoul Industrial Area, +97142852200, www. wildx.ae

motorcyclingDistributors and DealersAl Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, www.aym.ae/yamahaDuseja Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143476712, www.dusejamoto.comLiberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange4, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97142822144, www.libertykawasaki.comPolaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex, Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor, +97142896100, www.polarisuae.comTristar Motorcycles, +97143330659, www.tristaruae.comWorkshops and Services2xWheeler Adventures, Dubai, +97144548388Dune Bike, Dubai, Al Khail Road, +97143272088, www.dunebike.com Duseja Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143476712, www.dusejamoto.comGecko Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143413550, www.gecko-moto.comSebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1Dubai, +9714 3393399, www.sebsports.comClubsDubai Motocross Club (DMX), Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971506950764 (Tom Wynn)www.dubaimotocross.com

motorsportsAl Ain Raceway International Kart Circuit, Al Ain, +97137686662, www.alainraceway.comAl Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.comDubai Autodrome, Dubai, +97143678700www.dubaiautodrome.comEmirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain, +97167681717Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmarinacircuit.com

off-Road Dealers4x4 Motors LLC, Shk. Zayed Rd, Dubai, +97143384866, www.4x4motors.comLiberty Automobiles, Dubai, 8005423789,www.libertyautos.comRepairs and ServicesOff Road Zone, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143392449, www.offroad-zone.comIcon Auto Garage, Dubai, +97143382744, www.icon-auto.comSaluki Motorsport, Dubai, +97143476939www.salukimotorsport.comEquipmentAdvanced Expedition Vehicles, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +97143307152, www.aev.aeBling My Truck, +971505548255, www.blingmytruck.comIcon Auto Garage, Dubai, +97143382744, www.icon-auto.comWild X Adventure Shop, Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +97148321050, www.wildx.ae Yellow Hat, Nad Al Hamar, and Times Square Center, Dubai, +97142898060, www.yellowhat.aeTour OperatorsDesert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503,

Dubai, +97142959429, www.arabiantours.com Arabian Adventures, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +97143034888, www.arabian-adventures.comOasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +97142628889, www.opdubai.comClubs Abu Dhabi Off- Road Club, www.ad4x4.com ALMOST 4x4 Off-Road Club, +971507665522, www.almost4x4.comME 4X4, www.me4x4.comJEEP Wrangler JK Fun Club, [email protected], www.jk-funclub.comDubai Offroaders, www.dubaioffroaders.com

RunningClubs ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.orgAbu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi, www.

abudhabitriclub.orgMirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.infoAbu Dhabi Striders,[email protected], www.abudhabistriders.comDubai Creek Striderswww.dubaicreekstriders.org

stand up Paddling, Kite & surfing, WakeboardingEquipmentAl Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +97142894858, www.alboommarine.comAl Masaood Marine, Dubai, SheikhZayed Road, +97143468000,www.masaoodmarine.comLeisure Marine Beach Street, Dubai, The Walk JBR, +97144243191www.leisuremarine-me.comPicnico04 3941653Jumeirah Beach RoadOpposite Sunset Mall, DubaiPearl Water Crafts, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, +971553749398, www.pearl-watercrafts.comSurf Dubai, Dubai, Umm Suqeim, +971505043020, www.surfingdubai.comSurf Shop Arabia, Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai,+97143791998,www.surfshoparabia.com UAE Kite Surfing, +971505626383, www.ad-kitesurfing.netDistributorsOcean Sports FZE, +971559352735,www.kitesurfsup.comKitepeople Kite & Surf Store, International City, Dubai,+971504559098, www.kitepeople.aeOperatorsAl Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.comDubai Kite Surf School, Dubai, Umm Suqeim Beach, +971 504965107, www.dubaikitesurfschool.comDuco Maritime, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, +971508703427,www.ducomaritime.comDukite, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqeim, Dubai,+971507586992, www.dukite.comKite Fly, Dubai, +971502547440, www.kitesurf.aeKitepro Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and Al Dabbayyah, Abu Dhabi, +971505441494, wwww.kitepro.aeKite4fun.net, Abu Dhabi, +971508133134, www.kite4fun.netNautica1992, Dubai, +971504262415, www.nautica1992.aeShamalkitesurfing, Umm Suqueim Beach – Dubai, +971507689226, www.shamalkitesurfing.com

Sky &Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +97143999005, www.watersportsdubai.comSurf School UAE, Umm Suqeim Beach and Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai,+971556010997, www.surfschooluae.comWatercooled, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Dubai, +97148876771,www.watercooleddubai.comClubsAbu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle, www.abudhabisup.com, [email protected]

UAE SUP www.uaesup.com

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

other leisure activitiesAbu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, + 97125588990, www.adgolfclub.comDolphin Bay AtlantisDubai, +97144260000, www.atlantisthepalm.aeDubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park Gate No. 1, +97143369773, www.dubaidolphinarium.aeiFly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +97142316292, www.iflyme.comSadiyaat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, +97125578000, www.sbgolfclub.aeSharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah, +97143999005, www.golfandshootingshj.comSkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of The Emirates, +97144094000, www.skidxb.comSpacewalk Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, +97124463653, www.spacewalk.ae

health, safety & trainingSafety LessonsMarine Concept Yacht Charter & Sea School, Rania Business Centre, Dubai, +971559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.comSafety & Leisure Training Middle East, Dusseldorf Business Point, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +97144502418, www.sltme.com Sport and Health CentresThe Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, +97144370570, www.physiocentre.ae

Walltopia’s ME Sales Showroom will be opening in late April ‘13. Climbers’ training memberships

for Out of Working Hours bouldering, now available. Discounted ‘Early Adopter’

membership closes on 28 February ‘13.

facebook.com.rock.republic.dubai or [email protected]

[email protected]

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Dubai - Tel: 04 3390621 | Dubai Auto sport 04 3388822 Abu Dhabi - Tel: 02 5588890 | Abu Dhabi - Buteen - 02 6660591

Sharjah - Tel: 06 5388066 | Ajman -Tel: 06 7410004Al Ain - Tel: 03 7211444 | Fujairah - Tel: 09 2221188

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