#70 July 2016

Arabs with Altitude
Meet the people who thrive on challenges

for your biggest dose of inspiration yet
Making history on the seven summits
Yoga and raw cuisine in Ubud
Diving in the Damaniyats
Plenty of
PRODUCTS
TO CHECK OUT
Price
10.00 AED
10.00 QAR
1.00 OMR
A trip like no other:
WOMENS ONLY
MOTO HIMALAYAN
EXPEDITION
Sharks in the UAE?:
DISCOVER
THE TRUTH
Vol. 6, No. 7
July 2016
www.OutdoorUAE.com
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
JULY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
OutdoorUAE Team
Success, failure and the

never ending challenge
It was a bittersweet day back in May when I completed the Edinburgh Marathon,
my fourth. After months of training and a well controlled race, I took three minutes
off my personal best. However, disappointment added to both mental and physical
exhaustion on that unusually warm Scottish Spring day; for I had missed my target
by just fourteen seconds.
Those fourteen seconds cost me a Good for Age place in the London Marathon next year,
meaning that once again, and as I had done throughout my childhood, I would be watching the race
unfold on screen, rather than as a participant. Yes, a month later, Im still annoyed with myself.
Its inevitable, whether youre a runner, a diver, a swimmer, a cyclistwhatever your passion is, that
youre going to experience disappointment and frustration at some point. The very pursuits that can
give us soul soaring highs can also deliver the most bitter lows, and the process of accepting,
learning and moving on is all par for the course. Those what if moments and the narrow miss of
what we identify as success are either the things that cause us to give up or incite us to get stronger,
better, and reflect upon with humility further down the line. Theres been quite a few articles written,
on runners in particular, that discuss how were never satisfied. After all, if youre an average runner
like me, theres always going to be someone who can run faster and for longerthe competition
gets turned inward, onto yourself, and success is defined by the expectations that
we as individuals set. And thats not necessarily a bad thing.
This month, youll get to read about some incredible people who have
overcome so many obstacles to achieve success. Delight with them as they share
their highest points, and understand, as they share their lows, that it happens to
us all. The parameters of success and failure may move, but theyre shared by
elites and novices alike.
The drive to push harder and challenge ourselves is inherent in most of us, and
Rachael Bruford
even
in our perceived failures, is responsible for success. Perhaps were all just
Editor
too hard on ourselves?
rachael@outdooruae.com
Editor
For editorial content and press releases
Tel: 04-447 2030
Mobile: 055 5760322
editor@outdooruae.com
Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries)
Tel: 04-447 2030
Mobile: 055 8647125
nela@outdooruae.com
Mobile: 055 9398915
margo@outdooruae.com
Published by
Outdoor UAE FZE
In cooperation with A2Z EVENTS
P.O. Box 215062
Dubai, U.A.E.
Cover photo: Arabs with Altitude
Tel. 04-447 2030

contact@outdooruae.com
www.outdooruae.com
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2016 Outdoor UAE FZE

Reg. at Creative City Fujairah
P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.
Nela Macovei
Business Development Manager
nela@outdooruae.com
Margo Ciruelos
Sales and Marketing
margo@outdooruae.com
Ireneo Jung Francisco

Designer and Photographer
jung@outdooruae.com
Katherine Caedo Patangui

Administration
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Circulation
EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS
Kit Belen
Our fishing pro
Distributor
Al Nisr Distribution LLC
P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE
800 4585/04-4067170
Dan Wright
Freelance wilderness guide in the UAE
Printed at
GN Printing
P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE
Jake Lyle
Diving and Watersport Expert
2016 Outdoor UAE FZE

Vol. 6, No. 7, July 2016
Helle Bachofen Von Echt

Elite Women Cyclist
www.OutdoorUAE.com
Facebook.com/OutdoorUAE
Twitter.com/OutdoorUAE
Marina Bruce
The Desert Diva and
off-road expert
Instagram.com/OutdoorUAE
The information contained is for general use only.

We have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this magazine has been
obtained from reliable sources. The publisher is not responsible for any errors. All information in
this magazine is provided without a full guarantee of completeness, accuracy and chronology. In
no event will the publisher and/or any of our affiliates be held responsible for decisions made or
action taken in reliance on the information in this magazine.
All contents are copyrighted and may not be
reproduced in any form without prior written
permission.
Daniel Birkhofer
Founder and General Manager
daniel@outdooruae.com
WHEN YOURE
DONE READING,
PLEASE RECYCLE!
Ivana Chiles
Health coach and outdoor enthusiast
Nico de Corato
Diver and heli rescue swimmer
with Bergamo Scuba Angels
Bandana Jain
Outdoor and Lifestyle contributor
CONTENTS
12 DIVING IN THE DAMANIYATS
24 MOTOCROSS NEPAL EXPEDITION
37 SILVERBACK SCALERA
EVERY ISSUE
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
06 EVENTS CALENDAR
07 BEST SHOTS
35 PRODUCTS
63 DIRECTORY
12 DIVING IN THE DAMANIYATS

16 TWO DAYS IN UBUD
18 PYRAMID LAKE
22 NOMADS ROAD
23 DEAD2
24 MOTOCROSS NEPAL EXPEDITION
26 PLANNING SHORT BREAKS FROM THE UAE
EVENT & ACTIVITY REPORTS
LIFESTYLE
08 NASST 10KM
09 NASST CYCLING
10 RUNNING THE CORTINA TRAIL
28 GETTING MOTIVATED
30 HEALTH POWERHOUSE
32 HABITUALLY HEALTHY
33 TRIED AND TASTED
OUTDOORUAE
50 SHARKS IN THE UAE
56 ARABS WITH ALTITUDE
62 RECHARGE AND RECOVER BY FITNESS FIRST
TRIED & TESTED
PEOPLE
37 SILVERBACK SCALERA
40 YAMAHA VX WAVERUNNER
53 ZEESHAN MIRZA: WINGSUIT DIVER

54 MYRNA SALIBA: TRIATHLETE AND ENDURANCE RUNNER
56 ARABS WITH ALTITUDE
60 SIMONE RUFFINI: LONG DISTANCE SWIMMER
61 OFFROADERS CORNER: STEVES LAND ROVER
OUR EXPERTS
TIPS & TRICKS
42 NATURAL HISTORY - DAN

44 SUMMER OFF ROADING - MARINA
46 GREENLAND KAYAK KIT
48 INDOOR CYCLING HELLE
50 SHARKS IN THE UAE JAKE
52 OUTDOOR EDUCATION - HAYDON
62 RECHARGE AND RECOVER BY FITNESS FIRST
OUTDOORUAE
EVENTS CALENDAR
STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST EVENTS
JULY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
07
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Oman Surfari
Say Aloha Arabia and escape the heat on a Summer Surf Tour in Oman.
When: 7th - 11th July
Where: Al Ashkarrah, South East Coast of Oman
Contact: Email info@alohaarabia.com or visit www.alohaarabia.com
01
J
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Y
02
J
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Dubai Sports World
iTrain Saturdays
When: June 5-August 27

Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
Contact: www.dubaisportsworld.ae
When: 2nd and 9th July

Where: Abu Dhabi Sports Council Summer Festival at ADNEC
Contact: www.premieronline.com
Continuing throughout July, Sports World provides air

conditioned relief and a wide range of activities.
JULY
01
Dubai Kartdrome Summer Special

A range of four-day karting courses for children
aged between 7 and 12. Special offers for adults
also.
Run or walk in the comfort of an air conditioned environment

at this casual event.
JULY
04
When: Throughout July

Where: Dubai Autodrome
Contact: www.dubaiautodrome.com/kartdrome
JULY
01
Plan for next season
Look ahead and start entering events for the

2016-2017 season; some sell out fast!
When: Various dates
Where: Events for runners, cyclists
and everyone in between
Contact: www.premieronline.com
Polar Event Workshop

at Beyond Fitness
Learn all about what it takes to be a runner at this

informative session, complete with personalised
run programme.
When: 4th July
Where: Beyond Fitness, Meaisem City Centre
Contact: Email sandile@sportinlife.ae to RSVP
JULY
15
Conquer the Game football

tournament with Sun & Sand Sports
Submit your team now to play in this 16-hour football

tournament, complete with cash prizes for the winners.
When: 15th July
Where: Koora, Al Wasl Club, Oud Metha, Dubai
Contact: www.sssports.com
BEST SHOTS
Here are the best shots sent in by you for our monthly photography competition! Thank you for all your entries, they were all great and it
was hard selecting the best photos this month. Congratulations to the top three winners, who will each receive Buff headwear, five free copies
of the magazine and the Advance Off-road Guidebook: S. Suddeesh, Sam Bennett and Muthu Krishna. Well done!
S. Suddeesh
Al Aqah Milky Way
Sam Bennett
Windsurfing in Jebel Ali
Muthu Krishna
Sunpath Dubai Airshow
OUTDOORUAE
EVENT REPORT
NASST
10km
Words by: Rachael Bruford
When you enter a race during

Dubais summer months, its bound
to be a hot and humid affair, no
matter what the time of day. And
so it was with the Nad Al Sheba
Sports Tournament 10km road
race, which took place at 10:15pm
on the 24th June. Despite the
harsh conditions, around 850
athletes of various nationalities
lined up on the start line at the
Falcon Heritage Centre in Meydan.
With categories including Elite NonResident, Elite Emirati and Open, the event
attracted both local and international runners who were provided with two misting
stations along the route and water stations
OUTDOORUAE
every two kilometres in a bid to keep them

cool and hydrated. Furthermore, finishers
were rewarded with an athletes village
which included further opportunities for
post-race hydration, as well as a recovery
station offering protein shakes, massages,
air-conditioned lounges, ice baths and
therapy zones.
But before all this, there was a race to be
run.
Moroccan Ahmed Tamri was the first Elite
Non-Resident Male in an impressive time
of 29:44, closely followed by Ethiopians
Nigatu Getinet Bedane (29:47) and Ashenafi Moges (29:56). Tamris fellow countrymen dominated the mens open category,
with Samir Jouaher in first place (30:23),
Anouar Al Ghouz second (30:23) and Brahim Slimanithird (30:42). The race between
Jouaher and Al Ghouz was particularly
exciting, with the final result requiring a
photo finish.
The Elite Non-Resident Female category
was also dominated by one particular country, this time with Ethiopians Berhe Hafte
(30:22), Demiesa Berhan (35:30) and her
sister Aregawi Berhan (35:31) claiming the
podium spots.
In the womens open category, Dubai
based Anne Mari Hyrylainen had a comfortable win in a time of 35:50. Having recently
qualified to represent her native Finland
in the 2016 Olympics in Rio this summer,
Hyrylainen will no doubt be thrilled by
her performance. The Finn was joined on
the podium by Belainesh Yami Gurmu of
Ethiopia (37:44) and Frances Latifa Essarokh (38:24).
Finally, the elite Emirati category was won
by Mubarak Rashid Hassan Al Marashda
(32:37), with Obaid Mohammed Al Nuaimi
in second (32:43) and Khalifa Mohammed
Obaid Al Nuaimi (33:22) completing the
line up.
RESULTS
Elite Non-Resident Male
1. Ahmad Tamri (Morocco 29:44)
2. Nigatu Getinet Bedane (Ethiopia 29:47)
3. Ashenafi Moges (Ethiopia 29:56)
4. Taufiq Allam (Morocco 30:06)
5. Hassan Ghachoui (Morocco 30:12)
Elite Non-Resident Female
1. Berhe Hafte (Ethiopia 30:22)
2. Demiesa Berhan (Ethiopia 35:30)
3. Aregawi Berhan (Ethiopia 35:31)
Open Male
1. Samir Jouaher (Morocco 30:23)
2. Anouar Al Ghouz (Morocco 30:23)
3. Brahim Slimani (Morocco 30:42)
4. Mohammad Ait Mamas (Morocco 30:49)
5. Ismail Ssenyange (Uganda 31:01)
Open Female
1. Anne Mari Hyrylainen (Finland 35:50)
2. Belainesh Yami Gurmu (Ethiopia 37:44)
3. Latifa Essarokh (France 38:24)
4. Maryam Lamure (France 39:47)
5. Liz Verheyden (Belgium 40:20)
Elite Emirati
1. Mubarak Rashid Hassan Al Marashda (32:37)
2. Obaid Mohammad Al Nuaimi (32:43)
3. Khalifa Mohammad Obaid Al Nuaimi (33:22)
4. Ali Khalifa Hamad Saeed Al Wahshi (33:24)
5. Abdul Aziz Yaqoub Ahmad Al Ali (33:42)
NASST Cycling
EVENT REPORT
The annual Nad Al Sheba Sports

Tournaments 75km cycling race
proved to be a thrilling event on
16th June. The race, which took in
five 15km loops around the Meydan
racecourse, saw victory for Treks
Ali Awad Mussabah Al Ketbi in the
mens event and OutdoorUAEs very
own Helle Bachofen Von Echt in the
hotly contested womens race.
It was UAE national Al Ketbis first competitive race, and victory was not certain
until the finishing straight sawa sprint
finish with Expo 2020s Ali Abbas Abdullah Ghulam Al Baloushi. This is such a
special moment for me, said Al Ketbi after
the victory. It is less than two years since
I started training. This is a huge push for
me to take this sport more seriously as I

can see myself developing in the next few
years.
In the womens event, spectators were
treated to a thrilling finale, with no clear
leader until Denmarks Von Echt powered
over the finish line in a final burst of energy.
This is the third time in three years that
I am participating in this race, said Von
Echt. I was determined to win it this time
after two disappointments in the past couple of years. In the first year I was involved
in a crash and last year I finished second
last as I was fatigued after over-training.
But this year everything fell into place and I
am so thrilled to be on the podium at last.
Last years winner, Aimee Wright, came
third, whilst second place on the podium
belonged to Sarah Maina.
Hassan Al Mazrouei, Tournament Director of NAS Ramadan Sports Tournament,
and Osama Al Shaffar, president of the UAE
Cycling Federation, gave away the prizes to
the winners.
RESULTS
Mens 75km
1. Ali Awad Mussabah Al Ketbi
(Trek UAE 1:47.22)
2. Ali Abbas Abdullah Ghulam Al Baloushi
(Expo 2020 1:47.28)
3. Ahmad Mohammad Humaid Al Ali
(Trek UAE 1:47.36)
4. Rashid Mohammad Ghulam Murad Ali
(Expo 2020 1:47.49)
5. Majid Khalfan Al Jahowari
(Abu Dhabi Team 1:48.19)
6. Jassim Al Muhairi (UAE 1:48.19);
7. Khalid Al Suwaidi (Team Sabri -1:48.20)
8. Nayef Hassan Ahmad Al Marzooqi
(Abu Dhabi Team 1:48.20)
9. Ahmad Al Marri (Heavy Pedal 1:48.20)
10. Abdullah Hussain Farhan (UAE 1:48.20)
Womens 75km
1. Helle Bachofen Von Echt (2:00.13)
2. Sarah Maina (2:00.14)
3. Aimee Wright (2:00.14)
4. Natasha Leask (2:00.14)
5. Johanna Van Hattum (2:00.14)
6. Rosin Bridget Thomas (2:00.14)
7. Najlaa Al Jeraiwi (2:00.14)
8. Akemi Hoshimaikranz (2:00.15)
9. Tafra Mohammed Habash Bamere (2:00.15)
10. Shaikha Eisa Juma Rashid (2:00.15)
OUTDOORUAE
ACTIVITY REPORT
The Cortina Trail 2016:
A Trail Run in the Dolomites

Words by: Nico de Corato
Photos by: Nico de Corato and provided
The Cortina Trail is an extreme

trail run that allows participants
to run longer than a classic
marathon in a charming mountain
setting. Nico de Corato shares
his experience.
This month, there were three separate
trail running events featuring both short and
longer routes, therefore offering as many as
3,400 runners from 64 nations an opportunity to race along the Dolomite trails around
Cortina dAmpezzo. Located in the North
East of Italy in the regions of Trentino Alto
Adige and Veneto, the trails, which take in
the Dolomite mountain range, have significant elevation changes yet are still suitable
for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels, ability and experience. Participants came from
all over the world for this incredible race
that embraces the most spectacular parts of
the Alps that offer challenging high-altitude
treks with interlinked paths and a quiet and
peaceful atmosphere.
During the race athletes had to pass some rivers
The most challenging race of the three is

the The North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail
(LUT). With a total distance of 119 km and
a variation in altitude of 5,850 meters the
LUT is part of the Ultra-Trail World Tour,
the international network that gathers the
12 most famous races in the world, selected
according to 5 criteria:
Long distance trail running races
of at least 100km
Emblematic venues
Popular races (a minimum
of around 500 runners)
International events (a minimum
of 20 countries represented)
Minimum 2 realised editions
The second race is the Cortina Skyrace.
Now in its second year, it takes place along
paths in the Dolomite Mountains, covering a
distance of about 20 km and with a variation
in altitude of 1000 meters. The route allows
you to discover the entire Ampezzo valley
and provides a fantastic view of Cortina and
the mountains that surround it; the race is
for expert excursionists.
I decided to take part in the third event;

the Cortina Trail. At 47km with a variation
in altitude of 2,650 meters, this is extreme
trail running. I confirmed my entry only four
weeks before the event, when my training
should have been at its peak. However, the
goal was enjoy a new challenge, so I spent
those four weeks training on the rocks in
JBR to simulate the trail ride on the steep
terrain of the Dolomites, and training on the
stairs to simulate the variation in altitude.
Ultimately, I decided not to have too many
intense workouts, because of the lack of
proper training time before the race.
The morning of the race began with a
fantastic surprise. I found out that one of the
organisers of the race was my friend Antonio
Colli, with whom I had the pleasure of trying
cross-country skiing for the first time in Cortina. Shortly before departure Antonio asked
me what my expectations were for this race.
3, 2, 1..., the race started and I began to
run very slowly for the first few kilometers.
It was going to be a long run and I didnt
want to force my pace. I enjoyed the view
while running, but felt my lack of training
on the climbs and the technical slopes.
Carabinieri were always ready to support athletes
Unexpectedly, I found that we had to wade

through several streams; luckily I had spare
socks and insoles.
Unfortunately, one of the competitors fell,
suffering a nasty gash to her forehead. Being a rescuer, I supported her together with
other people until the arrival of medical personnel. After a wait of about thirty minutes
and some brief refreshments, I continued
the race with Daniel, who initially helped
the fallen runner. During long races its not
unusual to make new friends. After several
kilometers we reflected on the need to pass
a check point within three and a half hours,
under penalty of exclusion from the race. It
was then that I decided to force the pace
and leave Daniel behind. At one of the refreshment stops I was informed that I had 20
minutes of walking ahead of me before the
check point, with only 23 minutes available,
so I did not even stop or refill the water in
an effort to make it on time.
Next, whilst running on a technical slope I
got a (slight) sprained ankle! Daniel reached
me shortly thereafter and escorted me for
the next 2km, up to the refreshment point.
There, I asked the medical staff to get me a
tight bandage. I wanted to try to finish the
race despite the still difficult path and 16km
separating me from the finish. With difficulty
I reached the last refuge. There was still
9km to go, which was all downhill and very
technical, and only 90 minutes before the
cut-off time. I didnt know what to do, but
At the medical point at 16km
a few minutes later one of the volunteers,

Gianluca Bucciol, pushed me to go on and
offered to escort me to safety.
We set off again, with the next four or
five kms being quite slow because of the
terrain. Suddenly, the ground became less
technical and then something happened in
my mind: I started running again despite the
pain in my ankle. I passed several competitors from both the Cortina Trail and the
Lavaredo Ultra Trail (the two paths overlap
in the final stage). With about 2km to go, I
slowed down, but one of the competitors of
the LUT gave me a pat on my shoulder and
screamed, Do not give up! Run with me!
I accepted the invitation. With about 1km
to go he went ahead by about a hundred
meters. However, in the last 500 meters, as
we made our way through downtown Cortina, my brain gave me the command and I
start running like never before. At about 50
meters from the finish line I reached the guy
who initially spurred me on, and I took him
by the arm and screamed, Lets speed up!
Fast! Come on!
We passed the finish line together and fell
into an emotional embrace before Antonio
Colli handed me the microphone and asked
me my feelings. After a few minutes, Gianluca came and I received another hug. Upon
seeing me at the finish line, he realised that I
must have covered the last 5km by running.
I am among the last finishers, but I feel the
same thrill as the winner.
After that my body reminded me I
spent had spent 12 hours working out, including 18km with a sprained ankle. Maybe
With Gianluca one of the volunteer who supported

me following my run after my distortion
With Daniele, a new friend met during the race
I needed a medical check, but in my mind

was just one thought: I did it!
I would like to thank the Cortina Trail
Organisation for this fantastic experience
and impeccable organisation, Cortina Marketing SE.AM, Hotel Ambra and Restaurant
Il Passetto for the hospitality, my water
sponsor Monviso for the support and all
those friends who made this experience
unforgettable.
Filling my bottle
OUTDOORUAE
11
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Damaniyat
Island
Tripping
equipped with kitchenettes, so you have the

Words by: Ally Landes
Photos by: Simone Caprodossi and Ally Landes option of catering for yourself should you
wish to stay in the comfort of your room.
Were really very lucky to have

the Daymaniyat Islands situated so
close to the UAE. Its easy enough
to make the most of a getaway
weekend in Oman, and the convenience of getting yourself over to
the Millennium Resort Mussanah
and dive these underwater island
wonders with the Oman Sails dive
centre is second to none.
The Millennium Resort Mussanah booked
us in to their hotel apartments that are
located just above the dive centre with
a view overlooking the marina. The nice
thing about the apartments is that they are
The Daymaniyat Islands
There are nine islands in the archipelago of

the Daymaniyat Islands Marine Nature Reserve, which is a UNESCO protected marine
park. They are renowned in the region for
their unique ecosystem, migratory birds and
nesting turtles. Whale sharks (Rhincodontypus), leopard sharks (Triakissemifasciata),
large honeycomb moray eels (Gymnothoraxfavagineus) and rays are often spotted and
its just a matter of being in the right place at
the right time!
Seaoman Dive Centre by Oman Sail

The dive centre offers Nitrox so if you are
certified to use it, it is advised to book your
tanks in advance. The dive boat leaves at
0800 daily and returns around 1600 after
two dives. It takes an hour to get to the closest dive site, Sira, and 1.5 hours to get to
Aquarium, the furthest one away. The dive
boat is perfectly adapted to store all your
equipment, and is spacious and comfortable. There is a smaller upper level with an
elevated view which is a nice touch if there
are many people aboard, meaning that you
can spread out.
As you are going to be out most of the
day, you will want to think about having
some lunch organised to take with you, or
it will end up being a long time since you
last ate something at breakfast. That is, if
you are a person able to eat first thing in the
morning. The dive centre organises plenty
of drinking water on-board, and they alternate with tea, coffee and biscuits one day
and a selection of fruit another.
The hotel can arrange lunch boxes at
85 AED each that consist of a bottle of water, a sandwich (vegetarian option available),
some fruit, a small salad and a selection of

pastries. You end up being the envy of other
divers aboard if they havent arranged food
for themselves. The only thing you have to
remember is to go to the reception in the
main hotel to pick your lunch boxes up, or
you will delay the boat departure as we did
on the first day. It wont make you popular.
The Dive Sites
1. Aquarium
11:09 | 23.3m | 26C
Our first day out and the visibility was fantastic, with clear views up to 30m. We saw
three hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) on this first dive and as usual Simone
managed to get a few star poses from some
of them on our trip! A few minutes later,
a couple of large honeycomb moray eels
(Gymnothorax favagineus) peering out of a
nook, entwined in conversation, gave us an
approving right of passage. A school of ringtailed cardinal fish (Ostorhinchus aureus)
made for some fantastic shots too.
Towards the end of the dive, some curious
batfish came over to hang around and get
their photos taken in the awesome viz. It was
a nice introductory dive to the trip.
Aquarium is the top rated dive site of the
Daymaniyats, and rightly so. However, on
this particular day, there werent as many
things to see as there have been when Ive
dived it in the past. Everything you normally
see here appears to be dosed on steroids. If
you get to plan the trip as a long extended
weekend and get an extra day in which to
dive Aquarium more than once, you will
definitely see more of this dive sites magic.
Moray eels (Gymnothoraxfavagineus) are

often spotted and its just a matter of being
in the right place at the right time
2. Sira
13:13 | 16.3m | 27C
We had an epic start to this dive. Its the cuttlefish mating season and we dropped down
on a whole load of them. There is nothing
cooler than a cuttlefish, and if anyone says
any differently, they havent spent time
hanging around these alien looking creatures and witnessed the functions of their
vessel-shaped bodies up close and personal. Its a good job there were lots of them
around, as no one had to fight over photographing a subject. I may have got a little
too close filming my pair and got the wrath
of ink projected at me in my rude intrusion
of the females egg laying. It had not been
my intention to disturb her in her labour and
she had made it perfectly clear that I had.
There seemed to be a lot of scorpionfish
on this particular dive, or I had just been
made more aware of them when one very
attractively camouflaged specimen, cushioned on the polyps of a soft coral, was
situated just below me while filming yet another cuttlefish. Scorpionfish are not always
the most interesting of fish to photograph,
especially when theyre bland in colour and
look no different from their backdrop resting
place, but Simone managed to get a good
shot of this one against the contrast of its
throne. I then inevitably began to spot them
throughout the rest of the dive, making sure
not to place any of my body parts on one
while filming.
3. Docs wall
9:42 | 14.9m | 27C
Visibility on the second day was not as great
as the first day, but we were still veering
towards 15 metres. The water was a little bit
more on the cloudy front this time around.
Big schools of snappers hung in the
foreground of many of the seascapes just
about everywhere, creating amazing formations in their poetic motion. Unfortunately,
the depth of field was lost in the photo and
video due to the thick texture of the water,
unless you could get right in between them.
It was tough to get close though, as the
closer you got, the further away they swam,

being pesky and fidgety little models.
Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster
planci) had moved into the area and we
came across quite a few of these big purple
monsters scattered about the hard corals.
There was no obvious damage from them
at this stage and with it being a reserved
marine park, one assumes the municipality
will tackle the problem if one arises.
Surface interval on Junn island
There is no better way to do a surface

interval than in crystal clear turquoise water,
overlooking a white sandy beach! A pure joy
and a touch of paradise. Your lunch break
will never feel as good as that once youre
back at work.
4. Mouse trap
12:02 | 15.8m | 27C
Mouse Trap is the closest dive site to the
turtles nesting beach, and we saw six or
seven hawksbills feeding on the corals.
We finally got to see a medium sized
black spotted stingray, also known as a
marbled stingray (Taeniurops meyeni) hanging out under a small school of fusiliers. We
would have easily missed it if Simone hadnt

looked down and gone to get a shot of it,
as it was below us when we were coming up
to the shallows to hang out for our safety
stops. Rays are regularly sighted at the
Daymaniyats, but were scarce this particular
weekend, as were the leopard sharks!
Once back up on the surface, the sea
turned within seconds and started to churn
up some mean waves. We had had flat calm
seas up until this point, and the call to close
the days dives was upon us. With a tough
clamber back onto the boat, we patiently
waited for the other dive group to come up
from their dives.
It was a choppy ride back to the Millennium, but the rough sea didnt slow the journey down. I had to made sure to ask for late
check outs so we could get back to shower
and properly pack our gear away before the
drive back to Dubai.
Drive or fly over
The choice is yours as to whether you prefer

driving or flying to Oman. If you fly, you lose
out on a day of diving and you need to be
aware the hotel is about an hours taxi drive
from Muscats International Airport. With the
option of flying, you get out of driving back
tired with 4 or 5 hours of road ahead of you
both ways! It really is a personal preference.
We dont like missing out on the dives, so
for us its an easy decision to make.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
The Millennium Resort Mussanah and
SEAOMAN Dive Centre are located 85km
north of Omans capital city, Muscat and an
hour closer to the UAE.
A very big thank you to both the Millennium
hotel and SEAOMAN for hosting our trip
and looking after us so well!
Millennium Resort Mussanah
Email:reservations.mrmo@millenniumhotels.com
Tel: +968 2687 1555
www.millenniumhotels.com
SEAOMAN DIVE CENTRE
OMAN SAIL
Email: info@seaoman.com
Tel: +968 2428 1400
www.seaoman.com
OUTDOORUAE
15
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Unwinding in Ubud:
Two days of yoga and relaxation

in Balis cultural heart
Words + Photos By: Rachael Bruford
Whilst Balis image might

have been tarnished of late due
to the growth of mass tourism
and the continuing development
of resorts along the coast, Ubud
has always intrigued me; although
popularised by Eat, Pray, Love, it
seemed the perfect place to spend
a couple of days before heading to
the more unspoilt Indonesian island
of Lombok.
I decided to pay a flying visit to Ubud in
order to relax and unwind after a couple of
hectic months. I was also keen to investigate
the various restaurants offering vegan food,
and to attend a couple of yoga classes. Two
days would of course not be enough time to
see everything, but I had every intention of
just soaking up the atmosphere, rather than
rushing round trying to tick boxes of all the
must sees.
I was travelling solo, which excited me, as
it was a long time since I had felt the rush of
having only myself to rely on in a new and
unfamiliar place. An eight hour night flight
awaited me on the Saturday evening, and
I touched down in Jakarta early the following Sunday morning. Jakarta is three hours
ahead of Dubai time, with Bali being an
extra hour ahead of that. I had no intention
of staying in Jakarta, and had booked the
next available Air Asia flight from there to
Denpasar. This involved a change of terminal at Jakarta airport, which was very simple.
After paying $25 for a tourist visa, I collected
my bag, exited terminal 2 and jumped on
the free yellow shuttle bus to take me to
terminal 3.
Well, terminal 3 left A LOT to be desired
(as I had expected), and I did what I usually
do when arriving somewhere strange and
new: I went to the only familiar thing I could
Yoga barn Ubud
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Raw vegan lasagne - delicious!
see, a Starbucks. As a rule I do eat the local

cuisine when Im visiting a different country,
but airports arent the best place to sample
new foods, plus I was in desperate need for
a latte! A large one. With vanilla syrup. Oh
yes.
Whiling away the time by writing in my
book, it was soon time to board my flight
to Denpasar, Bali. A short one hour and 45
minutes later, I was ready to fully embrace
Indonesia!
footpath. The resort included breakfast, and

I stayed in one of the most basic rooms,
which still proved good value for money. A
huge selling point for me was the outdoor
bathroom! A large bed was surrounded by
a mosquito net, which the hotel staff put
down each evening when I was out. Free
wifi was just about accessible from my room,
Getting thereand time to relax!
I had already done some research into how

to get from the airport to Ubud, and knew
that it was going to be relatively straightforward. I simply went to the taxi station
and gave my destination, and was told that
I could pay the 270,000 IDR upon arrival at
my destination. Despite it being an hour and
a half away, I was surprised to discover that
by distance it was only a mere 50km from
the airport. This was explained by the roads
all long and winding, littered with multiple
scooters that made it impossible to travel
very fast. As I battled travel sickness sat in
the back, I was relieved to make the trip in
just over an hour.
I stayed at Sungu Resort and Spa, which
was a little way out of the main part of town.
A free shuttle bus was offered (approximately a 5 minute drive), or it was a 20 to
30 minute walk from Ubud town center,
with some narrow winding roads and no
Offerings in Ubud
Rice paddies outside of the main streets
and the hotel grounds were relaxing just

what I needed.
Relaxing in the room, I went to have a late
lunch in the restaurant. The food was delicious and all the staff were incredibly friendly. I took the free shuttle into Ubud that
evening for a walk. Despite being alone, I
did not feel unsafe at any time, and noticed
that there were many foreigners, both solo
and in mixed groups. After eating dinner, I
popped into the local shop for some water
and asked them to call the hotel for me to
pick me up in the shuttle. After this, it was
time for bed and a much needed sleep!
A perfect day of exploration

and yoga
The following morning, I woke early to

walk the rice paddies that surround Ubud.
I was amazed to discover that these were a
mere stones throw away from the bustling
streets that twisted their way through the
town. It was as if I had immediately been
transported somewhere else, as field upon
field unfolded, dotted with farmers, and the
skyline punctuated by hills and mountains.
Traversing the fields, I was able to spot the
young rice, and marvelled at the reflections
of the unique houses in the murky water.
After a quick breakfast (ok maybe not
Ready for a class
that quick, I recall it containing about 3

cups of Balinese coffee), I made my way
to the Monkey Forest on foot. Im not the
biggest fan of monkeys, but it seemed like
a good chance to do some wildlife photography and hopefully come away with some
decent pictures. From the monkey forest, I
made my way to the Yoga Barn, an amazing
yoga centre/retreat, and signed up for two
classes that day: Introduction to Ashtanga
and Yin yoga. The first class was outside in a
covered area, and the second class downstairs in a room with large, sliding windows.
I certainly wished that I had applied my mosquito repellent for the second class, as dusk
fell and I could feel myself being bitten by
the little critters!
Between classes, I ate fabulous healthy
food at the restaurant, and I soon wished
that I had stayed in the Yoga Barns accommodation so that I could practice yoga each
day! There was certainly a feeling of peace,
and strangers became friends over raw
vegan food and sun salutations.
Reluctantly, I made my way back through
town in order to prepare for my early morning 30 minute flight to Lombok. Feeling
refreshed and relaxed (and rather flexible!) I
was in the perfect frame of mind to continue
the holiday on Balis unspoilt sister island.
Monkey forest
OUTDOORUAE
17
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Pyramid Lake:
Fly fishing for desert trout

Words By: Rasmus Oversen
Pyramid Lake, in the state

of Nevada, is home to the worlds
largest cutthroat trout. Below,
Rasmus Ovesen takes you to the
desert lake, which once was a vast
inland ocean, and which offers a
rather unique form of fly fishing
where ladders are part of the basic
outfit.
IVE DONE MANY STUPID THINGS IN
MY LIFE, and as a fly fisherman Ive often
stooped shockingly low lower than Id
normally be willing to admit. Nonetheless,
I never thought that my obsession with
catching big trout on flies would one day
see me towering idiotically from a stepladder in the middle of an American desert lake;
thoughtlessly staring at an inanimate strike
indicator the size of a small buoy. But here I
am: in the bitter cold of winter, like an apathetic hunter in a hochsitz, with my fly rod in
a flaccid grip and a crackling electrical feeling
of shame trickling down my spine. This has
nothing to do with fly fishing!
In order to prevent the feeling of stupidity
from completely engulfing and overwhelming
me, I give the bright orange Styrofoam ball
out there a little tug, to make the nymphs
below twitch a little and to give the impression that Im actually fishing (and not just
sitting down looking down).
The worst thing is that Im not alone with
all these feelings. Several other fly fishermen have climbed atop stepladders along
18
OUTDOORUAE
the lakes dramatic depth curves. They

speak gleefully to each other, laugh out
loud, and whip their disproportionately big
indicators out in front of their ladders with
abrupt coarse fishing-like fly casts without
the slightest intimation of shame or ethical
scruples.
Theyre all doing it! But as I sit here, soaring above the water, I cant help but feel a
bit like a little silly. There are no mitigating circumstances, no cheap points to be scored on
casting style or technique and contrary to
a lot of the other fishermen, I cant seem to

get a single bite. This is an all-time low in my
fly fishing career, and the thought of having
endured 36 hours of traveling to get here rips
and tears inside me.
IM AT PYRAMID LAKE in the western
corner of the American state of Nevada. The
lake is a remnant from a past long gone, a
withering oasis in the middle of the desert
surrounded by rusty-red plains and towering
ridges clad in glittering newly fallen snow.
Under the same monochrome sky and its bottomless pit of cobalt blue once lay a massive
ocean the Lahontan Sea.
Now theres nothing left but a modest
lake of about 48 x 14 kilometres staged by
intricate limestone formations, rocky shorelines and big sandy beaches. In the lake, the
worlds largest cutthroat trout are swimming
about, but I find it hard to concentrate!
MY INDICATOR is right in front of my
glorified observation post, a few meters out,
according to my guide, Chris Evisons, strict
orders. Chris is a very pleasant guy, who
knows the lake like the back of his hand. He
sits comfortably reclined on his stepladder,
keeping a keen eye on his strike-indicator
while self-indulgingly delivering a longer
monologue about the fishing in Pyramid
Lake: something to the effect that the season
has really come to an end, that the weather
and wind conditions arent very favourable,
and that I should have been here three weeks
ago or, alternatively, that I should come
back in March.
Ive heard this kind of talk before, but before I manage to strike back with one of the
many bad guide jokes that I have picked up
during my dubious career as a trout bum, the
impossible happens. Chriss yellow bobber
gets pulled under as if by an invisible force,

and suddenly his fly rod arcs and bends
straight into the handle.
FIVE MINUTES LATER, after competently
conducting the fight with a dangerously bent
rod tip, a six-kilo cutthroat trout is thrashing
about below Chriss ladder, and I net the fish.
Wow! So this is what they look like, these
ancient trout: built like pit bulls with massive spotted tails, powerful olive-green and
orange-red flanks, big transparent burgundy
fins, and over-dimensioned heads with
blushing gills, glaring eyes and toothy jaws.
We shoot a couple of pictures of the
impressive creature before releasing it, and
I then find my place up on the ladder again.
I lax into the seat and place my indicator,
leader and two flies out near the drop off
with a dreamy roll cast. But nothing happens,
and it doesnt take long before the tingling
euphoric feeling subsides and Im overpowered by restlessness and impatience.
Apparently, it takes more than a six-kilo
trout to nail me to a stepladder! And the rest
of the trip, Im stubbornly stripping streamers along the lakes depth curves like the
weathered Scandinavian coastal angler I was

born.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30; I
count inside my head, once I have cast out
the sinking line. It is now at a suitable depth,
and I proceed to retrieve the flies along the
bottom with quick double-strips. Im waist
deep right at the edge of a sandbar, where
the bottom drops off to three or four meters,
and I have already had a couple of decent
followers.
Im about to recast, when suddenly a
ghostlike figure shoots forward in the water
behind my Minkie Suspender fly and inhales
it. A redeeming pull propagates through
the fly line followed by series of convulsive
carbon fibre shocks. Im now connected with
one of the lakes fiery-tempered cutthroat
trout a fish that spirals towards deeper water with the thick fly line trailing behind it.
A series of surges and a lot of hectic rolling
on the surface later, I net a stunningly beautiful cutthroat trout of about 3 kilos a fish
that signals the beginning of some incredible
fishing.
DURING THE LAST TWO DAYS where
Im wading and casting on my own, I catch

several hard-fighting fish along the lakes
sandy drop offs. They all range from 50 to 60
centimetres meaning theyd be considered
trophy fish anywhere else in the world and
theyre supplemented by catches of a few cui
ui, which is a peculiar looking but remarkably
powerful bonefish-like species that only lives
in Pyramid Lake.
During the course of the last couple of days

I also witness the catch of an additional three
big cutthroat trout - including an impressive
8-kilo warrior caught by a rather shocked
young man from California. Unfortunately, I
never get to experience a doomsday-strike
from one of the lakes mastodons. But that
just means I wont have to look for a stupid
excuse to go back
Fact file - Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake embodies the remains of the
Lahontan Sea, which for thousands of years
made up a massive water reserve in the western part of Nevadas desert, covering an area
of about 22.000km2.
Because of intense evaporation caused by
climate change in the late Pleistocene era,
water levels started declining, and today only
three substantial water reserves remain and
Pyramid Lake remains the biggest with a
surface area of about 490km2 and depths of
more than 100 meters.
Pyramid Lake is fed by the Truckee River
and there is no drainage. Even so, the water
levels continue to drop due to evaporation,
and in the process minerals accumulate in
the lakes water. As a result, Pyramid Lake is
20
OUTDOORUAE
rather alkaline and the salinity is about 6 per

mille (Approximately one sixth of sea water).
Pyramid Lake has earned its name because
there are many pyramid-like limestoneformations in and around the lake especially
along the eastern shorelines. They have been
formed by subaqueous springs through a
process of mineral depositing, and they have
since been exposed due to evaporation.
Besides cutthroat trout, Pyramid Lake is
home to carp, Sacramento perch, tui chub
and the very special cui ui (Chasmistes cujus),
which is found nowhere else in the world.
Pyramid Lake is situated inside the Paiute
indian reservation, an hours drive from the
city of Reno, and fishing licenses can be
bought via the following link: www.pyramidlake.us/pyramid-lake-permits.html
The fishing season starts on October 1st
and lasts until June 30th, with the first three
weeks of October and March being considered the peak seasons.
Fact file - Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
Pyramid Lake is home to the worlds largest cutthroat trout: the unique Lahontan
cutthroat trout, which historically exceeded
25 kilos in weight. The fact that theyre still
present in Pyramid Lake is rather miraculous,
however, and it deserves a little background
information.
In 1903 the Derby Dam was built in order
to divert water from the Pyramid Lake drainage, The Truckee Lake, to farming land in
Fallon. This not only lowered the water levels
in the lake dramatically, it also blocked access
to the upper parts of the Truckee River where
the Lahontan cutthroat trout had spawned
through decades. In 1939 the Pyramid Lake
cutthroat trout was declared extinct, and they
were replaced by cutthroat trout from Summit
Lake in the north-western corner of Nevada.
These fish quickly settled in the lake, but
being differently genetically coded, these fish
never reached sizes comparable to that of
the original Lahontan strain.
Then in 1979 more than 75 years after
the species was declared extinct biologist
Dr Robert Behnke, from Colorado State
University, stumbled upon a small population
of Lahontan cutthroat trout in a tiny creek
near Pilot Peek on the Utah border. What he
found was an incredibly vulnerable population of trout that had been planted by a local
farmer at the end of the 19th century a
trout population that wasnt DNA-verified as

genetically pure descendants of the Pyramid
Lake Lahontan cutthroat trout until some 25
years later.
In 1995 biologists freighted fertilised
Lahontan cutthroat trout eggs from the Pilot
Peek creek to a hatchery in Gardnerville, and
it was at the very last minute. A few years
later, massive forest fires in the Pilot Creek
area killed every living thing in the creek.
After many years of dedicated hatchery
work, the first genetically pure Lahontan cutthroat trout were ready to be reintroduced
into Pyramid Lake, and the rest as they say
is history. The fish have settled in, they grow
rapidly, and nowadays fish weighing more
than 10 kilos are caught on a regular basis. If
the fishery is managed well and the developmental and conservational efforts continue, it
isnt unrealistic that fish pushing 20 kilos will
be caught once again in the lake.
Fact file Fly Fishing Pyramid Lake
When fishing Pyramid Lake youll typically be
using conventional 6 9 weight single-handed rods in combination with strike indicator
nymph or streamer techniques.
For indicator fishing youll need a 96 or
10 rod, a WF-floating line and a four meter
long tapered leader ending in a 10-12lb
fluorocarbon tippet. 2.5 3 meters below the
indicator you attach a weighted nymph or
buzzer and an additional half a meter below
you tie on a so-called Balanced Leech. The
flies are then fished along the lakes depth
curves typically at 3 4 meters of depth,
and they are fished rather statically with just a
few tugs and strips here and there.
For streamer fishing 9 967 9 weight
fly rods in combination with 300 350 grain
sinking lines, like for instance - Scientific
aggressive strips that provoke the fish into

striking. Double-handed retrieves work really well when the fish are just following the
fly and they do that a lot in Pyramid Lake.
For the same reason, it is important not to
recast too soon, and to always finish each
full retrieve with a short break before the fly
is recast. Oftentimes, the fish will hit the fly
right at your feet!
The flies that are used most frequently at
Pyramid Lake, include: Pyramid Lake Beetles,
Popcorn Flies, Tadpoles, emergers, buzzers,
Wolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, Mahalo
Nymphs, Booby Flies, Silver Bead Eyes and
not least - Balanced Leeches.
A guide can be an important helping hand
Photos: Q.Dein, Rider: Shawn Richman
Anglers Streamer Express, are used. At the

end of the fly line a 55 leader with a 15lb
tippet is attached. At the end of this leader,
a streamer is tied on for instance a tui
chub imitation or a Clouser Minnow, and the
leader is then prolonged with an additional
meter of 12lb tippet material. This is done
using a blood knot, which leaves the Clouser
Minnow dangling from anexcess trim of
about 10 15 centimetres. At the very end
of the tippet a foam fly with good buoyancy
qualities such as the Pyramid Beetle or a
Tadpole fly - is then attached.
When streamer fishing at Pyramid Lake its
important to know the sink rate of the fly line.
It should be counted down to ensure that
the flies are fishing at the right depth right
along the sandy bottom. The whole point is
to make the dropper-fly drag or bounce on
the bottom while the buoyant point fly
hovers and lifts itself above the bottom.
The retrieve is very important. A lot of
the locals swear by really abrupt and
on this massive and unsettled lake, and in

this regard Pyramid Lake Fly Fishings guide
service is highly recommended:
www.pyramidlakeflyfishing.com
Fact fileTransport, logistics and lodging
If youre planning a trip to Pyramid Lake, you
can book a plane ticket and fly to Reno (via
San Francisco). From Reno, theres only an
hours drive to the lake. Lodging possibilities are limited out by the lake, so consider
a hotel in Reno the Biggest Little City in
the World. The grand, but very affordable,
Nugget Casino and Resort, is worth staying at
if youre looking for an authentic Reno hotel
experience: www.nuggetcasinoresort.com
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Nomads Road:
Overlanders for Life

The final chapter
Words + Photos by: Grg Trastour
Egypt
The country of the Pharaohs was
one of the most difficult to enter
and exit. We arrived by ferry from
Aqaba in Jordan to Nuweiba in the
Sinai Peninsula.
To get the authorisation to cross Sinai
and Suez with a 4 wheel drive vehicle is a
challenge, but even with the approval in
place, you can still find yourself stuck in
the port for few hours due to paperwork
issues. Once we entered Egypt, we drove to
the most southern part of Sinai to discover
what some people describe as the jewel of
Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh. What we discovered
was a deserted town that was not ideal for
travelers such as us, who needed an open,
secure place to deploy our equipment. Unfortunately there was no such place like this
in Sharm El Sheikh and this was something
22
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that repeated itself throughout our journey

in Egypt.
We spent a couple of days in Sinai before
crossing the Suez Canal to reach Cairo and
fix the issue with our Carnet De Passage
that we had at the border. After obtaining all
the necessary documents to be able to exit
Egypt without any problems, we hit the road
again and drove North East to the Mediterranean Sea at Port Said, following the coast
to Alexandria; the city of Alexander the
Great where some historic places remain,
such as the Qaitbay Citadel.
After this loop in the Northern part of
Lower Egypt, turning around the large estuary of the Nile, we drove straight to Giza,
south of Cairo, to discover the Pyramids. As
the main attraction of Egypt, which everybody wants to see when visiting the country,
we expected a site full of people, but there
were no more than a hundred. We had the
Pyramids more or less to ourselves, but locals working with tourists were rather pushy,
all fighting to get the few tourists who were
present, meaning that our visit was not particularly peaceful or enjoyable.
After this experience we decided to drive
south towards our next destination; Sudan.
It was the first time on our trip that we had
wanted to leave a country so quickly. From
Giza we drove East to follow the Red Sea
down the coast. After passing places such
as Hurghada, we turned West to follow the
Nile to the border with Sudan.
On the way we stopped at the famous city
of Luxor, where there is plenty of sightseeing
to be done, such as the temples of Karnack
and Luxor. The Valley of the Kings and the
Valley of the Queens were impressive and
beautiful. After that we drove a couple of
kilometers south to reach Aswan, where we
applied for our visas to visit Sudan, which
took five days. During that time we found a
nice spot beside the Nile to stop and make

some maintenance on our vehicle. Here we
met some Nubians who came to enjoy the
shadows of the mango trees and swim in
the cool waters of the Nile. We took time to
observe nature and do some bird watching.
On the river we saw some Feluccas, the
traditional Egyptian boats, and a huge
tourist boat going up and down the river,
unfortunately with not many people on it.
Egypt is definitely not a country for
travelers like us, but for those who want to
discover the historic sites at a low rate, its
the right time as all accommodations need
tourists, and so have adjusted their prices
accordingly.
Exiting Egypt with our vehicle took a
while, but we knew from previous travelers
that this border is one of the most difficult
in Africa. We spent all day between Egypt
and Sudan carrying out the customs, police
and immigration process. But now, were on
our way to Sudan. Thanks for sharing in our
journey through the Middle East!
The Trastours are a family that have been
overlanding the planet for as long as
they can remember! Made up of Greg
and Magali as well as their daughters
Natasha and Anastasia, The Trastours are
a family filled to the brim with an unstoppable sense of adventure for the ultimate
goal to explore the world.
You can check out their next stop at
www.nomadsroad.com or look for
Nomads Road on Facebook and Twitter.
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Magellans extreme makeover :
A 4x4 Enthusiasts Dream

Words + Photos By: Chris and Amanda Fraser
The month we have been

dreaming about and planning for
years has now arrived. As explained
in the first article, we decided on
the Prado 150 series as the vehicle
to take us safely and comfortably
on this mammoth journey from
Durban to Dubai.
To get our iron horse Africa ready would
require some major modifications. The
following is a detailed account of how we
prepared and re-built Magellan into the
home and machine required for such an
adventure.
Fuel: Magellan has a 4.0Lt petrol engine,
and whilst this suits Dubai living, its not the
most ideal for Africa. Unfortunately petrol
is not always readily available in Africa, and
when it is, the quality is questionable. To
resolve this problem, we looked at increasing the capacity which would allow us to
extend the distance covered per tank. Next,
we fitted an auxiliary tank of 125Lt which
was beautifully handcrafted by Long Range
Automotive Australia. The service and quality were brilliant. From there, we installed
a secondary fuel filtration system made by
Racor, with all fitment completed in South
Africa by Craig Day of Midlands Safari Centre. Once again, we had absolutely brilliant
service, and it helped that Craig is an expert
in his field.
Suspension and Tyres: Combining
previous off road experience with ample
research, it became clear that there was only
one tyre choice for this trip; BF Goodrich All
Terrain. We increased the tyre size by one
from the factory fitted tyre. The latest BFG
AT 265/75/R17 KO2 is a brilliant tyre,
operating quietly on the road. We also
opted to take 2 spares for safety reasons,
including the times when Amanda may
misjudge the road! This came with its own
complication as to where we would carry the
second spare. Thanks to the masterminds
at ICON 4x4 Dubai, this problem was easily
resolved.
The suspension was probably one of the
most critical items of the set-up for our

vehicle. This system would need to carry all
the weight of the car and new accessories
over thousands of kilometers of Africas
toughest terrainso we opted for the best.
TJM Australia kindly provided the suspension and the shocks. Stay tuned as we will
certainly report back on the comfort of the
suspension.
Front and Rear Bumpers: The rear bumper
was never on my list to replace; however,
with the introduction of the dual rear wheels
came the custom made rear bumper from
Icon 4x4 Dubai. Completing the project
within two weeks, their service and workmanship were flawless.
The front bumper was supplied by the
renowned TJM Australia. Their reputation
for quality and strength did not disappoint.
The bumper is absolutely incredible and
looks like we could challenge whatever
Africa has to throw at us. Within the front
bumper, we have installed a Warn 10000
Tabor winch and LED spot lights, all supplied and installed by Safari Centre South
Africa. Unfortunately, the pictures dont do
this masterpiece justice!
Storage and Space: The diversity of
landscape and climate, as well as Amandas
inevitable trinket collection, presented a
storage issue. With the right planning we

have managed to utilise every last centimetre of space Magellan has. We first removed
both sets of rear seats, turning the vehicle
from a 7 seater to 2sorry friends and
family, youll be strapped to the roof when
visiting! We then approached Front Runner
South Africa, who provided a dual pull out
drawer system for the rear of the vehicle.
This system would allow us to fit 12 black
ammo boxes to store our belongings for life
on the road. In front of the drawer system
we made a flat wooden deck in which weve
installed the auxiliary batteries (2 x 140AHR
Discover). These batteries will run the 2 x
40Lt fridge and freezers supplied by Snowmaster. These units look incredible and will
allow us to keep allour food and drinks cold
and fresh.
Tents and Awnings: This choice was a
no-brainer as Chriss father is the founder
of the Howling Moon camping range. With
his guidance, weve opted for the Howling Moon 1.4 Stargazer roof top tent and
a Howling Moon 270 degree awning. We
simply could not ask for better accommodation. All the above has been mounted on
the Front Runner slimline rack system.
Water and Showers: We have installed
2x55Lt water tanks in front of the roof top
tent. This will serve as shower and washing
water. Directly behind the seats we have
installed a 45Lt water tank, purely for
drinking water.
There are many more modifications and
gadgets that have been installed to make
Magellan Africa ready; however, to keep the
article shorter than a novel, weve only outlined the process. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to send us an email at
dead2travel@gmail.com.
OUTDOORUAE
23
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Adventure for a cause:
Words by: Agata Gregorek
Many female climbers have

conquered the Himalayas since
the 1970s,including Wanda Rutkiewicz; the first female to summit
K2. None of them accepted the
conventional idea of women being
inferior. They blazed a trail that
women have been following ever
since, and it is no longer unusual to
hear about women climbing 8000
meter peaks.
Just like Wanda Rutkiewicz, there are
women who love mountains, love the Himalayas, and love motorcycling. Wanting to
show the world that despite being considered to be fragile creatures, they can be
strong and they too have their own Everests
to climb, a group of passionate and intrepid
motorcycle travel enthusiasts will kick off a
women only Himalayan Moto Expedition
in August this year.
Each one of them has their own personal
goals, but one goal that they all share is to
face and overcome real challenges, experience riding in extreme conditions and visit
the Himalayas, all whilst drawing attention to

a great cause. Because this adventure represents more than their enthusiasm. What
makes it even more extraordinary is a decision to dedicate their Himalayan Expedition
to helping children in need. They believe
that with their unique project they can effectively draw more attention to the plight
of children who are currently in a coma.
Although they live in different countries
around the world, most of the women taking part in the expedition are Polish, and
therefore wanted to support a Polish NGO.
Their choice was a charitable foundation
begun by a well-known Polish actress, Ewa
Blaszczyk, that supports a revolutionary clinic
called The Alarm Clock Clinic. Specialising in treating children who are comatose as
a result of serious brain injuries, The Alarm
Clock Clinic has received support on many
fronts and has, in the last two years, awakened 21 children.
The majority of participants have years of
extensive experience riding motorcycles.
They participate in other motorcycle tours,
ride off road for fun or use motorcycles as
their means of transportation; it all accounts for the preparation process. That
also includes choosing the right gear for
the expedition. Such a trip requires light
packing and limiting items to essentials only
(forget about the heels!). Apart from the first
and the last night, and maybe two nights
somewhere on the way, specially prepared
camps will be their home for most of the
time, which is as exciting as it is challenging
due to the high altitudes that they will face.
Therefore, necessary medical equipment
and even oxygen, for those not used to such
an environment, will be also provided.
By day, these women work in banks,
offices and hospitals in countries around
the world. They have husbands, partners,
children and everyday responsibilities. They
live normal lives. They come from France,
Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland,

Spain and Switzerland with one of them
living in Dubai who will represent the U.A.E.
on the expedition (the bios are available on
their webpage). What connects and distinguishes them is their passion.
The originator and driving force behind
the expedition is a woman with tons of experience in coordinating motorcycle touring
expeditions around the world who is also
the co-founder of Advfactory, an adventure
touring fulfillment company. Contacting all
her female friends, she offered them the
opportunity to participate in this Himalayan

expedition and, given their shared passion for motorcycle touring, spots were
quickly filled. The enthusiastic response was
overwhelming, and a second group had to
be created, with an additional two weeks
scheduled that will take the official completion date to August 27th.
Various participants have been devoted to
getting the expedition off the ground over
the past few months, working together and
contributing their individual skills to make
this women only Himalayan Expedition
something truly special. It has been challenging, as they are all scattered around the
world, but distance does not matter when
you are working for a cause like theirs. Their
combined effort has produced a webpage,

logos, t-shirts, stickers, and many more
promotional materials all for the cause, all
freely given, and all very exciting!
The expedition participants will be riding the legendary Royal Enfield Bullet 500
through the highest mountain range in the
world, and traversing some of the highest
passes accessible to vehicular traffic. Motorcycles will be rented from a local supplier
in India, who have also provided a support
car that will transport part of the luggage,
spare parts and the necessary equipment for
camping.
Across the 3500km that the expedition will
tour - including dozens of mountain passes
between 4000 and 5000km above sea
level - the riders will visit schools in remote
mountain areas visiting children who are
literally at the end of the world to bring joy
and smiles to their lives.
Working in conjunction with The Alarm

Clock Foundation, the women of the
expedition are committed to raising
funds for this extraordinary cause by
spreading the word about the expedition and by partnering with others who
share their enthusiasm. Children are our
future is their shared belief and helping
children in need is a common goal.
Donors wanting to support the cause
have 2 ways to contribute:
Matching kilometers driven on the expedition between August 4th and August
27th 2016 with 1 Polish Zloty, (PLN) or 1
UAE Dirham per kilometer
Choosing a fixed amount to donate
Contact Moto Women Only Himalayan
Expedition Team representative based in
UAE today for more information, if you
wish to support them and that amazing
cause!
Expedition webpage:
www.motowomenonly.com
Foundation: www.klinikabudzik.pl/en
Contact:
Agata Gregorek (Dubai)
agata.gregorek@gmail.com
+971528243021
OUTDOORUAE
25
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
A guide to planning short

breaks from the UAE
Words + Photos by: Rachael Bruford
Residents of the UAE are all

too familiar with hectic lifestyles.
Living in this glitzy, glamorous
metropolis seems to have an unwritten rule: youll work hard, putting in long hours and feeling under
pressure; and youll play hard too,
with your free time full of socialising, keeping active, and making the
most of all the fantastic outdoor
opportunities that come with living
in this part of the world.
Every now and again, it can all get too
much, and no amount of sumptuous spa
treatments can relieve the feeling of needing to get away from it all, even if only for
a little while. Fortunately, the UAE is in the
ideal location for heading off and spending
a few days exploring somewhere completely
different, culturally and geographically. It
takes approximately the same amount of
time to fly to Thailand as it does to fly to the
UK, and there are ample places to explore
between these two destinations. Moreover,
the number of public holidays that are often
tagged on to UAE weekends mean that on
some occasions you dont even have to use
your hard earned vacation days. It is more
than possible to visit a number of destinaBudapest
tions over just a four-day weekend, arriving

back in Dubai feeling revived, fresh and
ready to give one hundred percent again.
There are, however, some tricks to making the most of short breaks from Dubai, in
order to ensure that you manage to explore
and relax before landing back in the sandpit.
Do your research before

booking anything
Whilst spontaneous travel can be exhilarating, this is more suited to trips longer in
duration. The idea of a short break is to
maximise your time whilst not spending too
much money or coming back feeling like
you need another holiday. For example,
flights to the Maldives from Dubai can often
seem reasonably priced, and at under five
hours long, the trip is manageable. However
(and this is a big however), what one must
consider is that this initial flight will merely
get you to the capital, and not the island
paradise you may have been dreaming of.
To do this requires further transport, which
can be costly and time consuming. Some
Train travel in Sri Lanka
islands may not serve alcohol, meaning no

sundowners on the beach unless you travel
to a resort elsewhere. Who really wants to
spend their relaxing island get away constantly thinking of boat timings and prices?
This is just one example and a reason why
beach short breaks can often be more difficult than city breaks, even if the flight time
may at first appear to be shorter.
Look carefully at flight times
Flight times can often be the biggest factor

in deciding where to go for a short break.
It goes without saying that you need to be
back in time for work, but you also need to
make sure that you arrive at your destination
relatively refreshed. If you can sleep on a
night flight, its best to maximise your time
by flying late in the evening after work. Do
check (particularly if youre travelling alone)
that you wont land somewhere completely
random at 3am the following morning.
If, however, youre not a fan of night
flights, its best to wait until early the following morning to make your trip. That way,
Tranquility in Lombok
need to visit the embassy beforehand. Also

check that your passport does not expire
within the next six months and that it has
plenty of space for stamps and visas some
of them take up a whole page!
Investigate local transport

options and links
Transport in Milan
you can enjoy a good nights sleep and not

arrive feeling irritable due to being up all
night. The time you miss will not be wasted
and will allow you to really make the most of
the time you do have, rather than sightseeing whilst feeling exhausted.
How youre going to get around during

your short break is something that you must
consider as it can make or break the trip.
Ensure that the airport you are arriving at is
either close to your ultimate destination or
has good links for getting to where you want
to go. Not all airports are as conveniently
placed as Dubai International, and some
may actually be quite far away. Destinations
such as Amsterdam and Hong Kong have
excellent train links that take you to the city
swiftly and directly.
Similarly, have a think about how you
will get around once you are there. Do you
plan on hiring a bike? Walking? If so, is
where you are going friendly to cyclists and
pedestrians? Or perhaps you aim to use
public transport; if this is what you intend to
do, see if you can get day or multiple day
passes to give you unlimited journeys and
save money. Ensure that public transport is
frequent if you have your heart set on doing

a lot of exploring, as this will save you precious time.
Decide where to stay
Whether youre staying on a picturesque

beach or in a vibrant city, hotels can be expensive. Look into other options such as Air
BnB or a small beach villa, and choose your
location wisely, making sure it is in the same
vicinity as the things that you are interested
in seeing and doing. Make sure there are
places to eat that are within your budget
nearby, and that the all important transport
options are readily available to you.
Sowhat are you waiting for?
We are so privileged to live in the UAE, not

only because of the year round sunshine and
warm sea, but because of its proximity to so
many unique destinations. By following this
advice, you can arrange a short break which
is exactly that: a break from the routines and
stresses which we are all bound by. However, by failing to plan and consider some
of the pitfalls you may face, you may come
back from your break feeling even more exhausted and on edge than you were before
you left.
Decide what type of break you want
After youve done some initial research

and looked at flight times, you should have
come up with a list of potential destinations,
all with their own benefits and disadvantages. One of the most common dilemmas is
whether to opt for a beach holiday or a city
break. Cities can be more easily accessible,
but may not be the most soothing of places.
On the other hand, if you want to experience some culture, then a city may present
more opportunities than a beach. This decision really is up to you, and the good news
is that the options will still be available to
you on future trips.
Check visa and passport

requirements
The importance of checking these can not

be underestimated, and can make the difference between enjoying your trip or not even
being allowed to fly in the first place. Some
countries do not give visa on arrival to all
nationalities, and if this is the case you will
Yerevan, Armenia
OUTDOORUAE
27
LIFESTYLE
Finding motivation
How can we maintain a healthier lifestyle?

Photos by: Supplied
They say its not the destination,

but rather the journey that matters. For many people this rings
true, especially in regard to adopting a healthy lifestyle that, we are
told, is so important for our physical and emotional well being. But
what about the starting point?
How can we take those first steps and
continue on the path ahead without giving
up at the first setback or beating ourselves
up when we do something that is not in
keeping with our healthy regime? Its easy to
have good intentions, but its much harder
to see them through when faced with the
stresses and temptations of every day life.
Below, we discuss some of the things that
can help you stay motivated in your quest
for a healthier lifestyle. By taking small
Arrange healthy pursuits with friends
and hold yourself accountable
Social media is a great way to find inspiration,

but be aware of its limitations
steps each day, you can make it just that; a

lifestyle that you actually enjoy, rather than
something that must be endured for a specific amount of time.
Look to those around you
Inspiration is everywhere for those who seek

it. Obvious starting points are the social
media accounts of people who you admire
and whose achievements you aspire to. This
may not necessarily be the lithest yogi or the
guy who seems like a real-life action man;
there are plenty of people out there who are
more normal and relatable, yet have still
made huge progress in terms of their health
and general way of life. This may be to do
with exercise, food, mindfulness, travel, or
even a combination of everything the main
idea here is to learn from their experiences
and how they now live their lives. Be aware
that, of course, not everything you see on
social media or on blogs will necessarily be
an accurate picture. Theres been a lot about
how people portray themselves on social

media compared to how they actually live in
the news recently just take everything you
see as an example and dont try to compare
yourself.
Similarly, the real people around you
can also be great motivators. Even if theyre
stronger, leaner, faster or more accomplished than you could ever dream to be,
its their progress and general achievements
that should inspire you. Dont compare
things like times, trophies, weight loss or fat
to muscle ratio. Instead, look at the amount
of effort they put in to achieve their dreams,
and how they are rewarded. This is where
you will find inspiration; in the belief that
everybody, no matter who they are, can
make huge improvements to their lifestyle if
they are only willing to try.
Its all about balance
Having said all of this, there is one important

word to keep in mind: balance. Adopting
Start by making healthy additions
Remember that rest and recovery are crucial
a healthier lifestyle 100 per cent of the time

is not only impossible, but can lead to you
feeling like a failure if you make a mistake.
And we all know that theres nothing like
feeling that you have failed at something
to make you want to give up all together.
Moreover, your new, healthier habits will
take time to become second nature, and
may feel a little alien at first. Stick with it,
and before too much longer youll find that
smarter choices will come naturally. When
youre eating more healthily and exercising
frequently, it doesnt matter if occasionally
you enjoy an entire pizza by yourself or take
a couple of days off training. Its not going
to somehow undo all your good work. In
all likelihood, youll be eager to get going again after having the occasional treat.
Start small, with simple changes everyday. It
could be something as easy as adding vegetables to every meal, or swimming for ten
minutes in a morning. Whilst getting started
is often the hardest step to take, this is also
the time youll see the most progress, which
in itself is highly motivating.
Strength in numbers
Joining a club or class can be intimidating, but it can also work wonders. Firstly, a
club is a great way to make friends with like
minded people who will motivate you to
keep making changes, and who you might
even find yourself getting a little competitive with. Secondly, getting involved in
whatever makes you happy and healthy, be
Dont compare yourself to others, but draw from their achievements
Treat yourself when you hit your goals
it a running club, an art class or a yoga or

nutrition workshop, will increase not only
your knowledge and skills, but hopefully
also your drive to achieve and progress. Its
easy to think were not good enough, but
the truth is that people arent the same, and
yes, of course some will be better than others; but you might also discover that youre
better than you originally believed.
Involving others in the things that improve
the overall quality of your lifestyle also holds
you accountable; nobody wants to be the
person who drops out at the last minute
and lets everybody else down. In time, you
may even look forward to whatever you do
as part of a group, be it a sunrise walk on
the beach or an 80km cycle at Al Qudra on
the weekend and youll miss it on the rare
occasions that you cant make it. By making plans and arranging times, youll know
exactly when youll be putting the effort in,
rather than leaving it to when you feel like
it. If Saturday evenings are dedicated to
food preparation for the week ahead, then
you know that time will be taken up. Youll
also know that youll therefore have more
time free after work, as most of your meals
will already be prepared.
motivation, its easy to lose hours dreaming

rather than doing. Marathons are not run by
reading about them, and healthy food is not
prepared by drooling over pictures, so its
important to keep a check on the amount
of time you spend sat in front of a screen.
Moreover, sitting in front of a tablet or other
device is exactly that; sitting. Quite possibly
one of the worst things you can do for your
health is to spend too much time sitting. It
messes with your posture and makes it far
too tempting to believe were hungry and
snack on things that might not be the best
choice. Get up and move, stretch, and try to
accomplish a little, then a little more, each
day.
Reward yourself with whatever makes
you happy after you have achieved the
mini goals that you have set. It may be new
workout gear for the gym or a juicer for the
kitchen. Whatever you do, make sure youve
earned it. That way, youre more likely to
wear the said work out gear and use the
juicer thanks to your newly formed habits,
rather than letting them sit in the cupboard
alongside your foot spa from 1993.
Its hard to write about motivation. Being
something that comes from within a person,
it cannot be taught or bought. Rather, a
spark needs to form that will eventually
ignite as the small changes towards health
become part of everyday life. So go out
there, and start today. Theres no such thing
as the perfect time; something will always
get in the way. Instead, relish the challenge
and start making changes. And remember,
one day you too will be somebody elses
inspiration.
Relax and reward
Adopting a healthier lifestyle isnt all about

hard work. Rest and recovery are key for
both mind and body. Make sure you spend
time relaxing and embrace some time
away from technology. Whilst social media
and the internet can be a great source of
OUTDOORUAE
29
LIFESTYLE
Health
Powerhouse
Words + Photos by: Ivana Chiles
Dear readers,
Summer is here, and unless you

are privileged enough to be spending it
away from the UAE, then you are sure
to be looking for some different (indoor)
activities to try.
Why not use this time of the year to think
about how you can take your health to the
next level? We tend to be less active in
summer as we become frustrated and tired
of the scorching heat outside and the indoor
air conditioning. But have you ever really
thought about how to enhance your sleep
quality? Did you know that a good mattress
can do wonders for your overall health? If

you are still suffering from symptoms that
you cannot explain, even though your diet is
clean and your lifestyle is generally healthy,
look no further, because I have done some
research for you!
How important is good sleep?
A good nights rest is one of the pillars

of health. Impaired sleep can aggravate
medical problems and interfere with the
bodys natural ability to heal itself. Science
has now established that a sleep deficit can
have serious, far reaching effects on your
wellbeing. Interrupted or impaired sleep can
dramatically weaken your immune system,
accelerate tumour growth and cause a prediabetic state, making you feel hungry even
Natural rubber (6 cm)
Rubberised coconut-fiber (1cm)

mixed with seaweed
Natural rubber and eucalyptus
leaves (6 cm)
Rubberised horsehair (1 cm)
Natural rubber (2.5 cm)
Rubberised coconut-fiber (1cm)
mixed with seaweed
Rubberised cactus fiber (1 cm)
Natural rubber (2.5 cm)
Rubberised coconut-fiber (1 cm)
Ergo-base
Rubberised coconut-fiber (1 cm)
Inner wooden frame
Varnished oakwod frame
if youve already eaten, which can wreak

havoc on your weight. Even a single night
of poor sleepmeaning sleeping only 4 to
6 hourscan impact your ability to think
clearly the next day, impair your performance on physical or mental tasks, and
decrease your problem solving ability. Lost
sleep is lost forever, and persistent lack of
sleep has a cumulative effect when it comes
to disrupting your health.
Although there are many factors that
facilitate restful sleep, including room environment and body position, mattresses and
pillows are often overlooked, even though
they are a key contributor to a good nights
sleep.
I first started researching this topic in
a desperate hope to find the healthiest
organic mattress for our new baby. Extensive
internet searches for UAE retailers lead to
disappointment, so we ended up buying the
cot mattress abroad and bringing it all the
way here. We then started considering
buying a new bed and mattress for ourselves, so the search continued, and to our
great pleasure, we found what we were
looking for.
Being well informed about what we
wanted and knowing what a healthy mattress consists of, our steps lead to six different leading mattress shops in the UAE. It
did not take long for us to realise that the
sales consultants have almost zero knowledge about what they are selling, or what is
considered natural or organic.
What is really inside your mattress?
The contents of a conventional mattress

are not something we tend to think about.
However, over 90 percent of mattresses contain toxic chemicals. Some common ones
include polybrominated diphenyl ethers,
boric acid, formaldehyde and antimony.
All traditional mattresses are treated with
flame-retardant chemicals to prevent fires.
Polyurethane foam is widely used in conventional mattresses. It breaks down into
different VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
that are released into the air, which you then
Cover Zone (Quilting)

Fire Retardant Fabric
Fire Retardant Sponge
Non-Woven Fabric
Polyurethane Foam
Fire Retardant Polyurethane Foam
Cover Zone (Quilting)
breathe in at night. As polyurethane begins

to break down, it can release polybrominated-biphenyl-ethers (PBDEs), which are
incredibly toxic chemicals.These chemicals
can stay in the environment for a long time
and have been shown to cause neurologic,
thyroid and other developmental problems.
97 percent of people in the U.S. have been
found to have levels of PBDEs in their blood
and it has also been found in the breast
milk of new mothers!
The lining of the common mattress contains boric acid. Acute exposure to a large
dose of boric acid can result in convulsions,
blistering of the skin, and even comas.
Long-term exposure has been known to
cause developmental and neurological
problems. Furthermore, inhalation of boric
acid may result in damage of the upper
respiratory tract.
Formaldehyde is a colourless, strongsmelling chemical that is often used in
mattresses. High levels of formaldehyde in
the air can head to a burning sensation in
the eyes and nose, coughing, nausea, and
skin problems. Long-term exposure can
cause neurotoxicity, Cancer, damage to the
lymphatic system or liver toxicity.
Antimony is a chemical similar to arsenic.
It has been shown to cause reproductive

problems, including problems with fertility
and miscarriage. It can also cause damage to the liver and the heart if people are
exposed long-term. There is some evidence
that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
may be related to toxic chemicals from crib
bedding. One 1998 study found high levels
of antimony in the blood of babies who had
died from SIDS.
Finally, latex is frequently used in mattresses, including organic ones, although
the jury is out regarding its safety. Latex
is produced by either the Talalay process,
which uses more harmful, carcinogenic
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), or the
Dunlop process, which produces mattresses
that are considered too firm for many consumers. This chemical process is needed to
turn the rubber sap from trees into mattressfriendly latex rubber. While some of these
compounds are washed out once the rubber
is solidly formed, some toxic VOCs remain.
Latex mattresses are either blended a
combination of pure and synthetic latex
or natural, containing a higher concentration (up to 95 percent) of pure rubber. Just
know that there is NO such thing as a 100
percent pure latex mattress.
Examples of what we call natural materials- natural

rubber, horse hair, coconut fibre and cactus fibre
Did you know???

We spend about 1/3
of our lives in bed?
Organic Mattresses
As you can see, traditional mattresses are
made with a variety of toxic chemicals.
Not only are you putting your health at
risk by exposing yourself regularly to
these chemicals, but studies have shown
that those who sleep on natural fiber
mattresses tend to toss and turn less,
resulting in a better nights sleep. There
are several options for non-toxic materials
in organic mattresses, wool and cotton
to name few. For me, Coco-Mat was the
mattress of choice. Coco-Mats founder,
Paul Efmorfidis, who also happens to be a
keen biker, believes that whatever Mother
Nature provides for us has a reason and a
function. Made from 100 percent natural
and environmentally friendly materials,
Coco-Mat beds consist of multiple
layers of natural materials from renewable
sources, such as coco fibre, natural rubber, virgin wool, organic cotton, seaweed,
horsehair, wood and goose down.
Paul Efmorfidis, the founder of

Coco-Mat, on his wooden bike
You should be able to see and touch the materials, which are inside your mattress or pillow
Ivana has been living in the UAE for

16 years. She is a qualified Health Coach
and member of the American
Association of Drugless Practitioners.
Her passions are nutrition, organic
gardening, healthy cooking and
homemade organic skin care. She runs
weekly workshops on the above topics.
For more information, visit her Facebook
page, Health Powerhouse.
OUTDOORUAE
31
Habitually healthy
Hydrating for health

Words by: Chef Patrick Ikinofo
Hey guys! I hope that everyone

had a blessed Ramadan, and that
you are now back in the swing of
things.
As its the middle of summer and the heat
is very warm to say the least, this month I
will share with you the benefits of staying
hydrated and some super cool recipes to
quench the thirst thats among us.
Water does much more than just satisfy
your thirst and regulate your bodys
temperature; it also keeps the tissues in
your body moist. You know how it feels
when your eyes, nose, or mouth gets dry?
Keeping your body hydrated helps it to
retain optimum levels of moisture in these
sensitive areas, as well as in the blood,
bones and brain. In addition, water helps
protect the spinal cord, and it acts as a
lubricant and cushion for your joints.
Adequate water intake also enables your
body to excrete waste through perspiration, urination, and defecation. The kidneys
and liver use it to help flush out waste, as
do your intestines. Water can also keep you
from getting constipated by softening your
stools and helping move the food youve
eaten through your intestinal tract.
However, it should be noted that there is
no evidence to prove that increasing your

fluid intake will cure constipation.
Your body loses fluids when you engage
in vigorous exercise, sweat in high heat,
come down with a fever or contract an
illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea.
If youre losing fluids for any of these
reasons, its important to increase your
fluid intake so that you can restore your
Do it for the love of cooking - The Paleo Chef

Cucumber and
Lemongrass Water
Youll Need
4 cups water,
cucumber, and 1
stalk lemongrass.
Directions
Using a vegetable
peeler, peel the
cucumber into ribbons.
Place cucumber ribbon
into pitcher.
Peel away the rough
outer edge of the
lemongrass with your hands. Cut in half,
lengthwise. Add to the pitcher.
Fill pitcher with water and give it a little
stir. Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve and
enjoy!
Pineapple
and Mint
Water
Because its a
superfood!
32
OUTDOORUAE
Youll Need
Water, 1 cup sliced pineapple,
and a sprig of mint.
Directions
You can either leave the sprig whole,
or remove the mint leaves from the
sprig. Either way, be sure to gently
bruise them in the palms of your hands
before adding them to the pitcher. Add
pineapple and water.
Blueberry and
Lemon Water
Blueberries are
high in antioxidants
and also turn this
drink a pretty purple
hue.
Youll Need
Mix together
water, 1 cup of
blueberries, 1 sliced
lemon, and
lavender to garnish.
Chill and enjoy!
bodys natural hydration levels. Your doctor

may also recommend that you drink more
fluids to help treat other health conditions,
such as bladder infections and urinary tract
stones. If youre pregnant or nursing, you
may want to consult with your physician
about your fluid intake because your body
will be using more fluids than usual, especially if youre breastfeeding.
So after all that, how much water do
you really need? Theres no hard and fast
rule, and many individuals meet their
daily hydration needs by simply drinking
water when theyre thirsty, according to a
report on nutrient recommendations from
the Institute of Medicine of the National
Academies. In fact, most people who are
in good physical health get enough fluids
by drinking water and other beverages
when theyre thirsty, and also by drinking
a beverage with each of their meals, according to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. If youre not sure about
your hydration level, look at your urine. If
its clear, youre in good shape. If its dark,
youre probably dehydrated.
Now that you know why you need
to stay hydrated and the need of that
amazing substance H2O in your life,
here are a couple of easy flavored water
recipes to keep you hydrated in this Dubai
summer heat.
The Cycle Bistro

GPS location:
Latitude:
N 25 02.792
Longitude:
E 055 14.384
Phone:
04 425 6555
Triede&d
tast

Photos by: Lara Antoinette Tan
As somebody who is always

striving to improve in her sport,
I am well aware of the importance
of not only training consistently, but
of giving my body the best chance
to repair itself and prepare for
the rigours of training through
adequate nutrition and hydration.
Now, the nutrition part is something Im
constantly working on (my love of pizza and
ice cream is often something I curse myself
for during races), however, Im pleased to
say that hydration is something I do get
right 99 percent of the time. I drink litres of
water every day, a coffee or two in the morning, and avoid soft drinks altogether. Yes, I
am one of those strange people who actually enjoy water and cant get enough of it.
Having said this, there are times, particularly after a long run on a Friday morning,
that I need something more. Its hard to
explain, but after a couple of hours running,
I feel that something is lacking in my body;
something that needs to be replenished.
Enter coconut water. Not to be confused

with coconut milk, this liquid is actually the
juice found inside a fresh coconut. Teaming
with naturally occurring electrolytes, its the
perfect way to not only rehydrate, but to
also replace these vital components, which
include Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium and
Potassium. Electrolyte imbalances can cause
muscle weakness and cramping, which is
not exactly what you want to endure during
or after physical activity. Other reported
benefits of coconut water are that it can help
to kill intestinal worms, prevent urinary tract
infections, and treat kidney and urethral
stones. Furthermore, as coconut water is low
in fat and contains no cholesterol, you can
enjoy it without feeling guilty!
One look at the supermarket shelves in
the UAE reveals several different brands of
coconut water. Celebes Organic Coconut
Water stands out as it is the only organic
coconut water available in the UAE, and I
was therefore keen to try it.
Originating from the Philippines, Celebes
Organic Coconut Water is gathered and
transformed using packaging and pasteurizing methods that allow the coconut water to
remain organically pure, so that there is no
need for nasty preservatives within the conveniently sized cartons. Available in 330ml
and 500ml sizes. I enjoy drinking it either on
its own, or by adding it to a whole range of
juices and smoothies that I make at home.
Its the perfect way to liven up a green juice
and stop it from tasting quite so green.
I enjoyed the taste of Celebes Organic
Coconut Water; it didnt taste as sweet as
some of the other brands, which for me is

much more preferable. It was the perfect
way to quench my thirst after a tough training session, providing me with a little more
than water can give, both in terms of taste
and nutrients. The environmentally friendly
cartons allow me to keep a larger bottle in
the fridge, whereas the 330ml size is more
portable and can be taken with me as a
reward for all my hard efforts.
Mr. Abdul Nasser, Sales and Marketing
Manager at Aramtec, says There is a huge
gap in the organic segment that continues
to grow as demographics change sharply
in the region. More and more people are
looking to embrace a healthier lifestyle and
the increasing demand for healthy products
is growing exponentially. This is where our
Celebes Organic Coconut Water comes in.
It is the best buy in the UAE market since
it is the only organic coconut water on the
supermarket shelves.
So, the next time youre thirsty and feel
tempted to reach for a soft drink, have some
Celebes Organic Coconut Water ready and
waiting. Your body will thank you for it!
OUTDOORUAE
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According to recent research

conducted by YouGov, office
workers in the UAE are spending
longer hours at their desks than
they were five years ago. For those
of us who are spending most of
the day at the office, healthy
eating habits arent always easy
to maintain.
Pineapple
Grape
Lemon
All of the above factors have resulted in

an increased number of companies continuously monitoring their employees workplace experiences and looking for innovative
ways to promote a healthy lifestyle and
Pineapple
Acerola
Acai, Banana
& Mint
& Orange
cultivate healthy eating and drinking habits. & Guarana
Brazil is one such country where consumcontact of the machine parts and fruit pure
ers are incorporating healthier practices into
- the jet of water will do the job by melting
their daily regimes. Nutritious juices and fruit
and smashing the fruit pulp inside the cup itsmoothies are the central attractions here.
self. In order to retain the nutritional content
Maybe this is the reason why it is here that
of the fruit, the capsules are blast frozen at
the unique idea of a capsule-based juice
-42C. This stops any bacterial activity and
machine originated.
helps to avoid adding preservatives to the
Juice in Time Technology is now introducformula, keeping it 100 per cent natural.
ing their new concept in the UAE, by declarJuice in Time believes that placing this
ing that you dont need extra minutes in
machine in the office pantry or at home
your day to add 100 per cent natural juices
might encourage you to rethink your drink
to your diet. They offer a solution of smart
and make the move to healthy and nutriand convenient juicing systems for both oftious hydration. In our dynamic era it is
fices and homes.
crucially important.
Very much resembling a coffee machine,
Juice in Time has produced quite small appliance which will fit perfectly on your kitchen table top. The idea is simple, yet genius.
Using specially designed capsules which are
filled with fruit pulp, with no added sugar,
flavorings or colourants, you can prepare a
300ml glass of juice in just one minute.
No cutting fruits, no washing. What makes
it extremely hygienic is that there is no direct
The Juice in Time showroom welcomes any visitors in the UAE for a demonstration and free
degustation.
Dubai, Oud Metha, Office Court Building, 3rd floor, Office 310. Tel.: +971 567993411
askme@juiceintime.net | nicolas@juiceintime.net
Website: www.juiceintime.com
Check out Juice preparation video on YouTube: search Juice in Time Dubai
34
OUTDOORUAE
Orange
Passion fruit
Burn in
Time
Clean in
Time
White tea, Apple Green tea, Pineapple

& Ginger
& Hibiscus
Based on Brazils natural bounty and the

Amazons incredible biodiversity, they offer
ten flavours and blend mixtures. Among
these are exotic fruits, such as Acai and
Passion Fruit.
Besides convenience in juice preparation, the Detox Tea Line has been created,
offering Green and White Iced Tea which is
so handy in our tropical climate and low in
calories. These healthy fusions contain Mint
Leaves, Ginger, and Hibiscus; all ingredients
which can increase your metabolism, making
it a strong ally in weight loss.
No doubt, healthy lifestyle is

a long-term vision and should
include all aspects from diet
and exercise to motivation.
That is easier said than done,
of course, but some simple
tips and solutions like this
convenient Brazilian juicing
system can help you tackle
even the most indulgent and
hardest-to-kick habits, to
move further to a healthy and
bright life.
PRODUCTS
A ROUND-UP OF QUALITY PRODUCTS AVAILABLE RIGHT HERE IN THE UAE
Popbands hair bands

and headbands
From 49 AED
Exclusively available at Beyond Fitness in Meaisem City Centre
The Nathan Hipster (waist pak)

135 AED
Available at Beyond Fitness in Meaisem City Centre

(near Sports City)
Get active with Popbands - the ultimate hair bands and

headbands for girls and women of all ages. Kind on your hair
and cute on your wrist, these delicious, soft, stretchy no dent
hair bands hold your hair up tight and still leave it fresh and
kink-free when you take it down. A great way to stay on trend
and not blow the budget is to accessorise your look with a
versatile and colourful Popband. The release of the new
season Popbands encapsulates many of the seasons trends,
and with numerous designs to choose from there is something
for everyone. Perfect for a gym, barre or yoga session,
Popbands boldly printed hair ties and headbands
in beautiful colours and styles will jazz up your luscious locks
and stay secure whatever the jump, leap or pose.
Multiple pockets keep your essential items snug and secure,

in this super-soft step-through belt that can be worn at the
gym, on the run and around town. Comfortable and stylish,
The Hipster stretches to fit your individual contours and best
of all, it fits your iPhone 6 Plus! Available in a variety of vibrant
colours - Very Berry, Cockatoo and Black - to match your outfit.
Jobe Conflict Wakeboard - 2016

collection (Its a champions choice. Part# 272316008)
Kingii (Floatation Aid)
Available Sizes: 127 to 145
Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across the UAE
Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across the UAE
Specification:
Kingii is the new wristband for all those who love water! If you
need help to stay afloat, pull the lever and an inflation bag will
help you to surface.
1,645 AED | Was: 2,195 AED
Specification:
A large nose is the mark of a brisk,
strong and dependable man, a
wise Frenchman once said. Were
guessing the same goes for boards
made by Frenchmen! Julian gave his
2015 pro model a nose and tail with
as much surface area as possible,
making the Conflict not only super
strong but also fast, consistent and
balanced on rails... especially when
pressing! The 2015 Conflict also
showcases a 3-stage rocker and a
H.I.T. base, giving this years model
even more pop off kickers and fleon
rails. Its long and deep channels run all the way from tip to tail
and work in unison with its sharp and hard edges, giving you
the kind of grip youll need to boost air tricks like JuJu!
Features:
3-Stage construction
ABS Sidewall
Blended Core
Flex
Hit Base
Slider Fins
Press technology
Product features:
Super-soft stretch step-through belt
Sized to fit comfortably around your waist
Individually separated pockets keep your essentials in place
Fits up to iPhone 6+
Sizing Information:
XS (26in to 28in) (66cm to 72cm)
S (29in to 31in) (73cm to 80cm)
M (32in to 34in) (81cm to 87cm)
L (35in to 37in) (88cm to 94cm)
XL (38in to 40in) (96cm to 102cm)
(Made in the USA. Part# KIN-2000)
445 AED | Was: AED 495
Includes: Two CO2 cylinders free
* Offer is valid until 31st July 2016
OUTDOORUAE
35
This limited edition watch is

perfect for those who want to look
stylish, yet need a product that is
durable and reliable. The Lum-Tec
Combat B24 Carbon is certainly
all of these things, but perhaps its
most interesting feature is the super
precision tuned 28,800 BPH Miyota
9015 movement, which is visible
through the sapphire caseback.
Specifications:
43mm width excluding crown
22mm lug width
12.5mm thick
Weight of leather strap: 74 grams/2.61 oz
Carbon composite case with a titanium
core and case back
200m/660ft water resistance
LUM-TEC MDV technology
Ultra precision tuned 28,800 BPH Miyota
9015 Japan automatic movement with
automatic winding and hack feature
Thick sapphire Crystal

Clear anti-reflective coating
Threaded sapphire caseback
Screw-lock crown with double diamond
sealing system
High tech Viton gasket
Top grade leather strap included
Molded rubber strap included
One year limited warranty
Limited numbered series of 250
Free lifetime timing adjustments
Available at
Instagram: @almekshah
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
almekshah
Mobile: +971 55 8008829
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Words by: Paul Cheetham

Photos by: Barry Morgan Photography
Having raced at a decent level

for many years for a number of
different teams, each with their
own bike sponsors, it is always
interesting to throw my leg over
a brand that is completely new
to me. There is always a little
trepidation about how the bike will
feel and perform. Comparisons to
old favourites. Will the geometry
work for my riding style? Will I be
able to set the bike up to my
perfect riding position?
The Silverback Scalera landed with me
at the end of 2014 and on looks alone it is a
winner.
Super aero and aggressive
looking, with the horizontal
top tube and seat stays
coming in low on the seat
tube, it looked fast without
even moving! Silverback
make a whole range of
road bikes and the Scalera
falls firmly into the aero
category. However, looks
mean nothing without the
performance to back them
up, so the first step was to
set up the bike. The 550mm
top tube on my size medium
meant that with a 130mm Zipp stem and a
bit of saddle fore and aft adjustment I was
exactly where I needed to be. Now for the
real fun.
The first ride on a new bike is a telling
experience. If it feels totally wrong, then it
can be a long road to making it feel right.
Fortunately for me the Scalera felt right
from the off, and by right I mean fast and
responsive, with predictable cornering and
no flex in the frame during out of the saddle
efforts. A blast round Dubai Autodrome with
some 40kph laps told me some of what I
needed to know, but only time and many
kilometres would reveal the full story.
The first big test for the Scalera was to be
the UCI 2.2 Stage race, The Tour of Sharjah.
Sadly this didnt go to plan, with a massive
high-speed crash on the second stage
leaving me with a separated shoulder and
three cracked ribs. However, the Scalera
came out of the carnage with nothing more
than scuffed bar tape and saddle; the
massively over engineered bottom bracket
and head tube making it a super tough piece
of kit. Phew, that would have been a bit of a
downer, a wrecked new bike!
Since that initial almost

disaster, Strava tells me that
I have done over 30,000kms
on the Scalera in the UAE,
Bahrain, Qatar, Spain and
the UK. We have ridden
solo, ridden in massive
pelotons, ridden for fun,
ridden for coffee, raced,
been in breakaways,
chased breakaways,
climbed, hit speeds in
excess of 100kph on
descents, sprinted, ridden
super-fast criteriums, ridden
in head winds, cross winds
(lots of cross winds!) and
tailwinds. We have even spent over six
hours together doing the 220kms of the
UAEs Coast to Coast more than once. We
even qualified for the UCI Gran
Fondo World Championships. All
without missing a beat.
Tyres, chains and cassettes have
come and gone. Different colour
schemes have come and gone, but
the heart and soul of the machine
remains the same. Strong and
dependable, giving back what the
rider puts in.
So since my first dalliance
with a brand better known in South
Africa than Europe, and better
known for their prowess in
producing mountain bikes than
road bikes, a couple of things have
happened. Firstly, I am now on my second
Silverback, a Scalera SBC equipped with
Shimano Dura Ace Di2 (think BMW M3 as
opposed to a top of the range 3 series!).
Secondly, we have become a two Scalera
household as my Scalera now has a little
sister, resplendent with hot pink stickered
Zipp wheels and hot pink handlebar tape.
Again, the Scalera was a doddle to set up
and has proved comfortable (and fast) right
from the off.
I know its easy to say that all carbon bikes
are made in the same factories and that they
can all be much of a muchness, but the
lay-up of the carbon, the shape of the tubes,
the geometry of the frame all go to give a

bike a slightly different feel from the next
make and model, and that is a tangible
thing that does matter. The other serious
consideration is value and what you actually
get for your hard-earned cash. A lot of the
bigger brands have in-house component
manufacturing capabilities, which means
they are able to cut corners on the finish
and spec. of the bike you are buying. With
a smaller brand you get the full groupset
(brake callipers and hubs are not replaced
by non-branded alternatives for example),
and the finishing kit tends to be aftermarket
brands too. This all adds up to a much better
value product as the big brands dont pass
this saving on to the customer, it just gives
them a better profit margin!
For the type of riding that I do here in the
UAE day in, day out, Silverbacks Scalera has
proven itself to be ideally suited, highly
competent and incredibly resilient. All in all,
a mighty fine bicycle among some pretty
serious competition.
Silverback lightweight performance
bicycles are distributed by Sport In Life
Distribution. Retail partners include Go
Sport, Probike, Beyond Fitness and Sport
In Life. Scalera 1.0 with award-winning
Scalera frame, full Shimano Ultegra DI2 11
Speed and Fulcrum Racing Quattro wheel
set 14,499 AED and Scalera 2.0 with
award-winning Scalera frame, full Shimano
Ultegra 11 Speed and Fulcrum Racing
Quattro wheel set 11,499 AED
PRODUCTS
CycleOps MAG Trainer
Silverback Strela Comp Road Bicycle
Available at GO Sport
Available exclusively at GO Sport
Stick to your fitness plan year round with the help of the
Mag+ trainer. Its the perfect way to keep yourself cool when
its boiling hot, and safe when its too dark to ride outside. Its
easy to turn your bike into your go-to calorie burner no matter
the season.
The Strela Comp road bicycle is a great option for those who
want a high performance aluminium bike. Strela sports has
a sophisticated hydroformed alloy tube set that boosts
pedaling stiffness for efficient power transfer while still offering
a comfortable experience for long days in the saddle.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
SIC X 12.6 Air-Glide Inflatable SUP
1,095 AED/QAR
2,159 AED/QAR
38
3,215 AED/QAR (on promotion)
4,725 AED/QAR
Available at GO Sport
Available exclusively at GO Sport
Be a better athlete on the track and in the water with

Forerunner 735XT. This GPS multisport watch is for athletes
who want in-depth data as they train and compete. With a
smaller form and comfortable band, the 735XT will get you
through your workout and your workday. It even doubles as an
activity tracker to count your steps, calories and sleep.
Perfect for family fun, fitness and for competing in the 126
inflatable race class. The X-12.6 Air-Glide is the stiffest board
in its class at 20 PSI. While this board is great for recreational
fun, it is also the fastest race board in its class. The board is
kitted with all the standard accessories offered in the SIC
Air-Glide series - most importantly is the dual action, high
pressure pump.
OUTDOORUAE
R1B Uomo:
Top of the range cycling shoe
with Volume Control Technology
fizi:ks range of road cycling

shoes is developed in collaboration
with leading professional cyclists
and used to great effect by
WorldTour, Olympic and World
Championship riders. The best
technologies, materials, R&D,
testing and manufacture techniques
are used to deliver the best shoes
for road riding and racing.
R1B is the top of the range; the optimum
in performance cycling shoe design and the
perfect blend of comfort and lightweight, fit,
power transfer and aerodynamic efficiency.
Features:
fiz:ks new proprietary Volume Control
technology: whereby the shape of each
shoe can be changed individually and
adapted to any riders foot for optimum fit
and comfort
fiz:ks Extended Power Strap, a system
adjusting the fit of the heel cup around the
riders foot, resulting in increasing power
transfer. Both the Volume Control and
Extended Power Strap are micro-adjustable
using Boa IP1 closure controls.
The R1Bs outsole is fully uni-directional
carbon fiber with built-in ventilation that
further enhances both cooling and aerodynamics. It combines with the proven
supportive and comfortable fizi:k

Cycling Insole with sculpted
footbeds and supportive heel
to ensure that every precious
watt goes straight into your
pedals.
Hard-wearing yet light and
resilient microfiber upper,
with enough flexibility to ensure that the Volume Control
technology works to shape the
shoe to every riders foot, but
strong enough to withstand the
demands of racing without any
weight penalty.
Diamond-shaped laser-cut perforations
help temperature management, in harmony
with the soles air duct.
R1B Uomo weighs just 227g (size 42.5).
Brought to you by:
For more info, please call or email:

+971 4 3697441 | Info@rcdxb.com
Address: Revolution Cycles Dubai,
Shop 5, Apex Atrium,
Motor City, Dubai, UAE
OUTDOORUAE
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Yamaha VX Waverunner
The perfect choice for families or versatile use
Photos By: Nela Macovei
Last month we had a look at

Yamahas strongest and fastest
wave runner; the FZR. With a 1.8l
engine, its used by professional
racers and speed lovers. However,
most people will not look for top
speed, they will look for a good
watercraft offering everything at a
reasonable price.
The best selling VX Series has been redesigned from the ground up with Yamahaexclusive innovations, advanced technologies and sleek, new profiles that push them
even further ahead of the competition. This
family-friendly series now comes standard
with a long list of premium features found
on Yamahas luxury watercraft, at a price that
makes them the best buy in the industry.
RiDE is easy, fun and intuitive. Pull the
right lever to accelerate, and the left lever
to decelerate and to reverse. Release the
levers for neutral. Pull them in any combination and the system reacts with precise
control. Operation is simple with no manual
shifting, no gears and no complicated processes. Benefits include enhanced handling
and smooth deceleration in changing conditions. Decelerations might not sound important but watercrafts usually have no breaks,
so controlled deceleration is an important
safety aspect since it allows stops within a
shorter distance.
The new and redesign NANOCEL hull
and deck is lighter than the previous model

and the competitor models which provides
easier handling and a more fuel efficient
and fun ride. The fuel efficient 1045cc three
cylinder four stroke engine combined with
a bigger 18.5l gallon fuel tank allows more
time on the water covering a longer distance
and of course it also saves you some money.
The open Loop and Maintenance-free Cooling System is a further money saver since no
coolant is required and the system is maintenance free. Therefore the VX models have
the lowest maintenance cost in the industry.
The digital meter provides a quick read on
speed, RPM, fuel level with low fuel warning, low oil pressure warning, hour meter
and check engine light with self-diagnostic
function to keep on easy overview of all
the important information related to your
waverunner.
The VX has a storage capacity of 26

gallons and a watertight compartment under
the seat to keep your belongings safe and dry.
The new extended and low rear platform
makes it easy and comfortable to access the
VX from the water. The VX provides up to
three seats (depending on the specification)
to have fun with family or friends. Providing
yet another opportunity to enjoy the water,
the tow hook allows for easy, secure towing.
So the VX waverunner provides everything
you need to have fun on the water. The RiDE
system in particular makes it very easy for
absolute beginners to have perfect control
over the waverunner even for maneuvers like
berthing or driving on to a trailer in windy
and wavy conditions. Owning a watercraft is
very easy and affordable. Technical testing
and registration, which is valid for two years,
can be done at RTA in Dubai at a cost of
approximately 800AED, or at DOT in Abu
Dhabi. Whats more, if you buy your waverunner from Al Yousuf they will help you with
the whole process and you will be ready to
hit the water in no time.
For more details visit Al Yousuf

Showrooms across the UAE or visit
www.aym.ae.
PRODUCTS
Nathan TrailMix Plus Insulated
Hydration Belt - 20oz / 600ml
310 AED
Available at Adventure HQ and Beyond Fitness

Keep fluids cooler for longer with this lightweight,
fully-adjustable two-flask belt that offers a bounce-free,
chafe-free ride. Bring what you need, as the large storage
pouch has room for your running essentials and large
smartphones like the iPhone 6 Plus.
Features:
Two 10oz / 300ml Fire & Ice Reflective and Insulated Flasks with
Push-Pull caps
Ergo-shaped, soft monofilament belt offers multi-directional
stretch that eliminates bounce
SpeedFitTM holsters provide easy, one-handed, on-the-fly
access to hydration and nutrition
Large zip pocket with key ring clip and front stash pouch for
running essentials
Fits up to iPhone 6 Plus
Weight:
10.2oz / 289g
Storage
Capacity: 33 cu
in / 0.50 Litres
Size: OSFM, 26-44
in / 66-112 cm
MuleBar Energy Bars

15 AED
Available at Spinneys, Adventure HQ, Sport In Life,

Beyond Fitness and Go Sport
100% natural, organic and Fairtrade energy bars that taste
seriously good. Eaten anytime as a healthy and uplifting snack,
MuleBars are designed to be easy on the stomach and
digestion. Their flavours will change your opinion on all other
dull-tasting energy bars after one bite. Plus, they are packed
with exciting and wholesome ingredients that you can identify
with and trust to never let you down on a 100km bike ride or
when out on a walk with your dog. MuleBars names like Apple
Strudel, Jimmys Choc Orange and Mango Tango speak of
superb taste and real food. Try one!
Features:
No synthetic
ingredients, artificial
preservatives,
colourings, flavourings
or palm oil
Fairtrade certified
and suitable for
vegetarians
Available in eight
original and tasty
flavours
Javelin 126 X28 Carbon
Naish Park HD 14m Kite
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OUTDOORUAE
41
Natural History
Rock crawling on the Rubicon Trail
Reducing the impact
Beautiful UAE 4X4 trail
of off road driving

Words + Photos By: Dan Wright
The UAE and in fact the Arabian

Peninsula as a whole is a wonderland of 4x4 and off-road driving
experiences, and many expats and
locals in this region buy vehicles
specifically for this purpose. A
common tourist activity is to go
Dune Bashing, and as its name
suggests its a pretty destructive
sport.
Credit to David Streaky Chambers - spare tire trash backpack
Inland sand dune ecology is pretty delicate and the wildlife and plants that inhabit
these hot and dry regions have had to make
some pretty drastic adaptations to survive
the climate. All too often enthusiasts will
randomly crisscross areas of outstanding
natural beauty with trails, leaving burned
out vehicles, oil and petrol spills, burst tyres,
abandoned spare parts, fire pits, BBQs
and a trail of assorted glass, paper, plastic
and food rubbish in their wake. This has an
enormous impact on the local wildlife which
will try to eat anything to stay alive and will
also crawl under or into anything to escape
the sun. On top of this, the extensive hole
and burrow networks that these creatures
dig to escape the harsh sun and scorching
temperatures collapse under the weight of
vehicles churning through the sands above
them. Whole areas of plants are destroyed
by wheels running over them and huge
amounts of firewood is illegally cut from
desert trees. In short, the indiscriminate use
of off-road vehicles anywhere in the UAE is
little short of an environmental disasterbut
it doesnt have to be.
As I have mentioned in the past, until
recently I had a Landrover Discovery that
was fully kitted out for off-road expeditions.
Even now we have a Daihatsu Terios which
is also equiped for expeditions and driving
off-road. I am not suggesting that we ban
off-road driving, but I do believe that it is
time for some legislation to be developed in
order to really protect the wild areas outside
My Terios in the desert with off road kit
the city. The simplest argument is of course

to designate specific areas for off-road
enthusiasts to go. The precedent for this can
be seen all over the UK, Europe, Australia,
USA and Canada etc in the form of National
Parks that restrict access, and Driving
Trails that encourage access. A great
example of this is the famous Rubicon
Trail in the High Sierras, California, USA. I
have worked three summer seasons in the
High Sierras as a Wilderness Guide and
most of it was spent within 4kms of the
Rubicon Trail. Aside from the occasional
gunshot from an overexcited co-driver who
thinks he saw a bear, or an engine that is
over revved to get up a steep incline, you
wouldnt really know it was there unless you
actually stumbled across it on foot. There
are several organisations that are dedicated
to keeping the trail open, and at just 22
miles in length it represents a tiny fraction
of the National Park space available for
everyone to enjoy, including the wildlife.
Along its length there are controlled campsites and Park Rangers are frequently seen
on horseback in the high seasons, riding
Government sign in popular camping area
down the flanks of the trail to ensure that

nobody breaks off it. On top of this, a very
effective educational campaign has been
waged and the majority of people who use
the trail are both responsible in their actions and keen to ensure that the trail stays
open for the benefit of everyone. 22 Miles
might not sound like a very long trail, but in
fact when the average speed is 2-7 miles a
day and the term Rock Crawling is taken
literally (see pictures) you can see why the
trail basically becomes a long caravan of
enthusiasts partying and filming each others
hair raising exploits, driving modified Jeeps
worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. This
is one of the most popular trails in the USA,
if not the world!
The question is can we do the

same here in the UAE?
According to one avid UAE off-road
enthusiast, yes we can:
So, it boils down to: Education, education,

education. Perhaps everyone who either
gains a driving license or who transfers
their foreign one should go through a
compulsory hours education on the
behavior to be adopted when going
off-road. The desert does not consume
plastic, glass or metal. The travelers mantra
of take only photographs, leave only
footprints could be adapted to take only
photographs, leave only tyre prints and of
course sticking to set routes on prepared
tracks (not roads). Mike Nott
There are some areas that are more popular than others and these could be focused
on. The Fossil Rock area at Maleha is one
such location, and another is the road
between Dubai and Hatta, and of course
most of us are familiar with the giant sand
dunes at Liwa. In every Emirate there are
then smaller areas which locals and expats
living there like to use, for example the sand
dune and camping area at the intersection
of the 311 with the RAK exit on the truck
road to Al Hamra.
A very important factor for ensuring
that people stick to the designated areas
and understand why they should do so
is to release an educational campaign.
In Australia the National Four Wheel Drive
Council released a Code of Conduct - for
Off Road Driving, which stated:
1. Obey the laws and regulations for Recreational Vehicles that apply to public lands.
2. Respect the cultural, heritage and environmental values of public/private land, by
Campsite on Rubicon Trail
Some cars are not really made for the desert
Hiking in desolation wilderness needs a permit
obeying restrictions that may apply.

3. Respect our flora and fauna. Stop and
look, but never disturb.
4. Keep to formed vehicle tracks.
5. Keep the environment clean. Carry your
own, and any other, rubbish out.
6. Keep your vehicle mechanically sound and
clean to reduce the environmental impact.
7. Adopt minimal impact camping and
driving practices.
8. Seek permission before driving on private
land. Do not disturb livestock or watering
points, leave gates as found.
9. Take adequate water, food, fuel, basic
spares and a first aid kit on trips. In remote
areas travel with another vehicle and have
Royal Flying Doctor Service, or equivalent
emergency contact by radio or satellite.
10. Plan ahead and lodge trip details with a
responsible person.
11. Enjoy your recreation and respect the
rights of others.
12. Support four-wheel drive touring as a
legitimate family activity.
13. Consider joining an affiliated four-wheel
drive club.
This campaign was delivered through a
mixture of radio and TV commercials and
leaflet distribution, especially to garages
selling and servicing 4x4 vehicles. It was also
connected to the various National Parks,
highlighting the areas that drivers could
legally use and areas that were supposed to
be left untouched.
In the UAE it is good to start a campaign
demonstrating the importance of taking
your own rubbish out of an area, but actually
getting everyone to do this is much harder.
A simpler step could be to designate certain
locations as start and finish points for trails
or Dune Bashing areas, and provide
proper garbage skips which are regularly
emptied. In a similar way to the track at Al
Qudra in Dubai, toilets, showers, a caf, a
4X4 shop, car park etc could also be set up
and these can include a first aid post with a
tourist information section to educate people on how to go off-road safely.
Trails will need to be marked, especially
if they also cover areas that need to be
protected. The old Mtnlandcrusier trails
from before the 1971 Union will need
government warning signs, way mark points

and signs for drivers to follow. This in turn
needs an organisation to run it, and like in
the Rubicon Trails case, an action group of
volunteers made up of drivers and enthusiasts is the best way to not only run this but
also police it for everyones enjoyment.
The main problem with getting these
ideas into action is that there is a general
feeling between both locals and expats that
they have the right to go anywhere and
do anything (unless it is obviously owned
by someone and fenced). This has given rise
to a culture of camping anywhere you can
get to and with the issue of rubbish being
left everywhere it has meant that the UAE
has now got a massive amount of rubbish
and waste in all areas of natural beauty. This
practice needs to be stopped for the sake
of future generations enjoyment of this
beautiful country, and the damage already
done needs to be addressed and mitigated.
Cleanup volunteer teams can be deployed
into the desert, to try to bring out as much
rubbish as possible. Although this process
will take time it is feasible that in less than
a decade the joint measures of Education,
Defined Off Road Trails and Cleanup can
once more return the desert and mountains
to almost pristine condition and protect
them for their Natural History and for the
off-road enjoyment of future generations.
(Check out more about the Rubicon Trail
Foundation on their FB page: www.facebook.
com/RubiconTrailFoundation/?fref=ts )
Desert glamping can create a lot of garbage
Dan Wright is a Wilderness Expedition

Guide and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS). He has a degree
in Environmental Science and works as the
Project Manager of the ADAPT Adventure
& Field Studies Center, based in RAK. Dan
writes for a range of publications in Arabia
and Asia on Environmental Issues and
Personal Development. His wife Nirjala is
the former Nepal National Mountain Bike
Champion and their son Percy is an adventurer in the making! They spend all their
spare time exploring the UAE.
OUTDOORUAE
43
OUR EXPERTS
Words by: Marina Bruce

Photos by: Marina Bruce, Manhar Dalal and Donald Matheson
Many moons ago, when we first

started driving off-road in the UAE, many
people told us that Liwa is a no-no for
off-roaders during the summer. They said
that the extreme heat of 50C+ coupled
with soft sand made the area too
dangerous for anything other than winter
trips. "Don't do it, you'll die," some said
before we embarked on our Ramadan
trip back in August 2012. But we didn't and we have driven in Liwa EVERY
summer since.
Having said that, we do not approach
these trips lightly; desert driving is potentially dangerous at any time of year, but particularly so in the hottest months of the summer.
If you are heading into remote desert in July
or August, here are some steps I recommend taking to ensure your safe return.
Prepare your cars and off-road

equipment - they should be
in tip-top condition:
Make sure your tyres are in good

condition, including the spare
Top your radiator up the cooling system
could be tested to the max
Ensure your recovery points, both front
and rear, are firmly attached
Check your recovery equipment is complete; it is very easy to lose a shovel and not
notice until you need it again
Take at least two compressors per convoy
as you may well need one and even the most
expensive ones can fail without warning
Pack your cars carefully. If we are

going out for 6 hours we take
enough water and food for
at least 12 hours, just in case:
Take at least one box (24 x 0.5 litre)
of water per person
OASIS off-road August 14
44
OUTDOORUAE
It is good to have some rehydration

sachets with you and packs of salty/sugary
snacks are good to take too
You might even consider taking a small
stove and the means to cook pasta, just in
case you are stuck overnight
A small backpack can be useful if you have
to climb to the top of a dune to get a mobile phone signal. Take a couple of bottles
of water with you even if you are only going
500 metres from the car
Communications matter:
Charge your mobile phone before you go

and if it is pay as you go, ensure you have
adequate I suggest at least 50 AED - credit
on it
Check and double check that you have
the numbers of your potential rescue team
saved on both your sim and your phone.
Use an Etisalat sim card if you are in Liwa
Du coverage is patchy there
Take a sat phone if you have one
In the event of a breakdown

or getting impossibly stuck,
then always stay with your car
until help arrives:
Your car will provide some shade for you if you take a small tarpaulin you can create
even more
If you need to be rescued by the UAE Authorities (more about that later) then a car is
so much easier to spot from the air than one
or two people walking
You can draw from your water and food store
to keep you hydrated throughout the day
If your car is not running i.e. no a/c
use your shovel to burrow under your car
and move the hottest layer of sand away
thus creating a slightly cooler shaded area
check for beasties before you crawl in
though!
Make sure everyone in the

convoy is in good health - we
would never undertake a summer
off-road trip if we, or any of our
passengers, were ill:
The summer heat of the desert puts
You can have the desert all to yourselves in summer
Liwa crescent in August
The desert looks good all year round
immense strain on a healthy body, so only

go out if you are in good health, and keep
hydrated
We try to avoid taking people suffering
from chronic illnesses on our summer trips
We also avoid taking rookies drivers or
passengers out with us on Liwa summer
trips, as if things go wrong we will need
to work as a team to get out. Experience
counts at these times!
Advance planning is key; I rarely

go out on the sand without a rough
plan regardless of the time of year,
but especially in summer. An hour
or twos research could mean the
difference between life and death.
We never just take off into the
desert over unknown territory, but
instead prefer to use a known route:
Use an existing route one either you or

your friends has done in the last 6 months
so that you know the journey is possible and
there are no fences or other obstacles to
spoil your trip or cause long delays
Spend a few hours at your computer
You can have the desert all to yourselves in summer
pre-trip searching for exit routes on google

earth and plot these
We always download birds eye imagery for
our Garmin Montana, although these days,
google maps/earth will suffice in places you
receive a phone signal
Work out a trip plan and have some
friends on standby to mount a rescue
mission or alert authorities, just in case
Consider your convoy size carefully.
We often drive with just two cars but appreciate that this carries a risk. We recommend a
minimum of three cars with a maximum of
five the more cars you have the more
people will get stuck, and you will spend
more time out of your car in the searing heat.
Consider your trip timing:
Another option is to hit the sand late in

the afternoon, around 3 hours before sunset,
although if you are delayed you could end
up driving off the desert in the dark.
Do not underestimate the importance of
shadows; it is very hard to navigate on light
coloured sand when the sun is overhead and
this is another reason to plan being by the
pool at the height of the day
The desert, Liwa in particular, is wonderful in the summer. So few people are there
that you will often see more wildlife than in
the winter; but I would never suggest a long
6-8 hour trip when the temps are 40-55C.
The long overlands, I believe, are best kept
for the winter, with summer trips lasting 3-5
hours at the most.
The hottest time of the day is always

between noon and 3 pm, so I would recommend starting early and aim to be back to
the pool by 11 am. When we off-road in
July or August, you will always find us at the
deflation point, half an hour before sunrise,
eating our breakfast and waiting for the sun
to appear above the horizon
Having been brought up in the highlands

of Scotland, I was well used to hearing
reports of mountaineering tragedies in the
news on winter Sundays. Despite the almost
polar opposites of the weather conditions,
the message for hillwalkers and climbers
there is much the same as for summer
off-roaders in the Emirates.
Fringe toed lizard
PREPARE
Be properly equipped
Make sure someone knows where you are
going and when you are due back
We try to minimise any chance of requiring
rescue by the UAE Police, as we feel that
every such rescue could be another step
nearer to legislation restricting off-roading in
the Emirates. That being said, if you are in a
life threatening situation, they are the ones
to call!
OUTDOORUAE
45
OUR EXPERTS
Mid summer project :
Greenland paddle for the new kayak

Words + Photos by: Kit Belen
This year, I want to get back

on the kayak after almost a couple
of years of shore fishing and exploring. As Ive previously stated, I
will be paddling instead of pedaling
on the new kayak. There is really
nothing wrong with pedal kayaks,
its just that I like the simplistic
approach of paddling more than
pedaling.
One of the biggest discoveries for me was
the fact that with paddle kayaks, you need
to choose one that suits your frame more
than anything else. This means that although
you might want a big, stable kayak as your
fishing platform, it might not be the right fit
for you.
I am not by any means an expert in Kayak
design or kayaking in general, but after a
few years and a lot of reading, you learn a
few things. Originally, a kayak was built for
one single user. This means that you cannot
really use another persons boat and expect
it to perform the way you want it to; the
boat will do exactly what it wants because
it was made with the requirements of only
one person in mind.
In the age of the plastic navy, you cannot
expect a company to create a kayak specifically suited for you. They have standardised
things to make mass production a reality.
After the planing I needed to

cut the shape out with a jigsaw
So you can have a standardised kayak that

you can modify to give you the comforts
and functionalities you want, but it doesnt
The very first task was to taper the edges - easy to do with a power planer
46
OUTDOORUAE
It was not easy even with the jigsaw, but

with some patience, I got the job done
really mean that its the right one for you.

The sad thing is, unless you have the pocket
and the patience to test out different kayaks,
you wouldnt know the difference! Not a
single seller here would be able to answer
your question of which one is right for you
because most of them dont really know that
kayaks were made that way all they know
is that they need to sell their products so,
if you go to a manufacturer and point to a
3 meter kayak that is about a meter wide,
and ask him if this kayak will be perfect for
you and your fishing, the likelihood of them
answering yes will be quite high. Or they
may try to sell you something else. In reality,
there are less than 10 kayak models that
would fit the fishing category. None of them
are wider than 74cm.
I almost died in my first kayak here in
Dubai - on my first trip in it! It was too big
for me, yet not a single soul told me that it
was not right for me. My second one was

pretty good and this was only because I
took it upon myself to see which one was
ideal for me. Another consideration is of
course the cost; a lot of people think that
the cheapest one they can get is the most
practical. You cant argue with that, but if
I cannot afford a brand new boat that is
closest to my ideals, I would rather look for
a pre-owned kayakor look for a manufacturer that has better rates.
The only thing that you would be able
to dictate is your paddle; this is the reason
why there are quite a few lengths available,
but even the ready made ones are not a
guarantee that you will get what is exactly
right for you.
This brings us to what I set about doing
before I even received the kayak I ordered
last month. Since I was going to be traveling long distances, I wanted a paddle that
would fit me perfectly and one that would
slow the rate at which I fatigued. This search
led me to the Greenland paddle; this is
the paddle of choice for the people that
invented the kayaks, with over a few thousand years behind them it is virtually a no
brainer.
A quick trip to Ace Hardware and about
an hour of choosing a usable plank of
wood later, I was on my way home with the
straightest plank I could find and a few hand
tools I didnt already have. Mind you, I am
not looking for perfection on this first build;
this is a test to see if I can build one, or if I
should import one from one of the expert

makers in Europe or America.
After a few hours of carving out the shape,
I took a break and bought two cheap power
tools: a planer and a sander. This made the
work faster and I was able to finish the paddle in two afternoons. After this experience,
I think I will look for better wood and make
some improvements.
The paddle length is measured for my
height, and the loom (the part where you
hold the paddle) was measured according to
the distance of my arms at rest. It honestly
feels good in my hands.
I did this project with very few tools and I
could have made it with hand tools if I had
the time and patience. As you can see in the
images, I made this on my balcony, and if
you have a better place to do it, you will do
a better job than I did for sure. If you want
to make your own, email me at thefishingkit@gmail.com and I can share the resources
I used for this build.
Till the next tide change,
Kit
Our fishing pro who shares
his experiences and
expertise with OutdoorUAE
through his regular column.
thefishingkit@gmail.com
After cutting one side, I had to do the

same with the other side, at this point,
I was wishing I had a better work table
OUR EXPERTS
Women
n Wheels
Take your cycling

indoors this summer!
Words + Photos by: Helle Bachofen von Echt
Indoor cycling is not just for

cyclists, explains our expert and
flywheel instructor, Helle Bachofen
von Echt.
A dark room full of sweaty, panting,
groaning people pedalling like crazy to a
heavy beat blasting from the speakers with
an instructor shouting orders from the stage.
Sounds mad, right? Well it is, in the most
awesome way.
Indoor cycling has been the most
consistent part of my personal regular
exercise routine for the past 18 years. I have
never stopped riding indoors and, despite
being a competitive road cyclist and
training at least four days per week outdoors
on my road bike, I still ride indoor cycling
classes several times a week. Eight years
ago I made the transition from participant
to instructor, and of all the various jobs I
do and have done within the fitness, health
and sports industry, I can reveal that indoor
cycling has always been my favourite.
Indoor cycling in a nutshell
Indoor cycling is an organised activity within

a group fitness format. Classes focus on
endurance, strength, intervals, and high
intensity training using a special stationary
exercise bicycle with a weighted flywheel, all
in a classroom setting.
A typical class runs from 45 minutes to an
hour, with a single instructor in front of the
class who leads the participants through
a carefully designed riding programme
simulating a ride through undulating terrain.
This will include hill climbs, sprints, intervals
and periods of recovery. A good instructor
will carefully plan a program with a variety of
music and use visualisation, enthusiasm and
personal experience to motivate, encourage
and guide participants through a structured
session whilst allowing every individual to
ride at his or her own suitable level.
Every participant is in full control of

their own levels of resistance on the bikes
flywheel, and therefore is in charge of their
own physical and cardiovascular output.
10 reasons why youll

love indoor cycling...
There are so many benefits that I hardly

know where to start. I may be biased as I
am an indoor cycling instructor, but indoor
cycling has proved to me to be the number
one most efficient, effective, euphoric and
safe cardiovascular exercise session completed within 45 minutes. These are just
some of the benefits of indoor cycling:
1. Escape the Summer heat
From personal experience, its very simple:
outdoor sessions during the hot summer
months in the UAE are draining. In comparison, the indoor sessions are refreshing and
energising, as they are usually performed in
an air conditioned studio. If you are looking
for a good quality training session and you
want to feel great after too, indoor sessions
are perfect.
2. Its YOU time
For 45 minutes, you will forget all about the
real world. The focus is on YOU. This is your
time and your opportunity to make yourself
feel amazing. Nothing else matters.
3. Building mental strength
When the muscles are burning, the
stomach is turning and you feel your heart in
your throat - and there are still another
30 seconds left (just 30 seconds) of your
interval, you have two options: you can quit
early or you can push through the discomfort.
Its all about mental strength. You build it
inside the studio, but you can then put it into
practice when faced with real life obstacles.
Helle at Flywheel Sports Dubai
4. Calorie burning
As an instructor, I get asked the how many
calories will I burn question frequently.
There is no specific answer. It is completely
individual. Amongst other things, your
calorie burn will depend on your current
fitness level, your ability to push towards
your maximum, your basic metabolic rate
and your weight. However, indoor cycling
sessions are in general built around high
intensity interval training and you get out
what you put in. My best advice is to forget
about the calorie burn and avoid counting
numbers. You have 45 minutes to give your
best; to build yourself stronger mentally and
physically. As you continue to push limits
and increase muscular and cardiovascular
capability, you will grow into a high calorie
burning machine.
5. Community feel
You will make new friends; with fellow riders,
instructors and staff. Friends with the same
desire and mindset as you. And if you are
not quite there yet, you will get immensely
inspired by the people around you in the
room. Should you become hooked, your
cycling studio will become your second
home. An indoor cycling studio is buzzing
and the energy in the room is created by
all the people around you. You are all in it
together.
6. Motivation / Energy / Guidance
Indoor cycling classes couldnt possibly be
any more convenient. You just have to turn
up on time, follow the instructors guidance
and give it your best. Everything else is
provided for you; the bike, the music, the

carefully structured training program,
the encouragement and motivation, the
expertise - and some cycling studios also
provide clip-in cycling shoes, drinking water,
showers, towels and a comfortable lounge
area to relax in before or after all the hard
work is done.
7. Release of endorphins
That feeling when you walk out the door
after completing 45 minutes of intense
interval training is the number one reason
why I have continued to take part in indoor
cycling for 18 years. The buzz, the sweat,
the happiness, the satisfaction, the energy,
and the way you feel about yourself. You are
high on euphoria and ready to take on the
world, and thats exactly why you will come
back for more.
8. Time efficient
It is a fact that outdoor cycling is a time
consuming sport here in Dubai. It involves
driving out to a dedicated cycle track, a few
hours of riding and then a drive back home.
If you are pressured for time and have other
responsibilities in life to attend to, then indoor cycling is one of the most effective and
time efficient cardio workouts you can get.
9. Risk free / Low impact
on joints and ligaments
One of the huge benefits of cycling is the
low impact on joints and ligaments. Many
physiotherapists will refer clients to cycling
as their first form of exercise after injuries
and treatments. We also see many
previous runners transitioning to cycling
after experiencing problems from the high
impact on their joints.
10. Suitable for any age group and ability
From a complete beginner to a top athlete,
you will experience a range of benefits.
Whether you are younger or older, age has
no limit when it comes to exercising in a safe
environment, releasing endorphins and
feeling good about yourself.
Other benefits include a lowering of stress
levels and improvement in sleep, as well
as cardiovascular health and muscular
endurance.
Can you substitute your outdoor cycling
training with indoor cycling classes?
It depends on your goal. If your goal
Whilst indoor cycling is not the same as riding outdoors, it

is a great way to build and maintain cardiovascular strength
over the summer months. (Photo by: Annette McCusker)
is to build basic cardiovascular fitness, or

maintain current fitness, feel good, do an
effective cardio session in a short period
of time, or you are looking for a change, a
guaranteed motivational environment, an
instant boost, or you simply want to escape
the heat, then YES, you can substitute your
outdoor session in an indoor environment.
Indoor cycling is basically fitness on a bike.
It is unlikely, however, that youll become
an Ironman or win your next cycle race
from doing only indoor cycling classes. All
outdoor cycling disciplines require a certain
level of skill such as bike control, being
visually aware, avoiding obstacles, use of
core control, being confident riding close
to other riders and adapting to different
weather and terrain. Mountain biking for
instance requires incredible skills and technique on rough and technical surfaces. Individual time trialling (the bike discipline of a
triathlon), requires perfect positioning, core
strength and exceptional endurance. Climbing a mountain on a road bike requires long
and consistent heavy pedal power on a low
cadence and a big dose of mental strength.
Manoeuvring around a road cycling peloton
requires some guts, extensive bike handling
skills and an ability to read the environment
for optimal positioning in the field as well as
anticipating the moves of other riders.
Indoor cycling is fantastic for building your
cycling base, your confidence, basic fitness,
mental strength, as well as allowing you to
become comfortable with pushing out of
your comfort zone and learning about effort
versus recovery. However, in order to master
a cycling discipline well or become a competitive athlete, specific skills and training
programmes in the real authentic

environment is necessary.
Where can you find

indoor cycling classes?
Most mainstream and stand-alone fitness

facilities offering group exercise classes
will also offer indoor cycling; check out
your local gym. Group classes are usually
included in the gym membership. Dubai
also hosts a few cycling specific studios with
a more comprehensive timetable, a consistent concept and specifically trained instructors. These studios include Flywheel Sports,
Souplesse Cycle and Bespoke Ride, who all
offer both pay-per-class and membership
options.
Nikos at Souplesse Cycle
Helle Bachofen von Echt is a Dubai

based amateur road cyclist competing
in both local and International events.
She is team leader of a UAE based
female amateur cycling team and she is
also an Indoor Cycling Instructor at Flywheel Sports Dubai. Helle loves traveling with her bike and you can follow her
adventures and racing in pictures on instagram @thegirlwhocyclesinthedesert
and her blog page www.hellebve.com
OUTDOORUAE
49
OUR EXPERTS
of the Middle East

Words + Photos by: Jake Lyle
For 400million years, sharks

have called this planet their home.
Throughout this time theyve
scoured the oceans and maintained
their position of power as the top
predators of the seas. With over
440 different species of sharks,
they vary in shape, size, behaviour
and location; and with their vast
spread over multiple
different habitats, some of them
have landed here, in the UAE.
Its no surprise that many different types
of sharks call the UAE home, at least for a
few months of the year, as the UAE and its
neighbouring countries are blessed with a
rich and vibrant level of biodiversity. And as
with any healthy ecosystem, sharks are there
to maintain it. Although the UAE and Dubai
in particular wouldnt be considered a hospitable place for sharks, in reality, its quite the
contrary. Though the vast majority of sharks
inhabit either offshore or deep water, there
are also species that occasionally venture in
a little closer to shore. This was evidenced
through the spotting of a large whale shark
that had wandered into the Marina earlier
this year (which residents claim is almost
anannual occurrence), or the two hammerheads spotted off JBR, close to the Palm,
back in 2011. Its certainly clear that sharks
are living among us here in Dubai and in the
UAE, but exactly which species of sharks are
the most common?
Common species in the UAE
One of the most common species of sharks

that lives in the Gulf is the White Tip Reef
Shark. The White Tips are generally small,
growing only to a maximum of 2.5 meters
with a slim and streamlined body shape.
These smaller variations of sharks frequent
the Indo-Pacific area, putting them right in
the trajectory of the UAE. The waters in the
gulf are perfect for these small sharks, as
they prefer warm and shallow seas typically between 8 and 40 meters deep. Like
many species, the White Tips are a social
species so theyll often be seen in groups,
lying on the sandy bottom, or under crevices
and in caves. I have encountered these
sharks on a number of different occasions,
and most of the time theyre laying on
the ground under a small cave refusing to
come out, making taking their picture a very
difficult task! With their calm and docile
nature, these sharks pose very little threat to
50
OUTDOORUAE
people and are certainly not something to

be feared.
Black Tip Reef Sharks are very similar to
White Tips, both in their size and their behaviour. Black tips can reach a length of 2.9
meters and interact well with people. Divers
all over the world encounter these sharks
often and have no problems swimming
alongside them. They are however quite shy,
and will avoid people if they can. Their habitats are very similar to White Tips, preferring
both shallow and warm waters and mainly
inhabiting coral reefs.
Another very common species is the
Zebra Shark. The appearance of this shark
is one of the most distinctive throughout
the whole shark family tree. When they are
young, they will have light-coloured stripes
wrapped around their bodies all the way
down to the tail, and then as they get older
these stripes progress into spots, mimicking
a leopard and so with that, theyre hard to
miss. Similar to White Tips, the Zebra Shark
frequents the Indo-Pacific area. Their size
however differs, as the Zebra Sharks can

reach lengths up to 3.5 meters and generally have a much wider girth. Unlike White
Tips, Zebra sharks are bottom feeders, also
known as carpet-fish, and so most of their
diet encompasses what lies on the seabed,
including things like small fish and crabs.
With those behaviours and dietary requirements, the Zebra Shark poses an even lesser
threat to humans than White Tips. My first
encounter with one of these was in Oman,
where we found one laying still on the sand
behind a rock wall.He was perfectly happy
for a few of us divers to get quite close and
take in his spectacular coat, as well as snap a
few pictures of him. In fact, he remained so
still that he only moved after my dive buddy
proceeded to tickle his tail (I wouldnt advise
touching a shark in any situation), after
which point the shark decided he wanted to
search for a more quite place to sleep, and
off he swam.
Progressing a little (or more aptly, a lot)
in size, a list of sharks that inhabit the Gulf
wouldnt be complete without mentioning

the famous gentle giants: the Whale Sharks.
These could possibly be one of the most frequently sighted sharks in the area (it makes
it easier when theyre so very large); with
divers, swimmers and, strangely, pedestrians
and residents in the Marina reporting sightings every year. The largest recorded Whale
Shark reached an unprecedented length of
12 meters, which is roughly the same length
as a London double-decker bus. Moreover, these goliaths can reach weights of 20
tonnes which is almost the same as two
double-decker buses! Its these dimensions
that have earned this giant the title of the
largest fish in the sea. Despite their size
however, they pose almost no threat to people, as they are filter feeders, and feed only
on the very small invertebrates suspended
in water, like plankton. My first experience
with one of these creatures was in Oman, at
the end of a dive, very close to the surface.
The huge shark circled us and enjoyed the
feeling of the bubbles we were expelling
tickling his belly. As these sharks often do
frequent the surface, theyre easy to spot, so
next time youre out on the water, keep your
eyes open!
Something to fear?
There are many other species of sharks that

live in the Gulf and possibly even in the
waters surrounding the UAE. Over the years
people have spotted species such as Tiger
Sharks, Hammerheads and Mako Sharks.
These species have been known to be more
aggressive and therefore dangerous, but
more often than not this is only a result of
being provoked. Species like these frequent
waters further offshore and much deeper,
so encounters with people arerarer. Most of
the aggressive interactions that take place
between sharks and people here in the UAE
occur only with fishermen who accidently
catch these sharks through by-catch. In fact,
in 2014 the International Shark Attack File
found that in the entire history of the UAE,
there have been only 2 shark attacks. This, in
comparison with Australias number of 572,
is a good record.
Fears about sharks are often misguided,
as sharks are far less dangerous than movies
like Steven Spielbergs 1975 classic Jaws
depict. A sharks instinct when discovering
that humans are near is to turn the other
way because more often than not, the

average sized person will be much bigger
in size than most sharks, and so they wont
want to face off with anything bigger than
them. Even the larger variations will do their
best to avoid us because we simply arent
a part of their food chain. It may be a hard
concept to grasp, but sharks really dont see
us as an item on their menu, and so they
present very little danger. This has been
proven to me time and time again whilst
swimming with them. Ive had the opportunity to swim alongside some of the worlds
most dangerous sharks, like Tiger Sharks
and Hammerheads and as I swim beside
them, or as they swim above me, or around
me, I seldom experience fear, as I dont
feel like Im in any danger. Instead I feel
quite certain that these sharks arent even
interested in my presence at all. In a similar
situation, whilst diving in the Maldives, me
and three other divers had just descended
quite deep, to roughly 35m, when suddenly
a grey reef shark swam out from below us.
Admittedly it was quite a shock, but then as
we turned around it seemed the Grey Reef
wasnt alone, but rather part of a cluster of
about 30 different sharks made up of Grey
Reefs, White Tips and Black Tips. Even as
these sharks began to form a wide circle
around us, I still did not feel threatened. It
is through experiences like this that I have
been made aware of the symbiotic relationship that is possible between sharks and
humans. We have very little fear of them,
but it is them rather, who have much to fear

of us.
Unfortunately, 100 million sharks are killed
every year, either through bycatch, illegal
fishing, or to harvest their fins and oils for
shark fin soup. In comparison, sharks kill 12
people per year which is almost always
cases of mistaken identity when the shark
has mistaken a person for its real prey, due
to things like cloudy water or rough seas.
So if the ratio is so heavily in our favour,
who do we still carry such fears? The only
sensible fear that we should experience is
the fear that shark populations may decline
to a rate that will cause irreversible damage
to the ecosystem. The presence of sharks
in an ecosystem indicate that that ecosystem is healthy; which shows the coral reefs
surrounding the UAE and further spread
out over the Gulf arent doing too bad, as
the shark populations are stable. Sharks
play a crucial role in maintaining the health
of a habitat by cleaningup the reefs and
preying on the sick and weak fish populations, keeping coral reefs free of disease and
strengthening the gene pool of the rest of
the populations. This keeps the fish healthy
and strong, which in the long term will benefit us. As well, by regulating the fish populations through preying on them, sharks keep
the food chain in place and prevent certain
species growing out of proportion and causing damage to the environment themselves.
The integral role that these sharks play
however is threatened, as are their populations. There are sadly many species of
shark in different parts of the world that are
currently vulnerable to extinction. Before the
Gulf is overfished and the shark populations
greatly threatened, our ecosystems and our
neighbours ecosystems can be spared. This
requires the help of people like you: avoid
buying any products with elements of shark
in them, eat only the fish that have been
dubbed as green or sustainable to eat by
organisations like the WWF, and spread
awareness of the importance of sharks and
the need for conservation. And if you feel as
though you want to experience what its like
to swim alongside them, to understand the
harmony in which we can both live, and to
truly experience the absence of the fear that
you thought you would feel get out there,
start diving, and keep your eyes peeled!
OUTDOORUAE
51
OUR EXPERTS
A different environment:
Educat ion
Words + Photos by: Haydon Kerr
Why is Outdoor Education of

such great benefit to students?
The discussion between some
teachers, schools and parents
often revolves around how much
impact trips have on curriculum
time during the academic year.
This then begs the question of
what exactly is education?
In my opinion, there is so much inherent
learning for students when they are exposed
to new adventures and experiences outside
of the regular classroom. A study conducted
by the University of Exeter looked at whether
school childrens learning about their local
environment would influence the way they
treat it. They found that not only was this the
case, but high quality, out-of-classroom learning also influenced how students behaved
and the lifestyle choices they made. It shows
the potential for Outdoor Education trips not
just to change individual lives, but the lives of
whole communities.
The same could be said for anywhere
else in the world, including the UAE! School
camps that expose students to some of the
fragile marine and terrestrial ecosystems help
to foster a sense of wonderment as well as

understanding of their environment. A kayaking trip around mangroves not only teaches
a fun new physical skill but also about the
interaction of species in these extremely
productive ecosystems. A snorkeling group
might not only get to swim with turtles, but
also learn about the impact of plastic bags in
the ocean and how they fatally get mistaken
for food by the very turtles they enjoy swimming alongside. A visit to the desert dunes
or one of the amazing wadi systems can be
a great place to conduct a trek or spend the
night in tents as a school group, but it also
creates the perfect teaching opportunity
to talk about the impact humans have with
regards to litter or construction. The list could
go on with the amount of learning that takes
place when education is put into a context
that students can observe, touch and interact
with.
There are also some more subtle abilities that children develop when away with
their class or year group. For example, there
is probably only one time (if any) for some
students during the academic year when they
are away from their parents for more than
just a night or two. Life skills are enhanced
on a school camp or trip abroad such as how
to manage a shared dormitory room with
several others, understanding how to resolve
issues when friendships are tested and forge
new relationships with new potential friends.
When student groups are on a school trip
to another country, there is another level of
learning that takes place. Seeing the Egyptian Pyramids, the Mona Lisa or the Northern
Lights for the first time would be an experience etched in anybodys memory. However,
educational trips abroad can also impart the
life skills of budgeting, with individuals having
a finite amount of spending money to last
them while away. There are usually no parents

around to top up the wallet once the Euros,
Pounds, Rupees or Dollars etc. are spent
on a round of ice-creams and an expensive
must-have piece of handicraft from the night
markets. Individual maturity and independence is developed when students are travelling to any destination, and upon return many
parents make remarks at how impressed they
are with their childs emotional growth.
Ask a student in decades time to share
a memory about the book they studied for
a classroom test and about the school trip
they took to Nepal for project work. I would
imagine that more stories and details will
come spilling out about how awesome it was
to become part of a team helping to rebuild
village communities following a disaster (such
as an earthquake), about what it means to
be a leader when encouraging others in the
group while white water
rafting or the simple skill of bargaining for
that extra few Rupees off the cost of a singing bowl.
So, when a school camp or a trip abroad is
questioned for its timing during the academic year, I would like to think that there
is learning happening on many levels. I also
believe it should not always be limited to
teachers directing the learning when opportunities present themselves. With the summer
holidays upon us, there will be many families
travelling to all parts of the globe and there
will be an infinite number of times mum or
dad could talk about how every animal has its
place in the environment or how important
it is to keep our ecosystems heathy or
even about how to manage the dirhams they
might be lucky enough to spend each week.
Watch this space for more learning taking
place in lots of exciting destinations with
loads of outdoor adventures!.....
PEOPLE
Age: 30
Nationality: Pakistani
Occupation: IT Manager
Interview by: Bandana Jain
Photos by: Juan Mayer
Nothing brings me more joy

than hurling down towards the
earth at a speed of 250kph.When
I finally land, I am more alive than
any other moment and every jump
gives me a special sense of accomplishment, reckons Zeeshan Mirza.
The avid skydiver and wingsuit
flyer envisages taking it forward by
introducing the sport in his home
country, Pakistan. Below, we find
out more about what drives Zeeshan, and the other activities that
he enjoys when hes not surfing the
skies.
Which adventure sports
are you into?
Im really passionate about motocross,

snowboarding, mountaineering (Ive climbed
both Everest and Annapurna Base Camp
and summited Kala Patthar and Gokyo Peak
in Nepal). I am into wingsuit flying (USPA D
license holder with 800 plus skydives).
Not many people know

about wingsuit flyingPlease tell
us more about it.
A wingsuit is a special kind of jumpsuit whose

design has been inspired by the squirrel.
A wingsuit adds surface area to the body
and hence allows significant increase in lift;
meaning you a get a lot more flying time
(90 seconds or more) compared to a normal
skydiving freefall, which is roughly just 50
seconds.
Amongst a wide range of adventure

sports, what made you passionate
about skydiving and wingsuit
skydiving? For how long have you
been doing these?
I did my first skydive in 2013, and since then

have been actively involved in the sport.
From the beginning, my goal was to become
a wingsuit pilot. So I started skydiving only
to get into wingsuit flying, which is a prerequisite. A few years back, when this sport was
still evolving, I enjoyed watching videos of
wingsuit pilots from around the world. Thats
what inspired me to try this out for myself. It
was thrilling to watch world champions with
sponsors like Red Bull doing amazing stunts
in the mountains and valleys of Europe and

America.
What is the experience like?
People often relate skydiving with the thrill

and adrenaline rush of jumping out of a
perfectly good plane and then being able
to fly in the sky. For me, skydiving is much
more than any thrill or adrenaline rush. It is
therapeutic, for this is the only moment when
I am truly disconnected from everything else
and just focused on the present. The whole
experience is just so fulfilling, especially when
it goes as planned.
How has skydiving and wingsuit

diving helped you in life?
They have taught me to focus and believe

in myself. I have learnt to keep pushing
my limits and make the most out of every
moment that life offers.
Any memorable moment

related to skydiving that you
would love to share?
My first wingsuit jump! It was like a dream

come true. Finally I had taken the first step
to accomplish my dream of BASE wingsuit
flying.
Also, it goes without saying that I have
many memorable moments of wingsuit jumps
with world-class athletes at Skydive Dubai,
which is my home drop zone.Their coaching
and skills always leave me more passionate about achieving my goals as a wingsuit
pilot. Indeed, Skydive Dubai is one of the top
notch drop zones in the world, where utmost
importance is given to safety and training
standards.
Any advice for newcomers or for

people contemplating these sports?
I would like my fellow skydivers who are new

to this sport to know that their skills and comfort level will keep improving and obviously,
the fear factor reduces with every subsequent
skydive. So just hang in there during the
initial few stages.
Whats next?
Currently, we dont have the facility to practice skydiving in my home country, Pakistan. I
am now highly motivated to introduce skydiving there. Hopefully, one day we will be able
to skydive there and I would love to represent
Pakistan at national and international level.
Id also love to give BASE jumping a try!
How would you like to play

an active role in it?
It would be a matter of pride for me to be

able to play facilitate the setup of skydiving
facility in Pakistan. I have teamed up with a
few Pakistani skydivers to create awareness
and promote skydiving out there. As of now
we are trying to promote the sport through
social media and for this purpose, I have
been involved in few projects, such as
making skydives with our national flag.
Skydiving is obviously a
dangerous sport. What are
your thoughts on this?
We all indulge in everyday activities that

could be as dangerous (if not more) than
skydiving. For example, a lot of research has
been done to compare the risks of skydiving
versus driving a car. Statistics reveal that the
fatality rate for skydiving is 0.006 per 1,000
jumps, according to the U.S. Parachute Association.
Whats your motto in life?
Just believe in yourself and then watch how

the impossible transforms into possible!
PEOPLE
Myrna Saliba:
An inspiration to us all
Interview by: Rachael Bruford
Photos supplied by: Myrna Saliba
How many of us will admit to

using age, gender or nationality as
an excuse, or cite it as being a barrier impeding success? Its probably
something a lot of us do, perhaps
subconsciously, in the same way
that we often find reasons why we
didnt perform as well as we had
planned, be it in everyday life or in
sporting endeavors.
Myrna Saliba, a female Arab endurance
athlete and triathlete in her 60s, is certainly
not one of those people. Being a woman
with so many accolades, we were keen to
find out the secret behind her success,
despite all the perceived barriers that could
have potentially held her back. The answer?
There is no secret, but rather a love of outdoor sports that allow a special bond with
family and friends, plus a hefty amount of
dedication and self belief. Read on for one
of the greatest doses of inspiration that you
may possibly ever receive
Have you always lived a healthy,

outdoor lifestyle? If not, what lead
to this change? How has this
developed throughout the years?
In my childhood I was a tomboy; always

playing outdoors and riding my bike. But
then I got married young, and with marriage
came the responsibility of a house and raising children. In 2000, I was diagnosed with
Fouad and Myrna on the podium in

Quebec, celebrating coming 1st and
2nd in their respective age groups
54
OUTDOORUAE
At the finish line with the Bahraini flag
Osteoporosis and had to warm up with running before my weight lifting sessions. Running was quite new to me, but in no time,
I became an avid marathoner against my
doctors advice (he thought I might break my
frail bones due to the heavy impact). This
only reinforced my resolve to run marathons,
and so far Ive completed over 20 marathons
and a couple of ultras, let alone Ironman and
double Ironman races. Thank God I havent
broken any bones due to running.
What is it about endurance events

that appeals to you?
What motivated you to get involved

with triathlons, and when/where
was your first event?
Some of my proudest moments are in races

I did not medal in, races where against all
odds I finished a job no one believed I could
do. Endurance races are long and unpredict-
What sparked my interest in triathlons was

a documentary about Ironman Busselton in
Western Australia (IMWA). I told my husband
I wanted to do an Ironman. He too had never
heard of the sport so I explained to him and
he giggled saying, but honey, you dont
know how to swim! I said I will learn, and
I learned, just to do an Ironman. The only
swimming stroke I have mastered up until this
day is freestyle, because I am not a swimmer;
I just need to swim to move on in the race.
My first ever triathlon race was none other
than that race; the IMWA in 2009.
I do not consider
myself a fully-fledged
triathlete. I am
just an endurance
athlete with a lot of
guts, patience and
determination, setting
out to conquer her
athletic goals.
Endurance events allow you to disconnect

from mundane activities, to get in tune
with yourself and to nurture your inner soul.
You are closer to nature, and when those
endorphins kick in, you are pumped up for
hours to come. It is quite a refreshing and
energetic feeling.
What do you consider to be your

proudest achievement or moment?
At one with nature and disconnecting from everyday life
What you do with your

success, how you use
it to give back to the
sport community and
how you help others
reinforce their trust in
their own capabilities
is what matters most
to me.
Mental strength can be equally as
important as physical strength in
endurance events. How do you
cope when things get tough?
2km race at the 5Km Endurance race in Montreal
able; you can be well trained physically but

how you cope with what comes your way in
a long race forges your proudest achievements. When you are at that start line,
you have one goal and that is reaching the
finish line. How you get to the finish line is
between only you and your will to overcome
obstacles, and that makes it so sweet, so
personal and so special.
How does it feel to be so successful, particularly as a female and as

an Arab? What do you hope your
legacy is for future generations?
I would like to be remembered as a vivid

example of the power of ones mind. I would
like to be a role model of discipline, of courage, and of believing in ones self. I would
like to tell every female out there in the GCC
and the Arab world, and every Arab athlete
of a certain age working hard towards their
goals in sport to stay the course and to
keep believing in themselves, even if no one
believes in them. There are occasions when
an older persons results are far better than
a younger competitor, and that catches the
medias attention and people applaud. We
are grateful to be in the spotlight because
we have a message to carry, but we dont
want people to praise us, we want people,
especially the younger generation, to learn
from us and follow in our footsteps.
Our Grandchildren are so excited to do
what we do. It is really such a joy for us to
be mentors and role models for these kids
and to be able to share some precious
sporty family moments with them. I wish all
parents and grandparents can do the same
with their youngsters, its a wonderful way of
bonding and growing closer as a family.
Mental strength is more important than

physical strength; endurance sport is more
about whats between the ears than about
whats in the tank and how well you are
physically prepared. When it gets tough, it
becomes a mind game. Everyone has their
own ways to handle such times. This cannot
be taught; this is instinctive and based on
who you are. One of the tricks I use to help
myself keep moving forward is visualising
the finish line. I lock that vision in my mind
and I recall it in tough times. The finish line
is where the journey ends, this is the only
place where I am allowed to stop and call it
a day. This is my way to pay respect for my
hard work and my commitment to doing this
sport!
What are your biggest challenges

when training, and what do you
find the most difficult discipline of a
triathlon?
The most challenging for me is training on

my own. I coach myself and I train 90% of
the time alone, and that can be daunting.
All disciplines are difficult when you are
not particularly good at any one of them. I
turned athlete by coincidence in 2000, but I
try to see the positive aspect of things when
I am racing and I tell myself that although
I dont have the experience and the exposure of those who started earlier in life, my
body is less beaten up than theirs and thats
somehow an advantage.
How does nutrition play a role in

your training and performance in
competitions?
It plays a huge role. How many athletes

including defending champions bonked because of nutrition issues while racing? They
say the sport of triathlon is three disciplines;
it is in fact five because if you dont master
the art of transition and rehearse your nutrition before, during and after a race, you will
face serious issues which could damage your
training and your race performance. How to
achieve an ideal nutrition is a long discussion. There are different schools of thought,
but the general consensus is that you cannot
survive without carbohydrates in endurance
sports. You need to try out in practice and
weeks before race day. It is a bit of a tedious trial and error process since our bodies
process food differently and what works for
one may not work for another.
Myrna with her grandchildren at the ITU race
Many people feel that they simply

arent capable of achieving even
half of what youve achieved. What
would be your advice to them?
Anyone, young and old, can achieve what

I achieved and probably more. I am not
a superhero, I am simply someone with
unsurpassable commitment to their dreams.
I work hard to make them reality, and I know
if anyone, especially the younger generation, can seriously and smartly commit to
their goals, they will be as successful as I
have been. I never give up on my dreams
in spite of changing life circumstances and
years passing by.
It may seem difficult in the beginning, but
like anything else in life there is an adjustment to be made. The key is to be conservative and logical in your approach. You
cannot ask your body to run for one hour if
you have never ran before. My advice to any
beginner is to learn the proper technique
for any sport they do, and to work diligently
even if its only for half an hour a day; it is
far better than three hours a day and then
skipping a couple of days. In my motivational speeches, I tell people this:"Believe
in the power of your mind, know your inner
self and discover your physical potential.
Thenwith a little bit of passion and a
whole lot of determination, everything is
within reach."
In South Africa
PEOPLE
Arabs with Altitude:

Interview by: Rachael Bruford
Photos by: Supplied
When Sheikh Mohammed Bin

Abdullah Al Thani, Raed Zidan,
Masoud Mohammad Kalafchi and
Suzanne Al Houby summited North
Americas Mount Denali on 3rd
June, there was extra cause to
celebrate. Not only did this mountain mark the quartets successful
completion of the Seven Summits
(something which less than 350
people have ever achieved), it also
represented something even more
important.
Hailing from Qatar, Palestine and Iran,
Mohammed, Raed and Masoud became the
first people from their respective countries
to successfully complete all seven summits. Suzanne became not only the first
Palestinian woman, but also the first Arab
woman ever to conquer the worlds toughest
mountains.
Mohammed and Masoud have been

friends since childhood, both meeting Raed
at a car rally in 2009. In 2010 the three men
met Suzanne through climbing friends.
Although Suzanne summited the first six
peaks on separate occasions to Mohammed, Masoud and Raed, all four conquered
the final summit together. In fact, Suzannes
prior experience of climbing the worlds tallest mountain was something that they learnt
from, with Raed explaining, Naturally, as a
person who had already climbed Everest, we
needed her advice.
It was a friendship that was to continue,
and eventually see all four summiting Denali, their seventh summit, together. Ive
always said it; our key to success has been
the team. All being together is what makes
the difference, and being such close friends
with great synergy is just the extra mile. We
look out for each other, and give each other
support,Masoud explains. Suzanne agrees,
saying, I am so glad that my seventh and
final summit was with them. The caring, support, memories, comfort, laughter and tears
we shared make this my most memorable
climb.
For Mohammed and Masoud, the goal
THE CLIMBERS
was to climb the seven summits from day

one. Raed and Suzanne however, only
began to consider the possibility once they
had climbed their first two mountains. Facing challenges such as winds of over 140
km an hour, freezing cold weather, crevasses
and knife-edges, the summit attempts were
certainly not without an enormous risk. Below, we asked these four pioneers all about
their incredible experiences on the summits,
and how it feels to have made history.
What motivates you

to achieve so highly?
Mohammed: Once I set a goal, thats it! I do

everything I can to achieve it. It is just the
way I am.
Masoud: The challenge to reach the summit
alone is demanding. Challenging yourself,
your body, your mind, your patience - its
very rewarding.
Raed: In our normal lives we are all successful business people who love to challenge
ourselves, and we are all highly motivated.
I think its just part of my personality. Im
always looking for that next challenge.

Suzanne: This is hard to define really. I am
driven by pushing perceived limits. I am
driven by the thrill of trying new things, by
exploring, by venturing into unknowns but
most importantly, I am driven by my own
dreams. I follow them!
Mental strength is a big component

of such a challenge. How did you
prepare yourselves emotionally, and
how did you make it through the
hard times and moments of doubt?
Mohammed: What is important is to find

inner peace before you go. You have to be
focused and avoid distractions at all costs.
Masoud: Mental strength is probably the
biggest obstacle on a climb. I have been
strong throughout all our trips but even I
have been hit hard by doubt. There is nothing you can do to stop it, but thanks to Moe
and Raed I was able to overcome those
moments.
Raed: Its really another advantage of
climbing with my best friends. When I have
SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN

ABDULLAH AL THANI (Qatar)
Age: 34
Favourite summit: Vinson Massif
Biggest challenge: Everest
What completing the seven summits
means to you and your nation:
Setting a goal so high, that has only been
achieved by around 350 people in the
world, and working so hard to realise it.
RAED ZIDAN (Palestine)
Age: 44
Favourite summit: Everest
Biggest challenge:
Telling my family that I was going to climb
yet another mountain; especially when we
climbed Denali as they thought that after I
climbed Everest I was done.
Ive never had self-doubt and believe
that I can accomplish anything I put my
mind to. Completing the seven summits
reinforced that. My country joined the
nations that have mountaineers who have
completed the challenge, and I am proud
to be the person who did it.
MASOUD MOHAMMAD KALAFCHI (Iran)
Age: 35
Favourite summit: Vinson Massif
Biggest challenge: Everest
Memories to last a lifetime.
SUZANNE AL HOUBY (Palestine)
Favourite summit: Both standing tall
and proud on the summit of Everest, and
standing tall and proud on the summit of
Denali after finishing my seven summits
quest.
Biggest challenge: On the climbs there
are lots of challenges. Actually there are
only challenges! Altitude, cold, camping
conditions, food etc. Everything becomes
a challenge.
Privileged and honoured. Proud and
humbled.
OUTDOORUAE
57
doubts my friends are there pushing me and

I do the same for them.
Suzanne: One has to really want it to endure
the hardship and this is what will help
when there are moments of doubt. Mountains are not for everyone; the risks are high
and the hardship is pretty intense. One has
to be tough mentally and be able to always
look fear in the eye and face it and challenge it.
How did you train for the seven

summits, and where? The summits
all vary in difficulty and the technical
skills needed; how did you prepare
for this?
Mohammed: Training was quite strenuous,

especially for summits such as Aconcagua,
Denali and Everest. I would train an average
of three hours a day, seven days a week.
My training was mostly at the Sharjah Golf
& Shooting Club, Altitude Gym. There is an
altitude chamber there, which helps a lot.
I also used to swim and run on the track as
well as train in the desert. I was taught some
technical skills on the mountain during expeditions, and I then used them whenever they
were needed on other mountains.
Masoud: Training and exercise have been
a part of my daily routine since 2000. When
a mountain comes into the picture, the
intensity and exercises change about six
months before the departure date. Theres
a lot more cardio and specific core training.
On each mountain you gain a different set
of skills and learn different techniques. All
these techniques eventually come in handy
on mountains like Everest and Denali.

Raed: As we climbed mountains we gained
more and more experience. Each mountain
is different and requires certain technical
skills, which you gain as you climb other
mountains and from taking certain courses.
Training for long hours six or seven days a
week is always challenging physically, but it
also requires lots of planning and sacrifice
to allocate those hours. The climbs are demanding physically and mentally. Spending
so much time climbing is really hard on your
body, and in the last climb I lost almost 10
kg in 23 days. Its also hard mentally as you
are at high altitude away from your family
and loved ones and with no real connection
to the world.
Suzanne: The majority of the training is in a
gym environment, following a very strict and
specific program depending on the nature
of the climb. Training outdoors, as well as
hiking, is something that helps tremendously; unfortunately this can be done only when
the weather permits. We do get stronger
with every mountain as well, and this drives
us to work harder and endure the painful
training.
How do you hope your achievements have inspired others?
Masoud: Our summits were a personal

goal; a challenge to ourselveswhich we set
and achieved. It just shows that if you want
something you arent going to get it by
sitting around. Youve already done 50 per
cent of the work by wanting it, but to make
sure you get it you have to do the other 50
per cent and work hard to reach to it. Some

people dont even know what they want.
Mohammed: I hope it sends a message
to others that no dream is too high, it just
needs persistence, determination and a bit
of stubbornness to make it come true.
Raed: My main hope is that I have inspired
my kids, but people in general need to
THE SUMMITS
Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa)
5,895m above sea level
A non-technical climb, although the
altitude can sometimes pose a problem
Summited on 25th February 2010
Mount Elbrus (Europe)
In the Caucuses, on the border of Russia
and Georgia. Involves climbing glaciers.
Summited on 28th August 2012
Mount Kosciuszko (Australia)
Considered the lowest of the seven
summits, and the easiest to climb
Summited on 11th October 2012
Vinson Massif (Antarctica)
Just 1,200km from the South Pole
Summited on 25th December 2012
Mount Everest
The most famous mountain in the world;
and a challenging climb
Summited on 22nd May 2013
Mount Aconcagua (South America)
In the Argentinian Andes, it is generally
considered technically easy, although it
can be extremely cold
Summited on 5th January 2015
Mount Denali (North America)
A very technical climb. The high
elevation and high latitude poses a high
risk of altitude sickness
Summited on 3rd June 2016
58
OUTDOORUAE
understand that there is nothing you cant

achieve as long as you work hard for it and
prepare for it. Surrounding yourself with
people that share the same dreams always
helps.
Suzanne: I hope Ive shown people to
dream big. That nothing is impossible.
What does it mean to be the first

person from your country to have
accomplished such a challenge?
Suzanne: Its a privilege and an honour.

Masoud: Im honoured to be the person to
have raised the flag on every summit.
Mohammed: Its a great honour to be recognised to be a first.
Raed: Its really just another reminder of how
hard it is and how proud we are to achieve
our goals.
Suzanne, as a female, did you face

any specific challenges during the
entire process?
Of course. In some areas I simply had to

stop thinking about gender. I would just
think of it as a human need. On other occasions I had to think about gender, such as if I
am carrying loads like everyone else loads
equally distributed that meant that I am
carrying 70 per cent of my body weight
while a man would be carrying 30 per cent
of his body weight! I had to develop a thick
skin and not shy away from mentioning that
proportion matter. I am 162cm tall and my
stride is different from a 180cm man. To put
it simply, I dont need to prove that in order
for me to be a strong climber I have to have
the same stride as a man!
So, whats next for our intrepid Arabs with
Altitude? After all, how do you possibly

follow on from such a ground breaking accomplishment? One things for sure; theyre
not going to stop now. For Suzanne, its
all about reflecting on her experience and
figuring out what else is calling me out
there. Masoud isnt sure, but something is
bound to come up soon, and Im definitely

not going to stop climbing. Mohammed
has a new goal, and one that sounds like a
fantastic reward for all his efforts: visiting the
top seven beaches in the world. Whatever
the future holds for these four incredible
people, were sure that Raed speaks for all
of them when he assures us that it will be
fun, challenging and as life changing as the
seven summits.
Raising awareness
For our climbers, simply making history

was not enough. There were also charitable efforts associated with their already
impressive achievements. For Mohammed and Masoud, it was about raising
awareness for ROTA (Reach Out to Asia),
a charity under Qatar Foundation of which
Mohammed is an ambassador. Their
mission is to provide education in areas
around the world that are in need.
Suzanne has climbed Kilimanjaro ten
times; each time for a different cause.
She says, I am driven by causes that are
close to my heart, and these are about
childrens wellbeing and underprivileged
or victimised women. Raed used his
climbs to draw attention to the plight of
Palestine.
OUTDOORUAE
59
PEOPLE
Simone Ruffini
Age: 26
Nationality: Italian
Occupation: Long distance swimmer
Interview by: Nico de Corato
Photos by: Nico de Corato and provided
Simone Ruffini is an Italian

long-distance swimmer who
specialises in the 5km event.
Having had a place on the Italian
national team since 2007, when
he participated in the European
Junior Swimming Championship in
Milan, he went on to win bronze in
the 3km team competition at the
European Junior Championship the
following year. In 2009 he was part
of the team that represented Italy
at the World Championships in
Rome, coming ninth in the 5km.
On the podium - from the web
It was in 2010 that Simone began to build

upon his achievements, winning the Italian
Championships in both the pool and open
water, and placing third and second in the
5km and the team 5km respectively at the
European Swimming Championship in Budapest.
Highlights of 2011 included winning the
gold medal in China at the Shenzhen Universiade 10km in a time that was over two
minutes faster than the silver medalist. Four
years later, the 2015 World Championships
in Kazan saw Simone snatch victory once
again, receiving the gold medal after swimming an amazing 25km in the open water
competition.
Having now qualified for the 2016 Olympics, Simone recently paid a brief visit to the
UAE in order to take part in the FINA/HOSA
10km Marathon Swim in Abu Dhabi. Fellow
countryman, Nico de Corato, caught up with
him for a brief chat.
city you are in. My trip to the United Arab

Emirates was no different. Its such a shame,
because this sport allows us to travel around
the world, and it would be beautiful to meet
different people and observe different lifestyles and religions. In the end, instead, you
normally dont see anything but the pool or
the water where you will race.
What would be your advice

for those who are interested
in long-distance swimming?
I would just advise to try it, even if it might

be an intimidating sport in the beginning.
Try it and enjoy the feeling of freedom that
pools cannot give you; wouldnt you rather
spend the racing weekend in the sea than in
the pool?
Keep on swimming!
What pushes you to swim

5, 10, or even 25km?
I began long-distance swimming with my

first trainer, Massimo Russo, as an attempt to
swim longer than the 1500m. I soon moved
on to racing in lakes and the open sea in
addition to pool swimming.
Which race do you remember

with the most satisfaction?
The 10km of Kazan that granted me the

Olympic place. That competition represented a great achievement and allowed me to
dream of Rio.
Have you been able to visit any of

the United Arab Emirates in addition
to the competition site?
Wedding proposal to Aurora from the podium
60
OUTDOORUAE
Unfortunately, no. As is the case for any

competition, everything happens so quickly
as soon as you arrive: training, technical
meetings, and commitments with various organisations. You dont have time to visit the
Fina Marathon Abu Dhabi 2016: selfie with Simone
THE
OFF-ROADERS
corner
Steve's Land
Rover LR4: A car
fit for a prince
Name: Steve Baker
Nationality: British
Occupation:Technical
and Projects Manager at Reflections
Technologies FZCO
Ride: 2012 Land Rover LR4 V8 SE in
Baltic Blue
There's
an interesting
story behind
Steve Baker's
LR4, which has
well and truly
become a part
of the family.
Used as a daily
driver and for
a way to explore the terrain of the
UAE, Steve's vehicle is the perfect
accompaniment to life in the Emirates. Below, Steve tells us all about
the history of the car, and the slight
modifications he has made.
Tell us a little background

story about the car
I bought the car at fourteen months old from

a Saudi prince who had tired of it. I drove it
for 18 months in Saudi Arabia before I relocated to Dubai. It would have cost too much
to replace it here, and I loved and knew it intimately anyway, so I exported it from Saudi
and imported it into UAE. I've not regretted
that decision at all.
The car is my daily driver, and it has
covered almost 170,000 to date, so its just
about 'run in'. It has reliably and dependably
taken me, and the family, all across Arabia on
numerous occasions in air cushioned comfort.
Could you tell us all about the

modifications that were made,
performance and cosmetic-wise?
The car is totally stock from a mechanical

point of view, with the exception of 3-way
adjustable suspension rods from Green Oval
Experience in Australia. I've recently had
a full suite of underbody protection plates
fitted from the same company as well front
bash plate, transmission plate, air compressor plate and rock sliders.
Do you have something that you

would consider to be a special
feature of your car?
Land Rover's Terrain Response System. It

makes off-roading almost embarrassingly
easy. I have a good knowledge of off-roading techniques and hacks, which were learnt
the hard way over the years, or at the hand
of select mentors . This does come in handy
such as when I am 'advised' to take my
feet completely off the pedals when
descending a 1 in 2 gradient on a slippery

surface! I know what the car is doing and
why, but I still have to 'believe' that everything is under control, and that I can manually control the speed of descent using the
cruise control adjusters.
What were your other options

before you bought this car?
Well, I had an LR3 for 7 years before this car,

so realistically there was no other option
(unless money was no object).
How do you spend time with the

car, and how often do you use it?
At weekends and during holidays, I love to

hit the mountains, wadis and utility trails that
litter Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Im not
opposed to sand, but physics comes into
play in a significant way with a vehicle
nudging 3 tonnes, so dune bashing is out.
Its a very rare day when I don't use the car
at all. Commuting, shopping, exploring its
my go to choice for them all!
Are you planning any

modifications in the future?
I'd like a set of 18 rims for it, so that I can

get some sidewall height and more suitable
off-road rubber to play with. I currently have
the 20 rims that the car came with, but
that hasn't really stopped play; I just have to
be constantly mindful of punctures - which
is not a bad thing - and let the electronics
compensate for the higher tyre pressures at
times when my sidewalls should be showing
chubby cheeks.
What 4x4 do you dream of owning?
For a pure off-roading vehicle, I'd love to

have a Mercedes Unimog. For an overland
expeditioning vehicle, it would have to be a
Mercedes Zetros.
Expensive? Yes, but then I am dreaming

Want your 4X4 to be the next feature?
Its all simple! Just send us an email
at editor@outdooruae.com with the
subject Off-Roaders Corner and you
and your car might just be the next one
on this page!
OUTDOORUAE
61
Recharge! Low intensity

exercises for summer
Words by: Nicky Holland
Photos by: Jung Francisco
As the temperature outside

starts to increase for summer here
in the Middle East, many people
use July to take holidays and
recover. For this months edition,
we will look at how your body can
recharge. Now, that doesnt mean
that you can have the month off
from exercise, no no nobut it
does mean you can do a series of
low intensity exercises that will still
burn calories and help your fitness,
without exerting too much energy.
If you like to train hard and give 100
percent all the time, it is important that you
give your body enough recovery time. The
muscles need time to grow so you can focus
on other elements of your training such as
balance, core strength, back strength and
flexibility.
4) Hamstring / Glute flexibility
2) Walking plank
Core strength can be improved in many

ways. For the walking plank, start in the
plank position on your elbows, with your
back flat and knees off the floor. From here,
push your hands from a bent to an extended
position, one arm at a time, so that your
chest moves up and away from the floor.
Then lower your body, one arm at a time,
back down. The key here is to not rock the
hips and to brace the core so that the back
remains straight throughout the movement.
Aim to do 3 sets of 10 reps with a short rest
in between.
At the end of a workout, many people

forget to stretch. Stretching will help with
muscle soreness, tightness and fatigue.
From a seated position, with both legs out
straight, bend one leg into the other thigh
and ease down slowly to touch your toes.
Hold this stretch for 20 seconds then change
legs. The second stretch is a great one for
the back of the leg and the gluteus maximus. Lying on your back, bend both legs.
Cross one leg over the other and reach both
hands behind the bent leg. Gently pull in
towards your chest. You should feel a nice
stretch on the back of the body. Hold for 20
seconds then change sides.
For all of the exercises above, think about
the intensity. Try to keep the intensity low,
which will keep your heart rate low. This will
help your body recover from all the hard
sessions you have put yourself through.
Relax, recharge and enjoy the summer!
1) Single leg stork test
This exercise will work the proprioceptors

in the ankle and the knee. Balancing on
one leg is harder than it looks. First, start by
standing on the ground, lifting one leg off
and balancing on your standing leg. Once
you can do this, the next stage is to close
your eyes. Suddenly the exercise becomes
more challenging as you rely on what you
can feel, rather than what you can see.
The progression from this is to go from a
stable surface to an unstable surface. Using
the BOSU, attempt the same exercise one
leg at a time. Aim to complete 3 sets of 30
seconds on each leg.
62
OUTDOORUAE
3) Back extension leg lift
Imagine you are a mermaid and both of

your legs are stuck together. Lie face down,
and using your lower back muscles, try to
lift both legs off the floor. You should feel
this working your lower back along with
your glutes. This is a great exercise for the
postural chain and the back of the body. Its
imperative that the movement is slow and
controlled. Try to complete 3 sets of 10 reps.
Nicky Holland
Fitness Manager, Fitness First Uptown Mirdif
UAE DIRECTORY
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Net Group, Dubai and Abu Dhabi,
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Dubai Paragliders, +971 552120155 or
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Seawings, Dubai,+971 48070708,
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Skydive Dubai, The Palm: Al Seyahi St,
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www.skydivedubai.ae
Boating & Sailing
Manufacturer
Al Fajer Marine, Dubai, Al Quoz,
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Al Jeer Marina, RAK border Musandam,
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Gulf Craft, P.O. Box 666, Sheikh Khalifa Bin
Zayed Street, Ajman, +971 67406060,
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Distributors and Dealers
Art Marine LLC, Al Quoz Industrial Area,
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Azure Marine Dubai, +971 4 3706886,
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Macky Marine LLC, Box 37594, Ground
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Marina, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 505518317,
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UAEBoats4Sale, Dubai Marina,
+971 42932465, 567001801,
www.uaeboats4sale.com
Western Marine, P.O. Box 52938, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Knotika Marine Mall, Dubai,
+971 44327870
Equipment
Ali Khalifah Moh Al Fuqaei, Ground Floor,
Tara Hotel Building, Abdul Nasser Square
Street, Dubai, +971 42263220
Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43468000,
www.masaoodmarine.com
Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11,
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+971 4 4426395 or 55 1666035,
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+971 43391512
Repairs and Maintenance
Extreme Marine, Jebel Ali Branch, Jebel Ali,
Industrial Area, P.O. Box 97705, Dubai,
+971 48830777, www.extrememarine-me.com
Rineh Emirates, Sheikha Sana Warehouse 1,
Al Quoz, +971 43391512,
SNS Marine, Dubai Creek & Yacht Club,
Dubai, +971 501405058, www.snsmarine.ae
The Boat House, P.O. Box 71628, Al Quoz,
Dubai, +971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae
Cruise Operators
Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26665491
Al Marsa Travel & Tourism,
P.O. Box 32261, Sharjah, UAE, +971
65441232; Dibba, Musandam, Oman,
+968 26836550
Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek opposite
the British Embassy, +971 48145553
Bristol Middle East, Marina Heights Tower,
Dubai Marina Marina Walk,Dubai,
+971 4368 2480, www.bristol-middleeast.com
Captain Tonys, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu
Dhabi, +971 26507175, www.captaintonys.ae
Delma Industrial Supply and Marine
Services, Al Bateen Jetty, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26668153, www.delmamarine.net
Eden Yachting, Dubai Marina,
+971 43282930, 50 3716377,
www.edenyachting.com
Emirates Yatching, P.O. Box 8380, Dubai,
+971 42826683
El Mundo, Dubai, +971 505517406,
www.elmundodubai.com
Four Star Travels and Tourism, Dubai,
+971 561012599, www.4startravels.com
4 Yatch Chartering LLC, Toll Free: 800
YACHT (92248), Office #4, Dubai Marina
Yatch Club, Dubai, www.4yachtchartering.ae
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa,
Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah,
+971 92449888, www.rotana.com
Ghantoot Marina & Resort, Abu Dhabi,
+971 529933153, www.ghantootmarina.com
Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai,
+971 48706668, www.happydaysdubai.com
LY Catamaran, Bur Dubai, +971 566506683,
www.lycatamaran.com
Marine Concept, P.O. Box 282586, Office
611, Al Barsha Business Centre, Dubai,
+971 43958022, 559603030
www.marine-charter-concept.com
Nautica1992, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort
& Spa, Autograph Collection, Dubai Marina,
+971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae
Noukhada Adventure Company - P.O. Box
73373, C/O Ali & Sons Real Estate LLC,
Plot No. 29, Abu Dhabi Al Ain Rd, Um Al
Nar, Abu Dhabi, UAE - +971 25581889
www.noukhada.ae
RAK Marine LLC, Ras Al Khaimah City
Hilton Marina, +971 72066410, 504912696,
507682345
Sea Hunters Passenger Yachts & Boats
Rental, Dubai Marina, +971 42951011
Smoke Dragon of London Yacht, Abu Dhabi
International Marine & Sports Club,
+971 507011958 or 504546617
Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai,
+971 42573084
The Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26731111,
www.the-club.com
The Yellow Boats LLC, Dubai Marina Walk
opposite Spinneys, Intercontinental Hotel
Marina, 800892, www.theyellowboats.com
Marinas
Abu Dhabi International Marine
Sports Club, Abu Dhabi, Breakwater,
+971 26815566, www.adimsc.com
Abu Dhabi Marina, Abu Dhabi,
Tourist Club Area, +971 26440300
Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam
+971 72682333 or 504873185,
www.aljeerport.ae
Al Wasl Charter & Fishing, Airport Road, Al
Qwais Bldg., Off. 207, Dubai, UAE,
+971 42394760 or 42959477,
www.cruiseindubai.com
Dubai Creek Marina, Deira, Dubai,
+971 43801234, www.dubaigolf.com
Dubai International Marine Sports Club,
Dubai Marina, +971 43995777, www.dimc.ae
Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai,
+971 43627900,
www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com
Dubai Maritime City Harbour Marina,
Dubai, +971 43455545
Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai,
+971 43941669, www.dosc.ae
Emirates Palace Marina, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26907725
Fujairah International Marine Club,
Fujairah, +971 92221166, www.fimc.ae
Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Marina,
Al Bateen, Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26666888, www.intercontinental.com
Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa Marina,
Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 48145555
www.jebelali-international.com
Pavilion Marina, Dubai,
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +971 44068800
Umm Al Quwaim Marine Sports Club,

Umm Al Quwaim, +971 67666644,
www.uaqmarineclub.com
Dragon Boat Groups
Dubai Dawn Patrol Dragon Boating,
Dubai, +971 508795645,
www.facebook.com/DubaiDawnPatrol
Dubai Diggers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel,
pier next to 360, Dubai, +971 501547175,
www.dubai-diggers.com
UAE Dragon Boat Association,
+971 507634008, www.dubaidragonboat.com
Camping & Hiking
Equipment
Blingmytruck.com, +971 505548255,
www.blingmytruck.com
Gulf Camping, Dubai, UAE, +971 551222252
or 502550666, www.gulfcamping.com
Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall,
Abu Dhabi,+971 24437802
Tresspass, 2nd floor above ice rink,
The Dubai Mall, +971 43398801
Urban Peak, PO Box 9587, Office 502E,
Ibn Battuta Gate Offices, Dubai,
+971 44548805, www.urbanpeak.com
Tour Operators
Arabia Outdoors, Dubai,
+971 559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com
Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463,
www.adventure.ae
Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503,
Dubai, +971 42959428, www.arabiatours.com
Libra Travel & Tourism LLC, +971
43397700, www.facebook.com/
LibraTravelDubai
Mountain High Middle East, Dubai,
+971 506595536, www.mountainhighme.com
Sheesa Beach, Musandam, Dibba,
+971 50336046, www.sheesabeach.com
Caving
Mountain High Middle East, Dubai,

+971 43480214, www.mountainhighme.com
Climbing
Equipment
Adventure HQ, Sheikh Zayed Rd.,
Dubai Times Square Center, toll free:
800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae
Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Street 13A
1, Al Safa 1, Dubai, +971 43466558,
www.barracudadubai.com
Global Climbing Trading LLC,
Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai,
+971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com
Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi
+971 24437802, www.jack-wolfskin.com
Services
Absolute Adventure, Dubai,
+971 43926463, www.adventure.ae
Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square
Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free:
Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi,
+971 28137444, www.alshaheenme.com
Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971 559556209,
www.arabiaoutdoors.com
Dorell Sports Management, Dubai World
Trade Centre, +971 43065061,
www.climbingdubai.com
E-Sports UAE, Dubai, +971 43697817,
www.esportsuae.com
The Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26731111,
www.the-club.com
Information
UAE Climbing, +971 506456491,
www.uaeclimbing.com
Mountain Biking & Cycling
Equipment/Dealers
Bikers JLT, Unit H6, Cluster H,
Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAE,
+971 526221888
Cycle Sports, Shop No. 1, Al Waleed Bldg.,
Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +971 43415415,
Fun Ride Sports, 301, 3rd floor, Mushrif
Mall, Abu Dhabi, Rm. 4, Mezzanine floor,
C-13 Bldg., Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi,
+971 24455838, www.funridesports.com
Micahs Bike Shop, Warehouse No.4
6th St. Al Quoz 3, Dubai, +971 43805228
Probike, Dubai, Al Barsha 1,
+971 43255705, www.probike.ae
Rage Shop, Al Ghurair Centre: +971 4294
8634; MOE: +971 43413388; Al Wahda
Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 24437617, Dubai
Mall: +971 44341549, www.rage-shop.com
OUTDOORUAE
63

Revolution Cycles, Shop G05, Apex
Atrium, Motor City, Dubai, +971 43697441,
www.rcdxb.com
Ride Bike Shop, Sheikh Zayed Road:
+971 43395602; Mirdif City Centre: +971
42840038; Al Seef Village Mall, Abu Dhabi:
+971 26337172, www.ridebikeshop.com
Sportz Unlimited, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, + 971 43388644 or 43391333
Tamreen Sports LLC, Khalifa Street,
Abu Dhabi, +971 26222525,
www.tamreensports.com
The Cycle Hub, Motor City, Dubai,
+971 505528872 or 44256555,
www.thecyclehub.com
Trek Bicycle Store, Seih Al Salam,
Al Qudra Road, Dubai, +971 48327377;
Shop #5, Reemas Building
Al Quoz 1, Exit 46/47, Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai, +971 43211132
www.trekbikes.ae
Trikke UPT, P.O. Box 53527, Dubai,
+ 971 43434499; P.O. Box 33869, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26333377, www.trikkeme.net
Wolfis Bike Shop, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43394453, www.wbs.ae
Operator
+971 43926463, www.adventure.ae,
info@adventure.ae
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Tri Club,
www.abudhabitriclub.com
Cycle Safe Dubai, Dubai Autodrome
www.cyclechallenge.ae
Dubai Roadsters, +971 43394453,
www.dubairoadsters.com
Diving
Equipment
Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi and Dubai,
+971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com
Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment,
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai,
+971 43444468
Dubai, +971 43468000,
Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43390621,
www.aym.ae/yamaha
Blue Waters Marine, +971 43808616,
Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com
Gulf Marine Sports, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26710017, www.gulfmarinesports.com
Premiers for Equipment, Sheikh Zayed
1st. Road, Abu Dhabi, +971 26665226,
www.premiers-uae.com
Dive Shop.ae, Building #123, Street 26,
Area 369, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, Dubai,
+971 43414940, www.diveshop.ae
Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah,
+971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com
Diving Centres
Al Boom Diving (equipment),
Dubai, Al Wasl Rd, +971 43422993,
www.alboomdiving.com
Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam,
+971 72682333, www.aljeerport.ae
Al Mahara Dive Center, near Muroor St.
across from main bus terminal,
64
OUTDOORUAE
+971 26437377, info@divemahara.com,

www.divemahara.com
Arabian Diver, Hilton Marine, Ras Al
Khaimah, +971 72226628 or 502428128
www.arabiandiver.com
Arabian Divers and Sportfishing
Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort,
Abu Dhabi, +971 506146931,
www.fishabudhabi.com
Coastal Technical Divers,
glenn@coastaltechnicaldivers.com,
www.coastaltechnicaldivers.com
Deep Blue Sea Diving, International City,
Dubai, +971 44308246,
www.diveindubai.com
Desert Islands, Sir Bani Yas Island,
Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 28015454,
www.divemahara.com
Divers Down, +971 559888687, Dubai;
Fujairah, Rotana Al Aqah Hotel Resort & Spa,
+971 92370299, www.diversdownuae.com
Emirates Divers Centre, Abu Dhabi,
near Meena Fish Market, +97126432444,
www.edc-ad.ae
Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi,
Fujairah, +971 506130486
contactus@freedivinguae.com,
www.freedivinguae.com
Freestyle Divers, Al Corniche Street, Dibba,
Fujairah, +971 504514259,
www.freestyledivers.me
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah
Beach, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah,
+971 92449888, www.rotana.com
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort,
Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000,
www.lemeridien-alaqah.com
Neptune Diving, +971 504347902,
www.neptunedivingcentre.com
Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment),
Dubai, +971 44068828
Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah,
+971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com
Scuba UAE.com, +971 502053922,
www.scubauae.com
7 Seas Diving Center, Khorfakkan,
+971 92387400, www.7seasdivers.com
Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah,
+971 506683430, www.bsac406.com
Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam,
Sky & Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton,
Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005,
www.watersportsdubai.com
Clubs
Atlantis Underwater Photography Club,
Dubai, +971 44263000
Desert Sports Diving Club, Dubai,
www.desertsportsdivingclub.net
Emirates Diving Association, Diving
Village, Al Shindagha, Dubai,
+971 43939390, www.emiratesdiving.com
Filipino SCUBA Divers Club (FSDC),
Dubai, UAE, +971 566952421,
www.facebook.com/FSDCuae
Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi,
Fujairah, contactus@freedivinguae.com,
www.freedivinguae.com
Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah,
+971 507840830, www.bsac406.com
Fishing & Kayaking
Equipment
Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai,
Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment,
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai,
+971 43444468
Dubai, +971 43468000,
Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed
Rd, +971 43390000, www.aym.ae/yamaha
Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort,
Abu Dhabi, +971 506146931,
www.fishabudhabi.com
Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai,
Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +971 43466558,
www.barracudadubai.com
Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11,
The Curve Bldg., Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43808616 or 553899995,
www.bluewatersmarine.com
Challenging Adventure, Wadi Al Bih Ras Al Khaimah, +971 561060798
or 44538386,
contactus@challengingadventure.com
Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai,
Ocean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre,
+971 502898713, www.oceanactive.com
Operators
+971 43926463, www.adventure.ae

Al Boom Diving, Le Meridien Al Aqah
Beach Resort, Fujairah, +971 43422993
Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, Al
Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah, +971 72432274,
www.alhamramarina.com
Al Mahara Dive Center,
Downtown Abu Dhabi, +971 501118125,
www.divemahara.com
Al Wasl Charter & Fishing, Airport Road,
Al Qwais Bldg., Off. 207, Dubai, UAE,
+971 42394760 or 42959477,
www.cruiseindubai.com
Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26429995, www.alshaheenme.com
Al Wasl Charter & Fishing
(Al Wasl Passenger Yachts
and Boats Rental LLC),
Airport Road, Al Owais Building, Dubai,
+971 42394761, www.cruiseindubai.com
Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, +971
506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com
Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971 559556209,
www.arabiaoutdoors.com
Barracuda Diving Centre, Fujairah
International Marine Club, +971 503366224
Belevari Marine, Abu Dhabi, +971 26594144
Captain Tonys, Yas Marina, Yas Island,
Abu Dhabi, +971 26507175,
www.captaintonys.ae
Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai,
+971 507050433 or 506947764,
www.seaworlddsf.com
Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai,
+971 48706668, 503960202,
www.happydaysdubai.com
Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi
Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +971 26811900
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort,
Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000,
www.lemeridien-alaqah.com
Nautica 1992, Dubai, +971 504262415,
www.nautica1992.ae
Noukhada Adventure Company,
Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi,
+971 25581889, www.noukhada.ae
Ocean Active, +971 504592259,
www.oceanactive.com
Soolyman Sport Fishing, Umm Suquiem,
Fishing Port No. 2, Jumeirah Beach, +971
508866227, 508866228 or 503402379,
www.soolymansportfishing.com
Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai,
+971 42573084, www.summertimemarine.com
Xclusive Yachts, Dubai, Dubai Marina,
+971 44327233, www.xclusiveyachts.com
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Camping, Fishing & Kayaking
Club, mohamed.almahrouky@gmail.com
Dubai Surfski & Kayak Club, Kitesurfers
Beach, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai,
+971 554986280, www.dskc.hu
General Sports Equipment

Distributors
Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square

Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free:
Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha
800 Sport, Al Quoz, Dubai
+971 43467751, www.800sport.ae
Flip Flop Arabia, +971 556881793,
501084010, www.flipfloparabia.com
Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai
Highbury Trading FZE LLC, P.O. Box
16111, RAK Free Trade Zone Authority, Ras
Al Khaima, +971 526799506,
www.highburytrade.com
Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi,
+971 24437802
Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735,
www.kitesurfsup.com
Picnico General Trading, near Sharaf DG
Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
+971 43951113
Portable Shade UAE, Jebel Ali, Dubai,
UAE, +971 508897125,
www.portable-shade.net
Sport in Life Distribution, Nad Al Hammar
Rd., Ras Al Khor, Dubai, UAE,
+971 42896001 or 42896002,
info@sportinlife.ae, www.sportinlife.ae
Tresspass, The Dubai Mall
2nd floor above ice rink, +971 43398801
Horse Riding
Equipment
Al Asifa Horse Equestrian Equipment
& Requisites Trading
P.O. Box 77282, AL Khawanij 1st , Dubai,

+971 554733110, www.asifa.ae
Black Horse LLC, Baniyas West,
Near Empost Abu Dhabhi, +971 25866205,
www.blackhorseuae.com
Bonjour Equestrian Supplies,
Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Kho, Dubai,
UAE, +971 42896001, +971 42896002,
info@bonjourequestrian.com,
www.bonjourequestrian.com
Cavalos Equine Care and Supplies,
16th Street, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi,
+917 22222433, www.cavalosuae.com
Emirta Horse Requirement Centre,
Sheik Zayed Rd., Dubai, +971 43437475,
www.emirtahorse.com
Equestrian Clubs/Centres
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif,
Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500,
www.adec-web.com
Al Ahli Riding School, Al Amman Street,
Dubai-Sharjah Rd., +971 42988408,
www.alahliclub.info
Al Forsan International Sports Resort,
Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555,
www.alforsan.com
Al Jiyad Stables, Behind Dubai
International Endurance City, Dubai,
+971 505995866,
info@aljiyad.com, www.aljiyad.com
Al Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian
Centre, Dubai, +971 44274055,
equestrian.centre@alsahra.com
Desert Equestrian Club, Mirdif, Dubai,
+971 503099770 or 501978888
Desert Palm Riding School, Near Al Awir
Road (going to Hatta-Oman), Dubai,
+971 43238010, www.dubaipoloclub.com
Dubai Polo Academy, Dubai,
+971 508879847, www.dubaipoloacademy.com
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai,
Arabian Ranches, +971 43618111,
www.poloclubdubai.com
Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai,
+971 505587656,
www.emiratesequestriancentre.com
Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club, Exit 399,
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi,
+971 25629050, www.grpc.ae
Golden Stables Equestrian Club,
Al Khawaneej, Dubai, (Nouri)
+971 555528182
Hoofbeatz, located just inside the Dubai
Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai,
+971 569424551, www.hoofbeatz.com
Mushrif Equestrian and Polo Club,
Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai,
+971 42571256, www.mushrifec.com
Rahal Ranch, Al Wathba Racing Area,
Abu Dhabi, +971 565066741,
www.rahalranch.com
Riding for the Disabled, Dubai,
lessons@rdad.ae, www.rdad.ae,
Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club,
Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road,
+971 65311188, www.serc.ae
Racecourses
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif,
Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500,
www.adec-web.com
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Exit 399,
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi,
+971 25629050, www.grpc.ae
Jebel Ali Racecourse, off the main Abu
Dhabi - Dubai Highway (Sheikh Zayed road)
beside the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai,
+971 43474914
Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse,
Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai,
+971 43270000, www.meydan.ae
Sharjah Racecourse, Al Dhaid Road,
Sharjah, +971 65311155, www.serc.ae
Jet Ski
Dealers
Al Masaood Marine, Dubai,

Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43468000,
Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai,
+971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha
Japan Marine General Trading,
Al Garhoud Road, Liberty Building, Dubai,
+971 44426395, uday@japanmarine.jp,
www.japanmarine.co
Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange 4,
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
Direct: +971 45019442, 45019412
or 43419341, www.libertykawasaki.com
Motocross & ATVs
Dealers
Al Badayer Rental (Rental),
Dubai-Hatta Road, +971 68861161 or
507842020, www.albadayerrental.com
Al Shaali Moto, Ras Al Khor,
+971 43200009, www.alshaalimoto.com
www.abudhabitriclub.org
Abu Dhabi Striders,
admin@abudhabistriders.com,
www.abudhabistriders.com
Al Ain Road Runners, Abu Dhabi,
+971 504188978,
alainroadrunners@yahoo.co.uk
Mirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.info
Dubai Creek Striders
www.dubaicreekstriders.org
Desert Road Runners
www.desertroadrunners.club
Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed

Rd, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha
Golden Desert Motorcycles,
P.O. Box 47912, E-44 Hatta road, Al Badayer
Madam, Sharjah, +971 529484616
or 505 033 800
Just Gas It, Hatta Rd., Al Aweer, Dubai,
UAE, +971 559031664, www.JustGasIt.net
KTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42,
+971 43468999, www.ktm.com
Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange 4, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai, Direct: +971 45019442,
45019412 or 43419341,
www.libertykawasaki.com
Motoventure, Hobbies Club, Al Awir,
Hatta Road, Dubai, +971 555437392,
www.motoventure.net
mxDubai, Al Ain Road Dubai, +971 55
2090832, www.mxdubai.com
Polaris UAE (atvs), Ras Al Khor, Nad al
Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex, Dubai,
+971 42896100, M4, Sector 13,
10th Street, Mussafah Industrial, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26441478, www.polarisuae.com
Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1
Dubai, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com
Equipment
Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental),
Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43395608,
Sebsports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area
3, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com
2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai,
+971 44548388, www.2xwheeler.com
Motorcycling

Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Rd.,
Dubai, +971 43390621,
www.aym.ae/yamaha
Ducati, Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi,
+971 24918593, www.ducati.ae
Duseja General Trading Co. LLC,
Warehouse No: B3, Alquoz Ind Area #3,
Umm Suqeim Road next to Max Garage
Diagonally opposite Lulu Hypermarket Al
Barsha, +971 43476712,
www.dusejamoto.com
Harley-Davidson, Mussafah 4, Street 10,
Abu Dhabi, +971 25540667,
hd.auh@harley-davidson.ae,
www.harley-davidson-abu-dhabi.com
Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange4, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai, Direct: +971 45019442,
45019412 or 43419341,
www.libertykawasaki.com
Polaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex,
Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor,
+971 42896100, www.polarisuae.com
Tristar Motorcycles, Al Awir Road,
Nr Oman Transport, +971 43330659,
www.tristaruae.com
Workshops and Services
Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555,
www.alforsan.com
Dubai Autodrome, Dubai,
+971 43678700,www.dubaiautodrome.com
Emirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain,
+971 67681166
2xWheeler Adventures, Dubai,
+971 44548388, www.alainraceway.com
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi,
800 YAS (927) or +971 26599800,
www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Stand up Paddling, Kite &

Surfing, Wakeboarding
Book Your Test Drive
Call : 055-2385880
|
|
Bling My Truck,
+971 503634839 or 505548255,
Heartland UAE, Al Mafraq Industrial,
Abu Dhabi, +971 569796524 or 506472447,
www.heartlanduae.com
Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744,
www.icon-auto.com
Mebar Auto, Al Quoz, Industrial Area 2,
Dubai, UAE, +971 4 3469600,
www.mebarauto.com
Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai-Hatta
Road, Dubai, +971 48321050,
Yellow Hat, Nad Al Hamar, and Times
Square Center, Dubai, +971 42898060,
www.yellowhat.ae
Tour Operators
Arabian Adventures, Dubai & Abu Dhabi,
+971 43034888,
www.arabian-adventures.com
Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503,
Dubai, +971 42959429,
www.desertroadtours.com
Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai,
+971 4 2628832 or 4 2686826,
www.opdubai.com
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Off- Road Club, www.ad4x4.com
ALMOST 4x4 Off-Road Club,
+971 507665522, www.almost4x4.com
Dubai Offroaders, www.dubaioffroaders.com
JEEP Wrangler JK Fun Club,
suffian.omar@yahoo.com,
www.jk-funclub.com
ME 4X4, www.me4x4.com
Running
Clubs
ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org
Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi,
Equipment
Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai,
Dubai, +971 43468000,
Kitesurf Dubai, Kitesurf Beach,
Umm Suqueim and Jumeirah 3
+971 505586190, www.kitesurfdubai.ae
Picnico, Al Fairdooni Building, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Near Sharaf DG Metro Station
and Mall of Emirates, +971 43951113
Surf Dubai, Umm Suqeim, Dubai,
+971 505043020, www.surfingdubai.com
Surf Shop Arabia, Building 1,
Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3,
Dubai, +971 564716180,
www.surfshoparabia.com
Surf School Arabia, +971 556010997,
www.surfschoolarabia.com
UAE Kite Surfing, +971 505626383,
www.ad-kitesurfing.net
Distributors
Kitepeople Kite & Surf Store,
International City, Dubai,
+971 504559098, www.kitepeople.ae
Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735,
www.kitesurfsup.com
Operators
Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555,
www.alforsan.com
Dubai Kite Surf School, Umm Suqeim
Beach, Dubai, +971 504965107,
www.dubaikitesurfschool.com
Duco Maritime, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah
and Abu Dhabi, +971 508703427,
www.ducomaritime.com
Dukite, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqeim,
Dubai,+971 507586992, www.dukite.com
Kite Fly, Dubai, +971 502547440,
www.kitesurf.ae
Kitepro Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
and Al Dabbayyah, Abu Dhabi,
+971 505441494, www.kitepro.ae
Nautica1992, Dubai, +971 504262415,
www.nautica1992.ae
Shamal Kite Surfing, Umm Suqueim
Dubai, +971 507689226,
www.shamalkitesurfing.com
Sky & Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton,
Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005,
www.watersportsdubai.com
Surf School UAE, Umm Suqeim Beach
and Building 1, Al Manara Road (East),
Interchange 3, Dubai, +971 43791998,
www.surfschooluae.com
Watercooled, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and

Spa, Dubai, +971 48876771,
www.watercooleddubai.com
Water Cooled,
Watercooled Sports Services LLC,
Hilton Beach Club,
Abu Dhabi, +971 26395997,
www.watercooleduae.com
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle,
www.abudhabisup.com
UAE SUP and Surf Association, +971
26665588, www.ridersuae.com
Water Parks
Aquaventure Atlantis, Dubai, Palm

Jumeirah, +971 44260000, www.
atlantisthepalm.com
Dreamland Aqua Park,
Umm Al Quwain, Emirates Road,
+971 67681888,
www.dreamlanduae.com
Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain,
+971 37818422,
www.wadiadventure.ae
Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai,
+971 43484444, www.wildwadi.com
Other leisure activities
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, P.O. Box 51234, Sas

Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, +971 28853555,
www.adgolfclub.com
Al Tamimi Stables, Sharjah,
+971 67431122 or 44370505,
www.tamimistables.com
Blokart Sailing, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai,
+971 556101841, www.blokartme.com
Childrens City, Creek Park Gate No.1,
Dubai, +971 43340808, www.childrencity.ae
Dolphin Bay Atlantis, Dubai,
+971 44262000, www.atlantisthepalm.com
Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park Gate
No. 1, +971 43369773,
www.dubaidolphinarium.ae
iFly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre,
+971 42316292, www.iflyme.com
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi,
Saadiyat Island, +971 25578000, www.
sbgolfclub.ae
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club,
Sharjah, +971 65487777,
www.golfandshootingshj.com
SkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of the Emirates,
+971 44094000, www.skidxb.com
Spacewalk Indoor Skydiving, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26577601
adcountryclub.com/spacewalk/aboutspacewalk/
Health, Safety & Training
Safety Lessons
Marine Concept Yacht Charter
& Sea School, Rania Business Centre,
Dubai, +971 559603030,
www.marine-charter-concept.com
Sport and Health Centres
Bespoke Wellness, Dubai,
+971 553724670, www.bespoke-wellness.com
Off-Road
Dealers
Bling My Truck,
+971 503634839 or 505548255,
info@blingmytruck.com,
4x4 Motors LLC, Shk. Zayed Rd, Dubai,
+971 43384866, www.4x4motors.com
Liberty Automobiles, Dubai, 800 5423789,
www.libertyautos.com
Repairs and Services
AAA Service Centre, Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE,
+971 4 2858989, www.aaadubai.com
Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744,
www.icon-auto.com
Mebar Auto, Al Quoz, Industrial Area 2,
Dubai, UAE, +971 43469600,
www.mebarauto.com
Off Road Zone, Dubai, Al Quoz,
+971 43392449, www.offroad-zone.com
Saluki Motorsport, Dubai, +971 43476939
www.salukimotorsport.com
Equipment
Advanced Expedition Vehicles,
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +971 43307152,
www.aev.ae
Dubai, +971 43390621,
www.aym.ae/yamaha
OUTDOORUAE
65
Original Fitness Co., C6 Tower Al Bateen

Bainunah St, Abu Dhabi, +971 2406 9404;
P.O. Box 126469, Office 508 The Fairmont

Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
+971 43116571 www.originalfitnessco.com
Orthosports Medical Centre, 5B Street,

Jumeira Beach road, Dubai, 800 ORTHO
(67846), www.orthosp.com
The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49,

Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai,
+971 44370570, www.physiocentre.ae
OMAN DIRECTORY
Al Sawadi Beach Resort, P.O. Box 747,

Barka - Al Sawadi, Oman, +968 26795545,
www.alsawadibeach.info
Diving UAE & Oman, www.dive-uae-oman.com
Euro Divers CAYC Oman, Marina Bandar
Al Rhowda, P.O. Box 940, Muscat, Oman,
+968 97899094, www.euro-divers.com
Extra Divers Musandam, PO Box 498,
PC 811 Khasab, Musandam, Oman,
+968 99877957, www.musandam-diving.com
Global Scuba LLC, +968 24692346,
www.global-scuba.com
Khasab Musandam Travel & Tours,
P.O. Box 786, PC No. 811, Khasab,
Musandam, Sultanate of Oman,
+968 91713449, info@tourkhasab.com
Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, Oman,
+968 24534554, www.almoujmarina.com
Moon Light Dive Center, P.O. Box 65,
Madinat Qaboos, Muscat Oman,
+968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com
Nomad Ocean Adventures,
+968 26836069, Dibba, Oman; Fujairah,
+971 508918207, www.discovernomad.com
Diving Centres
Euro-divers Marina Bandar Al Rowdha,
P.O. Box 940, Postal Code 100 Muscat,
Sultanate of Oman, +968 98194444,
www.euro-divers.com
Extra Divers Zighy Bay, Oman,
Musandam, +968 26735555,
www.extradivers.info
Moonlight Dive Center, Near Grand Hyatt
Muscat, Shati Al Qurum, Oman,

+968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com
Oman Dive Center, Muscat, Oman,
+968 24284240, www.omandivecenter.com
Oman Dive Center Resort, P.O. Box 199,
Medinat Sultan Qaboos, Oman,
+968 24824240, www.omandivecenter.info
Omanta Scuba Diving Academy,
Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati Area,
Muscat, Oman, +968 99777045,
www.omantascuba.com
Oxygen Diving and Adventures,
P.O. Box 1363 PC130 Alazaiba, Muscat,
Oman, +968 92537494 or 9723 2661,
www.o2diveoman.com
Scuba Oman, Oman, +968 99558488,
www.scubaoman.com
Seaoman, P.O. Box 2394, RUWI PC 112,
Oman, +968 24181400, www.seaoman.com
P.O. Box 117, Postal Code 421,

Bediyah, Ghabbi, Oman,
+968 99310108, www.safaridesert.com
Stand Up Paddeling, Kite

& Surfing, Wakeboarding
Boating & Sailing
Clubs
Horse Riding
Adventure tours
and desert safaris
Bike and Hike Oman, P.O. Box 833, Ruwi,

Postal Code 112, Oman, +968 24400873,
www.bikeandhikeoman.com
Dolphin Qasab Tours, P.O. Box 123, P.C. 811,
Khasab City, Musandam, Oman,
+968 26730813, www.dolphinkhasabtours.com
Go Dive Oman, Marina Bander Al Rowdha
Dive Center, +968 9548 3813 or 98194444,
www.godiveoman.com
Khour Shem Tourism, Oman,
+968 91713449, www.khourshemtours.com
Nomad Tours, PO Box 583, Postal Code
100, Muscat, Oman, +968 95495240,
www.nomadtours.com
Oman Trekking Guides, PO Box 917,
NIZWA, Oman, +968 95741441,
http://omantrekkingguides.tumblr.com
Cruise Operators
Diving
Equipment
Al Marsa Musandam, PO Box 44, Dibba,
Sultanate of Oman, +968 26836550; UAE: +971
502124100, www.almarsamusandam.com
QATAR DIRECTORY
Adventure tours
and desert safaris
Al Mulla Travels, P.O. Box 4147, Doha,

Qatar, +974 44413488,
almullatrvls@qatar.net.qa
Alpha Tours, P.O. Box 13530,
Doha, Qatar, +974 4344499,
info@alphatoursqatar.com
Al QAYED Travel & Tours, PO Box: 158,
Doha, Qatar, +974 44072244,
www.alqayedtravel.com
Arabian Adventures, PO Box 4476, Doha,
Qatar, +974 44361461,
www.arabianadventureqatar.net
Black Pearls Tourism Services,
P.O. Box: 45677, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44357333
E2E Qatar Travel and Tours,
PO Box 23563, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44516688 or 444515995,
www.e2eqatar.com
Falcon Travels, PO Box 22031, Doha,
Qatar, +974 44354777,
www.falcontravelqatar.com
Gulf Adventures Tourism LLC, P.O. Box
18180, 29 Aspire Zone Street, Aspire Zone
Al Ryyan City, State of Qatar
Switchboard: +974 44221888,
www.gulf-adventures.com
Net Tours Qatar, P.O. Box 23080, Doha,
Qatar, +974 4310902, www.nettours.com.qa
Regency Travel & Tours, +974 44344444,
www.regencyholidays.com
Qatar Adventure, P.O. Box 13915,
Doha, Qatar, +974 55694561,
www.qataradventure.com
Qatar Inbound Tours, P.O. Box 21153,
+974 77451196, www.inboundtoursqatar.com
Qatar International Tours, P.O. Box 55733
Doha, Qatar, +974 44551141,
www.qittour.com
Qatar Ventures, Barwa Village Bulding #12
Shop #33, Doha, Qatar, +974 55776679,
www.qatar-ventures.com
Cycling, Running & Triathlon

Qatar Chain Reaction,
www.qatarchainreaction.weebly.com
Qatar Sandstromers, +974 77775207
or 77776634, www.facebook.com/
QatarSandstormers
Velostar Doha, https://www.facebook.com/
groups/587539064642288/
Doha Bay Running Club,
www.dohabayrunningclub.com
TriClub Doha, www.triclubdoha.com
General Sports
Equipment Megastores
Galaxy Sport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor,

Qatar: +974 44822194; Villagio Mall,
Qatar: +974 44569143; Ezdan Mall, Qatar:
+974 44922827, The Pearl(Parcel 9) +974
40027513, Souq Jabor +974 44430322.
Office: +974 44417935,
www.galaxysportqatar.com
GO Sport Qatar, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor,
+974 44631644; Villaggio Mall,
+974 44157463,
www.facebook.com/gosport.qatar
Sun & Sand Sports Qatar, City Centre Mall,
+974 44837007; Dar Al Salam Mall,
+974 44510179; Mustafawi Exhibition,
+974 44935183, en-ae.sssports.com
Boating & Sailing
Equipment
Regatta Sailing Academy, Katara Beach
+974 55503484
www.regattasailingacademy.com
Speed Marine, Speed Marine, Museum
Road, P.O. Box 9145 Doha, Qatar,
+974 44410109,
www.speedmarinegroup.com
Marinas
Four Seasons Marina, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44948899, www.mourjanmarinas.com
Lusail Marina, Lusail City, Qatar,
+974 55843282,
www.mourjan-lusailmarina.com
The PearlQatar Marinas, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44953894, www.ronauticame.com
Add your free listing to the

66
OUTDOORUAE
Equipment, Operators
Kiteboarding Oman, Sawadi Beach,
P.O. Box: 133, PC 118, Muscat, Oman, +968
96323524, www.kiteboarding-oman.com
Omans Kite Center, +968 94006007,
www.kitesurfing-lessons.com
Camping & Hiking
Caving
Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre,

Oman, +968 24543002,
www.holiday-in-oman.com
Oman World Tourism, Oman,
+968 24565288, www.omanworldtourism.com
Fishing & Kayaking
Equipment
AzZaha Tours, +968 99425461,
www.azzahatours.com
Water World Marine Oman,
P.O.Box76,Muscat,113,Sultanate
ofOman, +96824737438,
www.waterworldoman.com
Manufacturer
Saphire Marine, PO Box: 11,
Post Code 118, Muscat, Oman,
+968 24568887, 24566566, 24561619 or
24568881, www.sapphire-marine.com
Marinas
Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat, Oman,
+968 24737286 (ext 215),
www.marinaoman.net
Tour Operators
Safari Desert Camp,
Fishing & Kayaking
Equestrian Clubs/Centres
Al Shaqab, P.O. Box 90055, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44546320, www.alshaqab.com
Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club,
Racing and Equestrian Club,
P.O. Box 7559, Doha, Qatar, +974 44197704,
www.qrec.gov.qa
Diving
Equipment/Centres
Al Fardan Marine Services, Najma Street
(near Al Fardan Exchange), Doha, Qatar,
+974 44435626
Doha Sub Aqua Club, Doha Sub-Aqua Club,
PO Box: 5048, Doha, Qatar,
+974 50483794, www.dohasubaquaclub.com
Extreme Adventure, P.O. Box 33002, Shop
3, 4 Ahmed Bin Ali Street (Bin Omran), Doha,
Qatar, +974 44877884, www.extreme.qa
GoSport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor,
Qatar: +974 44631644; Villagio Mall,
Qatar: +974 44517574,
www.facebook.com/gosport.qatar
Pearl Divers, P.O. Box 2489, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44449553, www.pearl-divers.org
Poseidon Dive Center, P.O. Box: 11538,
Ras Abu Abboud Street, Al Emadi Suites,
Showroom #2, Doha, Qatar
+974 66084040, www.pdcqatar.com
Qatar Scuba Center, 187 Al Mansoura
Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar,
+974 66662277, www.qatarscubacenter.com
Q-Dive Marine Centre, Souq Al Najada cnr
of Grand Hamad and Ali bin Abdulla Street;
+974 55319507 or 4375065, www.qdive.net
World Marine Centre, PO Box 6944,
Doha, Qatar, +974 44360989,
www.worldmarinecenter.webs.com
Qatar Divers, Marriott Hotel Marina Near Old
Airport, Ras Abu Aboud Area, Doha, Qatar,
+974 55246651, 40405156,
www.qatardivers.com
Qatar Marine, Go Sport City Center
West Bay, P.O. Box 16657, Doha,
+974 55319507, www.qatarmarine.net
Qatar Scuba Centre, 187 Al Mansoura
Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar,
+974 66662277 or 44422234,
www.qatarscubacenter.com
Equipment
Al Kashat, Fishing and Hunting
Equipment, Souq Waqif, next
to the Falcon Souq, +974 70057489
Al Mamzoore Marine Equipment,
P.O. Box 6449, Old Salata, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44444238, almamzoore@qatar.net.qa
Extreme Adventure, Shop 3,4
Ahmed Bin Ali Steet, Doha,
+974 44877884, www.extreme.qa
Fish World, P.O. Box 1975, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44340754
State of Qatar (QatarSub), Souq Waqif,
next to the Falcon Souq, +974 4431234,
www.stateofqatar.com
Operators
Paddle Qatar, +974 55490895,
www.paddleqatar.com
Stand Up Paddeling, Kite

& Surfing, Wakeboarding
Equipment, Operators
Fly-N-Ride, Ras abu Aboud, Doha,
+974 33117089,
Flo Kite School, Westbay, Doha,
+974 33155628, www.flokiteschool.com
Kitesurfing Qatar, +97430179108,
www.kitesurfingqatar.com
QSUP, Qanat Quartier, Costa Malaz,
The Pearl-Qc, Doha, Qatar, +974 66602830,
www.qsup.me
Cycling (Road & Off Road)
Bike Servicing, Equipment

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

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Arabs with Altitude

Meet the people who thrive on challenges

Making history on the seven summits

Yoga and raw cuisine in Ubud

Diving in the Damaniyats

A trip like no other:

Sharks in the UAE?:

MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JULY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Success, failure and the

Tel. 04-447 2030

2016 Outdoor UAE FZE

Ireneo Jung Francisco

Katherine Caedo Patangui

EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

2016 Outdoor UAE FZE

Helle Bachofen Von Echt

The information contained is for general use only.

MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JULY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

12 DIVING IN THE DAMANIYATS

24 MOTOCROSS NEPAL EXPEDITION

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

12 DIVING IN THE DAMANIYATS

EVENT & ACTIVITY REPORTS

MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JULY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

50 SHARKS IN THE UAE

56 ARABS WITH ALTITUDE

62 RECHARGE AND RECOVER BY FITNESS FIRST

TRIED & TESTED

53 ZEESHAN MIRZA: WINGSUIT DIVER

TIPS & TRICKS

42 NATURAL HISTORY - DAN

62 RECHARGE AND RECOVER BY FITNESS FIRST

MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JULY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST EVENTS

Dubai Sports World

When: June 5-August 27

When: 2nd and 9th July

Continuing throughout July, Sports World provides air

Dubai Kartdrome Summer Special

Run or walk in the comfort of an air conditioned environment

When: Throughout July

Plan for next season

Look ahead and start entering events for the

Polar Event Workshop

Learn all about what it takes to be a runner at this

Conquer the Game football

Submit your team now to play in this 16-hour football

MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JULY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Al Aqah Milky Way

Windsurfing in Jebel Ali

Sunpath Dubai Airshow

MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JULY 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

When you enter a race during

every two kilometres in a bid to keep them