Issue 19 July 2012

The Travel Issue

Price: 10 Dhs.

THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE MIDDLE EAST EAST

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FISHING

SEYCHELLES + SLOVENIA www.outdooruae.com

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KENYA: An African Bush Safari

SH! FINI L COO A COMPETITION: Win a PADI Divemaster course

Check inside cover for details!

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Atte reaches the final peak of the 7 summits

‘like’ us on Facebook! Issue 19, July 2012

FEATURED COMPETITION

THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST

ng oming a PADI DIVEMASTER and goi Have you ever dreamt about bec ga nin run August, Outdoor UAE will be pro? From the 1st of July to 1st of of i Divemaster course courtesy competition to give away one Pad The Pavilion Dive Centre. should choose you! All you have to do is tell us why we Entrants must submit either: A one The submission must explain “Why no later than the 28th of July 2012

es

minute video or 500 words with imag I want to become a Padi Divemaster”,

s must include the [email protected]. Submission Entries must be submitted to comp ber and email address. entrant’s name, address, phone num valent and have a minimum icants must be rescue divers or equi • To qualify for the competition, appl UAE know so that the Paviloor Outd let e pleas ria, crite these of 20 logged dives. If you do not meet them. ion Dive Centre can help you reach ming site and email us Vimeo or any other popular video strea ube, YouT to s video your ad uplo • Please r.com ansfe wetr as gh a file sharing site such the link. If not, send your video throu and in MPEG, or te in length, no larger than 100MB, minu one than more no be must • Videos Quick Time format. ntially offensive nce, nudity, profanity or other pote • Submissions shall not contain viole language or visuals. r than 5MB images please send as a PDF no large • If you are submitting words and

EDA Digital Online Underwater Photography 2nd Place Amateur Winner Collin Wu - Wide Angle Category.

g begins with the PADI al levels of recreational scuba divin Your adventure into the profession ram you expand your dive prog this in r, ucto Instr PADI a ly with Divemaster program. Working close training develops your er mast Dive PADI . the professional level knowledge and hone your skills to t instructors with student divers. to supervise dive activities and assis leadership abilities, qualifying you tant Instructor and PADI Open Assis ADI the P certification for both PADI Divemaster is the prerequisite Source: www.padi.com Water Scuba Instructor certifications.

ed and awarded to an If not claimed, the prize will be forfeit Prizes must be claimed within 30 days. alternate entrant. 6 months. Courses must be completed within - The prizes are non-refundable. - The prizes are non-transferable - Divemaster. The minimum age is 18 years for the - to apply for the competition. Applicant must be of rescue diver level - able. applic not is Points Sirius of g The earnin - ction with other offers       The prizes may not be used in conjun - for by the winner at padi.com paid be ssions for this competition E-learning where applicable must and/or other media used in their submi - legal right to use any photos, music Entrants acknowledge they have the - any third party rights and use of such media will not violate electronic mail Winners will be notified by mail or - tted No substitution of prize is permi - or become the sole property of Outdo at its sole discretion. Submissions will ts for promotional purposes and publish the winner’s Submission Submissions from any and all entran the use Outdoor UAE reserves the right to edit to rights rty from prope st rial l intellectual and indust of copyright rights upon reque UAE. Outdoor UAE will have all globa ts agree to execute an assignment t. Upon entering the competition entran without compensation to the entran -

OutdoorUAE.

JULY 2012 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Managing Editor Daniel Birkhofer Editors Kim Perks, Marilena Cilta, Angelo Cabrera Designer James Russell Administration Jane Mesina Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries) Tara Atkinson Tel: 04-447 2030 Mobile: 055 9398915 [email protected] Published by Outdoor UAE FZE P.O. Box 215062 Dubai, U.A.E. Tel. 04-447 2030 [email protected] www.outdooruae.com Distributor Tawzea, Abu Dhabi Media Company P.O. Box 40401, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

What’s your adventure? It was only a few weeks ago when I was sitting with Atte (see page 26) in Mall of the Emirates having a coffee and talking about his success climbing Mount Everest and the six of the other seven summits, when he asked me – what is your adventure, Daniel? I felt embarrassed because I didn’t have an answer which would be remotely comparable to climbing the seven summits. Most people ask me and the rest of the team if we do all these great and adventurous things that you read about in the magazine, and that it must be very exciting. Certainly, our work is exciting but not as adventurous as most people would think, as much as we would like our work to be. Unfortunately for us, 90 percent of it is normal office work and we spend most of the time behind desks. This is also the reason why we are so excited to live the adventures through our contributors which makes us very much like you - our readers. The only answer I could give to Atte was: “My adventure is the magazine!” And I’m grateful for Atte and all our other regular and guest contributors that share their stories with us and letting us be part of their journeys, even if we can only live them through our musings.

Printed at Galadari Printing & Publishing LLC P.O. Box 11243 Dubai, U.A.E.

I feel the deep desire to depart one day into my own big adventure, but I haven’t made my decision yet what that will be, but I guaranteed Atte that I would not be able to climb the seven summits, even if he were to share his great expertise and knowledge.

© 2012 Outdoor UAE FZE Issue 19, July 2012

Thank you all for your great stories and I’m looking forward to all the future adventures we will read about in the coming months, and years.

Daniel. The Travel Issue

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Price: 10 Dhs.

THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE MIDDLE EAST EAST

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BETWEEN THE LINES

Daniel Birkhofer Founder and Editor in Chief [email protected]

James Russell Designer [email protected]

Jane Mesina Administration [email protected]

Kim Perks Copywriter and Editor

Tara Atkinson Sales and Marketing [email protected]

Marilena Cilta Management Assistant [email protected]

PRODUCTS FISHING

SEYCHELLES

KENYA:

+ SLOVENIA www.outdooruae.com

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An African Bush Safari

COMPETITION: A COOL FINISH! Win a PADI Divemaster course

Check inside cover for details!

WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Atte reaches the final peak of the 7 summits

‘like’ us on Facebook! Issue 19, July 2012

The information contained is for general use only. While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this magazine has been obtained from reliable sources, however the publisher is not responsible for any errors. All information in this magazine is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information. In no event will the publisher, its related affiliates or anyone else be responsible for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this magazine. All contents are under copyrights and may not be reproduced in any kind without written permission. © 2012 Outdoor UAE FZE Reg. at Creative City Fujairah P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.

WHEN YOU’RE DONE READING, PLEASE RECYCLE!

Angelo Cabrera Junior Editor [email protected]

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EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

Kit Belen Our fishing pro

Pete Aldwinckle Climber and all-round adventure seeker

Gordon T Smith Desert Diver and wannabe Marine Biologist

Mike Nott The 4x4 expert

John Basson Moto/ATV and all round adventure seeker

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

Patrice Wergifosse Traveller and adventurer

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

Toby Foord-Kelcey

Climbing Expert WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? CONTACT US! [email protected]

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THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST

JULY 2012 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

CONTENTS

52 KITE SURFING FOR BEGINNERS Pt.2

05 BEST SHOTS 06 EVENTS CALENDAR 36 PRODUCTS 48 PEOPLE 55 DIRECTORY

EVENT REVIEWS 14 LONGBOARDING @ MUSHRIF 15 PADDLE FOR THE PLANET 2012

TRAVEL + ADVENTURE 18 SLOVENIA 22 NAIROBI 24 FISHING: SEYCHELLES 26 A COOL FINISH (ATTE) 30 A KITESURFING TRIP 32 STINGRAYS + SHARKS! 34 OUT WEST

OUR EXPERTS

26 ATTE’S FINAL PEAK

18 FISHING IN SLOVENIA

EVERY ISSUE

15 P4P 2012

40 WHERE FISHING & ART COLLIDE - KIT 42 MOONLANDING IN THE DUNES - IAN 44 ADVENTURE CHICK: NEPAL - TORI 46 HOT ROCK - MIKE

TIPS + TRICKS 33 BATTERIES FOR UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY 52 KITE SURFING FOR BEGINNERS PT.2

SPOTS & LOCATIONS 50 A DIBBA ESCAPE

22 NAIROBI 4

OUTDOORUAE

THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST

JULY 2012 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

BEST SHOTS WINNER!

Here are the best shots sent in by

you for the monthly ‘Want Fame?’ photography competition! We had so many entries, so we had to add a couple more because they were so brilliant. Congratulations to the top 3 winners (who each receive Buff headwear and 5 free copies of the magazine) Gilles Ledos, Pavel Ohnoutka and Jean-Paul Skoczylas. Runner up Shoaib Ahmed Jan receives 5 free copies of the magaine. Well done!

Gilles Ledos

WINNER!

Shoaib Ahmed Jan

WINNER!

Pavel Ohnoutka

Jean-Paul Skoczylas

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THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST

JULY 2012 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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

Training Ride - Dubai Roadsters

Tuesdays and Sundays, 6:00 to 9:30 p.m., Meydan Racecourse, Dubai According to the cycling club, this is the best event to train and get your fitness level up before embarking on their long Friday Rides. If you want to take your children or train yourself on a car-free circuit then the 8km loop of the old camel track in Meydan is the place to go. For further information about the rides please email Josh at [email protected] or tel: +971-4-3394453.

Liwa Dates Festival

July 12 to 18, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Western Region, Abu Dhabi

The week-long affair of sweetness held each year in July promotes and celebrates the symbolic and historic role that the date palm plays in the country’s culture. It revolves around the date competition, in which Emirati farmers challenge for the title of being the best date grower. Expats are very much welcome to attend and it’s an incredible way to experience Emirati culture up close.

Body Pump Training with Fitness First Gulf for Good July 13, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Fitness First DIFC Branch, Dubai

Join us for the Gulf for Good Group for an all-round fitness, strength and core training class hosted by a professionally qualified trainer at Fitness First. All are welcome, even if you haven’t registered for one of their challenges, but you do need to book a space for this circuit class. Reach them by sending an email to [email protected]

Saturday Morning Coffee Run - Cycle Safe Dubai

Every Saturday, 6.00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (6:00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. in winter), Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai According to the organizers, this is a very social “recovery ride” that gathers every week and rides out to Bab Al Shams Desert resort for coffee and a light snack. The addition of a slower group has also opened the coffee run up to more people. We have a support car for the ride and a great deal with Bab Al Shams: 35 AED for coffee, juice, water, fruit and a pastry. And of course, everyone who wants to join the ride needs to pay this to the resort. For more information, contact Stewart on 050 680 4528 or visit www.cyclechallenge.ae

Charter Destinations: + + + + + + +

Dubai, UAE Fujairah, UAE Musandam, Oman Hallaniyat Islands, Oman* Maldives Seychelles USA

For your once in a lifetime chance of a 50kg+ GT contact Nick or Jon at Ocean Active. Nick: +971 50 459 2259 Jon: +971 50 502 2924 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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*Limited 2012/2013 charters still available.

Check out our shop at the Dubai Garden Center for a full range of imported GT fishing equipment. Ocean Active

www.oceanactive.com

THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST

JULY 2012 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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NEWS + COMMENT Aquaventure participates in World’s Largest Swimming Lesson event

UAE has a new national Freediving Champion

A good family day out in the beach or a big pool for a swim has been always something to look forward to every summer break. But it is also the time when accidents can happen.

Abu Dhabi , 7 June 2012: Ahmed Abdulla Khoori has broken three of Adel Abu Haliqa’s UAE national records at the Freedive Dahab Mini Competition 2012 in Egypt.

Tragically, drowning is the second leading cause of unintended, injury-related death of children ages 1-14. In fact, more than one in four of fatal drowning victims are children 14 years old and younger. And, research shows if a child doesn’t learn to swim before the 3rd grade, they likely never will. mAnd for this reason, people have come together in 14 aquatic facilities in 14 countries around five continents simultaneously to show their support and awareness on the importance of teaching our younglings how to swim by attempting the word’s largest swim lesson last June 14th, with the Aquaventure Water Park at the Atlantis Hotel, The Palm, representing the UAE. “Learning to swim and the exposure to the water safety messages that swimming lessons offer provides a fundamental first step for drowning prevention,” says Scott Deisley, Vice President of Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm. “We want to raise awareness of this so we can save more precious lives this summer,” He added. Parents and the theme park’s lifeguard staff teamed up on mentoring the kids about swimming and staying afloat on the water while having fun at the same time. And after that, the participants were eager to receive their certificate of participation as proof of their support in the world record event.

Ahmed started Freediving in 2010 with FreedivingUAE and has become increasingly passionate about a sport which “challenges my understanding of what I am capable of ” says Ahmed. Ahmed added “I am honored and proud to be representing UAE in the in this completion which has been great preparation for the 2012 AIDA Team Freediving World Championships to be held in France in September this year”. During the competition Ahmed broke the UAE Static, Free Immersion and Constant Weight national records. Ahmed explained his performances over the 3 day competition by saying:” I have been training hard for this competition both in the UAE and Thailand and was

very pleased with my performance but felt I can go deeper. They were all very relaxing dives because I had done 51m in practice”. Ahmed went on say “ thanks to Alex Boulting (co-founder of Freediving UAE) for all the support he gave me since I started Freediving and Jonathan Sunnex for the two successful training camps which improved my performance significantly” It has been a year today (7th June 2012) since Adel Abu Haliqa went missing in Stantorini, Greece. It was always Adel’s goal to encourage UAE nationals to compete. As he said in 2010 after breaking his own records in the World Cup “I would also like to see more UAE nationals competing internationally because it is in our blood”

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo marks World Oceans Day with an array of activities for young visitors Dubai, UAE; June 12, 2012: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, managed by Emaar Retail LLC, marked World Oceans Day last June 8, 2012 to raise awareness for the need to protect seas and oceans worldwide. To celebrate the global initiative, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo partnered with Emirates Diving Association (EDA) and organised an array of activities including an underwater dive with the participants displaying an underwater banner that highlighted the theme of this year’s celebration: “Youth, the next wave for change.” A range of activities were organised for young visitors to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, such as bead making from recycled materials. Special themed colouring books were donated by EDA for the children and story-telling sessions were held that described the ocean’s bounty and reasons why it is important to protect it. The world-renowned attraction took the opportunity to educate the young generation on the importance of conservation of our waters and to further

mobilise a generation of youngsters who are aware of the environment and the need to protect it. Located at The Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the most diverse aquariums in the world and also features the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 above the main Aquarium, presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo World's Ocean Day

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Are you planning on taking off on vacation this summer? If you’re wondering where to park while on vacation, wonder no more; Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel is offering a low cost solution for those of us not lucky enough to have private parking. For just AED 25 per day (up to a maximum of 45 days) you can take advantage of their secure covered parking while you’re away. What’s more if you’re lucky enough to be going away for more than 21 days, they are offering a flat rate of just AED 500 for 21-45 days. What’s more, book a minimum of three days parking and take advantage of their special day use room rate (up to 8 hours) of just AED 150++ or stay the night before or after your trip for just AED 250++ (room rates are subject to a 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee). Simple to find, the aloft Abu Dhabi hotel is located at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), just a 20 minute trip from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and offers on-site airport check-in and luggage service. For more information checkout aloftabudhabi.com/ airport_parking

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Getting to Grips with Michelin’s New Technology Looking back to the radio show Outdoor UAE was featured on during May, (Dubai Today with Suzanne Radford, with guest speaker Mike Nott and Alix Capper-Murdoch) on Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, there was a huge conversation which followed the interview about the safety of tires here in the UAE. As we all know, it gets hot in the UAE during summer, we are more prone to blow outs, not to mention what we put our tires through on a day to day basis with the amount of construction we drive around. It is important to know your tires and if you are buying the right ones. We put our ear to the ground and got in touch with Michelin to find out more about why their new technology can not only save your life, but help you save energy in the long run.

Do you know the primary cause of tyre wear? Acceleration, braking and cornering forces cause the tread blocks which are in contact with the road to distort. By increasing the resistance of the tread blocks to distortion, their movement within the contact area is reduced, thus reducing wear and prolonging tread life.

So what would you say about your new tyre?

It is called MICHELIN ENERGY™ XM2and was designed for road conditions like you find in the UAE. It has the ability to offer multiple benefits in one tyre, by that I mean:

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Braking distance

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Long lasting and durable

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Strong to resist road hazards

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Fuel Efficient

How does it work?

It’s a patented technology that we call IronFlex, inspired from bamboo, which is strong and yet flexible. This new technology allows the tyre to resist tough road conditions and was made possible by the $500 million Michelin invests in Research & Development every year.

offering a tyre which has multiple benefits rolled into one product. The MICHELIN Energy XM2 has proven to stop shorter, last significantly longer than other comparative tyre brands, and even save on fuel costs.

So what’s the conclusion?

Tyre safety is important when looking for your next set of tyres. For those of you who consider safety on the roads a priority, don’t compromise on your tyres, because they can make the difference between a close shave and a crash. On top of that, a long lasting and fuel efficient tyre helps you save money on the long run and protects your environment by producing less CO2 emissions. We at Michelin wish everyone out there a safe drive.

Do you know that a robust design provides better resistance to hazards and prolongs tyre life?

Is the tire made for a specific car?

Intended for several categories of vehicles – including city cars, compacts and sedans – the new MICHELIN ENERGY™ XM2 was purpose-designed for motorists who understand the dangers driving can bring and care about their safety and that of their passengers.

What do you have to look for when purchasing a tyre?

Tyres may all look round and black, but what goes into them can really make a difference in terms of how quickly you can stop, its strength, durability and comfort of drive, especially in our type of climate. It is the only thing between you and the road so make sure it is of good quality.

How does Michelin compare to others? Michelin has been known for its quality tyres for the last 120 years. The company will never compromise on producing the best possible tyre for our consumer needs and we are unique in

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Into the

Wild

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not Man the less, but Nature more, -Lord Byron For those of us who have grown up in Dubai, life has more often than not been sheltered and comfortable. We cannot imagine an existence without an air conditioner and have been pampered by all that luxury has to offer. We have witnessed this great city being built up from a desolate desert land into an engineered metropolis and business centre in the Middle East with several iconic buildings and great feats accomplished. There are many among us who enjoy the lifestyle and pleasures of Dubai but also crave greener pastures, rivers and dense woods. We crave the exhilarating freedom of the wild and great films such as Sean Penn’s ‘Into the wild’, which was released in 2007, magnify the sentiment. The film centers on Christopher McCandless, a young man who believed that “the core of mans' spirit comes from new

experiences.” He leaves his home to set off on an epic trek to Alaska where he wishes to hunt and fend for himself away from modern society. While the film does push this idea to the ironically unrealistic extreme by taking us through the real life adventures of this daring, free spirited man, it also leaves us with a sense of awe. Sometimes, we burden ourselves too much with work, rocky relationships, our ambitions, our lust for wealth and our other petty problems. Spending time in the heart of Nature can be very satisfying and a much needed break from our entangled, metropolitan lives giving us a bird’s eye perspective of true living. While Dubai does not possess the natural beauty or great weather of the Scottish Highlands, we do have a few interesting places to visit which are not too far off:

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Wadi Wurrayah - Fujairah – An awesome place to go off road, only accessible via a 4 wheel drive - 2 km drive into the wadi which leads you to the place where you can set camp. Zighy Bay - Sixth Sense - Paragliding / Base jumping - Fujairah - Great panoramic views of the mountains while you take the plunge. Stairway to Heaven - Ras Al Khaimah – You could risk your life by climbing this one, but worth the trek. Takes around six hours up and is best accompanied by a professional.

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Snoopy Island - Ras Al Khaimah Great for underwater snorkelling and water sports.

When heading out on these expeditions where you challenge your body and mind and experience freedom in its most energized form, be sure to take with you some essential supplies to enhance the voyage.

ONE TO WATCH:

To capture any of your adventures and journeys you go on, make sure you a camera with you to give you some great shots to share on your social networks. After all, like Christopher McCandless famously realized, “Happiness only real when shared.” Set for Release in July, Outdoor UAE will be seeing how far we can take the XP170 in our August and September Issues! Geared with wireless technology and perfect for social media sharing, this is definitely one to watch!

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club

WEDNESDAY 5TH - SATURDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2012

10th

Celebrating its Anniversary

5 - 8 SEPTEMBER, 2012 ABU DHABI NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE

www.adihex.com Sponsors

Organised by

Supported by

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What’s a Vertical Garden? Dan the Gardener’s buddy Jeff Hicks gives us the 101 about ‘The Green Wonder Wall’

Words: Angelo Cabrera

Have you fathomed of growing a garden – skywards? This can be done apparently, a lot of houses and tower buildings around the world have tried to cover their walls with gorgeous greeneries that add natural beauty needed by the man-made behemoths. One good example of this type of gardening concept in the UAE is a vegetative portion of the left wall of the Dubai Garden Center! According to an online source, a vertical garden, also known as a ‘green wall’ or a ‘living wall,’ is simply a garden that is grown on a wall. The living wall at the Dubai Garden Center makes use of the Bin Fen system, which consists of five single-planted containers irrigated by a mini water reservoir. The containers are clipped into a plastic frame and then can be clipped together to form a self supporting structure, or cover a wall, creating densely planted, textural vertical green surfaces. Besides the aesthetic beauty that it contributes to a building and its surroundings, this gardening concept has

• • •

got eco-friendly qualities, too. Dubai Garden Center’s landscape architect Jeff Hicks said that covering a building’s wall with a collage of vegetation can help:

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reduce energy consumption of buildings, absorb the sun’s energy as opposed to reflecting it back, known as the Urban Heat Island Effect, and increase the biodiversity by providing valuable habitat within urban settings filter the air by consuming harmful CO2 , CO and other pollutants, whilst releasing pollutant-free O2. dampen noise reuse grey water from air conditioning units

reduce runoff and flooding during the rainy season producing biomass help lower outdoor temperatures

He also stressed that these are just some of the benefits that living walls offer. The vertical garden has been quite common in Europe and some tropical countries in Asia. But can it be done in extremely hot climatic conditions such as the UAE? “Living walls are extremely beneficial to the climates particular of the GCC. However, despite the increased benefits for our region, the conditions here tend to be unforgiving, especially during the summer months,” Hicks said. “This makes it very important to have well specified plants, a really good irrigation system and perhaps most importantly, a really good living wall/roof system,” he added. The landscape architect went on that installing a vertical garden may require a significant sum of investment to put on, but the rewards in the long run would be great, especially when it comes to cutting down your electric bills and boosting the market value of your property. “They are features and an investment with several purposes and many reasons for installing one. If compared to concrete paint, then absolutely, it will be much more expensive,” Hicks explained.

What plants to use “However, [if you] factor-in the energy savings, extending the life of the building, the potential for property value increase/ advertising, etc. and the price tag is offset substantially,” he noted. Hicks gives an explanation of how the green wall saves cost in your electricity consumption. “The sides and roofs of buildings are made of dense, mineral based materials, such as concrete, gravel, brick, granite, etc that absorb, even attract the sun’s energy and store it as heat, requiring energy for cooling,” He opened. “Plants also absorb the sun’s energy, but convert much of it to photosynthates (food for plants) whilst releasing moisture (evapotranspiration) into the atmosphere. Thus, unlike dense, mineral-based surfaces, plants do not absorb heat, they convert the sun energy, leaving the surface of building underneath the plants and the air around the living wall & roof cooler, requiring much less energy to cool the buildings and surroundings,” Hicks ended.

Growing Food

Growing a vertical garden in the wall of an office building or in your home has a good pay-off when it comes to saving energy and raising your property’s market value. But the next big question is – can we grow fruits and veggies on it? “Yes; absolutely! In fact, it is my favourite aspect of living walls & roofs – urban farming. Vertical gardens are fantastic methods of producing completely organic, herbs, vegetables and fruit; with freshness second to none,” Hicks gladly confirmed when the question was raised. “Last year we produced strawberries from our R&D walls. Within 3 minutes the berries went from ripening nicely on the plant to being added to my strawberry shortcake to yum-yum in the tum!” he exclaimed.

Hicks also pointed out that there is a lot to consider when selecting the species of plants to be used for vertical gardens. For example, if someone is looking to lower their carbon footprint by saving energy within their building or home, then choosing scrubbier, native desert plants grown from seed, will be less important than having a lush, thick wall of plants providing a dense layer of photoabsorbent (light absorbing) foliage over the entire building. But if someone is looking to attract native fauna, such as birds & butterflies, to increase the biodiversity and habitat of our urban ecosystem, then focusing on suitable native plant species is the best way to go. “A one-size fits all approach isn’t really recommended,” reminded Hicks. “Add in the environmental conditions such as sun vs. shade, indoor vs. out, exposure to wind, salt, access for maintenance, the actual design intent and the types of plants vary considerably,” he explained. Hicks also added that if the entire building is covered with plants, then the maximum saving can be achieved, but it also depends on the user’s consumption and building type. However, the price range is usually from 1,000 – 3,000 AED per sq. m. Growing a vertical garden does not only have positive effects in our urban environment, it also has good results in regards to our well being. “From proven increased productivity levels of employees to a more balanced and calmer innerself as a result of satisfying our subconscious desire to connect with “the rest of life”, known as biophilia,” He said. With the enumerated benefits of growing a garden in the façade of an establishment in a commercial or residential setting, the living wall concept is one of the amazing ways to combine an essence of nature with our man-made marvels while contributing to our ecosystem’s welfare.

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EVENT REVIEW

Longboarding at Mushrif Park Words: Angelo Cabrera

It was already past 7 p.m, the sun was about to set below the bellows of the earth, and on that Thursday, 21st of June, the famous Nic’s Hill was still creaking with crickets, while a handful of helmeted heads could be seen in the faint light doing warm-up rides down the slopes of Mushrif Park; in a bid to get ready for the Lords of Mushrif II and ‘shred’ their way down to the finish line. The golden rule for these guys is safety, and without the gear strapped on, they don’t ride. The asphalt road was fed gradually with the screeches of urethane wheels and of feet thumping to the ground as members of Dubai’s longboarding community gathered when the evening sky rose. Mark Jayson called out the contenders to assemble at a light post for a group picture and started the quick briefing of the entrants for the slalom men’s division. So forth the young men went with their longboards in hand. The plastic-bottle marked zigzag course laid out on the car park of the hill’s slope seemed tricky, especially that last bend on the edge which required a significant degree of control due to its sharp turn. As the dust settled, Connor Rycroft emerged as the fastest rider to clear the slalom course and won the top spot, while Antonio Piepo followed in second and Charles Gingras went for the third. Whereas in the women’s tiff, Ann Zus notched the first spot while Kathleen Koh went for the runnerup finish. The screeching of well worn urethane wheels sliding down the face of the steepest Mushrif hill was the start of some of the more experienced longboarders proving their worth in the longest slide division. Andy Mallari went full on to nab the longest slide title, whilst Gringgo Urbiztondo slid behind in second, Antonio Piepo showed up in the podium once more by landing in third. Meanwhile, longboarding chick Richelle Jara scooped the coolest slide award for her slick move down the lane. Pictures were also taken by some of the longboarders’ photographer friends to record the event and show their support to the young men and women who were out there to ride that night. The sweet spot at Nic’s Hill is indeed the most talked about place for these young blooded downhill longboarders to practice and compete in their sport, which for them, is now a big part of their lifestyle and culture. If you want to get involved or find out more about Longboarding in the UAE, check out the longboarding Facebook group. Have a story to share? Email [email protected]

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Photos: Abdel Elecho

EVENT REVIEW

Paddle for the Planet in Dubai

Words: Angelo Cabrera

A fun day on the beach with a paddle as Outdoor UAE gets SUP’ing

An event that brings people together in different places worldwide to perform something good for the planet is great, especially when it involves a happy day on the beach and a chance to get fit and active. One of these days was Paddle for the Planet (P4P), and just what the doctor ordered, it took place around the world on June 2nd. Dubbed as a ‘global paddling relay’ event, it aimed to bring together enthusiasts from all water paddling sport disciplines with an end goal to raise awareness about conserving marine life in the world’s oceans. According to the organizers, the P4P was sequentially done in different global locations, several countries, on the same day, at the same time, and in every time zone around the world. The P4P was first launched on the sandy beaches of the Madinat Jumeirah near the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. This year, the P4P took place at Kitesurfer’s Beach in Umm Suqeim, and another in Abu Dhabi as the paddling community in the UAE’s capital emirate also gathered to take part in the global event. The P4P meet in Dubai received good support from the paddling community as hundreds of enthusiasts from different paddling disciplines showed up and made their way to inflatable buoys offshore. Everyone who was on a kayak, surfski, outrigger, standup paddleboard, dragon boat, or just about any floating vessel that is maneuverable with a paddle, got on the water and ‘paddled for the planet.’ Outdoor UAE was among the participants in the Dubai P4P, paddling on an SUP. Eventually, one of us got tipped off the board and a newbie learned the basics of stand-up paddling the hard way (with a gawky swim back to shore). After the worldwide paddling event, Surf Shop Dubai fired things up by hosting the ‘Battle for the Paddle 2’ Race. Surfski racers and SUP riders had a lot of fun in the competition as they paddled back hard, heading for the shore in a race to reach the finish line first. The paddling event also had some fun activities on land. One of these was the slack line that the team from Adventure HQ had set up. Intikhab, a fellow who was very adept at walking on the bouncy line, made balancing atop of it look easy as people watched in awe. It was a fun-filled morning for everyone who was out at the beach in Umm Suqeim, and a special mention goes out to those who paddled for the planet and showed their support to preserve life in our world’s oceans.

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OUR EXPERTS

GET BETTER OUTDOORS

BY TAKING IT INDOORS!

Now that the summer temps are truly with us and outdoor fun is for many a distant memory, why not use the time to get in tip-top shape for your outdoor passions next season?

Tori

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Location: Next to m0re café (Building 5) at the Golf & Diamond Park off SZR (Interchange 4), Dubai

SYMMETRY GYM

Tel: 050 887 4707 Email: [email protected] Website: www.symmetrygymdubai.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/symmetrygym

writer, runner, blogger & adidas athlete PS. My email address is tori@fitchicksandfastwomen. com for thoughts, ideas, and suggestions… or just to say hello!

Symmetry Gym specialise in tailor-made and extremely individualised personal training designed to meet your EXACT needs and to make you function and perform your BEST. With extensive experience in creating unique programmes to help you trek higher, drive better, paddle further, run faster and climb higher, whatever your favourite outdoor pursuit, you can get better faster with Symmetry. From training guidelines to sport-specific exercises and nutritional guidance, you will be in the best-possible hands to prepare for and excel in your outdoor activities. Sessions may include muscle building, improving strength and endurance, weight-loss, correcting postural abnormalities, addressing imbalances and injury rehabilitation. No session is ever the same so you remain challenged and motivated. Better still, you work with your trainer on either a 1:1 or a 2:1 basis so you can be rest-assured that you’re developing great technique and never at risk of training-induced injuries. Finally, if you think you’re ‘not a gym-type’ person, think again! Symmetry is not a traditional fitness club. It’s a super cool studio equipped with the coolest of toys. There are no cardio machines in sight and they certainly don’t operate on a churn and burn formula with a quick fix focus. Instead, they take a holistic approach to helping you reach and exceed your goals encompassing fitness, strength, endurance, nutrition and motivation … and they do this with a system that delivers real and measurable sustainable results. By the time the weather starts to cool, you could be looking at a whole new you with a strong, lean and healthy body ready to embark on whatever adventures you choose.

OUTDOORUAE

Tori.

For an exciting summer getaway venture out to the Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, a beautiful five star beach hotel located amidst the spectacular desert landscapes of Abu Dhabi’s west coast. Visit some of the UAE’s oldest inhabitants with a day trip to the Sir Bani Yas Wildlife Reserve or take advantage of the hotel’s health club facilities and bring out your sporty side with a game of beach volleyball, football, tennis or squash. For a more relaxing break make the most of the stunning setting and enjoy exclusive massage treatments offered in our private beachfront cabanas or simply kick back and unwind in the calm surrounding sea and 800 meters of private beach. Weekday rates starting from Dhs 799* and weekend rates from Dhs 499.* Inclusive of buffet breakfast for two adults and two children below the age of 12.

For more information call 02 801 2211 *Terms & conditions: Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee. Rates are valid for 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 12. Offer valid for UAE/GCC residents only. Payment by cash or credit card only. Rooms subject to availability. Offer valid from 16th May 2012 until the end of Ramadan.

Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts a Division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels PO Box 12333, Jebel Dhanna, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T. +971 2 801 2222 l F. +971 2 801 2333 l [email protected] l www.danathotels.com

TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

SLOVENIA:

CHALK STREAMS, GRAYLING AND MONSTER TROUT Few places in Europe encompass so many exciting rivers and so many fascinating fish as the lush green and mountainous Slovenia. In the following, Rasmus Ovesen will take you to the beautiful Balkan country in search of the shady and elusive marble trout. From the almost surreally beautiful Unica River and the agricultural romanticism of the lush, late-summer Planina meadows, we now venture northwards to more rough and rolling terrain. Throughout the day, we have sight-fished for massive graylings in this charming and crystal clear chalk stream, and we have rejoiced every single time one of these shy and selective fish have been fooled by one of the microscopic nymphs that we have tied onto our delicate 0.08mm tippets. We (my trusty fishing partner Klaus and I) are in Slovenia, and we have been joined by Jure Romovz, a guide who, despite his young age, is amongst the most experienced, calm and confidence-inspiring guides either of us have ever fished with. So far, so good! Ahead of us awaits not only a scenic and visual paradigmatic shift. A radically different kind of fishing awaits us, too – a kind of fishing which is much more physical, toilsome and backbreaking than what we have just experienced. As we get in the car and chart course towards the mountainous regions of Tolmin, I feel like I’m on my way from a piano lesson to a boxing match. But even though I know that the next couple of days will involve arduous work and serious beatings, I’m as excited and expectant as a kid before Christmas. (I’m as wound up as fresh nylon tippet on a spool). This isn’t the first time I’ll be visiting the Tolmin area in search for the uncrowned king of these rugged regions – the quaint and almost mythical marble trout. As we work our way North via small, winding mountainroads, I’m fervently preoccupied with sharing my past experiences from the region’s many alluring and fiery tempered rivers. Four days’ worth of marble trout fishing in the rivers Idrijca, Tolminka and Tribuščica await us, as Jure eagerly chips in with stories about surreally big and unfathomably powerful marble trout that have broken both leaders and fly rods – and not least the will of determined fly fishermen. In general, our spirits are high, and not even the fact that the last three weeks haven’t yielded a single drop of rain, that the daytime temperatures are in the mid-thirties,

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Words: Rasmus Ovesen Photos: Rasmus Ovesen & Klaus Boberg Pedersen

and that the rivers we’ll be fishing over the next couple of days are dangerously low, awakens any despondency within us. Under the cover of darkness, we arrive at the village of Idrija. And early next morning we’re busy sweeping the heartrendingly beautiful Idrijca River’s many turbulent eddies and distorting backwaters. The timid river lets its turquoise water masses flow downstream with such rare elegance, and in the fragile light of dawn, it sparkles gracefully with a renewed sense of purpose and will. Here and there moss-clad rock formations tower up as if they were reaching for the heavens above, and the lush river bank fauna - which is mainly composed of majestic deciduous trees – leans into the river as if covering up some dark secret. The wilful river has eroded and dug itself deep into the terrain here, and in the depths of its surreally clear water – under recklessly strewn cliff fragments, boulders, and carved out banks, lurks the fish that has nourished our dreams.

With a self-assured sense of eagerness and impatient minds, we set to work – and one cast supersedes the other in a seeming infinitude, while the sun radiates an almost clinical death light over the jagged mountainous regions. The morning fishing is fast behind us. Now that the temperatures are once again drawing near 35 degrees, the mobile and reconnoitring, fishing up and down the river’s uneven banks and steep slopes, the oftentimes risky wading in the rivers, and not least the monotonous casting with the big, fluffy streamers we’re using, hollows out whatever energy and will power is left in us. We’re blatantly unsuccessful. We have no strikes, and worst of all – we don’t see any fish. In a river, where the revealingly clear water lets one’s gaze scrutinize the majority of all holding spots unrestrictedly, this fact is particularly discouraging. Eventually, despair accompanies us – like a dark shadow in our minds, and even though we catch a few juvenile marble trout during the day and

several indomitable rainbow trout in blushing outfits, our faith and self-assuredness slowly diminishes and fades away. Three days later, the situation is unaltered. We have fished stubbornly and dutifully from dawn till dusk, and our journey has brought us past the Soca River and its picturesque tributaries Lepena and Koritnica. During the wee hours of morning, we have had a few half-hearted takes, and Klaus has managed a stocked marble trout in the vicinity of 2.5 kilos, but we haven’t really come closer to realizing our dreams of catching one of the big and wild marbles. And now that the trip is drawing to an end, we are starting to seriously drain of energy and will power. More precisely put, we are on the verge of a physical and mental break down, and even though Jure – with all his admirable ambitions on our behalf – does everything in his power to make the whole project succeed, the situation remains rather hopeless. By all means, we catch lots of adorable and morale-strengthening grayling and rainbow trout, when we occasionally devote them our attention, but the marble trout seem to elude all the attention we pay them. Our narrow focus is consuming us. Our last day arrives, catalyzed by a drowsy sun’s trembling and invasive morning light. I haven’t slept well, and an incipient uneasiness in my whole body from the night before has been replaced by nausea, stomach pains, and not least a thunderous headache. Undoubtedly, I’m dealing with the repercussions of four days worth of fatiguing work, and not least self-inflicted sunstroke and dehydration. I’m nowhere near being able to fish, but in all honesty it’s not such a big disaster. A plane awaits us in Ljubljana in the afternoon, and we have a two-hour drive ahead of us in rolling terrain. The general conditions remain the same, we are at a loss about what to do, and at best, we have a few hours of stressful fishing ahead of us. And since an unarticulated fatalism has taken residence in my whole body and system - alongside the nausea and pain, I have already abandoned any hope that we’ll reach our goals. Klaus and jure start the early morning fishing in the Idrijca River, and they leave me slumbering uneasily away in the car with a walkie-talkie by my side – just in case. One and a half hours later, they are back –sullen and dismal. Nothing has happened! A quick drive-by fishing effort further upstream also fails to produce any fish, and we now journey to a small village some 15 minutes to the South to have some coffee and collect our thoughts. Most of all, we’re inclined to simply pack our stuff up and head for the airport, but then something happens. From the café parking lot, which is only a stone’s throw from the river, Jure notices that the water is starting to cloud up. Piling work in a tributary a bit further upstream is suddenly causing the Idrijca River’s clear water masses to be heavily discoloured by swirling milky sediments, and even though Klaus and I merely look on with carefully metered indifference, Jure has already put two and two together. The instructions are prompt, and they are delivered with great determination. Jure has

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a plan, and we are now heading downstream to the exact spot that Klaus fished less than an hour ago. Apparently, Jure is convinced that the sudden turbidity might result in a good strike, and even though both Klaus and I happen to think that it is a very slight hope to cling onto, we indulge our wellintentioned guide – if not only out of pure and simple politeness. Klaus and Jure fade away into the brushes along the river, and once more I’m left withering away in the car with a ravaging fever. I have just barely managed to fall asleep, when Klaus’ agitated and high-frequency voice suddenly pours from the walkie-talkie – FISH ON, FISH ON! Like a fuddled drunkard, I rush out of the car with my camera recklessly flung over my shoulder. A few seconds later, I emerge on the bank hectically breathing - and just in time to see Klaus land a beautiful marble trout of more than four kilos. The big, gnarly looking streamer is solidly lodged in the corner of the old predator’s mouth, and after a quick few pictures, Klaus unhooks the fish and lets it swim back to its shelter along the rocky river floor. Jure was right. The sudden murkiness of the water has awoken the fish, and as if by a stroke of magic, the trip has been saved. Overwhelmed by the moment, the abrupt awakening, and the lightning-quick descend to the river; I’m suddenly feeling dizzier than ever. Nausea swamps me, and I’m just about to sit down when Jure lets me know in a firm and full-bodied voice that I’m up next. I feel like I’m on the verge of dying, but it’s no use arguing with him. A couple of minutes later, I crawl behind a big sheltering boulder with a convulsive and ambivalent feeling in my stomach, my fly rod in a tight grip, and Jure right behind me. Immediately in front of me, the river’s turbulent water masses are accelerated rapidly by a fall in the terrain, and below a couple of boulders which tower up and break the surface film, there’s a backwater with considerable depth. I send off the heavy

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and bushy streamer with a provisional cast. It lands with a weighty splash on the edge of the main current, and I have only just started the retrieve when a sudden and violent pull propagates through the line and steals away my misery. I lift the rod frightened but resolutely, and in that same instance, I see the golden flanks of a big fish turning just below the surface and heading for the bottom. The fight is on, and with a racing heart, I manage to collect all the loose line and put considerable side-pressure on the fish, which by now is frantically kicking and thrashing about and trying to reclaim its hiding place along the bottom. It obviously knows this stretch of the river quite well, but with a bit of luck, I manage to prevent it from wedging itself between the many jagged boulders that lie about here, there, and everywhere.

With maximum pressure, I finally manage to guide the fish towards Jure, who is now waist-deep in the water and ready with the net. As he reaches out for the fish, I am bursting with nervousness and anxiety. And as the fish balances shortly on the frame of the net, only to explode in a chaotic mess of water and foam, my vision blurs momentarily. The fish wrenches free of the net, and suddenly the line is slack. For a brief, horrified moment I am sure, the fish is lost. But as I pull the line and lift back the rod, contact is restored and I can draw a sigh of relief. The fish has merely swum towards me, and in the shallows close to the bank, I manage to keep the fish under control until Jure is ready with the net again. This time things work out beautifully, and under the accompaniment of high-pitched and relieved shouts of cheerfulness and joy, Jure brings an old marbled warrior to the bank – a truly perfect creature that strikes me – with its ferociously big mouth and beautiful marblings, as the most important fish I have ever caught. I’m completely euphoric! Klaus shoots a series of pictures, and afterward I remove the big, weighted streamer from the fish’s toothy mouth and prepare for the release. I submerge approximately six kilos of prehistoric trout into the cool, oxygen-rich water, and while feelings of intense happiness flush my whole body, I notice with considerable satisfaction that the fish is fresh and eager to return to its obscured existence along the river’s rocky bottom. With a couple of defiant tail-slaps, it launches itself into the open water masses, and seconds later it is out of sight. I turn towards Jure. His face is one, big gaping smile – and without a single word, I give him a giant bear hug. He offers me one of his cigarettes, and even though I don’t smoke, I grab one. A plane awaits Klaus and me in Ljubljana in a couple of hours, and while the nicotine-rich smoke surges into my lungs in a long and deep breath, I try to realize just how lucky we have been.

The marble trout (Salmo Trutta Marmoratus) is the largest trout species in Europe. Geographically speaking, the marble trout is endemic to the Adriatic drainages in the Southwestern corner of Europe, and its natural habitat stretches all the way from Albania in the South to Italy in the North, with a few eastbound disgressions into for instance Bosnia and Herzegovina. It thrives in cool and clear mountain rivers with summer temperatures around 15 degrees, and it usually keeps near the bottom, where it can find cover below cliff fragments, rocks, sunken trees etc. Scientific contributions to the understanding of the weary and mainly nocturnal marble trout remain minimal, but it is a known fact that it grows very slowly. On the other hand, it gets to be extremely old – probably in the vicinity of 40 years, and this compensates more than adequately for it slow growth rate. Specimens in excess of 25 kilos have been documented, and the biggest marble trout ever caught on a fly rod was landed in the Soca River in 2010 – a massive fish, which measured 120cm and weighed a staggering 22,5 kilos. Ten-kilo fish are caught every once in a while, but fish more than four kilos are usually considered trophy fish. Unfortunately, marble trout are extremely vulnerable in terms of pollution, overfishing, and not least geocultural encroachments such as dams, and in a lot of regions, the marble trout is considered critically endangered.

The fishing possibilities in Slovenia are overwhelming and varied. And as a flyfisherman you have a wealth of exciting rivers and species of fish within close range. In the South you’ll find the three rivers Unica, Krka and Kolpa – each offering unique fishing in captivating surroundings. The chalk stream Unica offers world-class grayling fishing with a fair chance of a record brown trout by-catch. The same holds true for the beautiful mountain river Kolpa, where the exciting danubian salmon also lure in the crystal clear depths. The slow flowing Krka on the other hand, is known for its fine rainbow- and brown trout fishing, and with the right mix of luck and skill, you might hook a fish in the five-six kilo range here. Slovenia’s North-western corner is the home of the mountain rivers Trebuščica, Bača, Idrijca, Tolminka and Soca as well as its tributaries Lepena and Koritnica. All of these fast-flowing and crystal clear rivers are home to rainbow trout, brown trout, grayling, and not least marble trout. Sava Bohinjka, Sava Dolinka, Radovna, as well as Selska Sora and Poljanska Sora are the most renowned rivers of

the Northeastern corner of Slovenia. Here, great brown trout, rainbow trout and grayling fishing awaits you, and furthermore, you’ll have a chance of catching a danubian salmon. The rivers here are much more sedate and rich in fauna and oftentimes, phenomenal dry fly fishing can be had. The season stretches from the end of April till October, and the fishing in the different rivers is typically administered by small fishing clubs. Daily licenses cost from 30-110 Euros per day, and if you would like to arrange fishing licenses in advance, there is plenty of useful information to be found on the homepage of the Slovenian Board of Tourism: http://www.slovenia.info/en/Angling.htm?ribolov=0&lng=2

leaders have a tendency to snap, when too much brute force is involved). Usually, Gammarus patterns work well, when nymphing – but in general there is nothing general to be said about fly choice. The fauna and insect life on most rivers is so rich and the hatches so complex that you’ll just have to stock as much up on flies as possible and hope that you can find something that works, when the heat is on.

The gear to bring:

When chasing marble trout, you’ll need some seriously heavy gear. Not only are the marble trout extremely powerful fish, the flies used for catching them are heavy, bulky and difficult to cast. So bring along a relatively stiff 9’ #8-9 rod for the marbles, and don’t forget to stock up on grizzly-looking streamers that imitate everything from grayling to brown trout smolt and sculpins. Weighted flies are great, and sinking lines will help you reach into the deepest pockets of water. When fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling ordinary dry fly- and nymphing gear works brilliantly. Besides casting small streamers for rainbow trout and brown trout, the secret to success usually is fishing #20-30 nymphs and dryflies on hair-thin leaders (Be careful when striking, 0.08mm

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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

Nairobi

When a good friend of ours invited us to his wedding in Nairobi, we quickly decided to spend a few extra days in Kenya. It had been some years since we had last visited, and were keen to reacquaint ourselves. Words: Marco & Kath

There are over a dozen game parks and reserves in Kenya, each unique in its own way. We soon faced difficulties in choosing where to go and what to do. Rather than spending hours on the Internet researching, we decided to call in the experts. Africa Rose Travel are specialists in organizing bespoke trips in southern and east Africa, and unlike many agencies, they actually spend considerable time “on the ground” in Africa, so their recommendations are firsthand. We sent them a list of prerequisites: we wanted an exclusive and relaxing getaway, without the hordes of tourists associated with the Masai Mara, good wildlife viewing potential and most importantly -the option for activities other than safaris. Rose, the company owner, soon got back to us recommending the Ol Donyo lodge, located in a private concession on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills National Park. The photos were spectacular, but unfortunately, so were the costs. But

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Rose’s enthusiasm was infectious and she soon convinced me that this was the perfect option, so we decided to go ahead. Following a brief flight from Dubai, and a few days of wedding revelry, we found ourselves in Nairobi’s domestic airport waiting to board a small Cessna Caravan aircraft. The low-level flight over the countryside afforded great views of the bush, villages and Kilimanjaro. After dropping off other guests at nearby lodges, we landed at the Ol Donyo airstrip and were met by Jackson, who was to be our guide for the next few days. The 10-minute drive to the lodge was punctuated by the sight of many gazelles and giraffes, and a close encounter with One-Ton, the resident bull elephant – reputably with the largest tusks in Africa. Our enthusiasm was somewhat tempered when Jackson told us that during the past few nights, some lions had been drinking from the lodge’s swimming pool! The lodge itself was stunning, opulent but understated – a million miles from Dubai’s gauche five-star luxury. It comprises a main building surrounded by eight chalets, set on a hillside overlooking a watering hole with Kilimanjaro on the horizon. Our chalet was similarly striking, with

a completely open front and a terrace offering far-reaching views of this beautiful area. Following a sumptuous lunch (the food and drinks were one of the great surprises), we planned our next few days to include game drives, mountain biking, hiking and horse riding. The typical daily pattern would involve a dawn wakeup call (with cookies and coffee in bed) followed by an early morning activity. We would return to the lodge by mid-morning for a hearty breakfast and lounge by the pool, have a light lunch and then go out for an afternoon activity. The evenings were invariably spent chatting around the fireplace and enjoying delicious dinners. The lodges hosts and guides entertained us with “this is Africa” anecdotes, and the evenings stretched long into the night under an impressive starlit sky. So what of the activities? The horse riding started with an assessment of our riding skills. While Kathy galloped around the paddock, our guides were less than impressed with my pseudo cowboy ‘yeehawwws.’ In fact, riding around the African bush is far removed from riding elsewhere; controlling a horse spooked by an elephant or leopard is not a skill acquired on the polo fields or riding club paddock, and I was quite relieved when they explained that due to my limited horsemanship, we wouldn’t be venturing deep in the bush, but rather through the savannah and grasslands. In any case, the ride provided plenty of thrills and a pleasant surprise in the form of a gourmet breakfast under a giant acacia tree. Without the noise

of the jeeps, we were able to get up-close and personal with giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and a number of gazelles, which were wholly unperturbed by the horses. Being on horseback added an element of intimacy with the surroundings that you cannot possibly experience from a Landover. As we pondered the views over a beverage on the lodge terrace, I naïvely asked Jackson about mountain biking on the twin hills that we could see across the plains. He didn’t seem too keen, but I promised that we were strong cyclists, and that it would be easy; in fact, the ride there was not too strenuous, as we stopped often to examine the animal tracks and the many bones and carcasses along the way. I wasn’t too concerned by the numerous lion tracks, as the predators only hunt at dusk, right? Once at the hills, we hiked up, and were treated to the sight of a rainstorm and rainbow on the horizon - stunning. Whilst I was busy taking photos, Jackson asked to borrow the camera, and zoomed in on the neighbouring hill for a few seconds before muttering something about “a lion”. We were soon heading back down, with me doing my best Japanese tourist impression and stopping to take a photo every few minutes. As we grabbed the bikes, Jackson looked a bit nervous, but soon cycled off in the lead. Oblivious to the rapidly approaching storm, and diminishing sunlight, I kept stopping to take photos of the sunset over Kilimanjaro, wondering what all the rush was about. Eventually it dawned on me that we had a good 10 miles to cycle back. I caught up with Kathy and Jackson who was now positively jumpy. As the last rays of sunshine lit up the savannah, we sped off in the direction of the jeep. The pace picked up, with Kathy trying valiantly to keep close. Jackson, ever the gentlemen till that point, showed

little inclination to wait, and I stuck to his rear wheel, having no desire to end up a lion’s dinner. Kathy learned the meaning of “weakest link” and struggled to suppress the tears as she fell further behind amid much whimpering and nervous glances over her shoulder. The relief was palpable as we reached the Landover, just in time for a soaking from the rain, but at least spared of a close encounter with a lion. Having realised that Kathy and I were troublesome, Jackson turned up for next morning’s hike with reinforcements. We now had two guides to watch over us, with the second one sporting a rifle and a glass eye! We were going to hike in the lava flutes high on the Chyulu hills – more verdant than the plains below, and with a topography borne of volcanic origins, they are a hikers’ paradise. The lava flutes are essentially very narrow gorges and cave systems that wind their way across the hills, and are home to monkeys, hyrax, bats, and the occasional napping leopard. We were pretty happy having two guides when scrambling through the dense vines and shrubs, and in any event, ‘one-eye’ turned out to have remarkable eyesight, pointing out all manner of animals that we would never have seen otherwise. Despite our chalet having one completely open side, we had slept really well with only a curtain to keep the wildlife out. Sure, we had heard the occasional animals rustling around, but waking up to see gazelles and elephants within yards of our terrace remained priceless. Emboldened by this, and Jackson’s assertion that the lions hadn’t been seen for a few days, we decided to try the “star-bed.” Placed on the flat roof of the chalet, the “star-bed” leaves nothing between you and the elements, and gives an incredible perspective of the endless starry sky overhead. I soon drifted off into a deep sleep, albeit with one hand on the air horn as a precaution; all too soon I was awakened by violent prodding, and Kathy’s panicked whispers about “something being downstairs”. Ignoring her, and about to roll over, I was startled to hear heavy breathing seemingly yards away at the bottom of the stairs. Suddenly wide awake, I gripped the air horn and fumbled for the torch. The deep, heavy breathing was definitely that of a lion, and probably a hungry one. Having nowhere to run, and only a torch, the air horn and a bottle of water, we pondered our next move. I rationalised that a lion would clearly go for the weakest prey, and as that was clearly Kathy, I would have a good chance of escaping. Throwing the water bottle as a distraction, we flew down the

stairs, barged into the chalet and slammed the door shut. Safe! The next morning at breakfast, Jackson laughed at us and claimed it was probably a serval rummaging for food. A quick investigation around the chalet revealed a maze of animal tracks, but embarrassingly, none larger or more threatening than a gazelle. All too soon we found ourselves on the airstrip waiting for the plane back to Nairobi. As Kathy choked back tears and made me promise we’d come back, I pondered that this was probably one of the best short breaks we’d had, with the right mix of adventure, nature, relaxing and fun. Only 4 hrs separate Dubai from Kenya, and given the relative affordability of the tickets, we will definitely be going back.

Marco & Kath. Addenda: Ashamed of my poor horsemanship, I have been riding regularly since our return from Kenya, determined that the next trip will involve more time on horseback. In fact Africn Rose is busy arranging our next trip -­a horseback and kayak safari through the Okavango delta in Botswana... Can’t wait!

To book:

Three nights at Ol Donyo Lodge start from £1,645 per person including all meals, all drinks, day and night game drives, guided walks, mountain biking, horse riding, return transfers from the International airport to the domestic airport in Nairobi and return light aircraft flights from Nairobi to Ol Donyo in the Chyulus near Amboseli. There are also riding focussed itineraries available, and discounts to be had through: Africa Rose Travel: www.africarosetravel. com, [email protected], +44 (0) 1666 880 111

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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

Fishing in the forgotten islands Discovering the Southern Coral Group of Seychelles Words + Photos: Antonio Varcasia

The paradisiacal beauty of these islands has long remained unknown since their discovery by Vasco de Gama in 1502. Only two and a half centuries after it was first colonized by the French and then by the British. Their isolation has favored the preservation of an impressive natural environment, where marine life is absolutely not an exception. Known worldwide as a heavenly place with white beaches and turquoise waters, the Seychelles are a group of 115 islands situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean about 800 miles north of Madagascar and about 1500 out of the African coast. In this archipelago, it is usual to distinguish two main groups of islands, the Inner and outer islands. The first are granitic and near Mahé, the biggest island where is located Victoria, the world's smallest capital. The most popular inner islands are Praslin, La Digue, silohuette, Felicite, Curieuse, and many others known for commercials spots or for the setting of several films. At a distance of between 150 and 400 miles south-west, the Outer Islands rise, with coral nature and very different from inner ones. The Seychelles, once French and then British colonies, because of their history are a real mix of races, traditions and tastes, that themselves called "Creole style". Seychelles are not just a place full of incredible natural heritage, but also a piece of land rich in history and tradition, in which the local government invests significantly and foresight on tourism, which is the main business of the country, where people are educated from childhood to hospitality, respect and conservation of resources. Despite the proximity of two very poor continents, Seychelles shows a stunning cleanliness as well a very good

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level of security, for example going on the street by night with the camera on shoulder with no probelms, and it shows everywhere a respect for its enviable resources. Giving a 'look at the map and reading a few reports of the French magazines, a few months ago I thought that these beautiful islands could be a paradise not only for couples on honeymoon but also for an intriguing journey looking for strong fishing emotions, and so I decided to pack my rods again. Different islands, different techniques In Seychelles, except for some protected areas, you can practice any fishing technique, from flyfishing in the flats and lagoons, to the spinning on the reef, the vertical jigging and trolling on the drop off. Also outside the reef, especially after sunset, there are several species of sharks that you can catch with bottom fishing drifting at night, engaging exciting fights with real giants of the sea, which is always good to release as most fish you catch, thing that is greatly appreciated from the locals and the Institute for Tourism. If it is true that you can practice all the techniques mentioned, it is also true that often you can not do them all in the same place (island) because of the shape of the seabed bathymetric and, as mentioned earlier for the characteristics of the island (granitic or coralline). For example for the extreme popping for GT and dogtooth tuna, Farquart and Cosmoledo islands are renowned while for fly fishing Desroches and Alphonse are probabiliy the best, even also some inner Island are very good spots for Flyfishing. For vertical jigging and trolling you should try some good drops and usually the most interesting places are the ones who are located near the continental shelf. The inner island, there are in fact a granite plateau which remains

Antonio

is a native and current resident of Italy’s Sardinia Island. Besides being a saltwater angler, he is also a video producer and a well-known sport-fishing journalist, having written for several magazines in Europe.

constant between 25 and 35 meters, where there are no coral reefs and great leaps of bathymetric, so they present a very interesting fauna for diving, fly fishing and light spinning from the shore or boat, but are not ideal for big game and other extreme techniques. However even in this area there are good fishing opportunities around Silohuette, Bird and North Island, which in fact are located in the North, where the bottom slopes and are more abundant big pelagic fish. The Outer Islands are a paradise for fishing for both their distance from the drop-off from the continent, and especially for their reef matrix. Some of these are almost uninhabited and are the refuge of other fly fishermen, who have made a world almost exclusively for them. However, when they have a boat on site and being able to move from Mahe preferably by plane (the distances are considerable, and 150/400 miles are many, especially in the ocean where you take a cruise speed of between 8 and 12 miles), the possibilities are many and the only thing you need to worry is to choose a good captain (although at this point I noticed a significant overall professionalism and timely service by insiders). Having little time available we have chosen a "wild" trip that was organized by the local tourism body, that put us in contact with Bluewater charters (http://www. bluewatercharter.sc). A beautiful Riviera 42 fully equipped for deep sea fishing, has become our home for a long time, living abroad and having as destination, Platte Island, a coral island 80 miles south of Mahe, in the middle of nowhere, but where the charts show a strip of land of approximately 0.54 km2, which is the summit of a incredible underwater mountains, where in less than a mile, you can from 35mts to 1800mts. Ile Platte (5 ° 52 '0 "S, 55 ° 24' 0" E), together with Coëtivy

Island is part of the Southern Coral Group, the most southern islands of Seychelles.

Fishing & Techniques

The techniques will be more profitable in this area, given the characteristics of the seabed, are essentially the surface trolling and vertical jigging. With regard to the trolling, most captains fish with 6-8 rods, generally using 50 pounds and reels in proportion, while on the outrigger some opt for the 80 pounds, thus leaving the outer two baits that in theory are reserved for Marlin. Blue and Black marlin are well represented and together with large yellowfin tunas and sailfish are the most targeted by the captains. However, this portion of the Indian Ocean gives much satisfaction also with medium size fish: trolling on the drop off, you can catch Wahoo, Dogtooth tuna, barracuda, Jobfish, mahi-mahi, Skipjack, Rainbow Runner and other pelagic that often offer double and triple strike at the same time. Vertical jigging range of possible prey is enormous, could range from Black Jack and Giant Trevally to several species of snapper and grouper. Among the most popular prey definitely Dogtooth Tunas are among the most militant, who skippers a lot of respect doing a full catch and release. As equipment is recommended that a 50 Lbs coupled with a Stella 20000 or another reel that can have a good drag and power, as well a good recovery ratio. With regard to the line, we have used braided from 50 to 80 pounds, with a final nylon or fluorocarbon of a few meters. The classical solution is a dubbing with Bimini Twist, or bristol palomar knot to connect the loop to the leader, but if you want to take away the pain a truly interesting solution is a wind on leader. These, similar to those used for other techniques such as fly fishing or trolling offshore, are already preterminal leader with one end provided with a slot formed in Kevlar which makes a loopto-loops with doubling of the Bimini twist and then you have a terminal nearly free of knots, which gives a lot of confidence in fishing with XXL prey. Among the wind-on there are different types, very interesting ones of Sufix, produced in different weights from 30 to 150 lbs (Recommended for the VJ tropical the 80/100 and 120/150 in cases "extreme") is nylon fluorocarbon. Among the jigs have worked best, certainly the most hydrodynamic long jigs, given the strong current often found on the drop-off and a few short always very popular with benthic fish. A problem of fishing on the drop-off may be the presence of sharks that may be unintended protagonists of a "double" between

you and hooking your prey, with the result to bring up only the head of the fish hooked or anything. When the situation becomes unsustainable, is better to change spots or try to jig more "high" in the water column, perhaps focusing on pelagics. However, the abundant presence of sharks can be a very interesting diversion in this corner of the Indian Ocean. The shark fishing at night is a truly exciting to think that the species captured are so many, like Lemon shark, the whitetip shark, Blacktip, Tiger, Nurse, hammer, etc... The technique is normally anchored to the bottom and fishing, with 80 pounds strong rods, hooks specially made for these predators, and end in sturdy steel cable. As these natural baits are used, with preference for steaks and heads to trigger in large mouthfuls. Among the best bait to fish rather than fat, some captains recommended to marinate a bit 'in the sun because they are very fetid, stinking and then more priming for these fishes have highly developed olfactory receptors. Even for these giants of the sea, little or no commercial value (although the shark finning is widespread even here for trade with Eastern countries), it is always good after photographs of ritual, to release these beautiful animals.

Overview

Although fishing is really exciting, it would be a shame to go Seychelles and not visit some places that are considered unique in the world. For example, the island of Curieuse, there is a veritable oasis for the giant

tortoises of Aldabra (Dipsochelys elephantina), who only live here and the Galapagos (although they are two different species and those of Sey are slightly larger), animals that can exceed three hundred chilos in weight and overcome two hundred years of age. Another interesting destination, a few miles from Curieuse is the Coco Marine Reserves, where you can snorkel among colorful fish and play together with sea turtles. Finally, another "must" is to visit the Vallee de Mai on Praslin, inscribed by the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The uniqueness of this place is the presence of the Coco de mer, a palm tree that reaches 40 feet tall and over 800 years, producing a knob of enormous size, the shape of the fruit (which vaguely resembles the basin a woman, why they were allocated in the past not only property "magic"), without that support the floating hull, preventing the natural spread of the seeds (the largest in the world) between the islands, and then the plant is present only in this island.

Tips & Getting There

The Seychelles are easily reachable with the islands national airline, Air Seychelles (www.airseychelles.it), which serves direct flights on Mahe. From Mahé is possible to move between islands is by boat or by air to the outer islands (Outer Islands). Although considered a typical holiday honeymoon destination, the Seychelles have in recent years pursued an interest for a politic aimed to guest visitors and tourists of different categories, from backpackers and students to families and also top level business man with an excellent accommodation but with reasonable prices (we are talking about 5060 euro up, depending on your needs). The advice is also to have a look to the excellent website of the TB Seychelles (www.seychelles.com), where they bring in addition to all destinations "highlights" even all the tourist facilities and above all also charter dealing with sport fishing, depending on the type of fishing you want to do and your destination.

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A COOL FINISH!

Atte completes the 7 Summits challenge Words: Atte Miettinen

Less than two weeks after returning from Mount Everest, I was back on a plane. My destination was Alaska and North America’s highest mountain, Denali, also known as Mount McKinley. ON THE COVER!

The climbing season on Denali starts in late April and ends essentially at the end of June, so I had little choice but the short rest after Everest, as I wanted to climb Denali and complete my Seven Summits in 2012. I was climbing Denali with Alaska Mountaineering School (AMS), one of just six companies licensed to guide climbers on the mountain. I chose AMS because it gave me a chance to team up with Mike Hamill, with whom I had climbed on Antarctica last year and who was also my guide on Everest, although he got sick and failed to summit. The AMS team for the expedition consisted of eight people; two guides Mike and Alex as well as six clients, including me. For most of my teammates, Denali would be the biggest mountain they had ever been on, so there was a sense of nervousness within the team as we reviewed and prepared our gear. Depending on the weather, an expedition to Denali can take anywhere from two to

Atte

is a climber originally from Finland and is currently taking on the Seven Summits. Refer to our December 2011 issue and learn more about him in our people section.

three weeks and given re-supply is not possible, we prepared for the worst case scenario and packed food for 21 days. This meant that between my backpack and a sled that I would be pulling, I had about 150 pounds to haul up the mountain.

Our expedition started with a bush-plane flight from Talkeetna, a small town a few hours north of Anchorage, to the glacier on the evening of June 11th. However, the mountain made it clear right away that the last of my Seven Summits was not going to be easy. Moments after landing, bad weather closed in and we were forced to set up camp before even taking our first step in snowshoes! We were stuck at base camp for almost 30 hours before the weather cleared enough for us to put on our snowshoes and backpacks as well as attach our sleds and start moving. We were travelling during the early hours of the night in order to benefit from the colder temperatures, which freeze snow bridges that have developed over crevasses, therefore reducing our risk of falling into the deadly cracks, which are created by the continuous movement of the glacier. We were using snowshoes, which are designed to distribute the weight of the person to help them “float” on top of the snow as well as moving in two four-person rope teams in order to make sure that there would always be three people to arrest a fall in case anyone would break through a snow bridge and fall into a crevasse or slip in any of the steep ridges we would need to navigate.

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We made good progress after leaving the Base Camp and reached Camp 1 at 2,380 m in just a few hours. Then we spent a couple of hours setting up camp, digging the tents as deep into the snow as possible to protect them from strong winds as well as establishing toilet facilities, which basically means digging a deep hole for a bucket that we would carry with us throughout the expedition, and building some walls from snow or ice around it. Later we enjoyed dinner at noon and went to bed in the early afternoon after a full day’s

work to make sure we would be ready to go again shortly after midnight! During the night, a Japanese climber came to our camp and asked if he could use our satellite phone. He told us that a Japanese team had been caught by an avalanche, and four out of five climbers in the team were now missing and presumed dead. This climber was from another team, but wanted to make sure his family knew that he was OK when the news broke. I could easily put myself in his shoes. After a night at Camp 1, we prepared our backpacks and sleds for a load carry to Camp 2. We basically have so much gear and supplies that carrying and pulling everything, especially in steep terrain, is not only very difficult but also very dangerous. Therefore, instead of moving everything at once, we carried half the gear up, cache it in a snow hole and return to the lower camp for the night and then take the rest of the gear and supplies up the next day. The day after the load carry, we moved to Camp 2 and this also meant switching back into a normal day schedule as we had passed the most dangerous crevasse area. Camp 2 is situated in between three ridges and feels like a well sheltered place, but the rangers searching for the bodies of the still missing four Japanese climbers caught in an avalanche just 100 m from the camp was a stark reminder that even if something looks safe on Denali, it probably isn’t. We ended up spending an extra day at Camp 2 due to another snowstorm, but

this eventually died and enabled us to do a load carry and move up the following day. We picked up our cache and headed to a well-known place on the mountain called Windy Corner. The Windy Corner is famous for having regular rock fall and hence, Mike wanted us to move quickly through the danger zone. However, we were also traversing a steep ridge, which meant that our sleds would either slide or roll downhill pulling us sideways off the mountain. With a lot of weight in my sled, I had several close calls but managed to stay on my feet. However, I felt that the heavy sleds were more dangerous than the potential risk of rock fall. Fortunately, lady luck smiled at us in Camp 3. Two AMS expeditions on their descent stopped by and told us that they had cached so much food and supplies in camp 4 that we could skip the planned load carry, winning a crucial day as forecasts suggested bad weather was moving in again. Therefore on June 21st, we left all our extra gear behind and headed towards Camp 4. En route, we passed a place where a German climber had slid to his death earlier this season and I also kept an eye on The Orient, a near-by ridge on which a Finnish climber/ skier had lost his life just a week before we

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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE set off. The weather was great and we made good time, reaching our high camp at 5,175 m in the early afternoon. We set up camp, ate dinner and squeezed into our sleeping bags to get as much sleep ahead of our summit push as possible. I fell asleep thinking that my Seven Summits dream, which once felt so distant, was just 24 hours away from being fulfilled. The next morning, June 22nd, we set off for the summit at around 09:00. Mike estimated that we would take 8 to 9 hours to reach the summit and another 4 to 5 hours to descend, so it was going to be a long day. I had felt great throughout the entire expedition, probably thanks to spending two months on Everest, and the summit day was no different. At 16:25, after just over seven hours of climbing, I took the last step towards the 6,196 m summit of Denali, North America’s highest mountain as well as my Seven Summits dream, joining a group of just 350 people that have stood on all the highest mountains of each continent, as the first person from my native Finland. As my rope team was taking summit photos, our second rope team reached the summit – making us the first AMS expedition of the season with the entire team summiting the mountain! I spent an hour on the summit before we unceremoniously turned around and started our descent. I felt like running down, but due to some tired legs in the team, we moved slowly but safely, reaching the camp at around 22:00. Although everyone was happy, there were no big celebrations, everyone simply ate their dinner and squeezed into their sleeping bags. The next morning we got up early and started our descent. We moved at a pretty good pace and were almost at Camp 1 when, Joe, a British climber on the rope between Mike and me punched through a snow bridge into a crevasse. However, only one of his legs went through and with the safety rope also doing its job, Joe avoided injury and got a great story to tell his mates once his adrenaline levels returned to normal! At Camp 1, we slept for just three hours before continuing to Base Camp, hoping that we would avoid further punch-throughs by moving at night. We arrived at Base Camp without any more surprises and my thoughts were already shifting to the menus of the restaurants in Talkeetna, but the mountain wasn’t quite done with us yet. Bad weather closed in again and we ended up waiting for three nights before the weather cleared enough for the skiequipped bush-plane to land, pick us up and fly us back to civilization. The three days at Base Camp gave me a lot of time to think about new projects...and consider how lucky I have been to be able to pursue my Seven Summits dream and complete it!

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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

Masirah Island, Oman 2012 Words: Craig Traynor

In may this year, six amigos decided to take in the surf on Masirah Island, Oman; to see for ourselves the beautiful and peaceful waters with fantastic winds we had been hearing so much about.

Joe, Neil, Nick and I set off from Dubai. Martin and Sami were setting off from Muscat as the arrangement was to meet up together at the Masirah Island ferry crossing in Oman. The beginning - Joe, Neil and I started our journey from Dubai at 10 p.m. with the GPS co-ordinates logged in for Masirah. After an hour and a half driving we all had a brew and stretch of the legs at the Al Ain border control, this was the first stop on the journey. The Border control officer then noticed that Neil’s passport looked damaged; this resulted in a waste of two hours as they debated on the acceptability of the passport and was then the end of the road for Neil. We all felt sorry for him, but I felt sorrier for his girlfriend who had accidentally put the passport through the wash which resulted in the damage.

After the passport control, we had been driving for another couple of hours when we realised we were driving North to Muscat instead of South to Nizwa. We soon found out that Nick had put the highway route instead

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of the quickest route into the GPS. Once we had corrected the GPS we then took turns in driving through the night. By first light, which was about 5 a.m., we had finally reached Muscat, bearing in mind we should not have been heading to Muscat in the first place. After reaching Muscat we turned right at the roundabout clock tower which we knew previously from Martin, (which was where we should have been). At last, we were on the right track. Pushing on, we made good time and finally stopped in the small town of Nizwa. The town was very friendly and we were able to obtain refresh-

ments and much needed fuel after our detour. We were then prepared and happy to complete the final 160km drive to the ferry crossing. A few hours later, we arrived at the ferry crossing and finally met up with Martin and Sami. The ferry cost was 10 Omani Rials (OMR) per car, which is about 95 AED. At first sight, the ferry looked as though it had been in WWII but the little engine was fully capable of the one-and-a-half hour journey across the Indian Ocean.

kite beach, we were so glad that we had 4x4’s as these are a must for this leg of the journey. It was 12:30 midday on the second day when we had landed at last on the island. We now had to go and collect ice for the cooler boxes from the fish factory, but as we approached the place, we all noticed a 9 ft leopard shark being taken inside. At this point, we all stopped and looked at each other with fear in our eyes as it suddenly dawned on us that this shark had just been caught from the waters we were about to Kiteurf on. The fishermen had obviously seen our fear and reassured us that the shark had been caught out in the depths of the ocean.

The hotel we chose was very basic and clean, with the staff very friendly and welcoming. We only wanted somewhere to put our heads at night and the hotel was just what we needed, especially for 10 OMR and 10 minutes from the ferry. With the hotel sorted, we all piled back into the cars. 45 minutes later after a drive down a barren hilly road with a few shackled camels, we found the kite beach we had been so looking forward to seeing. For the

Joe began to pump up the 13.5-metre RRD Obsession, Nick on the 14-metre Naish Park and I was on the 14 metre Naish Bolt whilst Martin and Sami set to on the 14 metre North Vegas. The wind speed was between 15 to18 knots which is a clean wind for the more confident kitesurfer, and unfortunately not found as often in Dubai as I would like. It only took three hours of kiting for us all to be shattered and hungry, so off we went to clean up and find somewhere to eat. We found a local restaurant which offered Turkish cuisine so we ate and chatted for a few hours before calling it a night. On the second day, we

spent hours on the water enjoying the constant winds and clear waters and by the third day, the wind speed has increased to 20+ knots. Everyone was in good spirits and after a full morning of tricks, broken kite lines, lost sun glasses and few upset tummies, it was time to leave Masirah, but not for too long, I hope.

Craig.

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Ever tried hanging out with...

Words: Anglelo Cabrera

STINGRAYS AND SHARKS!? It is a baffling thought in the first instance of hearing it, yes, but apparently not everything is all that it seems. With the image of sharks in a common notion of being saw-toothed, blood-hungry monsters of the deep blue, who love to snack on unsuspecting swimmers in the high seas, one would certainly feel an instant chill down the spine if you were invited to try a ‘shark safari’ and spend time with these creatures underwater in the humungous glass-walled fish pool of the Aquaventure Water Park at the Atlantis, The Palm. Of course, in the spirit of trying something new (but wishing to go back home in one piece), the adventurous Outdoor UAE team (Daniel and I) were quick to accept this kind invitation and hopeful that the creatures would be kinder as we make our descent into the deep, fish-filled pool. We were met by a handful of others who were also invited to try out the water theme park’s latest attraction and were equally enthused about how it would go. With the sharks and rays on the other side of the glass wall, it may have one flushing in caution due to the stereotypical images fed into people’s brains about their ferocious nature, but if you would take time to understand and learn how these creatures behave, you will find that respect is what they truly deserve. And besides, the sharks that are inside the giant pool were tamed and even shy to get up close and personal with. Aquaventure’s Maraika and Robert explained to us the breathing apparatus that we would be using in the pool. Robert went on to demonstrate to us how the Sea Trek – an underwater helmet which pumps 3 times the amount of oxygen required – was worn and how it worked underwater. Once that was done, the group was taken at the top were the pool was located, listened to the compulsory reminders, signed a waiver, and then decided who would go down with the sharks first! After a short while of waiting, the Outdoor UAE team was up next and quickly strapped on the shoulder pack where the oxygen tank was fitted. A fish bowl-like breathing helmet was worn and underwater we went. The amazing sight down below will greet you as soon as you set foot on the pool’s floor; schools of different kinds of fish slowly meander around you whilst a variety of stingrays glide above the pool floor; including marble rays and cowtail rays. Ironically

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the rays, which we assumed would behave later on tried to bite, whilst the sharks, which of course are feared the most, were actually harmless and even shying away from people, going about their own business. The plethora of shark species one can see in the pool are; the bowmouth, guitar, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. People were advised not touch them though, as it would provoke them to attack you. Daniel got the chance to try his Go Pro camera along with the crafty rig he worked up to check out how well the camera’s waterproof case would perform underwater. The team also took the opportunity to take a picture with a copy of last month’s issue underwater and Aquaventure’s Steve Kaiser was happy to help out and get the needed shots (thanks, Steve!). As soon as the team got out of the pool,

still exhilarated from the underwater safari moments ago, one of the managers took us to the feeding area and invited us to experience feeding the sting rays (with poisonous stings removed, of course). What happened next, well, picture an image of a young man haplessly squealing like a girl as he feeds a bunch of cute and harmless pups on the water; it was quite a laugh for Daniel indeed as he held his camera and recorded the priceless moments on video. After that was done, the team said their thanks to the people operating the shark safari and sighed as they had to go back to the life in the office. The experience was an enjoyable memory worth reliving though, as they have made friends and hung out with some of the oceans’ respectable inhabitants.

TIPS & TRICKS

BATTERIES and Underwater Photography Words: Gordon Smith

Many years ago, the limiting factor on underwater photography was the roll of film inside the camera. If you were really lucky and loaded the film nice and tight inside the camera, it was possible to squeeze 38 or even 39 frames out of a 36 roll, and to be honest, I very rarely shot a full 36 roll, always keeping a few frames in reserve just in case I found something special at the end of a dive. Occasionally, I was lucky to have a buddy as a packhorse and he/she would carry my spare Nikonos V and strobe, usually with a different lens attached. When I moved over to a housed SLR, things became different. This was another league and I was frequently diving with other photographers, and no packhorse available to carry an additional housing. However, as a couple of my friends were boat owners we did have a luxury of the housings being submerged on 5M lines, so it was possible to submerge tow cameras in housings then choose which housing/camera/lens to shoot at the beginning of a dive and another at the end of the dive.

So what has this got to do with batteries?

When I moved over to digital underwater photography, the limiting factor changed from film to battery life. Of course, batteries are used for the cameras (although my old trusty Nikon F3 worked without a battery, it used batteries to operate the motor drive), but the lighting systems or strobes as they are most commonly referred to, eat batteries for breakfast, dinner and tea. For a short time, I used AA alkaline batteries then moved over to rechargeable Ni-Cads. But occasionally, I decided to go diving at short notice and the Ni-Cads were not charged properly and I ended up having to use alkaline. On one trip to Sharm El Sheikh, they did not work at all and I had to pay a rip-off price of US$10 for four AA Alkaline batteries, the vendor knew I had no choice, and I squeezed every last drop of power from these AAs before inserting the next ten dollars worth. The problem with most strobes is that there is no indicator to show how much power is left unlike the camera rechargeable battery, whereas on the camera display screen, there is an icon informing you. Ni-Cads have a fantastic re-cycle time, much faster than alkaline batteries, however, when their power is diminished, they just stop completely without warning. Alkaline batteries, on the other hand, just take longer to charge up the strobe, and it is always possible to squeeze another flash out of the strobe, even if you have to wait up to 30 seconds or more for the strobe to charge. So for the past few years I have been using alkaline batteries, and after about four dives I change the batteries for fresh ones and re-cycle the used ones into other electrical devices such as my hand-held GPS unit, electric toothbrush, clocks etc. On my 2011 trip to Borneo, I calculated that I would need at least eight AA batteries per day to power my strobes for ten days diving, that means EIGHTY AA batteries, now that is heavy! One of my dive buddies, Burhan, told me to try Lithium batteries as they should last double that of alkaline batteries from his experience. So this gave me an idea of comparing the two types and the cost effectiveness of one against the other. I was still going to be carrying a lot of batteries though. Another underwater photographer, Alastair, suggested to me that I should invest in rechargeable batteries again and buy ENELOOP batteries (Ni-MH) as they apparently are the “bees’ knees” when it comes to this type of battery, although he did not know where to buy them in the UAE.

Fortunately, my Borneo trip was taking me via Singapore and some underwater camera shops, where I was able to pick up eight ENELOOP batteries and charger for $Sin34.00 (AED97.97), so the comparison was now getting a bit more complex. As it transpired, the amount of diving I planned to do was cut short due to ear infections of both bacterial and fungal, so the comparison tests I had planned never happened, but I did move back to using the rechargeable batteries. On my last overseas dive trip to the Philippines, I shot over 250 photographs with both strobes still firing strong by the end of three dives on the first day. Recharging was done over a few hours for each set of four batteries along with the camera battery, which fortunately seems to last forever as I use manual focus underwater. I have recently invested in a small solar panel with battery re-charger, which will also aid in charging my GoPro battery as well as iPhone and of course AA rechargeable batteries. This will primarily be for off-roading, but when traveling to remote dive sites, I will be bringing it along also. I still carry eight Lithium AA batteries as back up on the boat when I go diving; Murphy is always around the next corner.

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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE

Way Out West Words & Photos: Tara Atkinson & Ian Ganderton

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time” - T.S. Eliot Taking the lead from the well known poet and writer T.S. Eliot, it’s always been in my nature to explore. So when the opportunity came up to visit the Western Region of the UAE, I didn’t take much persuading. Heading towards Ruwais and nestled between the city of Abu Dhabi and the border of Qatar sits the Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, our end destination. It is almost 250km+ away from the capital, and after all the glitz and glam of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it quickly felt like we were somewhere totally different. Surrounded by inland salt flats and long, dusty straight roads with lorries and mining villages peppering the landscape, you don’t really get a sense of the coast line until you are at the hotel, and you wouldn’t even think twice that this stretch of the peninsula is one of the more bio-diverse in the world. It’s not exactly a stunningly scenic drive, but it was interesting to explore and go somewhere new for the first time which certainly made the trip more exciting. It’s always hotter, sweatier, and a little bit more tiring travelling through summer, and when we were at the hotel, the 4 ½ hour journey from Dubai had made both Tara and I quite travel weary. Hoping to get a quick nap in before having a look around we checked in quickly, this was very smooth; the hotel staff were friendly and helpful so we were soon in the rooms. It was funny the way our nap plans changed; we were suddenly re-energized when we had a first glance out the windows. The sea view was great and with excited chatter, we sorted ourselves out for the

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beach and some activity forgetting all about the nap. Before we knew it we were down on the beach checking out some of the toys waiting to be used. It turned out that Tara had never windsurfed before and she was shocked I’d never water skied or wake boarded.

Despite it being the summer the beach was comfortable with a stiff breeze providing enough cooling. An easy chat with the helpful watersports staff and we had a plan. First Tara could windsurf and then we’d go out in the ski boat. With the growing breeze the conditions were great for sail sports but a bit too choppy for skiing / wakeboarding so we booked a morning boat as well as it tends to be glassy and cooler in the morning. (If you did want to try anything in the choppy conditions, it is recommended to either go knee boarding or ask to go on the towables). The beach stays waist deep for quite a way out, making it a great place to learn to

windsurf and the wind conditions couldn’t have been better with a very steady stiff breeze. Tara experienced the frustrations of learning something new along with tired shoulders from constantly hauling up the heavy windsurf sail. The guys re-jigged the board with a smaller, lighter sail and as a result, plenty of progress was made. I love it when I see someone ‘get’ something and Tara was psyched for more windsurfing after the session having ‘got the feeling’ of the sail and board a few times.

We had a bit of time before our boat booking to rest and relax on the beach. I watched some guys having a blast on a banana behind the ski boat and a family enjoying a kayak. Wakeboarding has been something I’ve wanted to try for ages so I was not feeling particularly relaxed as we got on the boat- I was too excited. Afternoon conditions are never great but I wanted to get through the initial phase of attempting to stand up over and done with so as not to waste the morning conditions. Once away from the beach, it was me first in the water strapping a wakeboard to

my feet. The guys on the boat were super helpful and all of a sudden, I found myself with the rope out and the boat about to pull me to my feet. OH MY WORD, it was a hell of a pull! It took me by surprise. I was all over the place and on my face before I knew it, laughing. By the time I got back into the boat so Tara could have a go, my shoulders were tired, but I was very happy that I was getting up and finding my feet on the board despite such choppy conditions. Back on shore we moved to the stunning pool bar and had a few sundowner refreshments whilst laughing at the various faces I’d been pulling in the photos, and joking around with the watersports staff as we arranged the next morning’s session.

A great day was rounded off with a lovely meal in the hotels plush Italian restaurant Zaitoun. A stunning Moroccan style interior coupled with an eclectic menu of Italian and Arabic cuisine, the restaurant boasts a number of awards from Time Out and What’s On, and with a selection of fine wines, you can’t go wrong here. The hotel also modestly offers five restaurants and bars each with an innovative approach to cuisine. Combined with atmospheric interiors and a nonchalant environment, a meal out in Jebel Dhanna Resort is a true escape from the pretentious inner city restaurants.

The next morning I was awake early and as predicted the sea was glassy and calm. The time had finally come to give wakeboarding a real go and it would be a lot easier with the cool morning conditions. Tara had the first go and gave an excellent demonstration on how a mono-ski works and then a wakeboard. Going out the evening before paid huge dividends for me as I’d got over the ‘getting up’ hurdle and was able to enjoy the feeling of the board on a smooth surface. I even managed my first ‘air’ but I don’t have a poker face and the expressions I made in the picture tell the full story!

After a quick shower we grabbed breakfast at the buffet and looked through some more photos laughing at how we were both terrible models for this kind of thing! But all in all it really showed we were having fun. I had a thoroughly brilliant weekend, and it was great to explore out west and learn something new, the hotel offered a very comfortable stay, plenty to do and staff that helped make our trip fun and memorable. It was cool that both of us got to play a new game too. I’ll have to plan another trip up there soon as wakeboarding once is definitely not enough!

Planning your next trip?

The Hotel also offers an excellent base to visit Sir Bani Yas Island, the largest natural island in the UAE and an important wildlife reserve home to thousands of large freeroaming animals and several million trees and plants. Just make sure you book this trip in advance as the hotel will need time to organize this. For more information contact: Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort Telephone: +971 2409 9892 www.danathotels.com

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

OVERBOARD WATERPROOF CAMERA CASE 150AED Available at: Go Sport Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre This OverBoard Waterproof Camera Case can be used with cameras that have an external zoom lens since there is an extended lens port. The “Slide Seal System” seals your compact point & shoot camera inside the case so you can use it at the beach, while swimming, kayaking, skiing, fishing, sailing, snorkeling or diving to 19’ (6m). The case will also keep out dust, sand and dirt. This is a PVC vinyl case that allows access to all controls, and the LENZFLEX port enables you to shoot clear photos. The housing meets Class 5 requirements for underwater usage and will float with most cameras.

IGNITION KITEBOARD TRAINER KITE 665AED Available at: www.airwaterearth.net, Adventure HQ, Beach St., Surf Dubai. The ultimate trainer to enter the sport of kiting safely whatever your age. The unique 3-Line Safety System with Safety Leash guarantees safe, easy re-launch and gives you the ability to land the trainer kite by yourself. The IGNITION Kiteboard Trainer Kite is the ultimate kite to enter the sport of kiting safely. It is available in 1.6m, 2m, 2.5m and 3m sizes. Designed to bring out the kiter within everyone, the IGNITION trainer kite is responsive, smooth and stable with enough power to ensure you’ll be ready to progress safely and with ease. Features: Simple to set up and fly, with lines pre-attached, Performs in a wide range of wind conditions, No previous kite experience required, Sizes to suit all ages and land kiting activities, Light weight and compact for easy travel, Exceptional quality at an unbeatable price, Ozone warranty and satisfaction guaranteed.

SHIMANO SUSTAIN FG FISHING REEL 1,950AED Available at: Ocean Active Dubai Gardens Centre, Dubai Shimano Sustain FG Series fishing reels are now Incorporating features such as SR Concept, Aerowrap oscillation, ARC spool design, Machined Aluminium handles, the famous CI4 material being used in the rotors with 7 ARB bearings and 1 roller bearing. It is sure to please avid Shimano fishing reel fans. The X-Ship double bearing supported pinion gear is designed to increase gearing efficiency and power and provide ultra-light handle rotation. With Propulsion Line Management System, Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement, cold-forged aluminium drive gear, SR Concept, Aerowrap II, Dyna-Balance and Super Stopper II you have 20% more cranking power which will redefine theway you fish.

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MANAWA 10’ PADDLEBOARD 5,500AED Available at: http://kitesurfinguae.com The 10’ x 32” (Bamboo deck) is for riders over 80kg looking for an easy and fun board, ideal for the first surfs or for cruising. It is particularly effective during takeoff and as a result you can catch a maximum of waves, even without being a paddle expert Its ratio length/width makes it a fun and forgiving board to play with for its size. Its moderate thickness allows to keep it under control as soon as you gain speed but also to pass white water easily. It can be shared by the whole family

SPECIAL OFFER REDUCED FROM 1,050AED

YAMAHA WAVERUNNERTUBE 899AED Available at: Al Yousuf Motors Showrooms: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah - Call: 055 7066535 Designed to look like famous Yamaha WaveRunner, this is exhilarating to ride and will certainly get heads turning. 5 air chambers, Two molded handles at the front, two molded handles at the back, Two drain floors, Foot wells, Boston valve for quick inflation and deflation, Size: 214cm x 142cm/85” x 56”, Rider capacity: 2 persons

BMC CROSS STREAMER XS01 5,495AED Available at: Adventure HQ in Times Square Center A sporty, highly versatile cross bike, built to precision Swiss standards. The components selected to reflect its use, such as easily operated suspension forks that can be adjusted to match the rider’s weight, disk brakes with precision brake applications and dependable stability, and high-traction tires, are the distinguishing features of the cross streamer, with its wide range of uses. This all round bike offers exceptional performance across a wide range of terrain, from Casual Street rides to mild off road jaunts on hard pack trails.

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PRODUCTS BAANS TECH QUARTER ZIP TOP 215AED Available at: Adventure HQ, Times Square Centre Shimano Sustain FG Series fishing reels are now IncorporatLong sleeves, in the Summer? Don’t think insulation, think sun protection. The Baans Tech top is designed to keep wearers adequately protected from ultra violet rays when working hard outside. The ultra-light, stretch fabric has bamboo charcoal embedded in its fibres to disperse sweat fast and naturally shun the microbial growth that can cause odours. The deep quarter zip enhances breathability and helps maintain a low body temperature when sweating hard. Available in men’s and women’s mode.

any day On the water is a gOOd day . . . we make it better

money38 shot ARCADe OUTDOORUAE

momentum

hAze

Dedicated Freestyle Focused Wakestyle Performance Freeride All-around Freeride

Ocean spOrts fze +971 (0) 55 935 2735 [email protected] • kitesurfsup.com > Facebook.com/Naishkiteboarding

Photos: T.Kraft Leboe, S.Whitesell

®

S...

ENT MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST PRESOUTDOOR THE FIRST

ADVANCED OFF-ROADING GUIDE BOOK 18 ADVANCED ROUTES FOR THE UAE AND OMAN

OFF ROAD DETAILED MAPS AND DESCRIPTIONS INCLUDING WAYPOINT ADTABLES FREE CD WITH .GPS FILES FOR USE ON YOUR COMPUTER OR GPS DEVICE

BE SURE TO VISIT WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM TO ORDER YOUR COPY WITH FREE SHIPPING OR CHECK OUT ADVENTURE HQ, GO SPORT, OTHER RETAIL STORES, SELECTED OFF ROADING/4X4 SPECIALIST WORKSHOPS, IN ADDITION TO ALL MAJOR BOOKSTORES.

OUTDOORUAE

39

OUR EXPERTS THE FISHING KIT

Where Fishing & Art Collide Fly tying

Kit

Our fishing pro who shares his experiences and expertise with OutdoorUAE through his regular column, ‘The Fishing Kit’.

“Music House” was the name of this old, used bookstore I frequently visited in Cebu City. While doing my usual browsing one afternoon, I noticed a few fishing magazines that seemed out of place in a shop filled with mostly old novels and other worn out books. On the cover of this one particular magazine, there was a picture of a prawn, only it wasn’t a real one. It was some sort of hairy thing, yet there it was, hanging from the side of the mouth of a big fish; it was quite an odd sight! Needless to say, it did capture the attention of this 13-year-old kid; who happily went to the lady behind the counter, gave his 10 pesos in exchange for a couple of those old magazines. Unbeknownst to him, those two magazines he brought home that afternoon would be the start of a life long journey. Tying flies isn’t rocket science. It’s magic. A clump of animal hair, a couple of feathers, a few strands of sparkly stuff and a few winds of thread will catch you a fish. Although this is totally alien to a lot of anglers the world over, this time honoured tradition of fur-and-fluff wound on a hook, is arguably, the oldest lure fishing method this world has ever seen, yet remains one of the most technical and the most challenging (and expensive) form of fishing. Fly fishing isn’t simple. From the rod, reel, line, leader and finally the

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fly, each and every single part of the whole system need to work together – perfectly. There are schools dotting the world for this sort of thing and each year, the number of people that get into fly fishing is increasing. In fly fishing, you have two choices for stocking your fly box. You either buy them or you tie them yourself. I tie my own flies because I like the activity, it relaxes me and I like experimenting with each pattern until I find one that suits my needs.

What you need

To tie your own flies, you will need a few things:

Fly tying vise

The fly tying vise is a special type of vise that holds your hook. These vises range from 10 USD for an “AA” vise to a few thousand dollars for an Ekich Damasteel custom. It has one single purpose; to hold your hook firmly in place while you tie your fly. There are a few types around, but I found the one kind that suits me the most, the one that’s called a “rotary” vise. This vise allows the hook to turn so you can flip the hook upside down when you tie or dress the hook. A fly tying vise is a convenient way to hold the hook in place while you tie a fly

Applying epoxy to the head of the fly makes it last a long time, especially if you are fishing for toothy fish

Bobbin holder

A bobbin holder holds the bobbin, or the spool of thread. The simple ones cost anywhere from 4 USD to the 100 USD “automatic” bobbin. The bobbin acts like a handle of sorts so it would be easier for you to wind the thread and bind the materials to the hook.

Scissors

Materials used for dressing or tying a fly requires you to cut or in some cases, shape them. I have a few pairs to do specific jobs, from cutting material to doing detail work. Finepoint scissors are used for close in work, while bigger ones are used to cut off pieces of fur from the hide.

Other tools

Two other tools I use are a bodkin and sometimes, a whip finisher. The whip finisher is used to make the whip knot, a knot that hides the tag end of the thread so it won’t unravel. The bodkin is used much like a needle, from applying nail polish to the heads to glue the thread in, to

separating the materials to give way to the hook point. And in some models, the handle doubles as a half-hitch tool, another knot used to finish the head of the fly.

nothing is more satisfying than that. I am not an expert in tying flies, what I do know is that, what I tie has caught me some nice fish Craft fur is one of my favorite materials because of it’s numerous uses.

flies such as the surf candy above and the clouser minnow below are two flies that I Flies can me made to look like anything edible to fish, this fly - the Surf Candy, is made to immitate a young eel

Synthetic materials such as the one used here make for a very durable fly

Materials

Materials can be classified as either natural or synthetic. Natural materials can be anything from fur, feathers or hair from animals. Synthetic materials are strands from manmade fabrics like nylon, fake fur, tinsel and other man-made materials. A whip finisher (top) is used to make nice taperd heads while the bodkin is probably one of the most useful tools you could ever have in your fly tying kit

Pearl ribbon strips such as these are great for making tails and bodies

don’t leave home without. They are some of the most versatile flies that can be tied to mimic baby eels or small fish. Just trim the tails to suit your needs.

22 years later…

Putting it all together

The most exciting part of the whole thing, of course, is putting it all together. This is entirely up to your creativity. However, there are already proven patterns that work, instructions of these patterns are all over the internet. While working with these materials, your creativity will dictate your masterpiece, or your latest abortion. It takes practice to perfect the flies you tie and it will take even more time and patience to be consistent and tie “clones” of each fly; the result however is something you will carry with you for the rest of your life – the flies you tie will fool fish,

over the past few years and I enjoy everything; from tying them to fishing with them. Here are some flies I tied for the summer’s fishing:Baitfish patterns such as the ones above are queenfish killers. Multi-purpose Combining both synthetic and natural materials is a good way to get the action of natural materials and the durability of synthetics

The old man was watching intently while I tied a few strands of DNA fly tying material on the hook, explaining how to fold the material to create the tail. I stacked more of the synthetic material to form the body, folded it back and repeated the process to form the belly, I repeated the steps with shorter strands of the material and finally, put in a different colour on top of the hook, folded the material to create the darker colour for the back, pausing to check and see if the video camera is focused on the fly that’s slowly taking shape on the vise. “Papa Bepe”, when you are at this step, make sure you comb the material back so they blend with each other, I stated. Papa Bepe nodded. I comb the material back, put on a pair of sticker eyes on each side just at the back of the hook eye, then mixed some epoxy to finish the head taking care not to create air bubbles, and then proceeded in covering the thread wraps and the eyes gingerly with the glop. Slowly turning the fly to keep the epoxy from dripping, I explained to him why I was doing it. Once the epoxy was set, I showed him the finished fly. A look of bewilderment stretched across his face, and then a smile and he said just one word in amazement – MAGIC! Till next tide change,

Bucktail is one of the easiest materials to work with and is a staple in fly tying

Kit. Email me: [email protected]

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OUR EXPERTS

Moonlanding in the Dunes Words & Photos: Ian Ganderton

Every now and then, something comes along that changes everything and gives you a whole new outlook on the world around you. That’s what happened when I had a go on Andy Whitaker’s new ‘Fat Bike’. I’m always keen to have a look at something a bit different and enthusiastically accepted Andy’s invitation to come round and have a go. I was cynical though, I mean, come on, nothing is going to work properly in the desert, is it not? You only have to look at how much power it takes for a 4x4 vehicle to move around on the sand, as two legs and one drive-wheel push bike with heavy wheels and tyres might be able to move, but of course it’s going to kill you doing so. Well as it turns out; I had the same reaction that everyone else has had who I’ve seen try one of these bikes: childlike disbelieving laughter at the incredible sensation of easily cycling on the desert sand. Everyone immediately ‘gets it’ and is excited by how much their cycling world changes on the spot, all of a sudden here in the middle east your cycling environment expands to impossible proportions. So what is a fat bike? Well as the name says it’s a bicycle with fat tyres on it. Tyre width on a normal mountain bike typically maxes out at around 2.5 inches with rims about 25mm wide. Fat bike tyres start at around 3 inches with rims starting around 50mm. There are several problems with fitting big

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tyres on a bike. First is having enough clearance (space) for the big tyres in the frame, second is preventing the chain rubbing on the side of the tyre. Fat bikes originated in the snowy parts of the US and folks sought for ways to continue using their bikes year round. Initial prototypes saw up to 3 rims welded together and fat ‘frankentyres’ made by sewing several into one creating the first monsters. Surly were the first, in 2006, to produce a production Fat Bike along with purpose made tyres and rims. The Pugsley has become an iconic bike. They used some clever ideas to adapt ‘normal’ components to the engineering required to make a fat bike function well. Using rear hubs for front wheels allowed the 135mm instead of 100mm spacing required to get the tires in and out. Offsetting both the rear chainstays and front fork allowed the required chain-line and interchangeable front and rear wheels. They developed some 3.5 to 4 inch tyres and rims

from 50mm to 82mm wide, these combined with a steel frame built to last, (covered in all the various braze on’s required for racks, bottle cages and mud guards), and one of the most useful bikes ever to have existed was available to all. The Pugsley has allowed people to discover just how versatile fat bikes can be. Firstly, they can go where other bikes just sink and find grip in places that conventional bikes can’t; in sand and snow, they work brilliantly. But it’s not just there; people are now discovering just how well they work in more conventional mountain bike environments.

The big fat tyres make the ride comfortable both with the simple, reliable and service free suspension provided by the beefy tyres and also with the wide circumference rolling over things better (same as a 29er compared to a 26 inch wheel). The internet is full of photos of fat bikes tearing up the single track as well as expedition stories to the far flung corners of the globe. I’m psyched to try all these things too, and have a head overflowing with fat bike plans and enthusiasm, and so far my new Moonlander has been allowing me to explore the desert in a way I am completely staggered by. My Moonlander is an evolution of the Surly Pugsey, similar geometry and concept but FATTER. With 100mm rims and 4.7 Big Fat Larry tyres, people smile when they see it. On the sand I can run very low pressures in the region of 5psi. Compare this to a very low pressure on a conventionally-tyred

mountain bike at 22psi, my normal is around 30psi (still quite low) and many people running 45 psi and above to prevent pinch flats. My fat bike tyres max out for the road at 15 psi. With these low pressures, the tyre gets a nice wide footprint creating what the fat bike community calls ‘float.’ What this means is that on the sand, the bike rides completely normal, in a way that has folks who try it laughing with surprise and glee at the sensation. I know you won’t believe me; no one does till they have a go. Hell, I was as cynical as everyone I’ve spoken to but immediately converted and then quickly moved to being evangelical, and this is the pattern for everyone who has tried mine so far. My initial forays onto the sand have included exploring either side of the road out to Bab Al Shams (the 63 outside of the Outer Ring Road), the area where Kevin recently organized the Desert Adventure Challenge

around Hill 59 including ascending Hill 59 itself and, Damian and myself also visited the Liwa dunes for the first time on the bikes. The experience has been a bit mindblowing. To suddenly have my world of cycling opportunities expand with a loud POP has brought with it lots to learn. This, combined with finding myself riding my bike out in the open desert miles from anywhere and travelling under my own steam, is completely inspiring. On a bike, my experience has been unfiltered. There is no tint on the windows, no false air-conditioning climate on my skin, no cage barrier to the sounds around me and I move efficiently and relatively silent through the dunes disturbing nothing. This means that I really experience the environment and everything in it. I feel the heat but also the cooling breeze, I hear the silence where the sound of my breathing and heartbeat can sound loud, I see sandfish lizards scurry away before burying themselves right in front of me or gazelles gaze in my direction slightly surprised before trotting unhurriedly away. The guys at the camel farms stop and stare. I’m not quite sure what they make of this bike passing through, (do they think I’m bonkers or sensible?) I have no idea, but they do like to have a chat, I guess there isn’t a lot going on out there most of the time! The areas outside of Dubai and around the base of Hill 59 are actually pretty easy cycling with small rolling dunes providing plenty of entertainment. As long as the sand is undisturbed and has been allowed to settle, the bike rolls easily over them. The indication of this sand is that it is rippled by the action of the wind. The slip faces are very soft and can be ridden but only straight down. The Liwa dunes were tough for a variety of reasons. First off they are HUGE, so climbs were long and steep. Secondly, they are very complex, making route finding challenging. This combination of steep, big complex dunes also seemed to make for softer sand. Now what this means is not that the bikes don’t work in this extreme an environment, far from it; what it means is that cyclists need to learn how to ride in it. I need to learn to route find through complex ‘sandscapes,’ to develop instincts for possible lines, to learn to read sand. There is sand that you can ride on easily and there is sand that you can’t and they can be right next to each other. I bet the Bedouin have lots of names for sand in the same way the Eskimos do for snow. My plans are big. I have some multi-day epics that I fancy attempting; I haven’t been to the costal dunes yet between Ajman and RAK. Driving past these on the 311, they look like a fantastic playground. The wild coast beaches of Oman between Ras al Had and Masirah also will be wild to explore during my Joe’s Point surf trips this summer. Hmmmmmm, I’m inspired to see if I can work out a way to go snow biking too. Plans plans plans. In just one bike ride my world changed, I find that such an inspiring thing.

Ian. OUTDOORUAE

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ADVENTURE CHICK

discovers another wonderfully worthy cause in Nepal

I am currently putting digit to keyboard at Hamro Gaun, an ‘ab fab’ eco village in the Kathmandu Valley. And despite being no stranger to Nepal, having come multiple times to climb mountains, run races or ‘do my bit’ for various causes, it’s my first time here at this project and I can safely say it won’t be my last. Hamro Gaun is an eco-village built in 2004 by SVN (Stichting Veldverk The Netherlands), a Dutch-funded NGO dedicated to improving the situation of marginalised Nepali women and children. There’s an orphanage housing 45 children between the ages of seven and 16, all either bona fide orphans or kids rescued from emergency situations and a day care centre offering learning and play to dozens more children between two and six years old. In addition, a vocational training centre provides training workshops for marginalised women on starting a small business, marketing, sewing and so on. The eco initiatives are incredible; a hydroelectric power system, solar water heating, solar cooking, sewerage processing, rainwater harvesting, water purifying and an organic kitchen garden. All in all, it’s an awesome setup and I think one that many other similar projects could learn from. Social and environmental sustainability remains at the heart of all they do. I’m here with my big brother Roy and so far, we’ve been spending our days helping to prepare the kid’s dorms for the inevitable earthquake that, at some point, will shake Kathmandu and the surrounding areas to its very core and cause devastation in its wake. The city has been earmarked as one of the most vulnerable in the world with an overdue earthquake predicted to kill tens of thousands. Re-enforcing the bunk beds, for example, with steel aluminium strips drilled deep into the walls will (we hope) ensure they don’t topple over. In between, we eat lots of dhal bhat (rice and lentils), drink gallons of sweet coffee and play with the gorgeous children. This afternoon, the cutest little girls gave me such an intricate hairstyle, I fear I’ll never get the knots out! If I were able, I’d be adopting half of them myself. Needless to say, I’m also finding time for some fantastic trail runs each day. The countryside is lush; green mountains and rice paddies littered by little shop houses, blue tin roofs and laughing children. With fabulous mountains in every direction, there can be no better place to get some hill training. In a few weeks time, I’ll be running the Ice Trail in the French Alps and when my lungs are screaming and my legs fatiguing, I shall think of here and recapture the smiles of the village kids to keep me going. As expats in the UAE, it can become all too easy to get caught up in our decadent days and lavish lifestyles., and whilst there are, of course, an abundance of great causes to support within the UAE, Nepal is a coun-

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try that sits geographically so close yet financially, commercially and politically, a million miles away. Much of the country earns little more than 1 USD a day yet I can honestly say some of my most cherished memories stem from the bonds I have forged there. So next time you’re thinking about jetting off on Fly Dubai for a trek to Everest Base Camp or some other adrenaline-fuelled adventure, think about whether you can spare some extra time to get beyond the tourist trail. The rewards to be had from helping others exceed those of any other activity, but don’t just take my word for it. A stint volunteering in Nepal should place highly on everyone’s Bucket List.

Love Tori x

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OUR EXPERTS

HOT

ROCK Words: Mike Nott

Photos: Albert Mahesh

Driving on the dunes in the height of the UAE Summer is not for the lily-livered, and offroaders tend to organise very early morning or very late afternoon start times in order to avoid the debilitating heat. Having to dig your and others’ stuck cars out of the dunes in temperatures above 45° is not many peoples’ idea of a good day out. So, what to do if you’re feeling the need to get out in your 4x4 and want to spend a day in a challenging but not wholly tiresome environment? The answer has, for me, been to head for the hills and to reach the cooler altitudes that the mountain tracks can take you to. However, sometimes these laudable aims fail to materialise and you wished you’d headed for the dunes and the possibility of a cooling breeze to blow over the sands.

Mike

is an avid adventurer. He is also the expert behind the ME4x4 supplements that we have shared with you over the year. We will also be bringing you his ‘opus’, if you will, in the form of a book entitled ‘Advanced Off-Road Adventure Routes for the UAE and Oman’. Available now at www.outdooruae. com and Adventure HQ, Times Square Mall, Dubai.

>>

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I took a group of friends to explore some wadi and mountain tracks in the area to the west of the Al Aqah Resort on the east coast of the UAE in the middle of July. It was hot, but I knew that the wadi and mountain tracks would take us high into the hills towards Jebel Dad. Having done my research on Google Earth and plotted my route in detail, I was hoping for a moderately challenging day out, but it proved to be more challenging than we had anticipated. The initial part of the route was following a series of wadi and ridgeline tracks amongst some stunning mountain scenery. Passing an old abandoned mud hut village was one of many treats en route. We arrived at a particularly steep zig-zag ascent and were rewarded at the top by entering a whole new series of wadi and mountain tracks from a higher plateau. There was evidence of a fair bit of quarrying that had been left derelict, and we explored

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some rather deep excavations and enlarged caves. This was just the sort of thing we were looking for. The track continued upwards, but as we rounded a corner, we were confronted with an impassable chasm. The whole of the track

Rough going

had been washed out to a depth of about 4 metres and a width of at least 50 metres. There was no way we could continue to the summit of the hill we were climbing. It was too precipitous to try and descend into the chasm and definitely too steep to try and climb out. So, we turned

Deep gravel ahead

Road washed out

around and headed to a very meandering wadi that linked up with another larger wadi that led back to our start point. The distance through this linking wadi was about 4.5km to the larger wadi at its end, which I’d identified from Google Earth had a track in it that would lead us back to Al Aqah. It was now that the challenges really started. As I led off down the wadi, it was evident that this wadi line had not been driven before, ever. The tell-tale signs of vague track lines in the wadi bed and smoothed rocks worn by the passage of tyres, or even the presence of the occasional black mark on a rock from a tyre scuff were not present. This was going to be interesting. The initial driving was relatively straightforward; avoiding the biggest rocks, picking my way carefully around boulders and through gaps but then the technicalities began to increase. I started to cover smaller and smaller distances as I drove, before I would have to get out of the car and walk forward to check the viability of the way ahead. Drops offs, boulder fields and rocky ledges all presented themselves as we progressed down this serpentine

Tricky descents

Torturous wadi

wadi, and the need to stop and move rocks or dig gravel became more and more of a necessity. Of course, with it now being the middle of the day, and with not a breath of wind to cool us and the relentless sun beating down, it all started to become something of trial by rock and heat to make any progress. We hit a large boulder field with a long stretch of deep gravel beyond and this required a fair bit of digging, moving boulders, identifying non-damaging lines to drive and the use of crowbars. None of us was immune to the heat and our shirts were so soaked in sweat it appeared as if we’d been swimming fully clothed. The technicalities increased. We came to a point where the wadi floor was impassable but there was a narrow rocky ledge to the left, which was just wide enough for us to pass, with careful spotting and direction from a guide. I scouted on ahead, taking great care not to damage the underside of the car and came to a severe drop off from a ledge to the wadi floor. I peered over the edge to take a look from the driver’s seat but then the edge of the ledge started to collapse under me so my only option was to turn quickly down the slope and poke the accelerator pedal to try and bring me onto the fall line. This I managed, but a couple of large boulders smacked the underside of the car as it came to rest in the wadi bottom. I got out to check the damage but fortunately the side boards had taken most of the impact and the chassis bracing had taken a bit of a smack too. Luckily the transmission, transfer case, differentials and prop shafts were

The final obstacle

unscathed. I now needed to warn the rest of the group and find a better way down. It took us quite a bit of time to negotiate this ledge but the rest of the group, with careful guidance, managed it without a hiccup. Not all our problems were behind us though as the wadi carried on twisting and turning. We knew that if we came to an impassable blockage, we would be faced with the depressing prospect of having to turn round and retrace our steps. We were getting a little anxious to finish this part of the trip and reach the main wadi junction. Scouting on foot and careful driving enabled us to make steady progress and the constant need to make a viable way through the rocks meant a fair amount of moving boulders by hand; it’s tough work. Finally, we came to our last major obstacle; a long and intricate boulder field that meant very slow and judicious progress and a permanent guide to lead the way through for each car. This was tortuous and I feared there would be an obstacle, too large to pass, ahead of us but by now I could see the junction with the main wadi and we all felt a little elated that we may actually make it through. In front of me was the last obstacle, a series of large square boulders in the bed of the wadi with a gap with that had enough room to get a car through with the wing mirrors folded inwards. We needed to move some rocks and build a series of ramps to get to this gap and negotiate through it successfully. With a couple of scrapes here and there, we squeezed through and popped out into the main wadi, much relieved. The 4.5km had taken us 3.5 hours, which worked out at an average of 1.3km an hour. Despite the rigours of this route, we had come through successfully and were pretty pleased with ourselves but were suffering from the effects of the heat. The cars had managed it without any mechanical problems and we enjoyed the cooling breeze as we drove out along the main wadi track. I’m hoping that some of you are now eager to repeat this trip and are asking yourselves where this route is and what other challenges are there in this area. The answer to that is easy; it’s Route 11 in the guidebook.

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PEOPLE

Mark Jayson Remot Name: Mark Jayson Remot Nationality: Filipino What is your passion and how did you get into it? When I ride a longboard, time passes by and I don’t even notice it. For me, longboarding is a connection with my inner self, a peaceful one, in which I stop thinking about the mad world around us. I love to see the people having fun on a longboard teaching each other, pulling off some new tricks and the most important – when they get stoked. How and where do you usually practice it? I usually do it in the parking lot of my apartment; throw some slides, hit it from the ground floor all the way down to the end. Sometimes, we get together and go to Mushrif Park or Jumeirah Open Beach to practice our slide and tricks then if we want some speed some of us go to Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain to hit the mountain and run 50 to 80kph with full leather, gloves, full face helmet and our longboards. That is intense.Why did you come to the UAE? I came here to the UAE for work and to earn some cash for my family. It’s a good thing I got hooked up with longboarding to relax and enjoy my time after along day of work. It helps me release my stress and keep me physically fit. Actually, I use my board going to work every day from JLT Metro Station going to JBR The Walk. Imagine if I had to walk, it would take me 20 mins. Getting to the shop, but on my longboard it only takes 7mins. How did you get hooked with the sport? I started skimboarding, it’s a watersport that you need to run to the shore and drop then ride your skimboard, then you hit and ride the waves and surf it all the way back on the shore. The thing is, when summer comes, it’s to hot to do it and there are fewer waves to skim. So when I got back home (Philippines), my friend hooked me up with some longboarding and we started to ‘shred’ some hills just for fun. When I got back here, I brought my longboard with me and shared it with some of my friends. How is longboarding different from skateboarding? It’s in the discipline. You can clearly define the common tricks on a streetboard, as they’re all very similar in design. This is shown in the widely different designs of longboards, and simply, the difference lies in the ultimate goal of the board. Streetboards are intended for the thrashing-style tricks we so often see, with little focus on the ride itself. Longboards are designed for the fun of the ride, just soulful cruising, transportation, and the like. Think about it; whether it’s down hill racing, technical sliding or just fun carving, it’s all about the ride. What would you recommend to our readers if they wanted to get into what you do? If

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Photo: Abdel Elecho

you want to do longboarding, make sure that you have the right equipment: helmets, pads, gloves and boards. You can get a longboard in Beach St. opposite the Sheraton Hotel JBR. Oh yeah one more thing – ride the board not to show off. Just keep it down low, enjoy the vibe, and feel the free energy that the board gives you every time you push. Keep it rolling guys, and get the SPARKS on.

PEOPLE

Gary Edwards Name: Gary Edwards Nationality: UK What’s your passion and how long have you been in to it? My passions are mountaineering and rock climbing, I’m a person who needs a good challenge in life mentally and physically and both of these are exactly that. My mountaineering experience is most, if not all mountain and weather conditions in the UK; having over 18-19 years mountaineering experience in this environment, I also have experience in the French and Swiss Alps, Oman, UAE and most recently Peru in South America. My usual training routine here in the UAE / Middle East is Jebel Rawdah Massif, Jebel Shams and I love the Omani mountains which are a fantastic training ground for any mountaineer. My climbing experience is also 18-19 years of experience mainly in the South of the UK mainly sea cliff climbing, also within the mountain areas of the UK such as Snowdonia where the UK national training centre is located. I have recently started climbing now in the UAE in Ras al Khaimah on multi-pitch climbs as well as the Wafi Climbing Centre and I am presently looking at more areas across the country and the Middle East, which I want to visit and try out. How did you get hooked on mountaineering and climbing? I started as a scout at the age of 13 and by going to indoor climbing centres and trekking / hiking hills, this then progressed quickly onto outdoor climbing and walking in the mountains once I had experience. This then progressed further to completing several smaller mountains and climbing leadership courses within the Scouts charity, where I was able to gain a lot more experience helping others for many years. Eventually, I joined several mountaineering clubs and climbing centres in the UK including the British Mountaineering Club, these gave me more contacts and ability to learn more. I then completed my Mountain Leader UK and Single Pitch Award (Training) for which I was sponsored within scouts. What was your most recent adventure? My most recent adventure was in South America for an expedition with my friend Jeremy in Peru to climb three mountains, these were Ishinka (5,534 m), Tocllaraju (6,032 m) and Huascaran Sur (6,746 m) (heights taken from summit post), as with all expeditions, plans change and quickly it became clear that the only mountain among these that we could summit was Ishinka. Both Jeremy and myself have a lot of mountaineering experience and are very stubborn to change, so every possible chance was given to stay with the plan but eventually this was altered due to weather and mountain conditions. We saw repeated avalanches every day, severe rain

in the afternoons for the first three days and our concerns were justified after speaking to several people who failed to summit. What’s the most memorable part of your last adventure? The best part of the expedition would have to be my first summit of not only a 6,000+ m mountain but also such a respectably difficult and lengthy summit as Tocllaraju is, because you know you worked for it when it takes you three attempts to climb the last few metres as you’re exhausted and you finally make it as we both

did. One of the best feelings of success and achievement I have ever experienced in my life! What would you recommend to our readers if they wanted to get into what you do? The best way to get into climbing and mountaineering is to join your local climbing walls and clubs and develop this slowly, build your experience with qualified persons before attempting anything similar on your own. Get to know the mountain area you are going to, or the climbing area with others first.

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SPOTS & LOCATIONS This month’s Location was stumbled across by accident on a dive trip to Dibba. Situated just below Al Bidiya Mosque and at the foot of the Hajjar Mountains, the Scuba 2000 Dive Centre is surrounded by some spectacular scenery on the edge of one of the oldest Arabic fishing villages in the region. You find yourself walking along the rocky sand and pebble beaches, as abandoned mud huts and palm tree plantations pepper the landscape, the place is very rustic and perfect for a long weekend away from the packed hotels or busy cities. At just a mere 200 AED per night you can stay in one of the dive centre’s three guesthouse-style double bedrooms, whilst soaking up the Indian Ocean breeze and relaxing in courtyard.

GPS Coordinates North 25 degrees 26.436 East 56 degrees 21.527

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Take me with you! Hi there Outdoor UAE fans! From July onwards and for the next two months, we will be running a competition to take our Magazine to the most exotic places in the world. Atte’s photo shown here is from Denali – the highest mountain in North America - the first great shot we received. The second is of our junior editor Angelo, underwater and Anita in the sea! We hope that this gives you some inspiration and we hope to receive much more from you guys for the next issue! Submit your entries to: [email protected] for a chance to win an awesome prize from Outdoor UAE. We are looking for the person who will bring our magazine to the most fantastic, adventurous or exotic outdoor location ever! The Travel Issue

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Issue 19, July 2012

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51

TIPS + TRICKS

Kite Surfing

Pt.2

for Beginners

The summer temperatures have been creeping up and with the wind becoming less constant; I have had to get to the beach whenever the winds are up. I have heard stories about kite surfers carrying hand-held wind meters in their cars and keeping one eye on websites like windsofdubai.com while they are in the office in order to know instantly when the winds are up above 15 knots – now I know why!

Words: Ryan Trutch

Thankfully, the lessons are moving into the water from now on so we would be getting some respite from the 45 degrees!

Session 2 – So we are in the water, and I have all the gear on and the kite in the air. For starters Craig shows all the maneuvers as we did in session 1 but in the water, which includes body dragging, an essential technique needed if you lose the board! You will need this as a beginner and will use this maneuver to zigzag and recover the board or return to the beach, which is reassuring because I’m going to lose the board at some point! We also went through exercises to relaunch the kite from the water because again this is going to happen. There were several different techniques to use depending on how the kite was sitting on the water. I won’t go into detail on each one, but I will say that each requires puppeteer-like skills to feather the lines in order to right the kite and get it airborne again. This seemed somewhat of a tedious task at first but after an hour or so, it does get easier as you learn to understand what lines to pull and when. It’s not the easiest thing to do while bobbing around in the water, but its not impossible and you will just need to practice. Session 3 – It’s the weekend and the wind is gusting above 20 knots, so I know that this is lesson-3 time and a quick call to Craig fixes up my third lesson. This time we have a location change; an area to the southeast of Dubai Offshore Sailing Club where there are some protected coves providing to flat water areas to try to get up on the board for the first time. This beach and kite surfing beach are the only places where the authorities allow kite surfing in Dubai. Upon arrival, 52

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I’m blown away by how many kite surfers are out on the water and chilling on the beach, there must be at least 50 kites around and it’s looking very busy on the water. How on earth am I going to avoid getting into a tangle?! After some reassurance from Craig and some basic rights of way instructions, he leaves me feeling a bit more confident about getting on the water with all these people who seem to be more than capable of tearing around me at speed. Now with board in one hand, kite in the other and me bobbing up and down in the water, it’s time to attempt this for real. Craig runs me through the juggling act of holding the kite at 12 o’clock with one hand and then gingerly trying to get my feet in the foot straps while holding the board in the center.

We are going left foot first this time, but this is something you have to be ambidextrous at. Left foot first is not my strong leading leg so I feel a bit out of sorts. As soon as I dive the kite into the power to pull myself up onto the board, I am whipped out of the foot straps and thrown in the water; okay,

gear, I’m compelled to buy it from him. Getting the right gear that you need as a beginner is essential or you’re going to get hurt or frustrated. Sure, there is used gear on websites in Dubai too, but I just feel a whole lot more confident in buying something that has not been repeatedly crashed and could well have seen its day. It may be hot at the moment but I have endured and can now kite surf alone! It’s the best water sport I have ever tried and for sure I will need a bit more practice before I will be flying through the air like I have seen some people do. But all in all, it was much less hassle than I had anticipated. I urge those of you who have not tried or are tempted to get involved, you will love it!

For Lessons and Naish kite gear contact Craig Traynor 055 4498246

that was just a bit more power than I was used to from session 1 and 2. After composing myself again, I gave it another go and slowly but surely I was getting closer and closer to actually standing on the board. There is a lot of trial and error at this point, not to mention leaving the board behind a few times, but with the body dragging already under my belt, I can retrieve the board and return to the beach when I need to. By the end of this session I’m pretty exhausted, but manage to get up and out of the water for about 20 meters. Again, Craig reassures me that I have made good progress and just one more lesson is scheduled.

Session 4 – We are back on Kite Beach and it’s not busy today, so I don’t have to worry too much about getting into a tangle and I can concentrate on getting this done. There was a reasonable wind around 17 knots and 1 ft waves. Once out in the water

and holding onto the kite and board, the waves didn’t seem to affect me much and before I know it, I am up on the board, if only at first for a few meters each time. The trick is to maintain power in the kite to keep me up and going forward and it’s just a case of feel and practice! After an hour I have got it sorted; “Yeah!” I manage several runs of around 100 to 150 meters in both directions with the wind. At first it will be a bit tricky to get back to where you started due to the wind, but I’m assured this will get easier with practice and I’m just happy to be flying along the top of the water. It’s a great feeling to have got to this level so quickly but I have to thank Craig for the great tuition and patience. It’s an even better buzz than I thought it would be! I guess it’s time to think about spending some money on gear now and part with some cash! As I mentioned there are several outlets that sell gear, but you have to know what you need. As Craig also sells Naish

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53

Final Thought

Farewell Toby!

In refererence to the previous article “5 things I will miss” written by Toby in the Outdoor UAE June edition. Many people have made contributions to the development of climbing in the UAE.  Some contributions have been acts of legendary stupidity that are now part of UAE climbing folklore, others through exploration and the hard graft, which have involved new route development.  A few have contributed beyond the “front line” out on the crags through digital contribution to forums and blogs.  A very small number have made significant contributions across the spectrum of development of UAE rock climbing, albeit with few mentions in the acts of stupidity; one of these people is undoubtedly Toby Foord-Kelcey, (who unfortunately departs the sandpit for cooler climates this month). We will regret to see Toby leaving the UAE. With his great passion and dedication for rock climbing, he has been a great inspiration to many climbers. He has many first accents in his name in the UAE and Oman, although not publically recorded, and has opened up new climbing areas such as Tawiyan.

Perhaps due to his boring job (or maybe a lack of dedication to a potentially interesting one) he found the energy to rewrite and update the draft of The UAE Climbing Guide, originally produced by Alan Stark and meddled with by Pete Aldwinckle (who lost interest when he starting bolting at Hatta).  After 1000’s of km on the road, innumerable hours of research and redrafting, this labour was brought to fruition in late 2009 when the hard copy of the UAE Climbing Guide published by Red Armada was fittingly handed over to Toby in an Emirate service station on the Emirates Road. The guidebook publication has made the sport accessible to many climbers and provided many new to the sport with their first exploration of the crags. Newly added to the guide were 70 new ‘deep water soloing’ routes followed by a great number of bouldering problems.  Further online topos are also available at his blog. We are confident that Toby’s contribution to the development of climbing in the UAE will be bringing pleasure (with the occasional frustration that goes with failure on a route) to UAE climbers for many years to come.  Although he is physically leaving we are sure that his presence will still be felt on line. We hope to see Toby coming back to the UAE now and then, perhaps to finish off a project or two for a major guidebook update. On behalf of all climbers in the UAE, past, present and in the future, many thanks and wishing you well on the big stone in Canada.

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Selected Dive Centres Selected Hotels Concierge and Lobby Selected Universities and Schools Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport launches Abu Dhabi Airport Duty Free - distribution stands First and Business Class of Etihad flights Al Maha Resort Dubai (in hotel rooms) Aloft Hotel Abu Dhabi (in hotel rooms) Al Jeer Marina - Ras Al Khaimah Dubai Autodrome Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Sharjah Paintball & Shooting Centre Sofitel Hotel Dubai (in hotel rooms) The Palace - Old town (Spa) Wafi, The Pyramids Umm Al Quwain Marine Sports Club

Please note this is just a selection of some of our distribution locations, in case you want to know a location near you contact us.

Macky Marine LLC, Dubai, +971505518317, www.mackymarine.com The Boat House, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143405152, www.theboathouse.ae Equipment Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Blue Waters Marine, +97142232189, Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com Extreme Marine, Dubai, + 97143992995, www.extrememarine-me.com Rineh, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143391512, www.rinehemiratesme.com Repair and maintenance Extreme Marine, Dubai, Dubai Marina, + 97143992995, www.extrememarine-me.com Rineh, Al Quoz, +97143391512, www.rinehemiratesme.com The Boat House, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143405152, www.theboathouse.ae Cruise Operators Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, +97126665491, www. marinaalbateenresort.com Al Marsa Travel & Tourism, Dibba, Musandam, +96826836550, +97165441232 Leisure Marine Beach Street, Dubai, TheWalk JBR, +97144243191 Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek – opposite the British Embassy, +97143994994 Bristol Middle East, Dubai Marina, +97144309941, www.bristol-middleeast.com El Mundo, Dubai, +971505517406, www.elmundodubai.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971558961276, +971503960202, www.happydaysdubai.com LY Catamaran, Dubai, +971505869746, +971566506683, www.lycatamaran.com Marine Concept, Dubai,

+971559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.com Noukhada Adventure Company, Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi, +97126503600 , www.noukhada.ae RAK Marine LLC, Ras Al Khaimah City Hilton Marina, +971504912696, +97172066410 Sea Hunters Passenger Yachts & Boats Rental, Dubai Marina, +97142951011 Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Smoke Dragon Of London Yacht, Abu Dhabi International Marine & Sports Club, +9715070 11 958/+971504546617  Summertime Marine, Dubai, +97142573084, www.summertimemarine.com The Club Abu Dhabi, +97126731111 The Yellow Boats LLC, Dubai Marina Walk – opposite Spinneys, Intercontinental Hotel Marina, 8008044 Marinas Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, Abu Dhabi, Breakwater, +97126815566, www.adimsc.com Abu Dhabi Marina, Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, +97126440300 Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam +971 7 2682333 or +971 50 4873185 www.aljeerport.ae Dubai International Marine Sports Club, Dubai Marina, +97143995777, www.dimc.ae Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai, +97143627900, www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com Dubai Maritime City Harbour Marina, Dubai, +97143455545 Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai, +97143941669, www.dosc.ae Emirates Palace Marina, Abu Dhabi, +97143388955

All previous months issues are available on www.outdooruae.com in the magazine section tab, in the online viewer free of charge.

DIRECTORY General Sports Equipment Megastores

Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Decathlon, Dubai, Mirdiff City Centre, +97142839392 Go Sport The Dubai Mall, Dubai, +97143253595 Go Sport, IBN Battuta Mall: 04-368 5344, Mall of the Emirates: 04-341 3251, Mirdif City Centre: 04-2843034 InterSport, Dubai, Times Square Centre & Dubai Festival City, +97142066587, www.intersport.ae Sun and Sand, Most Shopping Centres +97143504444, www.sunandsandsports.com

Adventure tours and desert safaris

MMI Travel, Mezzanine Floor, Dnata Travel Centre, Shk Zayed Road, Dubai, +97144045859, www.mmitravel.ae Alpha Tours, +97142949888, www.alphatoursdubai.com Cyclone Tours & Travels, Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street, +97126276275, www.cyclonetours.com Desert Rangers, +97143572233, Dubai, www.desertrangers.com Dream Days, +97144329392, www.dreamdays.ae Dream Explorer LLC, Dubai, +971433198801, www.dreamexplorerdubai.com Element Fitness, Dubai, +971 050 2771 317 www.element-fitness.net Explorer Tours, Dubai, +9714286199, www.explorertours.ae

Gulf Ventures, Dnata Travel Centre (+971 4) 404 5880, www.gulfventures.com Net Group, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +97126794656, www.netgroupauh.com Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +97142628889, www.opdubai.com Rahhalah, Dubai, +97144472166, www.rahhalah.com Relax Tours Travels, Dubai, +97144221776, www.dubairelaxtours.com Wild Guanabana, Dubai, +971 056 7954 954, www.wildguanabana.com

Air

Ballooning Adventures Emirates, Dubai, +97142854949, www.ballooning.ae Jazirah Aviation Club, Ras Al Khaimah, +9716139859, www.jac-uae.net Seawings, Dubai, www.seawings.com Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai, +971501533222, www.skydivedubai.ae

Boating & Sailing

Manufacturer Al Fajer Marine, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143235181, www.alfajermarine.com Al Shaali Marine, Ajman, +97167436443, www.alshaalimarine.com Gulf Craft, Ajman, +97167406060, www.gulfcraftinc.com Distributors & Dealers Art Marine, Dubai, +97143388955, www.artmarine.net Azure Marine, Dubai, +97143404343, www.azuremarine.net Leisure Marine Beach Street, Dubai, The Walk JBR, +97144243191 Luxury Sea Boats, Dubai, +971505589319, www.luxuryseaboats.com

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DHOW CRUISES-DIVE CENTRE-CAMP

AL YOUSUF MOTORS E-Bike out door ad.ai

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Call (+968) 2 683 6551 or (+971) 50 3336 046

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Festival Marina, Dubai, Festival City, +97144498400, www.igy-festivalmarina.com Pavilion Marina, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +97144068800 Umm Al Quwaim Marine Sports Club, Umm Al Quwaim, +9716 766 6644, www.uaqmarineclub.com

Camping & Hiking

Equipment Blingmytruck.com, +971505548255, www.blingmytruck.com Jack Wolfskin Mirdiff City Centre Dubai, (04) 2840228 Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi (02) 4437802 Picnico, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, +97143941653 Tresspass The Dubai Mall, 2nd floor above ice rink +971 4 339 8801 Tour Operators Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +97143459900, www.adventure.ae Libra, +971559228362, www.libra-uae.com

Sheesa Beach, Musandam, Dibba, +97150336046, www.sheesabeach.com Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +971-42959428, www.arabiatours.com

Caving

Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre, Oman, +971503289642, www.holiday-in-oman.com

Climbing

Equipment Global Climbing, +97156126245 Dubai Investment Park 1 www.globalclimbing.com Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai, Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +97143466558, www.barracudadubai.com Jack Wolfskin Mirdiff City Centre Dubai, (04) 2840228 Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi (02) 4437802 Services Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +97143459900, www.adventure.ae Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square

Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +97126429995, www.alshaheenme.com Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Dorell Sports Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, +97143065061, www.climbingdubai.com E-Sports Dubai, Dubai, www.e-sportsdubai.com The Club, Abu Dhabi, +97126731111, www.the-club.com

Cycling

Aloft Abu Dhabi

Tel: +971 (0)2 654 5000

www.aloftabudhabi.com

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Equipment Cycle Sports, Dubai, Al Barsha1, +97143415415, www.cyclesportuae.com Michas Bike Shop, Warehouse no.4 6th st. Al Quoz 3, Dubai, +9714 3805228 Probike, Dubai, Al Barsha1, +97143255705, www.probike.ae Rage Shop, Dubai Mall, +97144343806, www.rage-shop.com Ride Bike Shop, Dubai Mall, Festival City, Oasis Centre, Mirdiff City Centre, +97143750231, www.ridebikeshop.com Tamreen Sports, Abu Dhabi, +97126222525, www.tamreensports.com VELO & Oxygen, Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi+97125566113, www.funridesports.com Wolfi’s Bike Shop, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143394453, www.wbs.ae Clubs Abu Dhabi Tri Club, www.abudhabitriclub.com Cycle Safe, Dubai Autodrome www.cyclechallenge.ae Dubai Roadsters, www.dubairoadsters.com

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ADNEC Exhibition Centre Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 94943

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Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai+97142894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Blue Waters Marine, +97142232189, Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com Gulf Marine Sports, Abu Dhabi, +97126710017, www.gulfmarinesports.com Premiers for Equipment, Abu Dhabi, Sh. Zayed 1st. Road, +97126665226, www.premiers-uae.com Diving Centers

www.element-fitness.net 7 Seas Diving Center, Khorfakkan, +97192387400, www.7seasdivers.com Al Boom Diving (equipment), Dubai, Al Wasl Rd, + 97143422993, www.alboomdiving.com Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam +971 7 2682333 or +971 50 4873185 www.aljeerport.ae Al Mahara Dive Center, Downtown Abu Dhabi, +971501118125, www.divemahara.com Arabian Diver, Hilton Marine, Ras Al Khaimah, +97172226628, +971502428128 www.arabiandiver.com Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Atlantis Dive Centre (equipment), Dubai, The Palm Jumeirah,+97144263000, www.atlantisdivecentre.com Deep Blue Sea Diving, Dubai, International City, +97144308246, www.diveindubai.com Divers Down, Fujairah, Rotana Al Aqah Hotel Resort & Spa, +97192370299, www.diversdown-uae.com Emirates Divers Centre, Abu Dhabi,

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THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Dubai, +97144068828 Clubs Atlantis Underwater Photography Club, Dubai, +97144263000 Desert Sports Diving Club, Dubai, www.desertsportsdivingclub.net

Fishing & Kayaking

PADI Career Development Centre

Jumeirah Beach Hotel P.O. Box 11416, Dubai, UAE Email: [email protected] Tel: +971 4 406 8828 Web: www.thepaviliondivecentre.com

near Meena Fish Market, +97126432444, www.edc-ad.ae Extra Divers Ziggy Bay, Oman, Musandam, +96826735555, www.extradivers.info Freediving UAE,Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujeirah, www.freedivinguae.com Freestyle Divers, Dubai, Al Wasl & Dibba, Royal Beach Hotel, +97143944275, www.freestyledivers.com Khasab Divers, Oman, www.khasabdiver.com Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre, Oman, +97150 3289642, www.holiday-in-oman.com Neptune Diving, +97150 4347902, www.neptunedivingcentre.com Nomad Ocean Adventures, www.discovernomad.com, +971508853238, Dibba, Oman Scuba Oman, Oman, +96899558488, www.scubaoman.com Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +97150 784 0830, www.bsac406.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Sky &Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +97143999005, www.watersportsdubai.com The Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment),

Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai+97142894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha/ Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Blue Waters Marine, +97142232189, Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com Al Masaood Marine, +97143468000, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, www.masaoodmarine.com Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai, Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +97143466558, www.barracudadubai.com Global Climbing, +97156126245 Dubai Investment Park 1 www.globalclimbing.com Leisure Marine Beach Hut, Dubai, The Walk JBR, +97144243191 www.leisuremarine-me.com Leading Edge-S, +97172447732, www.leadingedge-s.com Nautica1992, Dubai, +971504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Ocean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre, +971502898713, www.oceanactive.com Operators Al Boom Diving, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujeirah, +97143422993 Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +97143459900, www.adventure.ae Al Hamra Marina, Al Hamra, +97172434540 Al Mahara Dive Center, Abu Dhabi, +9712643 7377 [email protected] www.divemahara.com Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +97126429995, www.alshaheenme.com Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, +971506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Barracuda Diving Centre, Fujairah International Marine Club, +9719222558 Belevari Marine, Abu Dhabi, +97126594144 Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai, +97153244550, www.funbeachsports.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971558961276, +971503960202, www.happydaysdubai.com Noukhada Adventure Company, Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi, +97126503600, www.noukhada.ae Ocean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre, +971502898713, www.oceanactive.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Soolyman Sports Fishing, Dubai, Umm Suqeim, +971508866227, www.soolymansportsfishing.com Xclusive Yachts, Dubai, Dubai Marina, +97144327233, www.xclusiveyachts.com

General Sports Equipment Distributors

800 Sport, Al Quoz, Dubai +971 4 346 7751, www.800sport.ae Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square

JUNE 2012 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Flip Flop Arabia [email protected], www.flipfloparabia.com Global Climbing, +97156126245 Dubai Investment Park 1 www.globalclimbing.com Goal Zero, +971509128353, www.goalzero.ae Jack Wolfskin Mirdiff City Centre Dubai, (04) 2840228 Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi (02) 4437802 Ocean Sports FZE, +971559352735, www.kitesurfsup.com Sakeen General Trading, +97147094224, www.sakeen.ae Tresspass The Dubai Mall, 2nd floor above ice rink +971 4 339 8801

Horse Riding

Equipment Cavalos Equine Care and Supplies 11th Street, Abu Dhabi, +9172 2222433 [email protected] http://www.cavalosuae.com Emirta, Dubai, Sheik Zayed Rd, +9714 3437475, www.emirtahorse.com Mirzan Equestrian Equipment Dubai, +971 4 4472808 [email protected] www.metdubaihorse.com Equestrian Centres Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi, +97124455500, www.adec-web.com Al Forsan Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.com Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, Arabian Ranches, +97143618111, www.poloclubdubai.com Desert Equestrian Club, Dubai, near Mirdif +971503099770, +971501978888 Desert Ranch (Al Sahra Desert Resort), Dubai, +971 4 8327171, www.desert-ranch.com Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971505587656, www.emiratesequestriancentre.com Ghantood Polo & Racing Club, Abu Dhabi, +97125629050, www.grpc.ae Qudraland Community [email protected] www.qudraland.com Sharjah Polo & Equestrian Club, Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road, +97165311155,

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Opposite Arabian Ranches P.O.Box 7477, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 361 8111 Fax: +971 4 361 7111 Email: [email protected] www.poloclubdubai.com

Dubai - Tel: 04 3390621 | Dubai Auto sport 04 3388822 Abu Dhabi - Tel: 02 5588890 | Abu Dhabi - Buteen - 02 6660591 Sharjah - Tel: 06 5388066 | Ajman -Tel: 06 7410004 Al Ain - Tel: 03 7211444 | Fujairah - Tel: 09 2221188 Ras Al Khaimah - Tel: 07 2351592

www.forsanuae.org.ae The Desert Ranch, Dubai, +97144274055 www.desert-ranch.com

Jet Ski

Dealer Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange4, Sheikh Zayed Road, 04-3419341, www.libertykawasaki.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/ yamaha/ Rentals Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai, +971 5 3244 550, www.funbeachsports.com The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah, +9717206000, www.rotana.com Xventures, Dubai, +971555404500, www.x-ventures.ae

Moto-cross & ATV’s

Dealer Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha/ KTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42, +9714323151, www.ktm.com PolarisUAE (atv’s), Ras Al Khor, Nad al Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex, +97142896100, www.polarisuae.com Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange4, Sheikh Zayed Road, 04-3419341, www.libertykawasaki.com Sandstorm Motorcycles, Al Quoz, Dubai +9714 3470270 www.sandstorm-motorcycles.com Seb Sports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, +9714 3393399, www.sebsports.com Wild X, Dubai, Um Al Ramoul Industrial Area, +97142852200, www.wildx.ae Equipment Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +97142959428, www.arabiatours.com 2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai, +97144548388, www.2xwheeler.com Sandstorm Motorcycles, Al Quoz, Dubai +9714 3470270 www.sandstorm-motorcycles.com SebSports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, +97143393399, www.sebsports.com Wild X, Dubai, Um Al Ramoul Industrial Area, +97142852200, www. wildx.ae

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Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle www.uaesup.com

Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, www.dubaiautodrome.com Emirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain, +97167681717 Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Water Parks

Aquaventure Atlantis, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, +97144260000, www.atlantisthepalm.ae Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al Quwain, Emirates Road, +97167681888, www.dreamlanduae.com Wild Wadi, Dubai, +97143484444, www.wildwadi.com

Off-Road

[email protected]

Motorcycling

Distributors & Dealers Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, www.aym.ae/yamaha/ Duseja Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143476712, www.apriliauae.com Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange4, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97142822144, www.libertykawasaki.com PolarisUAE, Al Ghandi Complex, Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor, +97142896100, www.polarisuae.com Tristar Motorcycles, +97143330659, www.tristaruae.com Workshop & Services 2xWheeler, +97144548388, www.2xwheeler.com Dune Bike, Dubai, Al Khail Road Alweer, +97143272088, www.dunebuggyuae.com Duseja Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143476712, www.apriliauae.com Gecko Motors, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143413550, www.gecko-motors.com Seb Sports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, +9714 3393399, www.sebsports.com

Motorsports

Al Forsan Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.com

Manufacturer Blingmytruck.com, +971505548255, www.blingmytruck.com LRC Off Road Engineering, Dubai, +971553198526, www.lrcoffroad.com Repair and services Off Road Zone, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143392449, www.offroad-zone.com Icon Auto, Dubai, +97143382744, www.icon-auto.com Equipment AEV, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +97143307152, www.aev.ae Car Max Off Roading Accessories Ras-Al Khor, Al Awir, Dubai, UAE +971 4 3204214, 055 8485868 www.4x4dubai.com Icon Auto, Dubai, +97143382744, www.icon-auto.com Saluki Motorsport, Dubai Tel: +971 4 347 6939 www.salukimotorsport.com Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai, Um Al Ramoul, +971509029800,

Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts PO Box 12333, Jebel Dhanna Abu Dhabi, UAE T. +971 2 801 2222 F. +971 2 801 2333 E. [email protected] www.danathotels.com

www.wildx.ae Yellow Hat, Dubai, Festival City, www.yellowhat.ae Tour Operator Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +971-42959428, www.arabiatours.com Arabian Adventures, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +97143034888, www.arabian-adventures.com Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +97142628889, www.opdubai.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Off- Road Club, www.ad4x4.com Filipino Off- Road Club, www.forac.ae ME 4X4, www.me4x4.com FIRAS KABRA Managing Director Abu Dhabi Outlet I Gulf Marine Sports P.O. BOX 32945 Abu Dhabi, UAE T: +971 2 6710017 I M: +97150 4467956 F: +971 2 6710177  Email: [email protected] Web: www.gulfmarinesports.com

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Running

Clubs ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi, www.abudhabitriclub.org Mirdiff Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.com

Other leisure activities

Khasab, Musandam, Oman Telephone: (Dubai) +971 56 7255889 (Oman) +968 99 883345 Email: [email protected] Website: www.scubaoman.com

Stand up Paddling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai+97142894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Leisure Marine Beach Street, Dubai, The Walk JBR, +97144243191 www.leisuremarine-me.com Picnico 04 3941653, Jumeirah Beach Road Opposite Sunset Mall, Dubai Pearl Water Crafts, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, +971553749398, www.pearl-watercrafts.com Surf Dubai, Dubai, Umm Suqeim, +971505043020, www.surfingdubai.com Surf Shop Dubai, Dubai, Al Raha Bldg, Al Barsha 1, +97143990989, www.surfshopdubai.com UAE Kite Surfing, +971505626383, www.ad-kitesurfing.net Distributor Ocean Sports FZE, +971559352735, www.kitesurfsup.com Kitepeople Trading Llc +971504559098, www.kitepeople.ae Operator Al Forsan Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.com Dubai Kite Surf School, Dubai, Umm Suqeim Beach, +971 504965107, www.dubaikitesurfschool.com Kite Fly, Dubai, +971502547440, www.kitesurf.ae Kite4fun, Abu Dhabi, +971508133134, www.kite4fun.net Nautica1992, Dubai, +971504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Shamalkitesurfing, Umm Suqueim Beach – Dubai, +971507689226, www.shamalkitesurfing.com Sky &Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +97143999005, www.watersportsdubai.com Surf Adventures UAE, Dubai, Al Barsha1, +97143990989, www.surfadventuresuae.com Surf School Dubai, Umm Suqeim & Al Barsha, Dubai, +97143990989, www.surfschooluae.com Watercooled 04 887 6771, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates www.watercooleddubai.com Clubs

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, + 97125588990, www.adgolfclub.com Dolphin Bay Atlantis Dubai, +97144260000, www.atlantisthepalm.ae Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park Gate No. 1, +97143369773, www.dubaidolphinarium.ae Ifly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdiff City Centre, +97142316292, www.iflyme.com Sadiyaat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, +97125578000, www.sbgolfclub.ae Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah, +97143999005, www.golfandshootingshj.com SkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of The Emirates, +97144094000, www.skidxb.com Spacewalk Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, +97124463653, www.spacewalk.ae

Health, Safety & Training

Safety Lessons Marine Concept Yacht Charter & Sea School, Rania Business Centre, Dubai, +971559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.com Safety & Leisure Training Middle East, Dusseldorf Business Point, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +97144502418, www.sltme.com Sport & Health Centres The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, +97144370570, www.physiocentre.ae

Editor’s Note Last month in June we had a plethora of Diving Centres, Locations and Shops for all of you to check out. Unfortunately, we missed one of the digits from Arabian Divers and Sport Fishing Charters, and hope that if you tried to contact them last month here is the correct number, which is also listed in the directory. The full number is: 050 6146931

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