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Editorial
In Print: Managing Editor Daniel Birkhofer daniel@outdooruae.com Editors Kim Perks Marilena Cilta Graphic & Design James Russell For advertisement enquiries contact: Tel: 04-4472701 marketing@outdooruae.com Published by: Outdoor UAE FZE P .O. Box 215062 Dubai, U.A.E. Tel. 04-4472701 contact@outdooruae.com www.outdooruae.com Distributor: Abu Dhabi Media Company P .O. Box 40401, ABU DHABI Printed at: Al Reyami Printing P .O. Box 103828 Dubai, U.A.E. 2011 Outdoor UAE FZE Reg. at Creative City Fujairah P .O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E. Issue 2/2011 February

was delighted to be asked to write the editorial for this months issue of Outdoor UAE. Ive been in Dubai for almost three years now and it never ceases to amaze me how active people are over here. January saw Dubai-based runners competing with elite runners from all over the world in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2011. For those not brave (or fit) enough to go the full distance, there was the 10km race, which I must admit was quite far enough for me. A week later saw the 17th Annual Creek Relay event take place. With the route returning to a closer one to the original set in 1995, 22 teams of 4 ran a 40km trail from the Flamingo Sanctuary along the Creek, through the Gold Souk and back across Business Bay. The only slight hiccup was the shamal which blew in, but this provided a great opportunity to take some stunning photos of the Dubai skyline. In a couple of weeks, teams will be limbering up for Wadi Bih which is a stunning 75km relay race taking you from Dibba all the way through Wadi Khaab Shamsi before climbing to 1,000m in the beautiful Hajar Mountains and returning to the beach at Dibba. Looking forward, the Dubai Dragon Boat Festival will be held on April 8th and 9th at Dubai Festival City Marina. This promises to be an action packed weekend. So between camping, running, dragon boating theres not much time left for lazing on the beach. Kim Perks

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.
Reg. at Creative City Fujairah P .O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.

2011 Outdoor UAE FZE

Photos: Kevin Dunleavy

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36
Your Best Shots - 6
Some great shots of the month Ziad & Adeeb go on a motorcycle journey through Oman

Oman on two Wheels - 10

42

18

Event Review: Tri Yas - 12 Event Review: Dubai Showjumping Championship - 12 Event Review: SUP Challenge - 14 Camping in the Desert - 16 Results - 18
We join C. Paris - a city girls first attempt

New for February: a dedicated results page

New for February: classifieds for reader items

Classifieds - 20 Products - 24

We showcase some handy new camping products, as well as diving and skimboarding gear

News - 28

46

12

54

24

36

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14
38

27
New for February: A quick look at some attractive but practical outdoor fashion for women

Outdoor Fashion - 30

Our favourite fisherman joins us again

The Fishing Kit - 34

We meet Ludovic, Lauren, Sean and Ziad

Outdoor People - 36

48
10

Oman and its Numerous Treasures - 38 Sleeping Bags - 40

Sean talks to us about his skimborading experience in Oman

An introduction to the types of sleeping bag including their design and construction

Event Review: Dubai 24 Hour - 42 Locations: Dive/Camp Sites - 44

James takes us to the Dubai Autodrome

Our articles on photography basics continues as we have a close look at Lenses

Outdoor Photography - 50 The Nylon Hotel - 52 Tips and Tricks - 54

We introduce the types of tents available, including some recommendations

Camping and Climbing

Some dates for your outdoor adventure calendar

Upcoming Events - 58

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40

Your Best Shots

Tom Oliver CAMP SITE
The desert chariot Canon Eos 5D Mark II Canon 24-105mm f4 24mm f/11 30s Shot in jpg, with flashgun

Sharky JEBEL ALI DMX RACE

Canon Eos 5D Sigma 100-300mm 1:4f 100mm f/4.5 1/1600s Shot in RAW

Your best shots 7

Matt Bottemer DESERT ISLAND

The only wild living Baby Cheetah in the UAE Point and shoot camera Can you see me? Olympus SP50 Ultra Zoom with Inon Z240 Type 4 strobe

Vladimir Radnic

8 Your best shots

Eagles DUBAI AUTODROME

The spoiler of a Lotus Evora. Canon 1000D, 50mmEF ISO 200 f/1.4 1/1000s

The skull Sony A290L Sony SAL-70300G f/1:4,55,6f 110mm 1/400s f/10

Cameron DESERT

Your best shots 9

Kristin Parnitzke MUSANDAM MOUNTAINS

Canon SLR

Snoopy Rock sunset Canon 500D Canon 18-55mm 1:3,5-5,6f 18mm 1/160s f/10

Maria FUJAIRAH

10

Oman on two wheels

Oman
W
hat started as an idea, one day ended up a reality for Ziad Al Sharabi, a 32 yr old Palestinian and Adeeb Sawaya, a 32 yr old Lebanese, who are both UAE residents and have known each other for more than 25 years. A 5 day motorcycle trip around the Hajar Mountains in Oman was the idea that took about one minute to be decided upon between them. You want to go to Oman on bikes in Eid? Said Adeeb, Ok lets do it said Ziad without thinking twice. Preparations went underway from there, but it didnt need much organisation really. Servicing the bikes was the most important part, to avoid any mishaps during the trip. Other than that, it was one tent, two sleeping bags, a few personal belongings, a coffee pot and Nescafe 3 in 1, and our guide book The Oman Off Road Explorer. We covered 2,100 kilometres over 5 days, visiting 2 places every day. The plan was to enter Oman from Al Ain through the Mezyad border post and make our way from there around the Southern part or the Hajar, then cover the Northern part and enter the UAE again from the Hatta border post. 14th November, 6pm: We met in Sharjah to do a final check before we set off. The most important thing was to make sure that everything was strapped on to the bikes properly and that nothing was going to fly off; bungee cords from Ace Hardware did the trick. At 7pm, all strapped in and ready to go, with helmets on, jackets zipped, the Oman diaries were off to a good start. With Ziad on a Yamaha R1, and Adeeb on an Africa Twin we headed down to the Bypass Road (611) towards Al Ain. Upon reaching Al Ain we stopped at the Rotana Hotel for dinner, which I would say was the last proper meal we had for the next few days. Off again now trying to figure out which way to go, with Ziad pointing left and Adeeb pointing right, we end up in an area with many 4x4s pitched up on dunes and bonfires surrounded by men listening to music. Of course we also had the 4x4s

ON TWO WHEELS

who drove in first gear until they cut out, making the cars backfire for 100 metres or more. It was the Eid holidays so everyone was out, and we ended up asking directions from a few men on the side of the road who showed us the quickest way to the border. We reached the border at 10pm and left the UAE and entered Oman smoothly. We were now in Oman riding on a dual carriageway heading inland, but we decided to find a spot to stop and rest for the night. We rode in through an opening in the fence found a little bit of hard ground to stop the bikes, pitched the tent, tweeted an update (www.twitter.com/ ziadalsharabi) and called it a night. 15th November, 6am: We walked out of the tent to be greeted with breathtaking scenery, sand dunes as far as the eye could see, a clear blue sky and a nice winter breeze. We made a small fire from loose dry wood and had a nice cup of coffee before packing up and starting the journey to the Hajar. Our first destination was Wadi Dam. After not finding any shops or restaurants open we ended up eating breakfast at a petrol station, a few Switz croissants and cakes. Oman was a ghost town during Eid. Two hours later we were approaching our destination reaching what looked like a parking area where cars could go no further. We parked our bikes, carried our back packs and started the walk in search of the pools. The walk takes about 35 45 minutes depending on your pace, and is a mix of climbing and straight paths. Nothing too strenuous, but the view on reaching the main pool, will make you forget it all. There

Oman on two wheels

11

is a series of pools and waterfalls along the way, but the last pool is just breathtaking. We changed into our swim suits and plunged into the refreshing water. On the way back we stopped at a waterfall and took a shower. There is nothing like showering in nature. Back on the bikes now, heading towards destination number two, Jebal Shams, which, standing at 3,000 metres is the highest peak in the GCC. We had heard of a camp site there, and aimed to find it. After a petrol station lunch we continued on our search. We crossed a few small towns on the way, but no restaurants were open still. Following our guide book and road signs we finally arrived at the foot of the mountain. We looked up at the grand mountain and started the ascent. The road is paved except for about 10kms towards the end, but nothing that a normal car cant handle. Temperatures dropped as the sun came down and the higher we got. As we reached about 1,500 metres it started raining, a very light shower that lasted about 2 or 3 minutes. After crossing the 10Kms of gravel we were back on the paved road and found the camp site, which didnt seem too pleasant. We had heard of something else, so we continued further up the road to find what we were looking for, Jabal Shams Resort. Dont get carried away by the name - it is not a resort like those in Dubai. It cost us about 12OR (120AED) per person to rent a plot for our tent and for dinner. After a good dinner and a warm cup of tea we headed to the tent to relax for the night. A bit of wind picked up and temperatures dropped as low as 3 5 degrees. A couple of layers, a beanie and a sleeping bag did the trick to stay warm. 16th November, 5:30am: Rise and shine. We packed up the tent and started our journey back down the mountain, next destination Wadi Tanuf. On the way you will see the ruins of an ancient city on your left hand side, a great photo opportunity. The road to Tanuf is behind it leading into the valley. Not such a good route for a race bike, but we were fortunate to have met two lovely ladies who were asking for

directions and offered to take me (Ziad) with them in the car for the next 5 kms. We walked along a trail where we could see enclosed areas that looked like private farm land on the right hand side and water channels flowing with fresh cold water on our left. We arrived at a village with about 4 or 5 mud houses, where we met a young boy who guided us to the pool. Not an easy way to get there ( the ladies turned back), but Adeeb and I continued. Unfortunately it hadnt rained in a while and the waterfall was not flowing, but the pool was satisfying enough. We were short on time so we didnt take a dip here, but headed back. Destination 2 for the day was Wahiba Sands, stopping en route for lunch at Nizwa. Passing through the Nizwa fort and Nizwa city we finally found a restaurant to eat. I will not mention it as it was not very pleasant. Unsatisfied with lunch we resorted to the usual petrol station lunch, and continued to Wahiba Sands. We reached there before sun down and scoped the area to find a place to sleep. After a quick dinner at a tourist restaurant on the highway we went back to our spot and called it a night. 17th November, 6am: Another fire was lit and coffee was prepared, Wadi Bani Khaled here we come! The ride there was pleasant and all we could think of was going for a swim, which in our case also means taking a shower. There is a parking lot and little Omani boys who will ask to carry your bags and guard your car for a few Omani Rials are all over the place. The area is stunning here, more than 5 or 6 water pools of clear fresh water, waterfalls and a cave at the end. We made our way to the cave where need a torch if you are going to venture inside. It is humid and quite low so you need to watch your head. Bats were flying where the roof got high and the sound of the gushing water gets louder as you make your way deeper in. At the end you can actually reach the water, but there is no exit and you would need to go back to where you came in from. Back at the pools we took a nice leisurely swim before having lunch (chicken nuggets and a burger) at the small cafeteria. At this point there must have been over 1,000 people there, so arriving early is the best option especially during public holidays. It was time for us to leave and head down to the coast. Next destination - Ras Al Jinz. On the coastal road with the blue sea to our left, we reached the reserve where turtles

come onto the shore to lay their eggs. A well organised place where bookings need to be made in advance. Of course we didnt have a booking, but managed to sneak in and made our way to the shore for a few photos and headed back. We had seen a camp site Al Naseem Camp on the way so we headed back to check it out. A great welcome and after a few words with the camp manager, we got ourselves a place to put up our tent and enjoyed a great dinner. We were paid a visit by a wild rabbit who sat watching us from only a metre or less away whilst we put our tent up. After lunch an Omani cultural band came along and entertained the people at the camp for a while. The ground is hard, so a few tips to the workers secured us a couple of mattresses and a good night sleep. 18th November, 6am: Up again for a nice long day. We had to cover some serious distance today to get closer to the border. First destination was the city of Sur. This is quite a big city that lies on the beach front and has some great scenery, such as the old forts built on top of small hills on the entrance to the port, old ancient villages, dhow manufacturers and a lovely maritime museum built by Bahwan, one of the Omans richest families who started their fortune trading using dhows. We then moved on to the old village of Qalhat where a mosque named Bibi Mariam is still standing. Our main aim for today was to get to the sink hole as that was going to be our shower! A natural occurrence, where the ground just collapsed and the ocean water filled up the bottom part of it. The hole is about 20 metres deep but I am not sure how deep the water is at the bottom. After a relaxing swim we needed to wash away the salty water, but we didnt find any showers. A couple of plastic bottles and a water tap did the trick, where we filled them up and poured them over ourselves. Back on the bikes nice and fresh we now had a long ride to Muscat, where we aimed to get to Left Bank for lunch. As we walked in the waiters were looking at us strangely, which was not unusual as we had helmet hair and unshaved beards. As we sat we looked at each other and realized that after 4 days we were still wearing the same clothes too. We laughed it off, and had a great lunch. Back to the final destination for the day - Sohar. By this point I had a stiff neck and aching shoulders, not an easy distance and trip to do on a sports bike, but I bit my lip and sucked it in. After reaching Sohar and having dinner, we headed for the beach where we planned to spend the night. 19th November, 7am: Yes we slept a little bit longer today as we deserved a lie in. We had ridden for almost 500kms the day before and we were close to the Hatta Border post. Packed and on the move, we stopped again at a petrol station for some Switz hoping it would be the last time we would see that brand for a while. We reached the border at 9am and bid farewell to Oman, hoping to be back soon. A nice cruise from Hatta back to Sharjah, reaching home at around 11:30am. A lovely hot shower with plenty of shampoo and soap and a change of clothes was a great treat. We plugged in the digital camera and downloaded the pictures. Great trip, great memories and a must do for anyone seeking adventure and wishing to discover nature. Ziad Al Sharabi

12 Event Review: Tri Yas

Ready, Steady, Go!

Tri Yas - one of the most spectacular triathlons in the world
FRIDAY, 14TH JANUARY Five hundred and sixty-seven competitors made history at the first Tri Yas triathlon at Yas Marina Circuit. Participants completed their swim in the Marina, cycled around the 5.5km F1TM track and ran around the inner perimeter of the circuit. Friends, family and general spectators had the unique opportunity to follow all 567 athletes for the entirety of the race, making it a great community spectacle. The overall winner was the 37-year-old Canadian Jasper Blake. He stated that the event deserved further recognition. Its an awesome event; they should hold a World Cup here. Its hands down one of the coolest venues I have ever seen, honestly. To go around that track, which is brand new and so spectacular is just incredible. Due to the large number of participants the race start was staggered in waves, meaning although Blakes was the fastest time, he was not the first man to cross the line. That achievement went to 24-year-old Brit Andrew MacRae with a superb time of 2:04:15, which eventually left him in second place. However despite finishing second he was far from disappointed with his effort and although he admitted to not enjoying his swim, was already counting the days until he was back at the fantastic venue of Yas Marina Circuit. MacRae said: Im not one for swimming, so I couldnt wait to get onto the bike and to be able to cycle around a Formula One track was amazing. Once you do the first lap and get to know the corners, you hardly have to move on the bike. Its a sensational venue. I have run triathlons all over the world and this may beat anything. I cant wait until next year. Before the race started I was skeptical when I heard it would be run at Yas Marina Circuit because of drafting. However, that wasnt a problem because the course is huge.
- source & photos: Seven Media

EVENT REVIEW

Nature & Wildlife

Event Review: Show Jumping 13

EVENT REVIEW

The Dubai Show Jumping Championship 2011

World Class Equestrian Showcase
The Dubai Show Jumping Championship 2011 - Dubai (Arab League) has once again brought together top international show jumpers from the Arab League and Europe to compete in this prestigious event in early January, at Dubai International Endurance City. Competitors won prize money totalling AED 600,000 over the three-day showpiece, which culminated with the Dubai Equestrian Club Grand Prix, a qualifier for the FEI World Cup. There was a strong representation from the UAE team, fresh from their success at the Saudi Arabia International Show Jumping Championship 2010. Team members included Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum, 2010 Asian Games Individual Silver winner, and Mohammed Al Owais, winner of the CSI4 Grand Prix and World Cup Qualifier in Doha at the Qatar International Show Jumping Championship 2010, the rider currently in the highest place from the UAE on the FEI Arab League World Cup Ranking list. Other members include Sheikh Majid Bin Abdullah Al Qassimi, Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Maktoum and Ahmed Al Juneibi. Reigning champions from the 2010 Asian Games and one of the top 10 teams at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Saudi Arabia were represented by Khaled Abdulaziz Al Eid, Abdullah W Al Sharbatli, Individual Silver winner at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 and former Olympian HRH Prince Abdullah Moteb Al Saud. The Dubai Show Jumping Championships 2011 also featured a wide variety of family entertainment and activities, including food and beverage stands, pony rides, activities for children, and chances to win an array of attractive prizes. We are definitely excited about this years Championships as, beyond being one of the biggest show jumping events on the equestrian calendar in the Middle East, it is also a truly enjoyable day for families and children, with a range of entertainment and activities available for all. Enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport were able to appreciate spending the weekend enjoying both the great weather and show jumping action as it will be a unique and fun-filled experience for everyone. - Paul McAuley
Source: Emirates Equestrian Centre

14 Event Review: SUP Challenge

uae sup

challenge

awesome way to get out and enjoy the water. Its pretty obvious the appeal it has to people all over the world. The Crowne Plaza and Sheraton Hotels helped sponsor the event, with both hotels having staff members who are keen Stand Up Paddlers participating in the races. Also UAE SUPs board supplier Pau Hana Surf Supply helped sponsor the first race in Abu Dhabi. Prize money was awarded to the top three finishers in the 3km and 1km races from UAE SUP and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. Donations were also collected at the event by Abu Dhabi paddler Russell Yule who has been tirelessly working to raise awareness and funds for Surfaid International which is helping the survivors of the Mentawai Islands Tsunami that hit in October. Even some of the winners of the races donated their prize money to this great cause, not only showing their great strength on the water, but even bigger hearts. Jen Scully (Full race results can be found on page 18)

EVENT REVIEW

here were 70 people who competed in the 1st Annual UAE SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Challenge on Friday, 28th January on the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach. Under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, founder of UAE SUP along with Taimier Abdelrazek, and in association with the Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle Club, this was the first ever Stand Up Paddle race to hit the waters of Abu Dhabi. The turnout was great and I think this event made a real mark for SUP in Abu Dhabi. Competitors were men and women of all ages, from 12 to 65, representing 18 different nationalities. I am sure this is one of the most diverse Stand Up Paddle races ever. A number of Emirati paddlers participated in the event including the sons of H. H. Shiekh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed and Shiekh Rashid. Their support for the sport has been tremendous and is helping lead the way to get more locals out enjoying paddling both for fitness and fun. SUP is the fastest growing watersport in the world and its growing quickly here in the UAE as well. The versatility of the sport is continuing to emerge and is one of the reasons for its huge growth. The fact that just about anyone can Stand Up Paddle, combined with its great fitness benefits, it is an

Nature & Wildlife

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EVENT REVIEW

16 Camping in the desert

Camping in
I
am not what you would call an "outdoor girl". Not even close. But living in Dubai has sparked an interest in me that never existed before - an interest in adventure. Now, just to clear something up, well invited me for that weekend. I bravely I should mention that my idea of agreed to go, and didn't have enough time adventure is quite a bit different to talk myself out of it. Over the remainder than most people's - there will be of the work week, I filled his business-only no bunjee jumping, sky diving, email account with questions about what to or even motorcycling in my near bring, where we'd sleep, how many people future. Sometimes, when on the would be coming, etc. top of a really high ski hill, it takes He assured me that we'd be a large me half an hour to psych myself group of twenty, stay for one night, and that up to finally descend it. So, for a everything I needed would be taken care high-maintenance girl like myself, of. "Just bring yourself, and a sweater - it camping in the desert seemed gets cold at night," he told me the like the perfect thing to shove me day before our departure. out of my comfort zone, without Of course, I, the queen of overserious threat of any bodily harm. packing, did not just bring myself I should mention that after a few and a sweater. I brought (and I campfire drinks, I was suddenly a may be forgetting some things): A lot more brave - but I'll get into that sweater, a full change of clothes, later. So here it is - my first time thin socks, thick ice-skating socks, camping in the desert. flip flops, trainers, contact lens So I have been camping besolution, facial cleansing wipes, fore.... as a child ten years ago at moisturizer, sun tanning oil, a toothsleep-away summer camp, in the brush, toothpaste, a hairbrush, woods. But I was dragged against hand soap, hand cream, a roll of my will by my camp counseltoilet paper, a bit of makeup, a lors and bunkmates. And on that paperback novel, Advil, and a fluffy singular experience, it rained all down pillow in a hot pink pillow night, and I woke up with a head case. Oh, and a small bottle of cold like I'd never experienced in liquid courage. my 22 years of living in CanaNeedless to say, I did not need da. most of this. When I met up the others Although I wanted to try desert (most of whom had never met me) at the camping (let's face it - extremely campsite, they looked at me wide-eyed; slight chance of rain), I was still a Campsite Barbie had arrived. little be apprehensive. Would there I definitely was the entertainment for be insects? Or, worse yet, snakes? the other people in the group that night, Scorpions? My imagination conjured up dozens of unlikely scenarios that all involved me meeting my doom at the hands of icky desert creatures. So I avoided actually planning to go camping until a colleague I didn't know too

the desert: a city girls first attempt

by C. Paris

Camping in the desert 17

Would there be insects? Or, worse yet, snakes? Scorpions?

and bugs. As the sand got very cold, most of us bundled up in sleeping bags and tents (and I, with my pink pillow, to add to my comfort) and went to sleep. Well, most of us did. Some people stay up all night, and woke us up a few times with the at least for the first while. I tried to set up sound of the 4x4 engines roaring a tent but failed miserably - I was instead as they zoomed up and down the assigned to hold a flashlight. I questioned if dunes around our campsite. the guys cooking had washed their hands I awoke the next morning having thoroughly with soap before starting the had three decent hours sleep, and BBQ. I clapped my hands with glee when I feeling HOT. The tent was excellent actually was able to maintain the campfire ventilation, until I tried unzipped the for 20 minutes. "door" and stumbled out. I felt as After a couple of hours of food, drinks if I had walked onto the sun. The and shisha, I was loosened up enough to heat was intense, and I was in awe try 4x4 biking and dune-buggying - in the that some of my camp mates were dark. It was 2am, scary, cold, and I ate a lot already at work on the grill, cooking of sand (and was washing it out of my hair breakfast. We had what I'd like to for two days after), but a lot of fun. I should think is a traditional bedouin breakmention that I didn't drive the vehicles fast (although I'm likely wrong): myself. No, to my credit, I rode with some BBQed scrambled eggs, arabic real daredevils up and down steep hills. I bread, hummous, and fruit. lost my bravery a bit when one of the guys In the light of day, the dunes who is very experienced at this - flipped his seemed less daunting, and I was bike and it landed on top of him. He didn't ready to try biking again. I hopped get any serious injuries, but it was enough on the back of one of my new to put me off biking for the night. friends' bikes, and off we went. As the hours passed, we fed the fire and More eating of sand, more messy continued to eat and drink. We bonded in a hair, but at least I had a breeze! It way that you can only when there is nothing was fabulous, like of like a roller else to do except chat, smoke shisha, and coaster. I felt exhilarated, and yes, hang out. Luckily, none of the other girls brave. new each other, so we became fast friends I was happy to get home and - although I definitely made them laugh head to the beach after we finally with my incredible avoidance of germs, dirt, packed up our equipment and garbage and left the area. It was nice to see civilization again. But I felt as though I accomplished something. Will I camp in the desert again? Perhaps once or twice a year. But I did it - one big step for me, one small step for city girls everywhere! C. Paris

18 Results

i
Dunlop 24 Hour Race Dubai Jet-Ski Race Pro Ski GP
Female Overall Vicky Mc Dowell (00:24:44) Gwen Van Beek (00:25:22) Channa van Engelen (00:25:33) Male Overall Christopher Allan (00:21:24) Teodoro Canete (00:24:08) Julian Ulanowski (00:24:13)

Int. Parachuting Championship

Overall Winners & Class A6 1. Need For Speed Schubert BMW Z4 Gt3 2. AF Corse Ferrari F430 GT2 3. Black Falcon Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3 Class SP3 GT4A 1. Valspar Donkervoort D8 GT 2. HMR Aston Martin V8 Vantage 3. NFS Racing Lotus Evora Class A2 1. Auto Sport GP2 Renault Clio Cup 2. Besaplast Racing Mini Cooper S 3. Auto Sport GP1 Renault Clio Cup Class 997 1. De Lorenzi Porsche 997 2. Autowelland MW Sportive Porsche 997 3. Uliviery Racing Porsche 997 Class A4 1. Duwo Racing BMW 130i 2. K&K Racing Valek Motorsport BMW 130i 3. Brunswick Automotive BMW 130i Class D1 1. VW Racing Austria 1 VW Golf TDi 2. Jordans.nl Red Camel 2 Seat Leon 2.0 TDI 3. A2B Racing BMW 120D Class SP2 GT3A 1. Bovi Motorsport Brokernet Silversting 2. Gomez Competition 2 GC10 3. Gravity Racing International Mosler MT900 Class A3T 1. JR Motorsports BMW E46 GTR 2. Sunred 1 Seat Leon Super Copa 3. MSW Racing Seat Leon Super Copa Pro Ski GP Results Place, Name, Nationality, Points 1. Steven Dauliach, France, 60 2. Caumont Ludovic, France, 53 3. Keven Retierer, Austria, 48 Runabout Stock Results Place, Name, Nationality, Points 1. Mohamed Ebrahim Bu Rabiee, Kuwait, 60 2. Abdullah Fadhil Al Fadhil, Kuwait, 53 3. Mohammed Jasem Al Baz, Kuwait, 48

Formation Skydiving Team Male/Mixed 1. Belgium 2. France 3. USA Team Female 1. France 2. USA 3. Russia Canopy Piloting Speed 1. Brazil Leiras 2. Canada Modledzki 3. USA Batsch

Zoggs Mina Mile

EVENT: 200m Girls 1. Charlise Koch (00:03:27) 2. Anna Palmans (00:03:27) 3. Lois Van Beek (00:03:39) Boys 1.Julian Ulanowski (00:02:30) 2.Soren Villemsen (00:02:44) 3.Tommaso Manetti (00:02:58) Event : 400m Female overall: 1.Gwen Van Beek (00:02:47) 2.Giulia Filocca (00:06:59) 3.Sarah De Maaker (00:07:00) Male overall 1.Shresht Prakash (00:06:38) 2.Ray Gilburt (00:06:51) 3.Soren Villemsen(00:06:58) Event: 800m Female Overall 1.Gwen Van Beek (00:12:24) 2.Renee Lundgren (00:12:38) 3.Giulia Filocca (00:13:39) Male Overall 1.Teodoro Canete (00:12:14) 2.Julian Ulanowski (00:12:18) 3.Shresht Prakash (00:13:11) Event: 1,6 km

Distance 1. USA Windmiller 2. USA Tagle 3. Austria Wagner Zone Accuracy 1. Canada Modledzki 2. USA Cleary 3. Denmark Wienberg Freestyle 1. UAE Provenzano 2. Spain Hernandez 3. Austria Wagner Overall 1. Canada Modledzki 2. USA Tagle 3. Brazil Leiras Team 1. USA 2. UAE 3. Germany Accuracy Landing Team Male/Mixed 1. Czech Republic 2. Slovenia 3. Russia Team Female 1. Russia 2. Belarus 3. Poland Individual Men

UAE Sport Bike Championship

1. AbdulAziz BIN LADIN (1:30.676) 2 .Jason BURNSIDE (1:34.015) 3. Ahmed AL LANJAWI (1:34.068) 4. Mahmoud TANNIR (1:34.835) 5. Hendrik SAUERMAN (1:34.908)

Suzuki Swift Cup

1 Papangiotis FOKOS (1:51.904 2 Klaus KRESNIK (1:52.199) 3 Maurice FABER (1:52.727) 4 Balazs GALOTTI (1:54.088) 5 Jeff CURTIS (1:54.742)

RESULTS

Results

19

RESULTS

1. Czech Hynek 2. Czech Vedmech 3. Slovenia Salkic Individual Women 1. Russia Lepezina 2. Russia Llaktionova 3. Belarus Zimina Gulf Cup - Formation Skydiving Team Male/Mixed 1. Qatar I 2. UAE 3. Bahrain Gulf Cup - Accuracy Landing Team Male/Mixed 1. UAE I 2. Bahrain 3. Oman Individual Men 1. UAE Al Ghiti 2. UAE Al Suwadi 3. UAE Ali

Dubai Traditional 43ft Dhow Sailing Championship

Wadi Bih Adventure Race

Individual (Name - Nationality - Age) 1. Murt Rampuri - British - 35 2. Marcel Braas - Dutch - 44 3. Brett Holmes - South African - 44 Team (Team Member 1, Team Member 2 - Total Time) 1. Kevin West, David Mutch - 05:06 2. Edward Crowley, Matthew Dewes - 05:28 3. Racheal Clough, Racheal Clough - 05:28.5

Results Place, Boat Number, Boat Name, Skipper, Owner 1. 16, Al Zeer, Mohammed Rashid Bin Shaheen, Khalifa Rashid Bin Shaheen 2. 87, Dahees, Hassan Abdullah Juma Al Marzouqi, Ali Abdullah Juma Al Marzouqi 3. 30, Al Adeed, Rashid Mohamed Rashid Musabbeh Al Rumaithi, Mohamed Rashid Musabbeh Al Rumaithi

UAE SUP Challenge

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2011

4. 8, Shamardel, Sultan Saeed Hareb, Sh. Majed bin Mohd. Bin Rashid Al Maktoum 5. 60, Al Shared, Majid Ahmed Al Muhairi, Ahmed Khadim Al Muhairi

Dubai Show Jumping Championship

Mens 3km Race 1. William Lee - (Dubai) - 14:40 - AED 2500 2. Jakub Szczesny - (Abu Dhabi) - 16:05 - AED 1500 3 Nick Yates - (Abu Dhabi) - 16:20 - AED 1000 Womens 3km Race

Men 1. David BARMASAI, KEN, 2.07.18 2. Evans CHERUYIOT, KEN 2.08.17 3. Eshetu WENDIMU, ETH 2.08.54 Women 1. Aselefech MERGIA, ETH 2.22.45 2. Lydia CHEROMEI, KEN 2.23.01 3. Isabella ANDERSSON, SWE 2.23.41 Men 10KM 1. Ihya BEM YOUSEFF, MAR 30:38 2. Othmane CHAIBI, MAR 31:14 3. Yassin EBBA, ETH 31:43 Women 10KM 1. Betihem DESLAGN, UAE 33:07 2. Alia, MOHAMMED, UAE 35:04 3. Belainesh GURMU, ETH 35:04

1 Wendy Couch - (Abu Dhabi) - 19:41 - AED 2500 2 Zoe Thompson - (Abu Dhabi) - 20:07 - AED 1500 3 Jessica Zapiain - (Abu Dhabi) - 20:10 - AED 1000 Mens 1km Race 1 Clint Moore - (Abu Dhabi) - 5:31 - AED 1500 2 Andre Protas - (Abu Dhabi) - 5:44 - AED 1000 3 Mark Bunker - (Dubai) - 6:12 - AED 500 Womens 1km Race 1 Megan McDonald - (Dubai) - 6:25 - AED 1500 2 Lorrae Nicholson - (Abu Dhabi) - 6:40 - AED 1000 3 Melanie Couch - (England) - 7:05 - AED 500 Kids Race 1 Kacper Szczesny - (Abu Dhabi) - 2:34 2 Jordan Pearson - (Abu Dhabi) - 2:54 3 Mark Howes - (Dubai) - 2:55 Team Relay Final 1. William Lee, Shk. Mohammed, Jakub Szczesny, Kareem Madoor - 8:04 2. Mostafa Al Hussaini, Ahmed Al Sharif, Joao Miranda, Andrew Williamson - 8:28 3. Clint Moore, Andre Protas, Jessica Zapiain, Nick Yates - 8:48

Results of Competition 6: FEI World Cup - Dubai Equestrian Club Grand Prix (Rider - Nationality - Horse) 1. Abdullah Al-SHarbatli - KSA - Columbia 11 2. Ahmed Tolba - EGY - Splendor 3. Lena Timm - GER - Acorad 3

Emirates Equestrian Centre Trophy

1. Belal Ghazzawi - 66.72 2. Fahad Al Eid - 71.64 3. Saeed Nasser Al Qadi - 78.45

20 Classifieds

i
4x4
2005 Ford Explorer Dark blue Low mileage - 74600 KM Good condition Price - 40,000 AED Please call 050 4976 191 for viewing.

Accessories
All Purpose ~12V DC Portable Car Shower Ideal for camping and boating. An electric shower that runs off a 12 Volt car/boat cigarette lighter socket to give an instant flow of water. FEATURES: * Operates through car accessories plug * Convenient and easy to use * Easy to transport * Powerful and durable SPECIFICATIONS: Power: 12V Flow: 4L per min Energy Consumption: 7.2W / 0.6 AMPS Price: 100 AED Please Call: 050 5505 256

Snow
Snowpro Snowboard Boots UK Size 9 - 9.5 - Euro size 43 One pair news Snowpro Snowboard boots for men. Lightweight construction - for greater feel and control. Separate liner boot with quick draw and lock lacing system. Ankle contours within the lining to help eliminate heel lift. Latex heel support. 3D thermoformed tongue, for torsional pressure distribution. Reinforced boot shaft, for rigidity right where you need it. Rubber outsole for grip in the snow. Waterproof materials. Reason for sale: Wrong size purchased. Price: 350 Dhs Please Call: 050 315 8910

Dive
Underwater Camera Undrwater camera set includes: -Nikon coolpix L20 digital camera (had it for a year) -Ikelite underwater housing (used few times) -Ikelite AF35 AutoFlash Kit (used once) Condition: Almost no noticeable problems or flaws. If anyone wants to view the item feel free to call me to set up the time and place. Price: 3000AED Please Call: Tsuniks on 050 6221578, (Khalifa City A, Abu dhabi, UAE)

1993 Jeep Wrangler manual transmission, hard top 220000 km, modified suspension, big tyres, MSD fuel, Trotters, headers , iron front guard. Price: 15, 000 AED Please Contact: nassoor-91@hotmail. com

Motorcycle
Honda Hornet 250 Naked sports bike 0 to 100km/h in just 6.8 seconds. Top speed 180km/h. Big fireblade 180/55ZR17 new stock tyres, superb street ride and handling, smooth whine sound. Renowned in the Japanese and European markets for its performance. Displacement: 249.00 ccm, Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke Power: 40.00 HP (29.2 kW)) @ 14000 RPM Torque: 24.00 Nm (2.4 kgf-m or 17.7 ft.lbs) @ 11000 RPM,Valves per cylinder: 4 Fuel system: Carburettor Fuel control: DOHC Cooling system: Liquid Gearbox: 6-speedFront tyre dimensions: 130/70-ZR16 61W Rear tyre dimensions: 180/55-ZR17 73W Front brakes: Single disc Rear brakes: Single disc Physical measures and capacities Dry weight: 151.0 kg (332.9 pounds) Fuel capacity: 16.00 litres (4.23 gallons) Price: 9,500 AED Contact number: +971557561860

RIDE Decade 165w Mens Snowboard + Nitro Raiden Blackhawk Bindings One pair news Snowpro Snowboard RIDE DECADE 165W Ride Decade 165wide mens snowboard The decade is a versatile all-mountain board. Grey/ Neon Orange top sheet with exposed wood core window on centre. Big mountain style rider and this board is pretty ideal. Nice and responsive, very fast base, holds a good edge on the hard pack and can carve nice and deep on the piste. floats pretty well if your riding in the powder due to its wide base, definitely recommend this board. Raiden BlackHawk Bindings FTI Chassis ASYM Type R Highback Control cut Ankle Strap w/ leather reinforcement, Revert toe strap, Speedwheel buckles Telescoping base cover w/ integrated toe ramp Multi-density EVA heel dampening Ability Level: Advanced - Expert If interested please call me on 0567897304

Oceanic Atom 2.0 Diving Computer Brand new Oceanic Atom Diving computer Retail price AED3,000 Reason to sell: already received another as a gift Call 050 - 890 8290

Cycle
Felt S32 Triathlon Bike (54 cm) with gear/extras -size 54cm -mostly Shimano 105 components -includes clipless pedals, lights, cycling computer extras: shorts and jersey (medium), gloves (large) Price: 4, 800 AED Please Call: 0502380242

Scuba Diving Gear for sale Aqua Lung Kronos Regulator with Reg Bag - 1,500 AED Aqua Lung BCD Sea Quest Pro LT with Surelock Weight System (Medium) with AKONA Diving Knife - 1,000 AED Cressy Edy II Dive Computer (less than 6 mos. old.) - 1,500 AED Price: 4,000 AED Call 0502755248

CLASSIFIEDS

Classifieds

21

CLASSIFIEDS

Boat

205 SEA RAY SPORT 2011 BRAND NEW The 205 Sport leads our next generation of cutting-edge sport boats. It has all the elements you need for truly epic thrills, just add water, or air for your gripper and rippers. Plus, it looks hotter than ever. FEATURES: With Standard Equipment 4.3L MPI Alpha (220 HP) Stern Drive Painted trailer with double axle One-tone gel coat (WHITE / BLUE TRIM / BLUE CANVAS) Sport graphics, Cockpit Cover with Tonneau Cover Bimini Top with Boot Premier Stereo Upgrade Includes: (Upgraded Head UnitStereo Remote at Dashamp/sub-woofer combo 2nd Stereo Remote Control Transom Snap in Carpet Cockpit, Depth Finder, Ski Tow, Drop-in, Magnetic, Compass STBD Bucket with Flip-up / motor box / port B/b Battery on/off Switch SPECIFICATION: Make: Sea Ray Model: 205 Sport 2011 Length: 6.40 m (21) Beam: 2.43m (8) Dry Weight: 3150 lbs. (1429 kg) Fuel Capacity: 140 L (37 gal) Max. Persons/Weight: 8/1120 lbs / 508 kg Dead Rise: 20 / 20 Max Weight Persons/Gear: 1,200 lbs / 544 kg Price: 172,000 AED Please Call: Amelia Rio Magsisi on +971 4 3405152

16ft Classic Wooden Sailing Dinghy SALLY is described in an extract from the 1947 Lloyds Register of Yachts as a wooden centre board Bermudan sloop of 16 00 (4.87 metres) length, with a beam of 6 03 (1.90 metres) carrying approximately 180 square feet of sail and built in 1933 by Francis Morgan Giles of Teignmouth. SALLY is carvel built of 7/16 thick Burmese teak copper fastened on what seem to be either oak or rock elm frames at 2 3/4 centres with oak keel, keelson, stem and stern post with teak centre board casing and furniture. She is, however, very similar in lines to a number of various sizes of famous British One Design dinghies of the period and may be somewhat similar to the North Norfolk Sixteens of the 30s. She may also be related to either the Teignmouth or Royal Dart ODs or even a Humber Yawl Club OD designed by Giles during this period. SALLY comes with all running rigging, various sails (1 new), numerous spares, trailer and the ever reliable seagull plus 40 outboard. Price: 25,000 AED Please Call: 050-613-8390

FENN XT SURFSKI Almost new fenn xt, comes with 2 paddles one adjustable and one fixed, adjustable new paddle worth 2000 AED Price: 4,800 AED CALL 0505071688

Surf
7 0 MMY Thrusty Surf Board shaped by Chris Harris + Rip Curl Bag Only used a few times, just less than 2 years old. Medium board Surfboard MMY shaped by Chris Harris 7ftx21.5x2.5 inches. FCS fin system and leash. Couple of years old but limited use, a couple of pressure dings otherwise in good condition. Great board to use, ideal for intermediate/beginner standard. Perfect time to pick up a board as Dubais swell is best from Jan to Mar. Very tidy Rip Curl travel bag with liner, barely used at all. Price: 1,000 AED Please Call: 050 5597633.

CATAMARAN Topcat 4.5 German high-end catamaran, very good condition, excellent for single handed sailor, (see www.topcat.de) disassembled Cat for viewing in Mirdiff Price: 20,000 AED Call Kurt 00491702102366

HONDA BF20 outboard Engine The Honda BF20 outboard engine is ideal for most three to four meter aluminium and inflatable boats, the amazing BF20 delivers smooth and reliable performance in a lightweight design. It is equipped with power tilt and gas assist tilt variation, perfect for effortless engine tilt-operations and shallow water running. Specifications Type: 4-stroke SOHC 2-cylinders / 4-valves Displacement: 350cc Full Throttle RPM Range: 5,000-6,000 RPM Rated Power: 20HP @ 5,500 RPM Cooling System: Water cooled Induction: 1 carburetor Starting System: Recoil Exhaust: Through prop Gear Shift: F-N-R Dry Weights (kg) (L-Type): 49.5 Price: 7,500 AED Please Call: Mohamed on 0504582043

YAMAHA Jet Ski FX-1100 in very good condition Yamaha Water Jet Ski , FX-1100 , 140 Hp , 1100 c.c , used only for 93 hours , Full service history in Yamaha Agency (Al Youssef Motors ) , used twice a month , water flushed after every use , warbird water skiing board complete with robe & air pump , water skiing goggels , extra separate fuel/water jerkin , well condition trailer with new tyers and two life jackets . For more information you can call me on (0505912059 or 0503194796) of visit me at discovery gardens Price: 18,000 AED

Outlaw Triangle Towable Tube with Tow Rope Diameter 130cm In perfect condition, no air leaks Price: 500 AED Call 050 2752095

Full Kite surfing Equipment Full Kite Surfing equipment Slingshot Kite and board. Kite - 14 meters. Board SX136. Harness, attachment and pump inlcuded Price: 4,000 AED Please Call: 0502586563

Cycle
Specialized Road Bike Shoe Patented BG technology increases comfort and efficiency, Lightweight and stiff FACT carbon/glass fiber sole - 8.5 stiffness index, 3 straps for snug and supple fit, 3-bolt cleat pattern fits Shimano SPD-SL, Look and Speedplay pedals, Approximate weight 590g pair. Size EU43 /UK9 Used only a few times. Including Lock cleats. Price: 200 AED Call 050 2752095 Would you like to sell you gear or outdoor items? Then please send a photo, product description and your phone number to contact@outdooruae.com All entries are free for individuals. Corporate clients please contact our marketing department: 04 4472701

22

Atlantis Photography Club

Atlantis Dive Centre photography club

January saw the launch of the Atlantis Dive Centre photography club. We had an overwhelming response & such a great buzz about the new club from everyone The club is free to join and has been set up to bring like-minded divers together. Already we have a great schedule for the first quarter of 2011. The club welcomes all level of photographers from first time photographers to experts. We will meet the first Tuesday of every month (next meeting 1st March @7pm). Every meeting is different this coming meeting we have a presentation from a photographer with over 20 years experience. Also we will be looking at different housings and lighting options. And of course lots of diving!! January we had a very successful photography trip diving the Neptune & Hopper Barge. February we are off to Thailand and also running a trip on the East Coast. March we are running a photography trip for 2 days in the Musandam on the Livaboard. Diving dive sites perfect for photographers so away from the currents and deep depths. Anyone is welcome so please call us on 04 4263000 and come join the club and lets go diving. Jason

Photo credits: Vladimir Radnic

24 Products

[dive] Apeks Flight Regulator

Price: 3,495 Dhs Available at: Al Boom Flight has been designed primarily for the travel diver. If you plan to dive mainly in colder waters below 10C then we would recommend the Apeks XTX range which has been specifi cally designed for more extreme cold water diving. Flight comes into its own and excels as the perfect travel companion. As the lightest regulator in the world and the most compact regulator Apeks has ever made it is perfect for those exotic dive destinations.

[skim] Victoria Skimboards

Prices: Ultra - 995 Dhs Woody - 265 Dhs Available at: Act Marine, located at the end of JBR Walk in Dubai Marina. Email: info@actmarine.com Phone: 04 4243 191 Ultra (pictured right) The Victoria Ultra has great surface area float for reaching those Dubai waves and a nice performance shape for carving strong top turns and pop tricks. Working well in a variety of wave conditions it provides a reliable everyday ride. Woody (pictured left) The Victoria Woody is where it all starts, the perfect board for having fun. Great for flatland spins, ollies, and pop tricks as well as experimenting with wave riding. The woody is made in the USA from Meranti ply and fiberglass providing a solid deck that wont warp. Established in Victoria Beach, California in 1976, Victoria Skimboards have been at the forefront of skimboard innovation since the start.

[dive] Aqualung Slingshot

Price: 730 Dhs per pair Available at: Al Boom Slingshot - a revolutionary fin that will take the dive world by storm. It will make diving more comfortable, efficient and fun. Its innovations include Power Bands, Gear Shift and Mid-foot Flex Joint that all add up to provide a wonderful diving experience. Features include, Power Bands: Pure siliconee, Gear Shift: 3-speed Gear Shift customizes your speed to effort ratio to fit the specific conditions of your dive. Three different settings are available. Easy to shift during the dive, even with gloves, Midfoot Flex Joint: The blade is attached to the foot pocket using two Mid-foot Flex Joints. This takes the strain off of the toes and the top of the ankle. The result is a dramatic improvement in comfort. You can now use the entire foot to power the fin rather than just the front half of the foot. Provides the blade a significantly larger range of motion, often up to 5 times that of a conventional fin.

PRODUCTS

Products 25

PRODUCTS

[camp] Eezi-Awn Roof Top tent and awnings [skate] The Landyachtz Spud

Price: 5,390 Dhs Available at: leadingedge-s.com The Series 3 Model 1200 is priced at Aed 5390.00 inclusive of the ladder, mattress, mosquito nets, fly sheet and travel cover. It is made of the toughest Waterproof, Rip Stop canvass and is very simple to deploy and dismantle for the easiest most comfortable and safest camping experience.

Price: 1,195 Dhs Available at: Act Marine, located at the end of JBR Walk in Dubai Marina. Phone: 04 4243 191, Email: info@actmarine.com The Spud is designed for the emerging ride style of todays longboarder. The Canadian maple deck gives the stiffness you need for carving and sliding, while the dropped deck provides stability at speed. Graphic by famous NYC graffiti artist, Ewok (www.mr-ewokone.com). Components: Grizzly 852 trucks, 76mm Monster Hawgs wheels, and abec 7 bearings. Landyachtz started in 1997 in Canada with the goal to make the best boards on the market through innovative designs and a focus on durable products. Landyachtz have ruled the downhill skateboard championships for the last 5 years. Landyachtz have boards for every style; downhill, freeride, carving, cruising and commuting.

[camp] Trangia Cooker Ultra Light 25-2UL

Price: 400 Dhs Available at: Al Yousuf & Go Sport Series 25 includes somewhat larger stoves suitable for groups of about 3-4 people. They are excellent family stoves with capacious pans, a wider frypan and a larger kettle. With the supports in the raised position, the stove can be used with large billies from the rest of the Trangia range. All the stove systems in the 25 series have two saucepans (1.75 and 1.5 litres), a 22 cm frying pan, windshields (upper and lower), a burner, a pan grip and a strap. Dimensions 22 x 10,5 cm Info: www.trangia.se

[camp] Light My Fire - MealKit

Price: 92 Dhs Available at: Picnico JUMEIRAH Beach Rd, DUBAI TEL: 00971 4 3941653 Designed especially for Light My Fire by Scandinavian designer Joachim Nordwall, this kit is perfect for your backpack, boat, picnic basket, even your lunch box. The MealKit contains everything you need to prepare and eat a meal any where: two plates, a spill-free cup with lid (300ml), acombined colander and cutting board, a spork ( combined spoon and serrated fork ) and a small waterproof box for all those things that just have to stay dry. The spork is made of a tough and durable PC (polycarbonate) material and the rest is made of PP (polypropylene), an environmentally friendly plastic. - Dishwasher safe. - Floats. - Environmentally-friendly PP plastic. - As practical in the city as it is in the wild. - Micro-wave safe. - Design by Joachim Nordwall. - Made in Sweden.

26

[camp]
Hat Igloo Tent
Pantropic, The authentic Panama hat Available at Dubai Garden Centre, ACT Marine Coleman Sundome 3-Man tent Available at Picnico

On and around the Camping Table:

Cutlery Lifeventure Metal Fork, Knife, Spoon Available at: Go Sport & Al Yousuf 35AED Thermal Flask Vango, Black 750ml Available at: Go Sport & Al Yousuf 85AED Picnic Basket with plates and glasses Available at Picnico 125AED Camping Cooker Vango Trandia Stove, 25-2UL, for 3 to 4 persons Available at Go Sport & Al Yousuf 400Dhs

225 AED
Camping Table
Pro Camp, Foldable aluminum table Available at: Picnico

450 AED

245 AED

Pop-Up Tent

Easy-Camp, Tent Antic Green Available at Go Sport

245 AED

Shoes

Crocs Baya, Black Available at Act Marine

150 AED

Shorts

ONEILL Seventeen Shorts / Colour: Freedom Available at Act Marine

245 AED

Camping Chair

Pro Camp, Delux 3 Position ChairAvailable at: Picnico

PRODUCTS

110 AED
Do you like the look of this place?
This is a campsite in Suwaydan. A detailed description on how to reach this place is in our locations section, page 45

A haven for Horses

Event Review: Dubai Marathon 27

EVENT REVIEW

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2011

Despite the mid-race burst of favorite Eliud Kiptanui , Kenyan David Baramasai pushed the limits and won the 2011 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon. He remained undefeated with the classic distance having crossed the line in 2h:07m:18s and received the cheque for 250000$ for the biggest running distance. Runner up of the event was his fellow Kenyan Evans Cheruiyot followed by the Ethiopian Eshetu Wendimu. It was a big surprise for me as I was really just trying to finish in the top ten, said Baramsai, who collected his trophy from HH Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. Once the last pacemaker had gone it was tough and I had the wind in my face but I just kept pushing on from the 35km point. Ethiopian Asselefech Medessa gave herself an cool birthday present of $250,000 by winning the womens marathon in a time of 2h:22m:45s. She won by 16 seconds from Lydia Cheromei of Kenya (2:23:01) with Swedens Isabella Anderson in third (2:23:41). Asked when she thought she knew she would win, Medessa said she was never sure of victory until the last minute. Probably at the 41km mark, she smiled. I was fighting all the way with Lydia (Cheromei) and I was only confident once she was behind me and out of the way. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the 2011 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon saw over 14,000 take to the streets for the biggest mass participation event in the Middle East with runners in the marathon, the 10km and the 3km Fun Run. As well as the able bodied athletes, a number of the wheelchair

competitors took to the streets with Britains Rob Smith keeping himself on course for London 2012 with a hard-earned win on his Dubai debut. Im the first wheelchair competitor and close to my personal best in near perfect conditions so I cant complain, he said. The prize money is the biggest of my racing career which is a real bonus. Now I need to get more funding, get a new chair and push on to get better personal bests. Full results in the Results section.

28

News

New Masaood Showroom

Al Masaood Marine just opened a new showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road, near the Oasis Mall. From Saturday to Thursday between 10AM to 7 PM you can make a visit and check the 30 different brands of marine products for leisure, water sports and scuba diving. They are having many offer and special promotions throughout the season; make sure you dont miss them!

Social Evening with Dan Mazur

efficient, mobile and programmed. Yet, when we dream we still dream of candlelight and romance, campfires and freedom, bonfires and celebration. Everyone longs for fire. Fire is life. We sell fire. ( Mr. Sohail Roshni) Some of the LightMyFire products are: Spork,FireSteel,MealKit,TinderD ust and TinderSticks. Currently they are available at the Picnico Outdoor Shop at Jumeirah and will be soon be available in major sports and outdoor stores across the UAE. For more info visit: www.sakeen.ae; www.lightmyfire.com .

Runners signing in the rain in Dubai

experience is not needed of course as first aid certification is something that is ideal for everyone to know. First aid training, certified by the Dubai Municipality, is ideal for: - Those with the responsibility of child care - Those in the workplace - Divers and adventure sport enthusiasts Training can be done at the dive centre, or at Al Boom company location.
www.alboomdiving.com

The rain may have fallen but nothing could dampen the spirits of the UAE residents who converged in huge numbers for the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathan fun race. Runners included people from various walks of life as took to the streets for the renowed race that was flagged off at 11am on Friday. Many of them were clad in their company t-shirts while others chose to adorn interesting messages written on them with many of them promoting good health. Jady Klenn a Dubai resident, said: The weather is lovely and Im so happy that I was part of the 3km race. This has motivated me to further participate in the 10km race for the next year. I will begin my preparations for that immediately. A group from Doha had flown in especially to participate in the marathon and were delighted to be part of the fun marathon and the overall experience. Rosy Tretta said: We are thrilled that we are here. Its not about only participating in the marathon but also to promote healthy living among everyone. It is important to have good health and for that we need to involve ourselves in such events, which promote such cause.
www.sport360.com

Dakar Rally: Historic win for Al Attiyah

Qatars Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah has won the Dakar rally after relentlessly pursuing that dream for the last seven years in what can be described as the greatest-ever sporting achievement by an Arab in history. The best know Arab sportsman ever is the Egyptian former footballer Mahmoud El Khatib, winner of the Ballon DOr (Golden Ball) for being the best football player in Africa in 1983, and being voted Arab Sportsman of the 20th Century in a career spanning from 1972 to the late 1980s. Attiyahs closest rival and teammate the South African, Giniel de Villiers, was a distant second, lagging by 49 minutes 41 seconds while defending champion Carlos Sainz had to be content with third after the front suspension of his car gave way on stage 10 and put him at a huge disadvantage. Had it not been for the broken suspension, the fight for the 33rd Dakar title would yet have been close, probably closer than the two minutes 12 seconds the Qatari conceded in his defeat to Sainz last year. For Attiyah, it is a huge achievement in a sporting career spanning some two decades, where he has won

Dubai Traditional 43ft Dhow Sailing Championship

Thursday , 27 January many people gathered at Lakes Club, Emirates Club for a social evening organized by Arabia Outdoors. Dan Mazur, high altitude mountain guide and ambassador for the Mount Everest Foundation for Sustainable Development in Nepal was the guest speaker of the event. He shared his first experience on the summit of Everest; an incredible endurance challenge and team adventure. There was also organized a raffle for people who joined the event, almost everyone won different things useful in outdoor adventures.

Al Zeer swooped through the finish line next to the Burj Al Arab this afternoon (Friday) to score a win in the second round of the Dubai Traditional 43ft Dhow Sailing Championship organised by Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC). Dahees narrowly beat Al Adeed to take second and third places as the fleet seemingly descended from every direction at the finish line. Shamardel was fourth and the winner of the last round Al Shared took fifth after an amazing hour-long race full of manoeuvre and charm. It was my race said skipper Mohammed Rashid Bin Shaheen, I like tactical races and the race today was very tactical; you have to read the conditions and stick to your plan. The weather was great; a good northerly breeze of around 13 knots and I felt very confident. I want to win the championship this season and Im really happy with this result. Eighty-two boats, the largest fleet this season, started dramatically with shredded sails and a man over board who was miraculously recovered by his crew mates at the start line. Lively wind conditions and a choppy sea contributed to a spectacular race, which witnessed more split sails along the way and more men over board who were quickly recovered by the support craft. We moved the race to start at Deira Palm and finished at the Burj Al Arab because of the wind direction, said Marwan Al Tayer from the DIMC organising committee and Race Officer of the Day. The conditions were superb for a really exciting race and I am pleased with the amount of boats on the start line, this sport is truly growing in popularity which its very encouraging. The next and final round of the Championships is at DIMC on March 12th.
source: www.dimc.ae

UAE Hercules Trophy organisers release first Cryptic Clues

Al Boom Diving is happy to be certified as a First Aid International training centre to offer first aid courses that are approved by the Dubai Municipality. First Aid International, based in Brisbane, provides First Aid Training and First Aid Supplies which ensure you are compliant with all health and safety requirements. Some of the courses available from First Aid International, through Al Boom Diving, include: Provide Basic Emergency Life Support First Aid in the Workplace Most of the courses have a minimum age requirement of 14 years, and can be completed in half a day. Dive

Light My Fire available now in UAE

Renowned brand of outdoor/camping products was launched in UAE Dubai, UAE, Jan 31, 2011 - Sakeen General Trading LLC announced the launch of LightMyFire outdoor products in the UAE. Light My Fire specializes in outdoor accessories that are as practical in the city as they are in the wild. The business idea is, under the Light My Fire brand, to make unique outdoor products, market them in an unconventional way and distribute them widely, even outside the outdoor segment. Our lives have become digital, time-

laurels both for himself and country in skeet shooting at the regional and international levels, including competing at the Olympics, and off-road rallying where he has excelled in the Production World Rally Championship taking the title in 2006, and has also competed selectively at the WRC.
By Anthony Fernandes www.sport360.com

NEWS

News

29

NEWS

Great sporting legends to attend Laureus world sports awards in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi will be the focus of the sporting world when it stages the 2011 Laureus World Sports Awards in February . The Laureus World Sports Awards, which recognize sporting achievement, are the premier honours on the international sporting calendar. The winners, as voted by the Laureus World Sports Academy, the ultimate sports jury, made up of 46 of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all time, will be unveiled at a globally televised Awards Ceremony staged at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Among the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy and the Ambassadors program who will be in Abu Dhabi are: Boris Becker, Bobby Charl-

Bu Tinah Island

Specialty Courses. A big congrats to Arthur!

www.alboomdiving.com

for enabling it to happen. Since the nationwide search competition began in October 2010, Adil and shortlisted candidates have undergone a rigorous three-month test programme, which included back-breaking fitness and endurance programmes to assess mental and physical strength, as well as a two-day sea trial in the Arabian Gulf.
www.abudhabioceanracing.ae

UAE national Adil Khalid secures historic Abu Dhabi ocean racing berth

Off the western coastline of Abu Dhabi lies a unique wonder of nature, wild and undisturbed by human activity, known as Bu Tinah Island. Imagine an island with shallow sparkling blue waters and sandy beaches, visited by critically endangered animals, musical with birdsong and remote from the bustle and noise of human habitation. Add colorful coral reefs and seven meters high mangrove trees to that picture and youll start to get an idea of the peace and beauty of Bu Tinah Island. Bu Tinahs thriving habitat is a unique living laboratory, with key significance for climate change research. This distinctive natural habitat with its shallow waters, sea grass beds and tall mangroves, set amid extensive coral reefs, hosts rare, beautiful and globally endangered marine life. Seabirds such as the flamingo and the osprey, diverse species of dolphins, and the rare hawksbill turtle are to be found in Bu Tinah. The islands waters are also home to the planets second-largest population of dugong, a large marine mammal that is globally threatened. This precious natural resource is part of the largest protected area in Abu Dhabi. Its continued survival and protection must be ensured. Bu Tinah Island is one of the 28 official finalists for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Vote now and bring Bu Tinah Island into the final seven. Its your opportunity to be part of history. And the future!
Source : www.butinah.com

Dubai International Boat Show rides high on a wave of industry confidence

Emirati To Fly The Flag In 2011/2012 Volvo Ocean Race UAE national, Adil Khalid, is the latest crew member to secure his place aboard the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)-backed Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team for the 2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race, making him the first Emirati sailor to compete in this Everest of Sailing. Adil Khalid, who represented the UAE in both the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the Asian Games in November 2010, beat more than 120 Emirati hopefuls to earn his spot in the 11-strong sporting crew, which includes Olympic medal winners, Americas Cup victors, Volvo Ocean Race champions and Guinness World Record holders. The 22-year-old now carries the hopes of the emirate on his broad shoulders as he looks to honour the considerable responsibility of working towards, and sharing, the aspirations of his homeland in one of the worlds toughest, most extreme sporting challenges. The search for the UAE national to represent us in this challenge has been extensive, in-depth and highly competitive. This exhaustive process was necessary because the race demands and standards are exceptionally high, as are our own aspirations, said His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, ADTA and Team Principal of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. We have been impressed by many of the applicants whose enthusiasm has been a credit to the nation. The final selection went down to the wire and at the end of the day Adil Khalid was the unanimous choice and we congratulate him on this achievement. All three finalists were worthy contenders but Adil Khalid had the edge in terms of sailing experience as well as his developmental potential. This is a dream come true, said Adil, who has competed in sailing events across Europe, Asia and Australia. I am determined to do the team and the nation proud. This is a fantastic vote of confidence in me and I intend to live up to it to the very best of my ability. It is an opportunity of a lifetime and I want to thank everyone involved Hundreds of marine industry leaders and thousands of boating enthusiasts will converge on the 19th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show in March for a spectacular display of the yachting worlds most impressive offerings. As the Middle East establishes itself as one of the fastest growing leisure marine markets in the world, the event has become synonymous with spectacular regional and global launches, and this year promises to deliver even more. The 2011 Dubai International Boat Show has already confirmed 33 launches which cover both global and regional premiers, and will offer an exciting line-up of outdoor activities that will entice and engage all marine enthusiasts. During its five-day run, more than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend Dubai International Boat Show 2011, which has become not just a must-attend event for the industry, but also an important date in the Middle Easts social calendar. The worlds most sophisticated superyachts will be put on show in all their glory in the Enhanced Superyacht Boulevard and the Enhanced Superyacht Pavilion, alongside the inaugural Supercar Promenade, featuring the very latest models from the worlds leading luxury car brands. The multi award-winning show, running from 1 5 March 2011 at the Dubai International Marine Club Mina Seyahi, will feature its largest ever cluster of SYBAss (Superyacht Builders Association) members, the worlds most prestigious superyacht association. Ten SYBAss members have already confirmed their participation at the show: AMELS, Benetti, Burger Boat Company, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen Yachts, Lrssen, Oceanco, Sanlorenzo and Trinity Yachts. Together with supporting partner Officine Panerai, manufacturers of world class timepieces, the event will cater to the entire marine lifestyle audience.

ton, Nadia Comaneci, Mika Hakkinen, Franz Beckenbauer, Ilie Nastase, Mark Spitz, Kip Keino, Nawal El Moutawakel, Tony Hawk, Hugo Porta, Alexey Nemov, Giacomo Agostini and many other sports giant names. Double Olympic gold medallist Edwin Moses, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, said: I am delighted that the Laureus World Sports Awards is returning to Abu Dhabi and that so many members of the Laureus Family will be there to salute the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of the year. Our visit to Abu Dhabi last year was unforgettable and produced a most memorable Awards Ceremony. We are all looking forward to returning to Abu Dhabi to celebrate another wonderful year of sport. Among the names on the nomination list of 2011 Laureus World Sports Awards we can mention: Rafael Nadal (Spain, tennis), Kobe Bryant (US, basketball), Jessica Ennis (UK, athletics), Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark, tennis), Andres Iniesta (Spain, football), Inter Milan (Italy, football), Paula Creamer (US, golf), Valentino Rossi (Italy, motor cycling), Esther Vergeer (Netherlands, wheelchair tennis), Matt Cowdrey (Australia, swimming), Manny Pacquiao (Philippines, boxing), Levi Sherwood (N.Zealand, freestyle moto-cross), Fernandez (Spain, windsurfing), etc.

Youngest Master Scuba Diver in the UAE

Al Boom DIving recently certified the youngest PADI Master Scuba Diver in the UAE, in the last 3 years! Arthur Chaudhry is 12 years old and has completed his PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and five PADI Specialty Diver Courses, including the Dubai Aquarium Specialty. His 50th dive was in the Dubai Aquarium, completing his Dubai Aquarium Specialty. Arthur completed his Night, Navigation, Fish ID, Search and Recovery, Multilevel and Dubai Aquarium

Photography Fashion 30 Outdoor

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Outdoor Fashion 31 Photography

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Model: Gina Vaduva Makeup: Irina Buzdugan Photo: Daniel Birkhofer Fashion available at Act Marine, JBR Walk, Dubai

Photography

Photography

34

The Fishing Kit

the fishing Kit

by Kit Belen

Regret...

ooking at the cloudless horizon, the faint orange of the sun and inhaling the chilly air I was filled with grand expectations for this trip. Although a bit last minute, this trip is full of promises as they all are. After all, there really never is a bad start to a fishing trip. Cooler temperatures have come and with that, the start of the regions fishing season. This is the time when almost everyone is in a race to catch Kingfish. Baitfish come closer to shore in the colder months of the year in the Middle East, cooler temperatures start at around October and the tail end around June or so. This is when you see people line up the jetties and shorelines that dot the country. For the entire summer, Leng and I did nothing but talk about fishing and when I told him that I was able to book a bottom fishing trip, there was no way he was going to miss it. Leng is quite a character; a wiry Singaporean of Chinese descent, a very unassuming man with a smile and a handshake ready for everyone, a guy that almost never says no; one of his qualities that I find very admirable. I first met him while fishing around Jumeira a year and a half ago. It wasnt hard to single out a Chinese guy fishing with a small rod amongst people fishing with rods you can use as a construction crane. Right off the bat, I knew this old guy was on to something. Theres always something to learn from him, both in fishing and in life. The boat was heading out of the Creeks mouth, with everyone on board talking about how the summer had been, how everyone was looking forward to a very productive winter seasons fishing. Everyone except me; I was at the front of the boat

with Leng, whining and complaining. I wouldve enjoyed this better if Id brought that stupid sweater! Im Filipino you know, Im not built for this kind of weather. For me, its tropical weather and thats that. I moved to the desert expecting warmer weather and no rain! What do I get? I get my brains frozen! I must be cursed or something I exclaimed. Leng; with a crooked a smile on his face looked at me still with half sleepy eyes Its part of fishing, when the fish bite you wont be thinking of anything else. he said. He had a good point and I wasnt about to argue. He went back to what he was doing; filing down some hooks for the mornings fishing. I sat beside him and watched and marveled at how systematic he was in his strokes; rather than sharpening the points to a cone, he made the point triangular, almost having cutting edges. Whats that supposed to do? I asked.

The Fishing Kit

35

there; only they were biting tentatively. I tried everything, small hooks, big hooks, lures, different types of sinker weights...nothing. At the back of the boat, the old Chinese guy was catching more than everyone. He quietly slips the fish back into the water, looks at me and smiles. The boat moved around a few times, I could not get a fish on my line. People even volunteered to extend the time for me, but it was no use; I was jinxed today and nothing was going to shake it off. On the ride back to port, I pondered about what Id done wrong. Everything was done by the book but nothing made sense. The salt-spray hitting my face reminded me of the bitterness of defeat...a fishless day for Kit; the only one on the boat who hadnt caught anything. I rode with Leng on the way back home, quiet and confused. Hey, Im confused about something I said. About? What you said about regret I asked, what exactly did you mean by there are too many regrets in life. When you go fishing, it multiplies by 3 or more? Well, theres always the one that got away you see. Every time you go fishing there is always the potential of losing another one, they pile up and before you know it, you have a lot of what ifs. He answered matter of factly. What a lot of people dont realsze is that you can minimise this. What saved me today were my hooks...I kept them sharp. Once they pecked on the bait, the extra sharpened hook would catch them just at the corner of the mouth, if your hooks arent sharp enough, by the time you feel the fish, it would have pecked all of your bait off the hook already! The ones I have are pretty sharp...but they didnt work as well. I quipped. But not as sharp as they should be. He firmly stated. A few trips later, I

confirmed what I had learned from Leng. Sharp hooks do matter. It doesnt take a lot of time or energy but it makes so much a difference and something we readily take for granted. Hooks may be sharp out of the box, but unless they slightly dig in your finger nails, it would take a lot more effort to get them through flesh and bone. In these days of high tech graphite rods, of reels that are so strong you could pull the dentures out of sharks, we get so absorbed in the intricacies of our equipment that we forget that the most important connection we have with the fish is the hook that holds them. As I was unloading my stuff from his car, I said Hey, I learned something from you today! Is that so? I mostly just muck around! He said. But its good if you did, the morning was not a waste then. You know what; I think I have the perfect nickname for you What? Its tacklebloke! he said. (His forum name) No, Im going to call you Sifu (Chinese for Master) from now on... In Life, there are already too many regrets, when you fish, you have more because there will always be the ones that get away...its not worth the stress; especially if what would have made the difference is just something as simple as sharpening your hooks. Now this is something you do have total control over.
thefishingkit@gmail.com

Kit.

Wow, you must be stuck in the 60s or something. Hooks nowadays come out of the box pretty sharp you know! Kit, there are too many regrets in life. When you go fishing, it multiplies by 3 or more. People dont know this, but its probably for the best. Otherwise, there wouldnt be anyone who would go fishing. He said, half laughing. Then went back to honing the hook he was holding. Before I could ask the old sphinx for the answer to his own riddle, the boat slowed down and the boatman announced that wed reached our destination. The sun was up and provided just enough warmth for me to function. I felt like a reptile. We all rigged up and dropped our lines. We were going to bottom fish for Spangled Emperor Snappers. These fish are quite a catch in the Philippines, sought after and heavily over fished - you would be lucky to catch one. In the Gulf, they are everywhere and usually, very easy to catch. But like every horror story, the day starts perfectly before the guy with the chainsaw shows up. For the strangest reason, which I will surely find out when I get reincarnated as a fish in my next lifetime, the fish were

36 Outdoor People

Name: Ludovic CA UMONT Activity: personal watercraft / motorb ike / car racing

Nationality: French

Ludovic

How long have you been in the U.A.E. come here? and why did you 4 years. I was workin g for development and racing in jetski factory in Europe. I came in UAE in 200 7 a few times during my weekend for rac ing and tuning for personal watercraft Masaood heard abo . Al ut how efficient I was they did not want with the watercraft me to go back to , so Europe. Id rather watercraft here in be riding the warm 25 degree s of the UAE, as opp to the freezing tem osed peratures in Europe ! I am now a Service Manager at AL AM SAOOD for Boats/J et-skis/Bikes Whats your pas sion? Personal wat ercraft and any kind sports that involve of engines. I also like to travel a lot, body board, and do all kinds of cra things like jump from zy planes or bungee from bridges! I also used to ride a mo untain bike. Whats your favour ite spot/route? The first place would have be Tahiti where I wen t in 2000 for a jet-ski free ride in the big turquoise waves. Second place wo uld be Thailand, to relax and to forget the stress of work and racing . What do you rec ommend our rea ders? Work hard and buy yourself a jet-ski! Go ing around Abu Dhabi is so nice, there are many islands, and there are a few hotels whe re its good to relax afte r riding personal wat ercraft. Respect rules, oth ers and the environ ment when using your per sonal watercraft and wear life vest!

Lauren
Name: La uren Barke r and Up Pa Surfing, St Wake Activity: g, Swimmin g, in rd Boa g in rd oa B Nationalit y: British ddle . and the U.A.E been in have you re? ng lo o beHow e he lf years ag you com and a ha of High why did here two last year y ed m ov ed m currently attend My family and I am ds job. I y da y em m ad cause of erican Ac Dubai Am in London. School at makeup film d cosng yi stud phy art an eup photogra ak ion? I love degree in Film M ss pa ur y Whats yo fully when I get m pe ! ho es metics, the scen k behind Sri I can wor The Rock, /route? urite spot vo fa ur Whats yo neBe sponta Lanka. :) r readers? at you will th mend ou m gs co in th re you fferent e box, What do and do di outside th out there and think t tried ous! Get e creative activities I have no go, B y. jo en a and love and of sports d give them s an ad e lo er e th out there ar illing to go e! w m sa Im e d th yet an ld do yone shou and ever

OUTDOOR PEOPLE

Outdoor OutdoorPeople People

Jahnig

37

OUTDOOR PEOPLE

Name: Sean

boarding, orts like; Skim ard-riding sp ng Activities: Bo ati Sk g, rfin , Su Bodyboarding uth African So : Nationality and why in the U.A.E. ve you been How long ha ni? re e he it of opportu did you com UAE in pursu oved to the ars ago. I ye 10 t My family m ou tter lifestyle ab but eventuties and a be g SA at first, E for sted in leavin en in the UA be wasnt intere ve ha d bed an ally I succum . 7 years since question is is a tricky ic and gadg passion? Th ur sports, mus er, ing Whats yo -rid ard m all togeth ity, bo tiv the ea ing Cr ss er. rne gettable to answ t - its ha pturing unfor ca more than tha d its an t s bu ate ets with m experiences sharing the memories. eres e Fujairah. Th /route? I lik ay as vourite spot Im on holid fa e lik ur l yo fee e ts Wha akes m od speed out it that m er some go ab off ls ing hil eth e m Th so re. l for some ad across the , the beach has potentia to soon as I he board feels closer ate er sk a ath we on and the and carving peratures. surf or skim u tem yo r if ole s co ve d quality wa quently an rain more fre homes with E, the s? In the UA td our reader enjoy the ou u recommen en trying to wh ge en What do yo all t ch an/Sri Lanka tes Om ea for gr r ve ou lea weather is mmer. ly, use your during the su the year wise regular trips doors. Plan een, y places with and in-betw arb rs ne nte er wi ol oth and se the co g areas for tho d in Dubai for Hang aroun d surroundin on Fujairah an keep an eye taways! weekend ge

Sean

Ziad

Name: Ziad Al Sha

rabi

Activities: Hiking. Diving, Sailing, Mo torcross, Karting, and I have started Golfing (not so mu ch of an adventure sport but great for body and mind) Nationality: Palest inian How long have you been in the U.A.E. and why did you come her e? 33 years, I was bor n here. So really I did here, the UAE is my not come Home.

Whats your pas sion? To learn and discover new thin Adventure has alw gs in life. ays been a big par t of my life and I love venture into new thin to gs all the time. We are in this life once, try to live it to the fulle so I st.

Whats your favour ite spot/route? So far the Hajar Mount Range in Oman, it ain is full fantastic there, a com of places to discover. The nature is bination of Wadis high cliffs, water poo caves and I am sur e much more that ls, I have not discovere d yet. What do you rec ommend our rea ders? Dont let the couch tempt you. TV and There are great pla ces to see and lots things to do. Get of out there and start discovering, its wo rth it!

and its The Desire totreasures Enjoy 38 Oman

Oman and its numerous, unidentified treasures

by Sean Jahnig
summer in Dubai approaches, the devout few board-riders start planning their annual trip south east through the Hatta border into the neighbouring country of Oman. By April/May the swell has already started picking up, and by July the south easterly winds are strong enough to offer up to 8ft+ waves with more power and potential than Dubai. Almost 2 hours out of Dubai youll cross passport control into Oman, where the road and landscape has already changed from the rich collection of buildings, parks and structures in Dubai, to the more humble and reserved (but still quite spectacular) architecture along the road to the Omani capital, Muscat. After about 6 hours of driving you leave what most of us would consider civilisation behind. Towns are small, rustic and interestingly named - something youd wish you could use your last few pieces in scrabble for, like Sur or Ibra. Keep the coffees coming because goats, camels and donkeys have zero boundaries and its only a single lane road in each direction. There are mountains on the horizon in every direction and the bugs, well, lets just say that the 5,000 already smeared on the car wont affect the population.

As

arding? a skimboard What is Skimbo rdsport in which mming) is a boa

ski across the Skimboarding (or ) is used to glide rpart to a surfboard beach, it (a smaller counte ding begins on the oar mb ski , fing us Unlike sur thin wash of previo water's surface. the o ont rd boa pping of the out to breaking starts with the dro m' 'ski to m ntu y use their mome manner similar to waves. They ma k into shore in a y then catch bac which involves d' lan waves, which the 'flat is g din aspect of skimboar ollies and as h suc surfing. Another g din teboar derived from ska breaks. re sho ng performing tricks chi hout cat wash of waves wit rds shove-its on the ifornia when lifegua cal ern uth So in inated From Skimboarding orig ches of Laguna. bea the oss acr way to get ches to wanted an easy to travel down bea g went as a way here skimboardin big extreme riding into shorebreak. wikipedia.

Oman and its treasures 39

Its a hefty drive of about 9 hours to where The Indian Ocean hits Oman, and thats where the magic happens. Khareef actually means autumn, but is a colloquial Arabic term used in southern Oman for the south east monsoon that lasts from about June to early September, but actually starts affecting the climate a bit sooner. High winds pick up the swell and drop the summer temperatures down to around 48 degrees C. Eventually, the mountains start disappearing and the arid, rocky terrain transforms into sand - beach sand! Its the first sight of the sea youve had in hours. A few more kilometres along the road and youll pass through the fishing village of Asilah. When you pass the petrol station, go around the corner and over a speed-bump and youre already on the way out. There arent many people around except for local fisherman, who are quite friendly. Youll need to take all your supplies with you, as the shops become less and less well-stocked the further south you go. As far as accommodation goes, there are apparently hotels in the larger towns nearby but theres nothing like having the coastline as your front porch if you opt to camp on the beach. Some choose to sleep in tents, others directly under the stars. At this point you can deflate the wheels of your

4x4 and go onto the beach anywhere. The coastline stretches north and south for a total of about 1,700kms and no two places are the same. Joes Point (presumably Joe was the first one to find it, and surf it) is just a couple of kilometres north of Asilah. It is one of the many spots where nature and history have provided a marvelous combination in this case, enabling the point to catch the swell out at sea but offer protection from strong winds once it enters the bay and rolls through neatly as the point wraps around. At high tide, the wave re-forms and hits the shore-break in much the same way, rolling through almost endlessly as the bay wraps around. The pictures are taken from our skim/surfari in April/ May 2010. The swell was still picking up so it wasnt very big at that time. By July/August of 2010 cyclone Phet hit and the coastline experienced heavy damages with waves reaching up to 30ft. Sean Jahnig

GPS co-or dinates: +22 2' 24. 14", +59 40' 15 .12"

40 Sleeping bags

leeping bags are designed to maintain maximum warmth during the cooler hours of the night. When choosing a sleeping bag a number of factors should be considered:

Temperature range This is the range at which the sleeping bag best performs. Vango provides a suggested temperature range and most of the range is tested to the EN standard which provides temperature limits for each bag. Select a sleeping bag that fits the needs of the expected conditions. When choosing a sleeping bag it is the comfort temperature range that is the most important criteria to consider. We would suggest that if you expect temperatures close to the lower limit of the comfort temperature listed for a sleeping bag that you consider moving up the range to the next warmest model, just in case you meet unexpected conditions, or you are tired or ill etc. Extreme rating is also provided. It essentially describes a worst-case scenario. The bag isnt designed to keep anyone cosy in such low temperatures, but rather to keep a person alive. Gender: - Women generally prefer slightly warmer bags than men. Tip: For any sleeping bag, you can always vent it on warmer nights by using the double-zipper to open the area by your legs. Or simply drape the unzipped bag over you. Pack size These vary depending on the construction method and components within the sleeping bag. An expedition bag will have a smaller pack size for the same temperature than a leisure use sleeping bag, as the construction and filling is more technical. Most Vango sleeping bags come with compression sacs, these can be used to reduce the overall pack size for transit. Weight This is very closely linked with pack size as lighter components are often used in more technical bags. Filling there are two categories of filling: down and synthetic. Down has a very good warmth to weight ratio but does require more care. When taken care of properly the overall life span is between 20 and 30 years, which is longer than Synthetic material. Natural down filling is, pound for pound, your best insulator. It fluffs nicely when unpacked and rolls up into a more compact size than synthetic filled bags. If size and weight are important, down bags are a good choice. The drawbacks with down are that it loses its insulating value when wet, doesnt dry as quickly and generally costs more than synthetic fill. Synthetic filled bags, on the other hand, retain 70 to 80 percent of their insulating value when wet so they are a good choice in damp climates, they dry fairly quickly and usually cost quite a bit less than down filled bags. Most synthetics can be machine washed so they are easier to handle. The downside is that a synthetic bag offers a little less warmth for its weight, plus its insulating power gets reduced each time it is stuffed into a stuff sack. However, it takes more fill to match down sleeping bag temperature ratings so they weigh more and they take up more space when rolled and packed. Typically, down is the preferred choice of backpackers due to its warmth to weight ratio, and synthetic works well for family camping and where weight is not so much of a concern.

Sleeping bag design & construction

You can have the best clothes, the best tent, the best food, but if your sleeping bag is not the right one, youll wish you had stayed home.

Sleeping bags 41 Shape The two basic shapes are mummy and square. A Mummy sleeping bag provides a better body hugging fit and less dead space. The mummy bag comes also with a hood which keeps out the cold around your neck and shoulders. Mummy bags are the warmest, but they are the most confining sleeping bag. A square sleeping bag provides more room within the bag and is therefore more comfortable. Two rectangular bags can also be zippered together to form a larger sleeping back for 2 people. Usually this type of bag sits at the lower end of the range. User features Bags are designed to be easy to use and fit the user well. Key features to look out for: - zip guard; helps prevent zip snagging on lining - internal security pocket; easy to use, secure storage - multi cord hood adjustment; stops warm air escaping from the bag - shoulder baffles; stops heat escaping from inside the bag when rolling over - shaped foot; allows feet to relax whilst sleeping - two-way auto-lock zip; seal in warmth or facilitate ventilation - zip extends around foot; open the bag to use as a blanket in warmer weather or simply to ventilate the foot area Synthetic: Single Layer construction is when one layer of filling is used and either the lining or shell fabric is stitched to the filling. Both can be stitched but this method can reduce the performance of the bag. This method is not used on high performance bags. Vangos Wilderness range of sleeping bags utilises this type of construction as the range is ideal for first time campers, families and summer campers. Off-set double layer construction is when two layers of filling are used and are laid off-set to each other being separated by a layer of non-binding mesh, scrim. This method reduces the cold spots. TLS Thermic Loft System makes use of a layering technique which combines classic synthetic insulation with a new interlocking lattice construction to produce our most effective thermic insulation system yet. Vangos Ultralite range uses this layering technique - with a great blend of technical performance and comfort, this range is ideal for adventurers and travellers who need to travel fast and light. When packed away, you can hardly notice this compact bag but at night you will stay cosy with the Insulite Superfine insulation system. Down: The method of holding the down filling is crucial to the thermal properties of the final bag. Vangos Viper range offers premium down filling and are designed for maximum quality, comfort and durability on the mountain. The inclusion of Vangos Thermal Embrace System enhances the efficiency of the bag encouraging the lining towards you, increasing loft potential and helping to eliminate air around your body. Stitch through is when the down is held between the shell and lining fabric. This method is not used on high performance bags. Box Wall is when the down is held in box shaped chambers that provide the best space for the down to loft. This method reduces the cold spots. Trapezoidal is similar to the box wall, this time the walls are slanted to ensure maximum loft and fill from the down, the wider angle in the corners allows better fill. Omega Construction is used on the bags from Ultralite up and provides great body hugging and maintains maximum warmth both on the top and around the sides of the body. TES Thermal Embrace System utilises elasticated thread in the lining to enable the sleeping bag to hug your body. This allows you to move freely when sleeping while fitting the inner lining snugly around you. As the lining is encouraged towards you, it increases the loft between the inner and outer layers and reduces the amount of air around the body, resulting in greater insulation and more warmth. And Finally, The overall conclusion with sleeping bags is: you get what you pay for. Price is related to the materials used for the filling, lining and shell the way of stitching and features. Hopefully this article will have given you enough information to make the right choice. Enjoy your adventure and sleep well. TIPS for a longer life for your sleeping bag: -Airing out your sleeping bag each day of your trip will help keep it dry and lofty. -Accumulated body oils, sweat and dirt can rob your sleeping bag of its insulating power. Keep them away from your bag by sleeping in clean, long underwear. Or if bundling up in lots of clothing sounds too restrictive, you might consider using a sleeping bag liner. -Try to keep your bag clean and wash infrequently. Any time you wash a sleeping bag, you subject it to wear and tear and decrease the loft a little. -When the wash needs to be done: do not wash in your home washer and dryer. Use a large front-load commercial washer. The kind most laundromats have. For two reasons: these washers have more capacity to accommodate your bag and they do not have a centre agitator which can damage your bag. Dry cleaning is not appropriate for sleeping bags, especially down. Solvents used in dry cleaning can strip the natural oils from down that help it retain loft. Solvents are also very difficult to remove from synthetic insulation. - Wash in warm or cold water, but not hot, on a gentle cycle. -Use cleaners suggested by your bag manufacturer. There are plenty of good cleaners available, which are made especially for down and synthetics. If you cant find adequate guidance and/or commercial cleaners, use a mild powder but not a liquid which can damage your bags shell. -NEVER store your bag in a compressed bag or sack. ALWAYS store loosely in a cotton sleeping bag storage bag or, as I do, wrap in cotton bed sheet and hang from the ceiling of your bedroom. Compression can cause synthetic fibers to actually break in halfthink of them as spaghetti noodlesand the broken strands lose the ability to trap air and keep you warm. The feathers in down bags are more resistant to breakage, but they too will break down if stored tightly under prolonged pressure.
Stephanie Antezana, AMG, Vango and Guida, Global Climbing

42

Event Review: Dubai 24 Hour

Dubai 24 Hour
A test of speed and endurance

Dunlop

JANUARY 13TH-14TH, DUBAI AUTODROME As a relatively free event, I was sure to get a lot of bang for my buck, so to speak. I arrived on the first day of racing, excited to see what was in store for the race fans. The Dubai Autodrome was buzzing with activity, and together with the sunshine, it made out to be a promising experience. One of the highlights of this event, compared to many others, is how close you can get to the professionals working behind the scenes and in the paddock. This provided a lot of photography opportunities. With 90 teams involved (a staggering 90 cars), it was an event like no other. The race itself involved up to 8 classes of race car, ranging from the tuned hot-hatches such as the VW Golf V R-TDI and the Renault Clio Cup, to the performance topping saloons, and the familiar exotic cars such as the Ferrari F430 GT2 and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 GT3. Already buzzing off the copious amount of free energy drink that was given away to the spectators; I rushed up to the Grandstand to catch the start of this mighty endurance special. Having been to an F1 Grand Prix before, I was ready to compare the noise of the revving

VENT REVIEW

engines at the grid. To be honest, the decibels were up there with the 2.4 litre V8s of F1 engines but the only difference was the pitch. Instead of a harrowing wine, it was more of a growl, which could be felt within the depths of your body. Having been a racer myself as a young lad at the Dubai Kart Club in Jebel Ali, I felt the nerves pulse through my frame, even though I wasnt even in a car. That is something that will always stick with me, as I recall those touchy moments piling into the first corner in my nippy 100cc 2-stroke Comet kart. The race took off and I was ready to capture some moments with my camera. Working only with a factory 18-55mm lens and a 50mm prime lens, I had some work to do as being without a substantial zoom could prove costly. Fortunately, as I was able to get quite close to race engineers within the paddock, I had no need for zoom. Together with the intimate setting, I was also able to capture some good images trackside. The Autodrome offers some great spots along the track, so you are always close to the race cars as they speed past. I was looking forward to seeing the Mansell brothers in action: Leo and Greg the two sons of the Formula 1 legend that is Nigel Mansell. So I hung around the Lotus team garage to get some pho-

Event Review: Dubai 24 Hour 43

EVENT REVIEW

photo: www.dubaiautodrome.com

photo: www.dubaiautodrome.com

photo: www.dubaiautodrome.com

tos and remained patriotic to the British team I was sure to monitor their progress. The fittingly named Need for Speed Team Schubert BMW Z4 GT3 crossed the finish line in the end, to claim victory for multinational lineup of Augusto Farfus from Brazil, Edward Sandtsrom from Sweden, Tommy Milner from USA and German female racer Claudia Hurtgen. Stalking the BMW throughout the 24 hours was the AF Corse Ferrari F430 team who finished second Italian trio Eppe Perrazini, Lorenzo Case, Marco Cioci and Michel Broniszewski from Switzerland at the wheel. Third place and final podium spot went to the Black Falcon Mercedes SLS AMG with German quartet Thomas Jager, Kenneth Heyer, Jan Seyffarth and Sean Paul Breslin doing cockpit duty. The 2011 edition of the event featured more UAE based teams than ever before, this is how they performed: Humaid Al Masaood led HMR Aston Martin team and NFS Racing Lotus Evora finished second and third respectively in the Class SP3. Jon Simmonds led MSW Racing Seat Leon Super Copa finished third in Class A3T Spencer Vanderpal led A2B Racing BMW 120D finished third in the diesel Class D1 Both the Lap 57 Honda and Duel Racing Seat entries had

mechanical problems and did not finish

source: www.dubaiautodrome.com

A full set of results can be found in our results section. As for the Mansells and the NFS Racing Lotus Evora team (SP3 class), a respectable third was accomplished after quite an exciting competition in the SP3 class. The Lotus Evora ran as high as 17th overall, but eventually the car developed drive shaft issues and dropped in the running order. But the resourceful Lotus team solved the issue and the car was back among the fastest in the field. "This was a good test for the 24-hour spec Lotus GT4," British racing driver Johnny Mowlem said. "It could have been a class win and a top 10 overall. We set the fastest lap of the race during the night, so there is obviously more in the car. The car is right on the pace."
sources: www.motorsport.com, Johnny Mowlem

So congratulations to all the drivers and teams involved in this years Dunlop 24 Hour race a truly thrilling event. Be sure to follow us at OutdoorUAE as we continue to cover sporting events here in the UAE and the borders of Oman. Youll definitely find me at the Dubai Autodrome more often. James Eagles Russell.*
*All photos by James Russell unless stated otherwise.

44

Locations

Dive Site
Dive Sites in Al Aqah Dibba Rock Just 15 minutes by boat from Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is Dibba Rock, an underwater nature reserve in Fujairah. Amongst divers in the know, this is one of the first dive sites mentioned. People have an 80 per cent chance of spotting sharks and turtles here, explains Francis, Course Director at Al Boom Diving. Also, as its only 10m deep the visibility and lighting for photography is good. Its very, very colourful and a great place to get hooked on diving. Hard and soft corals, tropical Indian Ocean reef fish and turtles, sting-rays and black tip reef sharks call this home. GPS Coordinates: 25 36 05.43 N 56 20 39.14 E

LOCATIONS

UAE

Avg depth: 5 12m www.alboomdiving.com

Locations 45

LOCATIONS

Camp Site
Suwaydan Vehicle: 4x4 or by road normal car Terrain: easy medium Final GPS: N2507.179 E05546.424 Camping is possibly one of the most popular outdoor activities in the UAE and there are camping spots all across the country - on the beach, in the desert and in the mountains. Usually you can camp in most places because the property owners are kind enough to allow these weekend escapes. Not all campers will be off-roaders or even own a 4x4 so it might be difficult to choose a camping spot which will satisfy the whole group. The campsite at Suwaydan is a perfect area to please everybody. There are different ways to approach the location. Firstly, you can take an off road route via Fossil Rock. Secondly, you can approach the area directly on paved roads (about 60km from Dubai). Thirdly, you can make the desert passage from Al Awir. We will give you the direction for the last two options. On Road: Leaving Dubai or coming from Abu Dhabi on the Emirates Road E311, head towards Hatta on the E66 until you reach the E 611 exit to Sharja. Follow the road

UAE
the off-road route (Off-Raod Start GPS: N2509.977 E05534.150). In general its very simple - the whole route is more or less along the power masts and there are off-road tracks. Do not feel tempted to speed! The route is initially very easy and good for inexperienced drivers if you get bored just go off the track on the dunes to either side. When you reach the camel farms (GPS: N2508.617 E05537.843), it is a good idea to make your first short stop. Shortly after the farm at GPS N2508.486 E05538.866 you will pass a road go straight on towards Fossil Rock. The terrain now gets a bit more difficult but is still manageable. At GPS N2507.747 E05544.590 you have to cross another road (GPS N2507.179 E05546.424) heading towards your final destination. If you get tired of off-road diving you can always make a left turn onto the Kalba - Sharja Road. The next morning after camping you might not want to go off-road again, so just take the road home. When camping, there are no specific camping spots, just pick a spot you like as long as its not taken. The area is beautiful, with mountain scenery as well as sand dunes. In the flat areas you will also find some trees, bushes and some firewood (only use loose wood and dont cut trees). Due to the easy accessibility from the road and the nice scenery the area is a bit busy at the weekend so dont get scared if quads or buggies bash trough the dunes at midnight.

until the Kalba exit to E102, and then on to Exit Makafiz E149. Take the second left (towards Makafiz) and continue until you reach GPS: N2507.179 E05546.424 . You could park your car on the road and walk to a campsite or call a friend to pick you up with a 4x4. Off Road: Follow the instructions above until you are on the E611, but take one exit earlier to Al Awir (Al Aweer). In Al Awir go past the Al Awir Palace and take a left directly after the wall ends (GPS: N2511.001 E05534.026). This is a good place to stop and prepare the car for

When and Where to Kayak 46 Locations

Camp Site
Are you looking for something different from the normal hotel re you looking for something different from the normal hotel stay or wanting to get outdoors and be at one with nature but stay or wanting to get outdoors without the hassle of packing up the car with camping equipment? Actually thats the fun part, getting all prepared for a weekend and be at one with nature but camping adventure. The excitement of getting away makes it all too easy! Its the unpacking on the return home thats without the aggravating the hassle of packbit, unloading the 4 x 4 at 7pm, putting everything away, cleaning out up the the icebox with its soup-like sludge of leftover fooding and melted ice car with camping and washing forgotten about dishes with caked on remnants of last equipment? Actually thats the nights barbeque, and the rest! There are other considerations that one should ponder too, such fun part, getting all prepared as bathroom facilities this is always a biggie with the ladies. Now for some ladies, this isnt an issue in the dark and if theres some decent for a weekend camping advencover by way of shrubs or rocks its not necessarily such a hassle in the day time either. But theres always that thought in the back excitement of ture the of getting your mind that someones about to trot around the corner and blow
Dibba

UAE

LOCATIONS

your cover. Now the diehard campers amongst you will be thinking yeah but thats all part of the experience, but for those less enthusiastic about roughing it, Dibba Musandam now has the answer to your camping prayers. The Aussies refer to it as glamping or glam camping, we just call it camping with all the trappings. Set among the date palms in Dibba Musandam, The Dibba Plantation Camp has comfortable tents equipped with bunk beds, two majlis to relax in and modern bathroom facilities. Buffet dinner and breakfast are included in your nights stay and your dishes are done for you. Theres also free flowing tea, coffee and mineral water. The setting is peaceful, far removed from the bustling city, with plenty of resident birdlife singing away all day. After dinner the campfire is lit up for you to sit around and spin a few yarns and toast a few marshmallows. Theres no belly dancer here or loud music of any kind; this is a place to chill out with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy nature. There are plenty of things to do in Dibba Musandam and the Dibba Plantation Camp is a great base from which to explore the area. Mountain Biking is a popular option in Wadi Kab Al Shamsi and even around the camp area itself. So is hiking. Theres some decent rock climbing too and Deep Water Soloing (DWS) and the kayaking along the Musandam coastline is excellent. If youre less adventurous Dibba beach is a great spot to hang out for the day and is only a 15 minute walk away and a visit to the fish market in the afternoon is definitely worthwhile. For details email: info@sheesabeach.com or call 050 3336046.

wanted
Outdoor UAE are always looking for

events news stories photos

...related to outdoor activities, wildlife and the environment. Please contact us if you have anything of interest for Outdoor UAE. We are grateful for any help to provide our readers with interesting and up-to-date content from the region. Your suggestions are also welcome. Please send any inquiries to: contact@outdooruae.com or call 04-4472701

Nature Review: & Wildlife Parachuting 48 Event

Extreme Air Sport Show!

After the great success of the 1st Dubai Parachuting Championship and Gulf Cup in January 2010, the run for the 2nd Competition was under way, conducted from 7th to 16th January 2011. 500 world-class athletes and teams travelled to the U.A.E. from 43 different nations over 5 continents. They competed for a total prize money of 320,000.- USD over the Palm Jumeirah (at Skydive Dubai) in the disciplines of Formation Skydiving (in free-fall from 10,000 feet above ground), Accuracy Landing (landing with a parachute on a very small target) and Canopy Piloting (the latest and most extreme invention in sport parachuting, where the skilled athletes land their high performance parachutes, regularly exceeding speeds of 120 km/h). For the first time in 2011, Freestyle Swooping, as the performers call it, was added to the competition. During this absolutely spectacular round, the Canopy Pilots landed, extremely fast, showing acrobatic manoeuvres like turning backwards and twisting in their harnesses 180 degrees. A must see for up-to-date air and extreme-sport enthusiasts. It was our goal to put the United Arab Emirates on the map of extreme air sports and parachuting. EAA focuses on promoting air sports activity within U.A.E. and specially now, we present the country as a host of world class aerial events on many occasions. In parachuting, after organizing the Asiania Championships in the past successfully twice, we took the challenge last year to introduce Dubai as a prime location for international Parachuting Events. This was made possible through the great support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum. We will also take this experience as an opportunity to grow further over the next years and to re-confirm Dubai in being one of the leading destinations for the sport of parachuting and international top level parachuting events. Mr. Yousif Hassan Al Hammadi (President of Emirates Aviation Association) PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Libya, Malaysia, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Ukraine. Source: Emirates Aviation Association

World-famous international Parachuting Competition was hosted for the 2nd time in Dubai

EVENT REVIEW

Event Review: Mina Mile 49 Nature & Wildlife

EVENT REVIEW

Zoggs Mina Mile Open Water Swimming Races

In the morning of 14 January, swimmers from different age groups accompanied by family and friends, joined the Zoggs Mina Mile Open Water Swimming Races organized by Super Sports Dubai. Sheltered by The Palm Jumeirah and the Marina, the course offered pristine, flat and calm waters all day, ensuring all swimmers a safe and enjoyable swim. Individual and relay events were offered to swimmers of different age groups. The MINA MILE (1650 meters) was open to all ages and represented the main event of the day. There were also 400 and 800 metre events for those who felt a mile was too long. There was also a 200 metre swim for all those aged 12 and under. Encouraged during the competition by their families and friends, participants tried to set new personal records. It was great to see parents and children so involved and enjoying the competition. Some of the swimmers participated in more than one race. The most exciting part of the event was the awards ceremony, where there was plenty of jubilation and applause for all of the hard work. A pleasant experience and a great way to begin the weekend!

50 Outdoor Photography

Outdoor Photography P art IV

Lenses

In

the previous lessons we learned about shutter speed, aperture and auto focus which are all very important aspects for a perfect picture. Apart from your SLR, the lens you are using drive the focus and aperture especially. This lesson should give you a basic idea of lenses and their differences. If you are looking for a lens or want to determine the quality of your lens, you should check the information given on the lens. Focal length The first information you will find on your lens is the focal length which is given in mm. For an SLR camera, it is the distance over which initially collimated rays are brought to a focus. A system with a shorter focal length has greater optical power (capturing more light) than one with a long focal length. Simply, the focal length determines the size of your motive captured by the sensor, also referred as zoom. The lower the focal length numbers, the wider angle of view, the higher the number, the bigger your motive will appear.
12mm

Maximum aperture / f-numbers The maximum aperture value of a lens is specified as the focal ratio or f-number, defining the maximum light gathering ability of your lens. The lower the f-number, the more light will be gathered by the lens and projected to the sensor. The maximum aperture is given in f-numbers e.g. 1:2,8f one to the ratio of 2.8. Zoom lenses sometimes have a range of f-numbers, because with the zoom it loses a bit of light gathering ability e.g. 24-70mm 1:3.5-5.6f so at 24mm the maximum aperture is 3.5f while it is at 70mm only at 5.6f. More expensive and high quality zoom lenses will have a fix maximum aperture e.g. 70-200mm 1:2.8f. With increasing focal length, it is necessary to also increase the diameter and size of the lens to ensure the maximum aperture is low. Therefore high quality telephoto lenses are very heavy, big and expensive. Quality of the lens The above-mentioned is very easy to work out and necessary information if you are using an SLR. The f-numbers is the best indicator for the lens quality, which will be equal to the weight and size of a lens. To further determine the quality, you need to look into more details such as the optic and the construction of the lens. If you do your research online you will find lens tests which give diagrams with curves for all kind of different values like, light, colors, optical aberration, etc. Tele photo lenses will also come with image stabilizers which might be a plus. Autofocus speed is another consideration. Why is a larger aperture important? First of all, it gives you freedom especially in low light conditions. With a larger aperture (smaller f-number) your lens and camera will be more light sensitive, so you can, for example, work in closed rooms without additional light sources. Secondly, you can work with higher shutter speeds, which is important if you want to capture some action. Thirdly, larger apertures provide a much shallower depth of field than smaller apertures, e.g. for portraits, the model will be focused and sharp but the background will be completely blurred. Types of lenses (based on 35mm film / digital full frame): Fish Eye 16mm and below:

24mm

50mm

OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY

100mm

300mm

Outdoor Photography

51

OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY

A fish eye lens is an extreme wide angle lens which distorts the photo spherically. This kind of lens is very special. Wide angle lens 35-24mm: A wide angle lens captures photographs with a wider angle than we see with the human eye. A normal wide angle lens is 35-24mm while an ultra wide angle lens is 24mm and below. A fish eye lens is actually also an ultra wide angle lens. The smaller the focal length in the wide angle sector, the more the barrel distortion will be straight lines (e.g. a building) will bend. Standard / Normal lens 40-58mm: Usually a lens which captures images close to the angle we would see with our human eyes are called standard or normal lens. For full frame SLR it is usually 50mm but 40-58mm are also referred to as standard lenses. Telephoto lens 58mm and above: A telephoto lens (technically correct name: long focus lens) is a lens which lets things appear bigger (closer) than we actually see them with the human eye. Actually everything above the standard lens with 50mm (58mm) will be called a telephoto lens. Lenses above 300mm are called super telephoto lenses. Super telephoto lenses with a large maximum aperture (smaller f-number) more than 1:4f will get very expensive, so much so that usually only highly professional photographers are able to afford them. Tele converter: A tele converter is a kind of extension which is put between the camera and the lens. Through the longer distance to the sensor, the zoom factor will increase. E.g. a 2x Tele Converter multiplies the focal length by two 200mm = 400mm but this

comes at a price - you will lose two stops of light (aperture) 1:4f = 1:8f. Zoom lens / fix lens A zoom lens might be any type of lens (wide angle or tele photo) but the focal length will vary (as learned before the maximum aperture maybe as well). Zoom lenses are most common because they give a lot of freedom in photography you will not need a lens for each focal length which makes it much more affordable to have a variety in focal lengths. While a zoom (e.g. 24-105mm) lens will always be a compromise between different focal lengths, it will never reach the quality of a fixed lens (e.g. 85mm) which is optimised for a certain focal length. Whenever you are thinking of buying a new SLR, you should consider the lens. Sometime it is better to spend less on the camera and more on the lens. You might be impressed what a difference a lens can make with the same camera and same setting.

Portrait Canon Eos 5D Canon 50mm 1:1,8f Settings: 50mm | F3,2 | 1/3000s Golden Reflector for additional light Shot as RAW

52 The Nylon Hotel

The Nylon Hotel

Wind, Dust, Sand, Heat, Cold, Cattleall are good reasons to take a tent with you when going camping in the desert. Just think about how much comfort a few pieces of polyester, mounted on poles, can provide. Once you have prepared your nest and zipped up your tent, it offers you safety and intimacy at least if you pick a good one. When choosing a tent for the desert or even other camping areas, you should consider some very important aspects like the size, weight, and comfort features, among other things. There are so many brands available here in the UAE, that at first glance it seems that the difference between one tent and another is just a matter of taste and price. However, there are still some things you should consider when buying a tent: Size It should be a good size for you plus the persons who will share the tent with you, and your needs. Normally you will go out on weekends with nice weather and most of your stuff like coo box etc. will stay outside of the tent, so space to sleep will be enough. Tent sizes are also given by the number of people they can sleep e.g. two-man, four-man This is really only indication the maximum if you squeeze in like sardines. A four man tent is actually a good size for a camping as couple. Another simple and common technique, although imperfect, in finding out the size you need is to measure your single bed mattress and, from there, determine the size needed for a tent. For the length you should have at least 20cm more than your body height to ensure comfort. So if you are 180cm you will need 200cm. The normal width required for two people to fit in a

The right choice for a desert camping tent

tent is approximately 110cm, but if you are someone who wriggles a lot in your sleep, then you probably need a bigger one. As you will not spend much more than a night in the tent the height is not so important. However, it should be high enough that one person can crawl out without stepping on the other one. If there are tents on display, check if you feel comfortable in any of them. Some people who are a little bit claustrophobic will require more room for their comfort than actually required. Weight Weight is one of the most important aspects if you go backpacking or hiking, where you can choose light tents which weigh even less than 1kg. In the UAE most people drive to the campsite, so weight doesnt matter. Ventilation When going camping in the desert or in places where humidity is high, the ventilation is the most important aspect, and you should choose a tent that has small windows on the sides, insect netting at the entrance, and an air vent on top. In the UAE as in other hot region it is very common to use only the inner-tent without the fly sheet which will give protection along with very good ventilation. For a cooling effect its important to ensure the air-flow through the tent. Referring back to the size, the smaller the tent the warmer it will be inside, because your body is heating up a smaller volume than in a bigger tent. Condensation is another consideration when buying your tent. Sometimes

The Nylon Hotel

53

ventilation will be not enough to prevent condensation and for the interior layer of the tent, an open mesh fabric to allow water vapour to pass through it is required. Practical ability Firstly, a tent should be practical and easy to assemble. Then it should be light, and made of weather resistant and durable materials if you plan on using it more than once. Usually you will not go out in extreme weather conditions like e.g. mountaineers with strong winds, therefore strapping the tent and securing it will not be so important. Usually you dont even need to take pegs to fix the tent - belongings like your sleeping bag and some clothes will give enough weight so the tent doesnt fly away. During the winter, the desert is quite cold at night, in this case, accessories like mattresses and sleeping bags are essential. Materials: Nearly all tents are now made of nylon. Tent pegs To secure your tent you usually use tent pegs, which in the UAE it is a bit tricky! In sand the pegs sold with the tent are too thin and too shor, for the soft sand, so usually they are completely useless. There are special sand pegs available which you have to buy in addition to the tent. Also if you go into the mountains you will not be able to put a metal peg into solid rock. In rocky terrain, tightening the tent straps to a big stone or rock will usually work well. On rocky terrain a ground sheet or footprint will be useful to extend the life of a tents floor. Tent types: Tents come in four basic shapes: A-frame has two poles with a fabric thrown over it pup tent. Umbrella (igloo) tent is the most common tent shape in these days and will most probably be the only shape you will find here. It has lots of standing room, with large windows and a rain fly over the top. In this article we focused on this kind of tent (Go Sport / Picnico) Geodesic or dome, also regarded as mountaineering tents. Geodesic tents are exceptional in terms of strength, steadiness, durability and sturdiness. Wall / Cabin tent, the kind of tent bedouins used with high vertical walls and roof. It will take some time to set them up and they are also very heavy but provide a lot of space. They are great for long term or permanent camps (Wild X) Roof tents are mounted on your car and very easy to setup after mounting on your car. (Leading Edge / ACE)

Coleman Sundome 3, available at Picnico 225AED

Antic - Macaw Green, available at Go Sport 245AED

A-Frame

The Hudson River M, available at Go Sport 3127AED

Igloo

Geodesic

Pop-up (free standing) tents are the easiest to setup but not so durable and sensitive to wind and other weather conditions. You just throw them in the air to unfold.

After considering the article above, you should check the technical description, which can be found on the packaging of the tent. It might give additional information which will be helpful. From the variety of sizes and types, you should choose the one that you feel suits you and your requirements perfectly. As you may realize, there is no such thing as the perfect tent as people and their needs are so different. There are many camping tents available in the market, starting from 100 dhs or even less. High-class tents especially for special requirements are still hard to find. In the UAE, there are many great locations for pitching your tent with family and friends on a desert camping trip. Camping in the desert can be truly amazing, but its not worth ruining the trip because of a bad quality tent. Even if it may not seem to be a big deal when buying your tent, just remember that a small, overlooked component of a tent can turn your camping night into a nightmare. Hint: Actually you could write books about tents (for sure there are) and there are some aspects e.g. season tents, floors and rain which we did not discuss because they are not important for the region. Also the whole article is focused on camping in the desert not hiking or backpacking.

Quality & Price: In general, the higher priced tents are made with stronger fabric, stronger poles, and stronger stitching. They will withstand higher winds and heavier rain. They will last longer. A good tent can last for many years. However, not everyone needs this strength and durability. In milder and drier climates and close to home (just in case) the least expensive tents are good bargains.

Cabin

Tips & Tricks 54 Tips

How to pack your 4x4 for a camping trip

henever you are planning to go for a camping trip in the desert, there is usually quite a bit of off-road driving involved. In a normal saloon car or similar, the trunk is separate from the passenger area, whereas in a 4x4, the trunk space is open, posing a danger from flying objects that can get propelled into the passenger area during erratic or rough off-road driving. In other words, camping gear is usually packed tightly right up to the roof and the rear of the back seats - an avalanche waiting to happen. So you should always secure your load no matter when and where! So if you go off-road and its getting shaky, remember that this is essential for your safety and for those with you in the car.

Did you know? At full braking from 50km/h or during a collision, loose objects in the car can accelerate, increasing to a weight that is 50 times more than an objects normal weight. This means a loose 1,5l bottle of water in the back could hit someone in the car with the force of 75kg! Heavy things should be on the bottom and behind the backseats. Lighter things should be on top. If possible, nothing should be higher than the backrest of the back seats. Secure everything with straps If there is not enough space in the car, use a roof rack. Again, heavy things at the bottom, lighter things on top, tied tightly.

The maximum weight of the car should be not exceeded. Also be aware, that the handling of a car can change dramatically, especially if you have a heavy roof rack. The stability in cornering will worsen and with a roof rack, the car will be more liable to tip over if not controlled correctly. Dont let this put you off any camping trip though, just follow these tips to have a safe ride! ALSO, For all parents, your kids are the most valuable things you have so please buckle them up! Nobody wants to imagine what can happen, so make sure they are buckled up tightly and seated properly.

light

light
Heavier items under lighter less bulky items when using a roof rack

Light &Bulky

TIPS AND TRICKS

Keep items below rear seat head rest

Tips 55

TIPS AND TRICKS

Tech Tip
2 recommended tying in to sit harness using a figure eight knot

1.

2.

3.A

3.B

m in. 9 0 c

4.

5.
cm

6.A

6.B

here are several ways in which to connect a harnesses with a rope (bowline, water knot or back-thread 8), but the only safe and most commonly recommended method is the figure 8 knot. This tie-in is in common use as it is strong, secure and easy to recognise. Here, are the steps to tie a figure 8 knot: Form figure 8-knot (see step 1 and 2) at the end of the rope in such a way, that the rest of 90 cm of the rope remains (necessary length depends on the rope diameter). Lace the rope through particular parts of the harness (see step 3). Place the basic figure 8 knot directly to the harness. Then simply copy the whole basic knot by the rest of the free rope (see step 4). Tighten the knot; free rest on the rope should be at least 25 cm (see step 5). In another case we recommend to untie the knot and to move the basic knot towards the middle of the rope and repeat the procedure. After successful tying in you can form ordinary overhand knots

(as additional safety) on the rest of the rope placed around longer part of the rope (see step 6). Tie-in is recommended to the tie-in points or a belay loop. Both ways are safe (see step 6). If you tie-in to the belay loop you have to inspect your belay loop as this is the most external part of the harness and there is a high possibility of the abrasion and the contact of the figure-8 know with the rock. The features of a good eight are: - tied in to the tie-in points or belay loop - knot is close to the harness - looks like an eight, no twists or air spaces - 25 cm of extra tail to the knot. Guilherme TOTO Settanni toto@singingrock.cz and Jan Zamecnik

m in . 25

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10tips
for desert camping
1. 2. Take a big cool box for your drinks and food. To keep things cool 3. Dont forget to take some blankets or camping chairs if you dont 4.
Take enough water with you, this includes some water to clean your hands or face. The next morning you will also need some water to brush your teeth and rehydrate (you will be surprised how much water you lose while asleep, through respiration and perspiration) for a long time (especially in summer) freeze some 1.5l plastic bottles of water one or two days before and put them instead of ice in the cooling box. The bottles will remain frozen for a long time and they defrost in time, leaving you with additional water. want to sit in the sand. One or two camping tables are also very useful to keep food away from the sand. Dont use the disposable BBQs for the desert! They are not very environmentally friendly and secondly, they are directly on the ground, so it is likely youll get sand on all over your food. A foldable BBQ which is at least 50cm high is recommended. (dont forget charcoal and matches)

Tips

57

TIPS AND TRICKS

Checklist
Water / drinks Food Cooling Box with ice Plates and cutlery (if possible re-useable) Cups or glasses Paper Tissues and Toilet paper Camping chairs or a blanket to sit on BBQ Matches / lighter Charcoal Fire Wood Torch Tent (or sleep under the open sky) Sleeping bag Mattress Tooth paste / tooth brush Warm cloth Jump start cables for at least one car in the group Car Recovery Tools One small towel (to clean the face) Straps to tie (secure) everything in the car

5. Take a torch with you. Head torches preferred, as you have both
hands free, to make the BBQ or just eat. Take some garbage bags (please dont leave your garbage behind) and some paper tissues, to keep the camp and your hands clean. Toilet paper is also a must. Take some fire wood with you if you are not sure that you will find it around your camp.

6. 7.

8. Take some warm blankets with you, especially in winter when it can
get very cold at night

9. If you have some trees or anything casting a shadow, try to

place your tent in those areas, as you can be shaded from the intense morning sun. Even if it is cold at night, the morning sun can potentially increase the temperature inside your tent to uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous levels (especially for very young children). And shade will give you some extra hours of sleep!

10. Most importantly, take some good friends with you thats actually the only thing that really matters.

58 Events

February 2011
Kayaking, Bike, Paddle
Tours running daily apart from Sundays Kayaking tours in Abu Dhabi and in Umm Al Quwain. Kayak fishing tours in Abu Dhabi, Sailing tours and lessons in Abu Dhabi, all terrain bike tours in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, Stand up paddle board tours and lessons in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi www.noukhada.ae +9715 0721 8928

Camping
Daily Camping at Umm Al Quwaim Marine Club. We refer to the club as the best kept secret in the UAE, but that identity is history now as it has become popular knowledge that it is one of the best recreational outlets that offers overnight camping. Umm Al Quwain www.uaqmarineclub.com

Catamaran Cruises
Daily Open and private cruises around the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa Dubai www.lycatamaran.com +971 50 58 69 746

Al Ain Aerobatic Show

3rd - 5th February Stand by for an aerobatic extravaganza that combines awesome displays of military and civil aircraft, dizzying stunt flying and knuckle-gnawing, highsoaring, wing-tip-to-tip competitions. One of the longest running events in the emirate, the Al Ain Aerobatic Show continues to live up to its billing as one of the worlds foremost aerobatic spectaculars. Al Ain/Abu Dhabi www.alainaerobaticshow.com

Gulf Bike Week

10th - 12th February, 3pm - 9pm The Gulf Bike Week will showcase the performance of All-Terrain Vehicles in multiple races and live demonstrations at the ATV/UTV Zone. Gulf Bike Week will include the very latest bikes, custom bikes, terrain vehicles, bike accessories, lifestyle brands and ready to wear products from major international lifestyle brands in Europe, the USA and Asia. Amy Winehouse, Pharrell Willams with his band N*E*R*D and special guest Mike Posner will perform at the event. Dubai Festival City www.gulfbikeweek.com

UAE Jet Ski Championship (2nd race)

10th - 11th February The championship is run over 6 rounds 3 in Abu Dhabi and 3 in Dubai. The Jet Ski races are divided in different classes, allowing competitors to compete at their own level and specialty. Spectators can fallow the thrilling races up close the shores of the Abu Dhabi Break Water. Abu Dhabi Breakwater www.adimsc.ae

Dubai Roadsters - Big Hatta Ride

11th February Cycle with Dubai Roadsters. 3 rides to consider: Ride #1 - 70 km (2-3 hours) through the mountains from Hatta Fort towards Kalba to the first tunnel and return. Ride #2 - 90 km (3-4 hours) Hatta to the top of the long tunnel and return; Ride #3 - 130 km (5-6 hours) Hatta to Kalba and back. Final discussions on routes will be made at the Hatta Fort parking lot at 06:45. For safety reasons: Unless you are visting Dubai then you need to have a core rider sticker on your bike to take part on this ride Hatta - Dubai www.dubairoadsters.com

RAK Half Marathon (5th edition)

18th February All events (the Half Marathon and the Team Relay Challenge) will start and finish at the same place just about opposite to the City Hotel and at the end of the Manar Mall car park next to the Carrefour sign. Both the Half Marathon and the Team Relay Challenge will run on the same route. The race is open to all athletes of any nationality. www.rakmarathon.org

UAE Wooden Powerboat Championships

19th February The UAE Wooden Powerboat Championship was created in order to preserve the rich heritage of the forefathers of the UAE and to show the world about sports that relate to the UAE people with their centuries old marine traditions. There will be up to 25 boats competing. All participants are from countries in the Gulf GCC region. Dubai International Marine Club www.dimc.ae

EVENT SCHEDULE

Events

59

EVENT SCHEDULE

Hercules Trophy
10th February The Hercules Trophy, Europes most established inter-company team building event and will be held at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. Over 96 corporate teams will compete for the Hercules Trophy in 12 sporting challenges. Participants must be over the age of 18. The Sevens Stadium, Dubai www.hercules-trophy.ae

Nautical Flea Market

11th February, 3pm - 9pm Festival Marinas Nautica Flea Market is an opportunity for lovers of the maritime world to directly sell and buy any preowned nautical items. Professionals and amateurs alike can find everything they need: water sports equipment such as fishing, diving, wakeboarding; boat equipment such as anchors, radars, ropes and outboards as well as yachts up to 40 meters. Festival Marina, Dubai Festival City www.mourjanmarinas.com

Wadi Bih Run

10th - 12th February The run will start from the beach in Dibba between the Absolute Adventure Centre and the Golden Tulip Hotel and go up Wadi Khab Shamsi past the high point at the top of the mountain to a flat area where the runners will turn and then return to follow the same route back down to the finish at the start point. Dubai Festival City Dibba, Oman www.wadibih.com

Stairway to Heaven Hike

14th - 15th February This is a two day event: 14th & 15th of February. Please ensure you read all the details on the website before signing up for this event. The route is long and exposed; you will need a very high level of fitness and previous experience of mountain hiking / climbing routes. www.arabiaoutdoors.com

Terry Fox Run

18th February The very first Abu Dhabi Terry Fox Run was held in 1995, and a Run has been organized annually ever since, making this the 16th consecutive year. All proceeds go to fund innovative cancer research in the UAE. The Run Day programme will begin at 7:00 am and includes a DJ playing music guaranteed to get everyone in an upbeat mood, a 15-minute aerobic session to warm-up the crowd, the 40-member Abu Dhabi Police Band playing the UAE national anthem and the Bohra Community Drumming Band entertaining participants at the halfway point and motivating them to finish the entire 8.5km route. Abu Dhabi www.terryfox.org

Extreme Sailing Series Muscat

20th - 24th February The 2011 Extreme Sailing Series will kick off in Oman from 20-24 February with some of the worlds top sailors set to compete on Omani waters.The Extreme 40 event is guaranteed to be a thrilling spectacle of speed, skill and agility, with over 10 teams competing representing eight nations. Muscat, Oman www.extremesailingseries.com

ZOGGS Aquathon Series 2011

25th February All interested runners and swimmers from across the UAE to participate in this unique Aquathlon Series organized by Super Sports Dubai. Madinat Jumairah www.supersportsdubai.com

*All images sourced from event websites or supplied with permission *You can find more events and detailed informationonline at www.outdoorUAE.com *Please send information about events to: events@outdooruae.com