No waves for surfing? No boat to go wakeboarding? No wind for kitesurfing? None of this matters as Abu Dhabi Week jumps on board to try out one of the fastest growing watersports in the capital – stand up paddling
There’s a pleasant evening breeze, the temperature has dropped to a bearable level and the water is calm as we walk along the beach at the Sheraton on the Corniche.
We’ve come to meet up with experienced paddleboarder Jen Scully, who runs the Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle Club, to jump on a board and see what all the fuss is about.
Lying somewhere between surfing and kayaking, the basic principle of stand up paddling or SUP is very simple – you stand or kneel on the board and propel yourself across the water using a single paddle.
Compared to other adrenaline-fuelled watersports, SUP is a lot more serene and relaxed. It’s very easy to pick up the basics, although there is quite a steep learning curve when it comes to mastering the various techniques.
Together with UAE SUP, Jen was instrumental in forming the Abu Dhabi SUP Club in late 2009 and throughout the year the club organises various social paddles, fitness classes, clean ups and island trips, which are free to join for those who have their own board. Rental boards are available for those who don’t.
As a qualified fitness instructor, Jen also runs paddle fitness classes if you want a slightly more strenuous workout. This basically involves a combination of gym exercises, Pilates and yoga whilst trying to stay on the board, which has the added bonus of working your muscles and core extra hard as you concentrate on staying balanced.
However, being a first-time paddler, we just want to learn the basics, so we wade out into the water and clamber onto the board.
Resembling an oversized surfboard, the paddleboard itself is either inflatable (very handy for lugging about and storage) or made from epoxy resin and is normally between 11 and 14 feet long. Shorter boards are more maneuverable, while longer boards are better suited to speed racing.
Starting off on our knees, we paddle around the bay as Jen explains how to use the paddle and gives us tips on how to turn. After a few minutes we’re feeling comfortable enough to stand, so, taking a deep breath and pushing ourselves up with our hands, we go for it.
Balancing is actually a lot easier than it looks – the boards are a lot thicker than conventional surfboards and are designed to be stable. Pretty soon we’re whizzing along between marker buoys and around anchored boats. Jen shows us how to get the most out of our strokes by leaning forward and using the whole of our upper body to power the paddle through the water, making sure it stays parallel to the board.
We also have time to learn a few more advanced maneuvers. By taking a few steps backwards, the redistribution of weight causes the nose of the board to lift up out of the water, meaning you can turn much more sharply. Unfortunately, it also makes keeping your balance that little bit harder, resulting in a couple of ungainly tumbles into the water.
By the time we paddle back into shore, our muscles are actually aching a little bit. It’s a great full body workout – the combination of using your legs and core muscles to keep your balance and your upper body to propel you means that nothing is missed out.
Overall, it’s a hugely enjoyable experience and one we’ll definitely be repeating. It’s cheap, easy to pick up and surprisingly good exercise. What are you waiting for – jump on a board, stand up and start paddling!
Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE SUP is the first SUP only business in the UAE and was founded by HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Tim Abdelrazek, both of whom are passionate about SUP and its continued growth in the UAE. The company provides board sales, rentals and lessons as well as hosting SUP events and races throughout the year including Paddle Night at Yas Marina every Wednesday from 5pm-8pm.
Rental boards are available through UAE SUP and can also be rented at the Sheraton Resort on the Corniche and at the Fairmont Hotel.
For more information, visit www.abudhabisup.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Alternatively, visit www.uaesup.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Jon Muller
Top three SUP spots
One of the great things about stand up paddling in Abu Dhabi is the huge variety of beautiful locations that are easily accessible to you once the basics have been learnt. We take a look at three of the best spots …
Explore the mangroves
Paddle Night at Yas Marina on Wednesday evenings
The magnificent Abu Dhabi skyline along the Corniche
Paddle for the Planet
Join paddlers from around the world as they Paddle for the Planet on 4th June as part of World Environment Day with more than 50 countries taking part.
The paddle will start at 8am from the flagpole on the breakwater and will see the capital’s watersports enthusiasts unite as SUPs, surfskis, kayaks, dargonboats and surfboards cruise the Corniche in an attempt to raise awareness about marine conservation and the damage being caused to oceans all over the world.
Want to get involved but don’t have your own board? Thanks to UAE SUP, a number of Stand Up Paddleboards will be available to rent for AED 100. All rental fees and donations will be going to help support a marine reserve in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
For more information, contact Jen on 050 905 9743 or check out the ‘Paddle for the planet’ facebook page.
