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JBR

Fitness

Testing Out: SUP Yoga

Now I think of myself as a fairly fit person, with relatively good balance, but all of that went out the window when I was asked to Vinyasa flow through a downward dog on a moving SUP, out on JBR’s early waves. What a great workout!

SUP Yoga is one of those awesome classes where you feel challenged but don’t quite realise just how much your core is working to help keep you upright (dry) until the next day’s ‘doms’. A total mixture of yoga and pilates (yogalates if you prefer) this class is a fantastic way to wake up your weekend. SUP Yoga

Situated off the shoreline of the Doubletree Hilton in JBR, the class is run by their in-house centre Watercooled, where dancer Sophie will take you through a tailored program under the early sunshine. The idea is not to fall in, but I did and in all honesty it wasn’t that bad… bring a towel with you just in case, but on the SUP during the class, all you’ll need is some sunscreen and sunglasses. SUP Yoga

From some strengthening V-sits to shoulder testing side planks, the toughest part of your workout here is to remain on the board itself. Never before have I been so aware of staying ‘grounded’ throughout my practice, which of course is totally ironic as we’re floating around on inflatable boards. SUP Yoga

Fitness Recommended

Want To Wake Surf In Dubai?

I’ve developed a very addictive (expensive) little surf hobby that’s been helping to keep me cool all summer. Wake surfing is Dubai’s latest water-sport to get passionate about. It’s a mixture of balance, confidence and co-ordination, but paired with a beautiful sunset and Dubai’s much cooler weather now, it really doesn’t matter how many times you fall off. Fahrenheit Beach Sports

It’s not to be confused with wake-boarding, where your feet are strapped into a board and are pulled behind the boat on a rope, it’s essentially a mini-surf board (like a skim board) that you ride on the wake of a boat, only using the rope to pull you up into standing position, very close to the back of the boat itself. Each hour is roughly between 400-550aed depending on where you go and what day of the week it is. 1 hour is great for two people, but 3-4 people all wanting a go – plan for 2!

There’s lots of people around who are keen to give it a go, as it’s a lot less dangerous than wake boarding… the boat is going a lot slower for one thing and your feet aren’t strapped to a board so when you do fall in, you can land as naturally as possible. So here’s a round up of my TOP 3 wake-surf boats about town.

1) Xtreme Wake
Setting off from just outside Spinney’s in the Marina, they have two boats available – one is better for wake surfing than the other one so be specific when you book. They specialise in more intermediate skim boards, with a brand new one available now too, that’s lighter and great for playing around on the wave with. They also have a boat that runs in Ghantoot and a gorgeous seaside taverna called La Cala that just opened up too, so you can now wine & wake (although I wouldn’t recommend that at the same time!) Extreme Wake Dubai

2) Sea Riders
Boasting two bright red boats based just opposite Bistro Des Arts at Marina Mall, Sea Riders have a great team behind them, the guys are very hands-on and beginner friendly. They came highly recommended and did not disappoint, great for group bookings too. They are also the first to foray into the famous Dubai Creek, so if you’re after a bit more of a scenic background, they’ve got you covered. Sea Riders

3) Fahrenheit Beach-sports
A brand new hotspot on the beach down by the flag, they have a great new boat, with a beautiful long wave either side and zero traffic on the water, so you’re less likely to get knocked off your game with other waves around. The boards are a little more buoyant than i’m used too, but it meant for a bit more playing around on the wave. With a cool set up down at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, they have valet too and a bar, so get settled in for a sunset ride and a few cocktails afterwards too. Fahrenheit Beach Sports

All in all, getting in some vitamin sea with wake surfing is an awesome way to wake up and start your day, so book an early morning session wherever you choose for the best water conditions and least traffic!