Browsing Tag

Dubai Marine Club

Sea Shepherd Launches in the U.A.E.

Posted on January 2, 2018

Talking to Natalie Banks, head of the newly regionalised branch of infamous global activist’s Sea Shepherd, it’s hard not to get as passionate as her when you discuss the plight of the ocean and the issues these eco-warriors face on a daily basis when it comes to marine conservation, but they have officially launched in the U.A.E., as an awareness group, aiming to unite with governmental organisations here to help drive forward the changes needed.

What does Sea Shepherd do exactly

Sea Shepherd is a marine conservation organisation. Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd aims to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of marine life in the world’s ocean in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and marine species. Sea Shepherd has 12 vessels which it uses to get mainly volunteer crew on the high seas to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities and to stop these operations. By safeguarding the biodiversity of delicately balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

What are your plans for the U.A.E.

Sea Shepherd in the United Arab Emirates is currently running two campaigns;

Marine Debris focused on the removal of plastics and litter from beaches as well as growing awareness of the sustainable products available that can replace single-use plastics. Sea Shepherd has a strong relationship with suppliers like Keep-Cup that people can use instead of the traditional take-away coffee cup for example.

Apex Harmony, focused on the awareness of shark conservation and the important role sharks play in keeping oceans healthy.

Sea Shepherd UAE is also working on a dolphin conservation awareness campaign with plans to roll these out to both adults and children in 2018.

What are the current issues facing the region?

One of the biggest issues facing marine conservation globally is the issue of plastic debris. Micro-Plastics are even being found in sea salts and in fish which humans then go on to eat. It is toxic and harmful to both marine life and human beings, with the consumption of plastics being attributed to breathing problems, infertility, cancer and even death.

There is also a disconnect regarding the awareness of the benefits marine animals provide humans. Sharks ensure coral reefs aren’t constantly riddled with algae, whale poop actually has been shown to offset carbon in the atmosphere, making the air humans breathe cleaner and healthier.

How can we get involved if we want to?

Sea Shepherd UAE aims to build connections between residents and the local marine life. The organisation is purely volunteer based and anyone with a passion for marine conservation can join. Those interested can send an expression of interest to uaeadmin@seashepherdglobal.org and they can keep up to date with our activities by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Sea Shepherd UAE.

I’m living in the gorgeous merchandise I picked up at RIPE market, like the Gypsea one piece and hoodie with their famous skull and harpoon logo on it, and I love it when others recognise the effort and high five you mid walk. Get involved people.

Fly-boarding… To New Heights

Posted on January 27, 2017

What a way to kick off the weekend… it’s colder than normal but that just means we have to be more active! I popped in to Fahrenheit Beachsports (my secret water-sports hang out down in Jumeirah 1) to try out Fly-boarding for the first time. It’s something I’ve had my eye on for a while, although I have to admit, I was a bit nervous before we started.

It’s a very new feeling… no amount of yoga, surfing or pilates was going to help me get my balance this time round, it’s all down to your mind and where you’re looking, for example, look down at your feet or the water and your whole body moves that way. The key is to stare just above the horizon and curl your feet underneath you into (what I can only describe as) a seahorse shape, so that when the driver on the jet ski gives you some power, your feet naturally move underneath you into a straight legged standing position, from which you then rise above the surface of the water.

Once you’re up, it’s totally different… if you so much as curl your toes, you’ll move. So relax but be firm and lock your knees (sorry yoga teachers) as much as possible without being to rigid. It’s such fun and what a view! With the Burj Khalifa on the skyline and the beach bar waiting for us as we came back to shore, I can tell it’s going to be a very popular pastime.

Fitness Recommended

Want To Wake Surf In Dubai?

Posted on November 13, 2016

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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!