• Home

Kids learn to ride the wave

Dubai - You have to be in sync with the elements such as the wind, tides and swells that affect the waves you want to conquer

The combination of a good wave climate and year-round sunshine makes Dubai an ideal place to learn surfing.
To the uninitiated, however, surfing looks complicated - it is actually one of the most difficult and complex sports in the world. You are riding the wave and not one wave is the same to the other, so your playing field is in constant flux. You also have to be in sync with the elements such as the wind, tides and swells that affect the waves you want to conquer.
But, then again, the sunshine, warm water and the essentially tame waves in Dubai are just irresistible factors to want to try out surfing. And one fine afternoon, KT caught up with a group of six young kids, aged between 6 and 8, who were learning the basics of manoeuvring the surfboard. They were novice surfers whose curiosity in surfing, as well as understanding the ocean's elements, were being satisfied by the able instructors from Surf House Dubai.
After getting reminders and safety tips from the coaches, soon the kids were riding the waves in their 'ninja-like' stance. Seven-year old German boy Nikolas Wagener was one of them. His father Markus told Khaleej Times that their family is keen water sports enthusiasts so it was just natural for Nikolas to be in love with surfing at a young age.
"But surfing is a fun and serious sport at the same time," Markus says. "The seas and the waves are not always without danger. Children have to be good swimmers to start with before they can be comfortable in the seas. Those who want to learn surfing should also have competent coaches and following instructors are a must," he adds.
Nikolas always look forward to going to the beach and riding the waves. According to Markus, it has become evident that aside from the camaraderie that Nikolas develops with his friends, "surfing also teaches him the values of responsibility, autonomy of making own decisions, listening and following instructors."
Bimbo Calitis, head instructor at Surf House Dubai, adds: "To learn surfing, the right attitude is to stay positive. You should also be patient and inquisitive. It will take time and practice - lots of them. There is no shortcut and you have to learn it the right way."
For the most popular surf spot in Dubai, Bimbo recommends the Sunset Beach near Umm Suqeim Park in Jumeirah. Waves there are less than half a metre high on the average, which are suitable for kids. 
Bimbo says surfing season in Dubai is usually from November till June, with the best and most consistent months for waves from December till February.
angel@khaleejtimes.com