The thrill of watersports is hard to beat. Whether in a kayak, charter boat, kayak, or paddleboard, getting out on the water is a great way to exercise and have a good time. But your equipment matters. The gear you choose to buy will not only affect your total experience but your safety, too. This post will cover some vital gear you should consider if you want to have the best watersport experience in the UAE.
What Makes The UAE A Great Location For Watersports?
The UAE is known for its warm climate and perfect weather conditions, making it an ideal location for water sports. The nation offers many water activities and is considered one of the best places to go water sports in the world. It has an abundance of locations to play in and offers unique experiences such as diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Some of the top watersport decisions include:
- Sunset Beach
- Kite Beach
- Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Palm Jumeirah Beach
- Murjan Splash Park
What Are The Most Exciting Water Sports To Try Here?
Due to its geography, the UAE is blessed with an abundance of coastline and numerous wadis that you can enjoy. As a result, there are multiple watersports you can try if you are lucky enough to find yourself here.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is a water sport that involves standing and paddling with a long surfboard-like board. It is an accessible, low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all levels, from beginners to experts. As mentioned in this beginner’s guide to stand up paddle boards, stand-up paddleboarding combines the thrill of surfing with the freedom and accessibility of stand-up paddle surfing or SUP. However, if you plan on traveling with your own board, you should consider an inflatable one. These are easier to travel with; they are also slightly more forgiving than solid ones (although at the slight expense of maneuverability).
Kayaking
Kayaking in one of the many wadis or along the coast is a truly magnificent experience. The warm waters, diverse landscapes, and climate make it an ideal destination for those interested in kayaking.
Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling
Many people are unaware that Dubai has a thriving underwater world with an extensive network of dive sites and aquatic attractions. The UAE’s coastlines and waters are home to a wide variety of marine life, from colorful corals to rare species like various species of whales and sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles.
What Equipment Do You Need?
Depending on what you are doing and the environment in which you are doing it, you will require different gear. Nevertheless, there are some things that almost all water sports require safety gear, including:
- Helmet
- Personal floatation device
- Whistle
- Sunscreen
- Lots of fresh drinking water
- A hat
Due to the intense heat in the nations that make up the UAE, you will require several liters of water per day as a minimum. Furthermore, appropriate hot weather clothing is a must. You can easily fall victim to the elements without the right gear.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer a wide selection of water-based activities, but having the right equipment can make all the difference. You must have adequate safety gear and enough water to stave off dehydration.
