Extreme watersports in Abu Dhabi
What’s On profiles some of the best extreme watersports in Abu Dhabi including flyboarding, kite surfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and more.
Kite surfing
For those who like their water sports extreme, kite surfing offers an option that combines aspects of windsurfing, wakeboarding and paragliding into a single exhilarating package. Get hauled into the air by the power of the wind before skimming the sea’s surface.
Kitepro Abu Dhabi, Yas Island beach, Abu Dhabi, Fri to Sat, Dhs350 for one hour. Tel: (050) 5441494. Taxi: Yas Island beach. kitepro.ae
Get towed along the Corniche
Donuts: they might not always be the same shape as Homer Simpson’s favourite snack, but in the world of water sports a donut is an inflatable you can ride on as it is pulled through the water at high speeds by a powerboat. This is an easier alternative to waterskiing, and there’s plenty of room on Watercooled’s inflatable for families to ride together.
Watercooled, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi. Booking required, Dhs200. Tel: (02) 6395997. Taxi: Hilton Corniche. watercooleddubai.com/abu-dhabi
RYA Powerboat training
Tired of being pulled around? You can put yourself in the driving seat through an internationally recognised Royal Yachting Association accredited Level 1 and Level 2 powerboat course. The qualification costs more than a simple ride and will require 16 hours to complete, but it will certainly add something to your CV.
Coastal Sea School, Emirates Palace Marina, Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 5pm, earlier in the summer, booking required, Dhs2,400. Tel: (050) 3743369. Taxi: Emirates Palace Marina. coastalsafety.com
Wadi Adventure
There are plenty of aqua activities on offer here including whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing. There is even an airpark of various climbing activities and a zipline. What does this have to do with water sports? You’ll find out when you fall off.
Wadi Adventure, Fayda Resort, near the Green Mubazzarah, Ain Al. Sun to Thur 11am to 8pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 8pm, Dhs50, Dhs25 children (under 1.2m), activities are extra. Tel: (03) 7818422. Taxi: Wadi Adventure Al Ain. wadiadventure.ae
Flyboarding
Ever wanted to walk on water? How about flying on it? Well now you can thanks to the flyboard, a device that straps powerful water jets to your feet. Feel like a super hero as fly whizz over the ocean – and get ready for a splash landing
Flyboards UAE, Five Continents Cassells Hotel, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi. Dhs300 for 30 min. Tel: (050) 1234611. Taxi Five Continents Cassells Hotel, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi. flyboards-uae.com
Wakeboarding
If you think regular surfing requires too much effort to find the right waves, wakeboarding is a good alternative – let the powerboat take the strain as you concentrate on staying upright in this thrilling single board alternative to waterskiing.
Watercooled, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, Dhs300 for 30 minute introductory session. Tel: (02) 6395997. Taxi: opposite Hilton Corniche. watercooleddubai.com/abu-dhabi
Waterski with cables at Al Forsan Resort
In contrast to Abu Dhabi’s many boat-pulled aquatic offerings, the Al Forsan sports resort offers an intriguing alternative: an extensive water park cable system that pulls visitors across their custom lakes on whatever type of board or ski they choose. Visitors can select either beginner or pro cables as you grow in confidence and experience. The park is busier, and more expensive, at weekends so go on a weekday if you can.
Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 1pm to 9pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 9pm, Dhs300. Tel: (02) 5568555. Taxi: Al Forsan Sports Resort, Khalifa City, behind the golf club. alforsan.com
Dragon boating
An increasingly popular Chinese import, dragon boating is the ultimate in team water sports, as you need to work together as a group to power the boat through the waves. Abu Dhabi is currently home to four teams, with two, the Desert Dragons and the Capital Dragons, actively recruiting new rowers. With regular training a key to success, Dragon boating is great for folk who enjoy the camaraderie of team sports and are looking for a fun way to stay fit.
Desert Dragons, Eastern Mangroves Marina, Abu Dhabi. Sat 8am to 10 am, Mon and Wed 6.30pm to 8pm, free trial sessions available. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Marina. desertdragonsad.com.
Capital Dragons, Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi. Fri 9 am to 10.20am, Sat, Mon and Wed 5pm to 6pm. Tel: (050) 5711208. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club, Marina Mall. capitaldragons.weebly.com
