Throughout January What’s On has asked, ‘When was the last time you did something for the first time?’ We’ve gone easy on you though, suggesting simple things like golf lessons. Ok, there was the skydive suggestion, but come on, we see them everyday in the skies above our heads.

But as the month winds down, we’ve got something a bit quirkier – and safer than jumping from a plane – for you to try. How about you swap the sports of your school days for one of these refreshing alternatives.

Capoeira
Once you’ve mastered how to pronounce it, you can start working on those stunning moves. Developed in Brazil by African slaves, the fluid combination of kicks and spins mean capoeira is as much a form of dancing as a martial art. Interested in taking it up? Just so you know, it’s pronounced  ‘cap-oh-air-ah’.

Capella Club, Silverene Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Mon, Wed and Sat 8.30pm to 10pm, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 4526000. Metro: JLT. thecurve-me.com 

Tai chi
Nothing beats learning from an expert, and given that the Talise Spa’s newly-installed tai chi instructor is a 34th generation Chinese warrior monk, it’s safe to assume he knows his stuff. Master Can will be guiding students through this ancient, stress-relieving martial art on the beach at Madinat Jumeirah until he returns to the Shaolin Monastery in China’s Henan Province in April.

Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Tue, Wed and Fri, 8.30am, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3647867. Taxi: Madinat Jumeirah. jumeirah.com/mjtalise

Roller derby
This is no leisurely spin around your local roller rink. Roller derby is a fast-paced contact sport that sees one player from each team – the ‘jammer’ – tasked with forcing their way through the opposing side’s pack. The venue for their next event is yet to be announced so check the website.

Dubai Roller Derby, Dubai, Dhs175 for a month or Dhs30 per session. dubairollerderby.com

Ultimate Frisbee
This may not sound like a great calorie-burner, but don’t be fooled. Once you’ve run the length of a football pitch a few times in a bid to get that pesky disc into the end zone, you’ll soon be feeling the burn. For those who don’t want to commit to the league there are also pick-up nights for Dhs40 per session.

DXB Spinners, Emirates International School, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, every Mon from Jan 6, Dhs400 for an eight-week league. Tel: (04) 4472394. Taxi: Emirates International School. duplays.com

Wakeboarding
Adrenalin junkies among us will be familiar with water skiing, snowboarding and surfing – but how about a combination of all three? Your wakeboard will be towed along the water by a motorboat travelling at speeds of up to 40kph. The aim? Hang on for dear life and try to stay upright.

Xtreme Wake, Marina Walk, opposite Spinneys, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs550 for lesson for up to three people. Tel (056) 3423012. Metro: Dubai Marina. thecurve-me.com