It is a fact that solo stand-up paddleboarding is all about inner peace, discovery, and intimacy between yourself and nature. However, stand-up paddleboarding is way more exciting and fun when shared with friends, family, or colleagues. And the latter is definitely the reason why Kite N Surf has managed Dubai’s ultimate and all-inclusive paddling event that was held on June 26, 2020, at the City Beach Dubai.
It was a super Fly-day for all the attendees with over 150 paddlers who were so stoked to be a part of the said event. “We Paddle Dubai Community Paddle” has given no limitations on what paddling craft to use and is definitely open for all levels of paddler with prior experience (at least 5 hours), and minors should be escorted by their parents. At 6:50 in the morning, attendees were ready to paddle a 4 km distance, starting from City Beach, and paddling their way to the fishing harbor (Jumeirah 4 and back). Plus the community paddle had a FREE registration and had absolutely free paddleboards and kayaks that are limited on a first booked first-served basis.
This is one of Kite N Surf’s success stories, where it caught on instantly among the hundreds of spectators. It has gained interest not just in stand-up paddleboarding, but also in different watersports. And what made the community paddle awesome is that camaraderie is also found in the waters.
We Paddle For Dubai Burj Khalifa
On Friday August 28 2020, the iconic Burj Khalifa Water Lake hosted an incredible watersports event, “We Paddle for Dubai,” an initiative organized by Kite N Surf alongside the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC). Held at one of the most prestigious locations in the world, this event showcased the beauty of watersports in the heart of Dubai.
Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP
“We Paddle for Dubai” was made possible thanks to DIMC’s leadership, with the support of the Dubai Sports Council and in partnership with Emaar Properties. Kite N Surf played a crucial role in organizing and delivering a successful event, attracting immense interest from the watersports community. The stunning setting, near the Dancing Fountain and Dubai Opera, made it even more unforgettable.
The event was graced by prominent figures, including Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC); Nasser Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of DSC; Mohammed Hareb, CEO of DIMC; and Hazeem Al Gemzi, Director of Sports Department. Representatives from sponsors were also present, highlighting the strong support behind this initiative.
Over 80 male and female paddlers from 30 countries participated, marking the event’s diversity and bringing together a wide range of the community to the breathtaking Burj Khalifa Water Lake. This unique gathering, organized by Kite N Surf, set a new standard in the Dubai watersports scene.
Participants were divided into groups, with one led by Nasser Al Neyadi, president of the Emirates Aerosports Federation. Notable sports adventurers like Manal Rustom, a running ambassador, and Soha Ismail, a kitesurfer, also joined the paddle.
To ensure the safety of all attendees, the organizing committee, including Kite N Surf, followed strict health protocols as mandated by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority. This included reminders for social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks, and the sanitation of paddleboards before and after use.
The event, which lasted two hours, kicked off with a participant briefing and group formation. Paddlers then embarked on a scenic journey around the Burj Khalifa Water Lake, capped off by a mesmerizing performance of the Dancing Fountain. It was a truly extraordinary and first-of-its-kind watersports experience, in a setting unlike any other.
Dubai Kite surfing Open
Kite N Surf, in collaboration with the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), recently hosted an exhilarating kitesurfing competition in Dubai that brought together more than 100 participants from around the globe. The event featured three thrilling categories: Race, Hydrofoil, and Freestyle, showcasing the full spectrum of kitesurfing talent in the region.
Held in the vibrant waters of Dubai’s coast, the competition attracted professional and amateur riders, creating an exciting atmosphere for both participants and spectators. The Race and Hydrofoil categories pushed the riders to their limits with speed and precision, while the Freestyle event wowed the crowd with jaw-dropping tricks and aerial stunts.
The competition was a huge success, solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a top kitesurfing destination. Powered by Kite N Surf’s expertise and DIMC’s support, the event marked a new chapter for watersports in the city, drawing in global attention and further igniting the local kitesurfing community’s passion for the sport.
For Kite N Surf the sea means life. We jump at any opportunity and initiative to clean it… and that’s what the beachday, hosted by Cetaphil Daylong is all about! DUBAI, WATER, SUN & SAND wasn’t just a paddle day at the beach, it was an enjoyable family time, where each member of the family had the opportunity to participate in his or her favorite leisure activity.
Instead of just watching the action, the Cetaphil Daylong event encouraged all beach visitors to participate in all sorts of activities, from Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Beach Volleyball and Tennis Tournaments, Yoga classes, Bootcamps, Scuba Diving discovery courses, Scuba treasure hunt, Sun Beds & Umbrellas by City Beach and food & beverage provided by Park House for all participants…and all that was for free! The event had the purpose to rise awareness about the negative impacts of marine debris on human health and marine environment both on the beach and also under the water. ACTIVITIES
Free paddle boarding Lessons & Rentals
Free kayak Rentals
Free bootcamps classes
Free Yoga Classes
Under water cleaning
Free discover scuba diving classes
Beach volley ball tournament
Beach Tennis Tournament
PROGRAM
Registration starting from• 7:30 am • Water sports Paddle board classes starting from 8:00 am Paddle board rentals starting from 8:00 am Kayak rentals starting from 8:00 am Mega sup races 3:00 pm • Beach fitness & Yoga Bootcamps 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Yoga 7:30 am ( pre-registration) and 5:30 pm •Beach volley ball tournament all day •Beach Tennis tournament all day •Scuba Diving Discover scuba diving Classes 10 am & 2 pm • Lunch Break 12:00 am 2:00 pm SPONSORS
The Padi beach day, full of surprises, was one of Kite N Surf’s highlights on our calendar.
With plenty to do all day, from beachfront yoga at sunrise, free SUPs and Kayaks all day, beach Volleyball and Tennis tournaments, free Sunbeds and umbrellas for all visitors, talks throughout the event from a selection of PADI professionals, our inspirational PADI Ambassadivers, underwater cleaning by scuba divers from all over the UAE and for sure there was no shortage of entertainment. There was live music by DJ ED Wolf and delicious food from Parkhouse, so be prepared to join in a day of fun in the sun during our next event.
All top dive centers in the UAE were present at the event and visitors had the opportunity to chat to local dive centers about the next PADI certification course, or found out more about the best places to dive in the UAE.
…and for those who wanted to discover scuba diving, they gave it a go in our fresh water ‘try dive pool’?
People had the opportunity to witness a live Dubai Police staged rescue.
…and imagine, all this was for free, as it was sponsored and organized by PADI!
While diving volunteers attempted to break a Guinness World Record with the biggest underwater cleaning done by scuba divers in the world, Kite N’ Surf along with their partners, Extreme Water Sports and Fitness in DXB, aimed to take their SUP activities to a whole new level and did what we do best, by getting our community to participate on paddle boards (SUP) and Kayaks and cleaned from the top. All this to raise awareness on the importance of preserving the environment.
With fun and fitness in mind, as well as a genuine interest in raising awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and marine life across the region and beyond, Kite N Surf wants to make an impact on keeping our oceans clean!
The event was open for everybody to participate and number of paddle boards was provided by Kite N surf for those who wanted to attend the event and help in this great cause!
For Kite N Surf it’s a privilege to be associated with the world renowned ‘Ironman’ brand.
Kite N Surf’s volunteering participation in this annual event, which is hosted in Dubai
and located next to the iconic 7 Star Burj Al Arab Hotel the past 3 years, is testimony of
our community focus.
During this event it’s Kite N Surf’s responsibility to ensure the swimmers are safe and
cared for during their refreshing 1.9 km (1.2-mile) swim, after which they are sent off on their 90km (56-mile)
cycling experience on Dubai’s roads then the 21.1 km (13.1-mile ) run on Jumeirah’s running track.
It’s no small feat to ensure a few thousand swimmers, starting all together, are kept on course to ensure they swim the shortest possible 1.9km. The past 3 years the number of participants grew substantially, 2017 – 1500 participants, 2018 – 1700 participants, 2019 – 2100 participants, thus the challenge grows every year.
…all this happens through Kite N Surf volunteers, on SUPs and Dubai Police on their Jet Skis and rescue boats.
None of this will be possible without working closely to and with the Ironman management and our partners, Dubai Police.
Launched in 2017, this initiative challenges everyone in the city to complete 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days. DFC heralds a month-long calendar of exciting fitness events and wellness-focused entertainment to keep Dubai up and on its feet. It not only cultivates fitness-focused mindsets but also inspires Dubai’s residents to work towards a common goal of maintaining healthier, active lifestyles in the long run.
“We are very keen to spread a culture of fitness since we strongly believe that making physical activity and sports a part of their daily routines will help people significantly improve the quality of their lives. “The Dubai Fitness Challenge has been designed to motivate people to pursue an active and energetic lifestyle.”
The Dubai Fitness Challenge is back with more activities and more challenges to encourages everyone to commit to 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days. The 2019 challenge runs from October 18 to November 16 as part of a plan to make Dubai the most active city in the world.
At the Dubai Fitness Challenge, participants of all ages get the opportunity to flex their physical fitness by participating in activities at the gyms, parks, public spaces and on the Beach to get them up and moving on their own or with family or friends!
The event has both FREE and paid activities to the public and features a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy including active gaming fun for all ages and on-site programming designed to inspire kids and families to live a more active and healthy lifestyle!
Paddle boarding Dubai Fitness Challenge One of the great things about stand up paddling is that pretty much anyone, within a few minutes, can be standing up on a board and “make it go”. The great thing about paddle boarding is the amount of calories that can be burned during only a 30 minutes of paddling!
Check our BLOG to know more about paddle boarding benefits
DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE SUP CLASSES
If you are brand new to stand up paddling, or have never taken any formal instruction, our SUP Basics course in collaboration with Dubai Fitness Challenge is for you!
Our 1 hour session (Inclusive of 20 minutes lesson and 40 minutes rental) gets you started off right with essential info on gear and clothing, safety knowledge, and equipment care.
You will leave with the basic paddling skills and knowledge to safely stand up paddle on sheltered and enclosed waters, and ready to paddle your way into the Ocean!
Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP
The event had the purpose to rise awareness about the negative impacts of marine debris on human health and marine environment both on the beach and also under the water. 
