Learning to surf in a day in the UAE: one beginner’s adventure

Warning: Surf Shop Arabia's introductory one-day surf safaris can prove addictive.

A beginner during a surf lesson conducted by Surf Shop Arabia in Dubai. Courtesy Surf Shop Arabia

For as long as I can remember, I’ve hated a lot of things about the beach, including too much time spent in the sun and all that lingering sand and grit.

But Surf Shop Arabia has changed all that with my very first surf lesson and just one day on the water, which is apparently all you need to learn the basics of this sport.

Our mini “surfari” bus full of sunscreen-coated beginners departed from Dubai at 8am and headed to a delightful, quiet stretch of beach in Sharjah, of all places, where we were confronted with waves. Just the perfect size for beginners.

The Surf Shop Arabia owner Carl de Villiers smiled proudly, having put in the time to find this secret spot, which we were about to enjoy for the next four hours. With summer temperatures rising, there was no time to waste and he fuelled us up with some breakfast snacks and water before we paired up to share the weight of our huge, heavy longboards. These are the best kind for learners, especially as they have a soft surface layer. Then we huddled in for a quick land-based tutorial.

De Villiers asked us to draw out our imaginary board in the sand, lie flat down its centre line with our feet right on the back edge, and practise the quick execution of three main moves – the mini push-up with the arms, inching the back foot forward in preparation for a boost and the soft jump squat to stand mid-board.

All surprisingly tricky, even when not on a wobbly surface.

Then we rubbed wax on the real boards, tethered them to one foot and nervously waded out to have de Villiers push us off on our first waves.

Surprisingly, the first was all I needed to know I’d be hooked. I stood – and stayed up. I whooped madly as I zipped off in the direction of the shore.

Eventually, we were able to go the waves alone and we devotedly braved the heat while our teacher looked on from shore.

I found that lulls in the ocean can last a really long time, and it can be a real downer waiting so long for a rideable wave. That said, the wait is always rewarded.

My other top beginner tip? If you think you’re going to take up surfing regularly, then invest in a rash-guard shirt. My ribs and mid-section were left a bit bruised and achy the following day, as they were constantly rubbing against the board.

Oh, and prepare to have your life change. That was a few weeks ago and now not only am I board shopping, but also incorporating questions about the local surf conditions into my holiday queries.

• Surf Shop Arabia’s local one-day beginner surfaris cost Dh275 all-inclusive and are run subject to the weather. It also offers extended out-of-town surf excursions to places such as Oman and Sri Lanka. www.facebook.com/surfshoparabia