ABU DHABI // Wakeboarding, a fusion of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing, is making waves around the world.
Now residents of the capital are being given a chance to try the fast-growing sport, which involves riding a specially designed board behind a boat.
A contraption installed on the Corniche means that anyone wanting to have a go will stay close to land.
The System 2.0 features a floating jetty, a tow rope attached to a 180m cable, and a motor.
Beginner's Park, as it has been dubbed, is in the centre of the Corniche, at the end of Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Free 10-minute rides are being offered for the next six weeks.
The attraction is designed to whip up interest in Wakestock Abu Dhabi, the capital's first festival to combine watersports and beach concerts.
The event, from March 4 to 6, also marks the first stop on this year's competitive World Wake Series, organised by the World Wakeboarding Association.
Wakeboarding professionals from Australia, Britain and the US were on hand yesterday to demonstrate the real thing, doing tricks from behind a speedboat. Sixteen of the world's best will attend the festival.
Beginner's Park is open from 12pm to 6pm daily. Riders must be eight or older, and all rides are monitored by trained instructors.
The concert line-up is to be announced nearer to the event.
@Email:aseaman@thenational.ae
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Results
- Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
- Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
- AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
- Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
- Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
- The Undertaker beat John Cena
- The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
- Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
- Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
- Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
- Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
- Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
- Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
- Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
Company%20Profile
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Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Company%20profile
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The biog
Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.
His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.
“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.
"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”
Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.
He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking.
Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
