Post Category - Wellness & BeautyWellness & Beauty - Post Category - FitnessFitnessMamas have you noticed all the hot bodies (Elle Macpherson in particular) that make paddle boarding look so cool?! Not only is it a great hobby that gives you a full body workout but it’s also a fab way to enjoy excellent views of everything both underwater and on the horizon. It’s almost like balancing on water!
The first time I enjoyed paddle boarding was in Mauritius last year, so I thought it was time to try again here in Dubai. After all, the beach is on my door step and there’s so much to see on the Dubai Coastline – plus our waters are usually beautifully calm and clear. As it was only my second time, I thought I would stay away from the hustle and bustle at the Kite Surfing beach (although you can paddle board here and it’s great if you don’t mind a crowd – I was a little terrified that I might fall off and be laughed at!) and try it out in a more secluded and private environment. Over the Christmas break, the weather was fabulous so I took my family to the Anantara on The Palm’s fab water sports club (highly recommended for a day out mamas).
All you need to get going are the following three things:
- A stand up paddle board (SUP)
- A paddle
- A life jacket
(Flat seas and the strength to brave the cold water during the cooler season help too!)
The Anantara don’t provide you with a lesson, just the equipment above. They explained that as a beginner, it’s easier to kneel on the board initially then stand up once you have your balance. Your feet should be parallel, about hip-width distance apart, centered between the rails. Keep your toes pointed forward, knees bent and your back straight. You should balance yourself with your hips. Its sound like a lot of things to do, but believe me mamas: if I can get up on my first go, so can you!
The beauty about paddle boarding is that once you have the understanding of the paddle and you have your balance, it’s really so calming and therapeutic. I enjoyed being on my own in the sea with the amazing 360 views of the palm and Dubai shoreline, all with relatively flat calm seas.
It was utter bliss boarding off the Anantara Dubai as there is so much to see, from the private houses on the end of the Palm Fronds (I spied my dream home) to the a large boat moored off the hotel. Coming back to the beach, I could see my children all waving with my eldest shouting with concern “be careful mama”, just in case I fell off – so cute!
Luckily, I didn’t fall off and I felt really confident out on my own. I enjoyed the peace and tranquility – frankly something all us mamas need every now and then -and for only AED 100 for 30 mins I will be spoiling myself with half an hour of this on a weekly basis, not to mention trying to tone my body at the same time as I hear you can burn upwards of 900 calories per session – RESULT!.
Paddle boarding is available at:
Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
AED 100 for 30 mins providing the board, paddle and life vest. Please note its also AED 250 per person to use the beach club facilities. Contact 04 567 8888.
Dubai Kite Beach
AED 150 for a 1 hour lesson and AED 50 rental fee. Book in advance at the Kite Beach office. Contact 050 7586992.
Elle Macpherson eat your heart out!
