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Are you looking for that perfect, consistent wave in the sunshine? Then the Wadi Adventure wave pool is the place to go. Located in a spectacular part of the UAE it’s the Middle East’s first man made wave pool and recently hosted the first ever SUP surfing wave pool comp.
The Wadi Adventure wave pool allows you to do the unthinkable… surf on the perfect wave time and time again, in the desert! Whether you’re a first-time surfer looking for that perfect beginners wave or a seasoned professional wanting that perfect A-frame, the pools controlled surf environment allows the wave size and type to be adjusted, creating the perfect conditions for everyone. The pool is able to produce different types of waves – lefts, rights, close-outs, parallel waves and A-frames, up to 3.3m high, every 90 seconds. The daily wave program tells you what the wave conditions will be like throughout the day. So whatever your skill level you’ll be able to find your perfect wave at some point in the day. And it means there’s no hanging around waiting for the swell to build or getting frustrated when it doesn’t come (we all know that feeling!) It’s easy to tell when the waves are coming because they are consistently timed and the pumps filling the chambers stop about 10 seconds before it produces a wave. Just before the wave emerges there is an audible release of pressure across the chambers (the order of which may be altered to produce different types of wave).
On the same setting, the wave will be identical each time making it ideal for learning because the controlled conditions allow you to focus on your technique. Stable conditions allow for regular training and measurable progression, making it the perfect training ground. When riding the wave it feels like any other wave. The only difference is the consistency of the waves.
Wave pool facts
Surf pool
Length – 150m
Effective surfing length – 140m
Max depth – 2.4m
Total volume of water – 2.4 million gallons
Area of water – 10,300m2
Max wave height – 3.3m
The average water temperature 24C,
Sessions – All sessions are open to SUP surfing and you can bring your own board (as long as it’s sand free!). Currently however there are no SUP lessons or SUP rental on offer but they are examining the possibility of creating a SUP program to include beginner and intermediate/advanced level coaching options. Surf sessions are typically an hour long with a maximum of 6 people, ensuring there are plenty of waves for everyone. But it’s also possible to book the entire pool privately (at a cost!)
Cost – You have to pay an entrance fee which gives access to the surf lounge, swimming pool and changing facilities. And then an additional fee (approx £20) for extra activities e.g a 55 min surf session in the wave pool.
Tickets and passes are available on entry, on their website and at major travel agents within the UAE. Group rates are also available.
The recent Allstars Invitational Event was the first SUP event to be held at Wadi Adventure. Based on the success of this year’s inaugural event and the superb feedback from the competitors, they hope to host another international level SUP event next year, as well as expanding their SUP program too.
This is what Zane Schweitzer had to say to SUPboarder about Wadi;
“One after the other, perfect waves roll through the dessert like a mirage!! I’d love to have the Wadi Adventure Park as a part of my training regime!!!”
Although you’ll be surfing in the desert you won’t be feeling sand between you toes at the waters edge as unfortunately the sand would interfere with the filtration system. But there are plenty of shady areas and sun loungers to make you feel like you’re on the beach. Inside the complex you’ll find not only the impressive wave pool, but also the longest man made white water rafting/kayaking channels in the world. The 3 whitewater channels with a combined length of 1,133m, each provide a different experience and thrill factor. Unfortunately at present they don’t allow SUPs in the whitewater course, however that may be something to come in the future as the awareness and discipline of white water SUP grows.
There’s also an adventure course including a rope course, climbing wall and zip line, and an adult and toddlers swimming pool, making it a great place to visit with the family, friends or just by yourself if you’re wanting a sense of adventure.
But surfing in the UAE doesn’t have to be restricted to the wave pool. There are also waves to be found in Dubai and also on the coast of Oman. So if you’re thinking about your next SUP trip why not check out the waves in the Middle East, along the coast and in the desert. A great place to go for a winter getaway or some training in the sunshine.
Getting there
The nearest airport is in Al Ain Airport (AAN) but for commercial international flights the greatest choice available is through either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, both of which are about 1h30mins drive on good quality highways.
Immediately adjacent to Wadi Adventure is an area of self-catered chalets called Green Mubazzarah and on request a package can be put together by Wadi Adventure for people interested in visiting and staying nearby.
For more information on Wadi Adventure goto www.wadiadventure.ae or visit there Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WadiAdventure