Dubai: Zane Schweitzer is confident he is in the best position to defend his crown at the Abu Dhabi All Stars World Wave Riding Championship later this week.
In the UAE to conduct specialised clinics at the Wadi Adventure and Riva Beach Club this weekend, Schweitzer is eager to retain the crown he won in the capital last year.
Schweitzer, a Maui Jim brand ambassador, is scheduled to teach wave riding and racing techniques for paddling, balance on the water, racing, wave-riding as well as get some tips on how to Stand-Up Paddle.
“I’ve come here with even better expectations this year as I have been training hard and feel great with my equipment and performances. More importantly, I want to experience more of the UAE as last year’s trip was short,” Schweitzer told Gulf News.
His preparations for the world championship leg have already started with Schweitzer practising hard at the Wadi Adventure Park and at the flow rider at Yas Waterworld, among others.
“In this sport to keep up with the world’s best, we have to train all year round, to stay fit and ready for the physically and mentally demanding races and surf events.
“I will continue following the Stand Up World Tour of surfing and racing to achieve my goals to become world champion in the sport of Stand-Up Paddling,” Schweitzer said.
“I hope to win the most prestigious long distance race in the world, the Molokai2Oahu presented by Maui Jim Sunglasses [over 51 kilometres] and also start to follow and dominate the new highly anticipated SUP tour called the Ultimate SUP Showdown,” he added.
“Other goals I have for this year and the years to come besides chasing my dreams to become world champion, are to continue promoting the sports I love with my world wide stand-up paddle, surf and windsurf clinics and non-profit organisations such as the StandUp For The Cure presented by Maui Jim’s to share the joy and the health benefits that these amazing watersports have to offer.”
