Dubai: A new water sport is making waves in the UAE.
Kitefoiling or hydrofoiling as it is also called is a surfing sport but with a difference. Unlike a typical kite surfing activity that involves a surfboard and a kite - this sport comes with an added tool to get your adrenaline pumping in the waters.
Mini plane underwater
A foil with a mast and two wings attached at the bottom – resembling a mini plane – is fixed to the surfboard to give surfers that extra momentum in the water.
“The way it works is that surfers start riding on the water by pulling the kite down towards them. Once they pick up momentum, the foil helps to lift them from the water. So they are literally flying above the water,” said South African coach Richard Howes, 59.
“The kite and the harness help surfers control their moves and manoeuvre in the water. It is pretty much like riding a flying machine above the water,” he said.
French expat Renaud Barbiar, who manufactures surfboards and hydrofoils in the UAE, said: “The foil – 90 cm long - is made of carbon fibreglass and shaped like an aeroplane. The sport works on the concept of aqua-dynamics much like aerodynamics which causes planes to fly. The foil gets its power from the wings attached to its sides and makes the board rise above the water.
“The surfboards are usually made of fibreglass or carbon. For manoeuvrability it is better to use fibreglass as it lighter on the water and helps cut through sharp waves. A beginner’s kit which includes the surfboard and foil costs Dh5,000 while a more advanced tool can go up to Dh10,000,” said Barbiar whose manufacturing unit is located in Al Quoz.
Summer game
South African expat Clive Parsons, a regular hydrofoiler, says hydrofoiling is one of the most thrilling sports. “I usually surf at Nessnass Beach behind Sunset Mall or the Kite Beach. I practise at least thrice a week. Hydrofoiling works best during summer as the wind speed is usually low. The foil helps to give that extra thrust and momentum. In winters the wind speed is usually a few notches higher and gives surfers that extra push without the need of a foil,” said Parsons.
“Hydrofoiling is lot of fun but one must have done a fair amount of kite surfing to make the best of this sport,” he added
For those looking to train in kite hydrofoiling, Howes conducts regular classes at Nessnass Beach (behind Sunset Mall) and Kite Beach. Charges are Dh150 per hour with all equipment supplied while training.
