Flowboarding comes to UAE

Abu Dhabi: World Champion Clayton Barker believes there is a huge potential for the ‘niche’ sport of flowboarding here in the UAE. The 28-year-old South African is in Abu Dhabi as part of the Yas Flow League at Yas Waterworld which was launched on Wednesday.

Home to the world’s biggest FlowBarrel 10, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi will see Barker train members of the league at all levels, from basic flowboarding skills to advanced wave riding, within a fun program designed to motivate and inspire enthusiasts to further their abilities.

“It’s obviously a new sport, but it’s getting there,” Barker told XPRESS.

“Right now, there are a couple of big events around the world and it can be really big here in the UAE. The latest wave in the UAE is the biggest in the world I believe.”

Barker also expressed hope that UAE residents, especially Emiratis will take up the sport seriously once it catches on.

“I hope people will take it seriously. I want guys will pick it up and stick with it and then push it. The UAE team has already taken part in the world championship, so there is obviously interest here. I want to push it forward to the local community. I would love to see the UAE team represented only by locals,” he said.

“For now, we will run a league contest every two months which we hope will reveal more than a few hometown heroes. The idea is to get local boardsports enthusiasts to up their game,” Barker added.

Ryan Watkins, Marketing Manager, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi said: “We’re breeding a community of like-minded individuals who will push each other to progress their skill levels in the sport of flowboarding. The Yas Flow League will offer professional coaching in a comfortable learning environment and will be available to both guys and girls. Members will receive hands-on training to progress in a number of different riding categories. Our pros will work on all aspects from FlowRider/barrel to strapped or strapless moves, stand-up and bodyboarding.”

“We’re looking to create a future world champion in the sport of flowboarding!” he added.

League facts

To monitor the progress of riders and to inspire them to scale new heights, the Yas Flow League will incorporate a number of recognition driven initiatives, including certification on completing different skill levels and a “yellow rashie” concept inspired by the Tour de France’s “yellow jacket”, awarded to the best rider in each session.

The Yas Flow League will serve as the launch pad to prepare local riders for World Championship Qualifying events which will take place in August & September. Those who qualify will get to prove their skills against the best riders from around the world at the World Flowboarding Championship taking place at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi on October 26.

The Yas Flow League sessions will take place at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi every Wednesday from 6:30pm-9:30pm and Saturdays from 8am-11am. Sessions will include three hours ride time, expert training and supervision on the FlowRider and FlowBarrel, based on skill levels.