Canadian expat to paddle board 7 emirates in 7 days

Dubai: A Dubai-based Canadian expat is all set to paddle board 300 kilometres along the UAE’s coastal waters across the seven emirates – over seven days – to celebrate the country’s 45th National Day.

Krista Zhivago-Prall will also ring in her 40th birthday (November 24) during the journey which she kicks off on Friday, November 18.

“I wanted to do something different to celebrate the occasions. It is a personal challenge and I am all set to take it on,” the mother of three said.

“I have lived in the UAE for seven years and it has given my family and me so much. This initiative is my way of thanking the country for hosting us all this time.”

Sea route

Krista will start her journey from Dhafra Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

The following day, she will paddle nearly 50km to the capital’s Al Marfa Beach. On Saturday, she will do 20km to Abu Dhabi’s mangroves before heading to Dubai’s Anantara The Palm.

The rest of her journey will include paddling to Flamingo Beach Bin Majid in Umm Al Quwain and to the adjoining mangroves. The trip will end on Palm Jumeirah where her friends have planned a welcome party.

Krista will paddle eight hours before resting for the night in different emirates along the journey “I have been training the past few weeks and am comfortable paddling 20km at a stretch. I will take breaks in between to grab some food and water. I hope to see some dolphins along the way.

“Wind has been a big factor while chalking out the plan as paddling against the wind will tire me out. But I am confident I can cover the distance. If I don’t, I will re-group and get back out there. It is a personal challenge as much as it is a way of thanking the UAE for what it has given me,” said Krista.

People can follow Krista on her facebook page – expatoutdooradventures.