Oman potential surfing hot spot
The height of waves in the seas off the Sultanate’s coasts are ideal for surfing learners and relatively new surfers
ASILAH: While the Sultanate is known for many of its natural wonders and as a paradise of nature, the sea, which beckons the community of surfers who enjoy riding the waves, has made Oman a potential hot spot for surfers.
“Oman has always shown potential. You just have to make the effort to look for the waves,” said Qais Zawawi, a member of the Oman Surfers community.
For surfing to become popular in the waters of Oman, Qais said, “There would have to be more structure in the surfing community. It just needs time to pick up.”
Though the waves in the Sultanate are not of the magnitude of those in Hawaii, the USA or Australia, the three most popular destinations for professional surfers, they are of an ideal height for beginners and intermediates.
The waves in the Sultanate remain short for most of the year but gain height during seasonal winds which affect South Al Sharqiyah Governorate and both Dakhilyah and Dhofar governorates.
When asked what the hardest aspect of surfing was in Oman, Andreyas Effendi of Oman Surfers said, “The hardest thing is to find the community and get information on the whereabouts of the waves.” “Everyone passes on information when a good wave is found, and we will be there wherever it is,” he added.
Having a large surfing community seems to be the main objective of the group which could see them gaining support from local entities that could spark the beginning of a surfing wave in Oman.
“We need more surfers. We would also like to have competitions one day,” said Maynard Hapon expressing the need for Oman Surfers to get support from organisations such as Redbull.
The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) voiced its support for marine sports and the surfer community in Oman saying that it will do what it can to promote any type of marine sports in the Sultanate.
A ministry official said, “The ministry does not mind supporting and promoting this sport. In fact, we will grant tourist licences to establishments and institutions who offer their services for any marine sport.”
As long as their priorities are organised, beaches and bays are chosen and safety measures are taken, the ministry fully encourages tourists and residents to engage in water sports, he added. An increase in tourists would be imminent if proper steps are taken in accordance with regulations and requirements set by the MoT guaranteeing the safety of surfers and sustaining the surrounding envi- ronment by collaborating with establishments and institutions that offer these services.
There are two aspects to promoting any marine sport and entertainment in the Sultanate, according to MoT. Firstly, by creating awareness and encouraging local tourism to internationally promoting the sport by participating in travel and tourism exhibitions abroad, and secondly through tourist offices representing the ministry, which are associated with a large number of companies, media outlets and advertising agencies forming a direct link to promote the Sultanate internationally.
“The MoT has promoted these kinds of sports in the past and is still encouraging companies and institutions as well as SMEs to show interest and invest in them,” said the official.
“Unfortunately, in the last few years they have not shown interest. Therefore, with co-operation from the Public Authority of SME Development, Al Raffd Fund, local banks and other interested parties, we hope to support and encourage SMEs to invest in these sports in all wilayats of the Sultanate,” added the official.
Surfing has health benefits including cardiovascular fitness from paddling, and strengthening the shoulders, back muscles and legs. It also provides strength and balance to the surfer once he stands on the board. All three members of Oman Surfers, the Times of Oman spoke to defined surfing as more than a sport.
“Surfing is not really a sport but more a lifestyle. We will go anywhere to catch the waves and it is part of my weekends right now,” said Effendi, while Hapon said it was a passion.
“I used to surf once a month in my country, but I am surrounded by the ocean in Oman, so I can say that Oman has re-ignited my passion for surfing,” he said. “Surfing is life. It is something I started when I began walking in Australia. It is like breathing,” said Zawawi.
To stay up-to-date with Oman Surfers and information about the best spots for surfing, visit their page at: https://www.facebook. com/omansurfers?fref=ts