Surf’s up despite the glassy morning waters at JBR. Usually we’re here to ski or board but this morning it’s to make waves, literally, and then surf them.
The morning is warm as we head out of Dubai Harbour, around the tip of the Skydive Dubai runway and out into the glassy calm of JBR. We’re bathed in late Spring sun. But Dubai doesn’t follow usual weather rules and while the likes of London, Paris and New York are still shaking off their winter chills and transitional trench coats, the thermometer here is already well past 30 degrees Celsius. It is just on 8am.
When we started wake boarding as a family around a year ago, I wasn’t a fan of the early morning wake up calls – my husband, Jason, jolting me awake at a time of day that my eyes beg to blink slowly in still a darkened room until they are able focus on a coffee. Preferably one that awaits me on my bedside table. Preferably one that can be sipped while I remain bathed in pillows and my eyes continue to adjust to the morning.
Nor did I particularly relish the heavy, humid air, the glaring, glinting sun off the water or the sticky, salty residue of sea that needs to be rinsed from everything once I’m home and can retreat back into my air conditioned weekend solitude.
But in the interim I have done just that. Passed on the early morning wake up and the temporary and minor discomfort that follows. I had craved quiet, calm relaxation for the weekend when our weeks are so filled with chaos. I could have slept in, woken, slowly blinking in the light. Made coffee and returned to my pillowed fortress of silent solitude, only to feel as though I had been left behind. Left out.
JBR
Now, a year on, I feel differently. During our weeks, we are continually rushing, perhaps even more so than in the past. Where our days are now filled with consulting calendars, work deliverables, training, homework and sports commitments, it’s a constant daze of requirements and logistics. Whereas this early morning activity brings with it a certain sense of calm.
Just like the glassy water, I can sit and wait, watch as the water reflects the sky and the buildings on shore. Much like me it seem that, now that the day is underway, it is waiting for these activities to begin. But unlike the week, this morning we have specifically chosen this activity.
Surf’s Up
The first splash comes as Jason jumps in. Never one to shy away from the action, on the contrary, he had to convince the boys to let him go first. And with a few instructions from our skilled coach, he gives the signal and the boat roars, thrusting forward. Sure enough, the surf’s up.
And so is Jason! First time and he’s up and on the board with a giant grin on his face. Usually quite serious during the week, this morning he is elated to have taken to the task so easily. Still, he’s focussed on the moves and it takes him some concentration and a bit of balance practice to be confident enough to let go of the rope.
Next is Harley. He’s up first time too and is a natural. Looking completely comfortable in the task he gets his balance and easily adjusts his weight to control the board on the wave. Our coach is great too, giving encouragement and clear instructions at each step.
Jasper is equally successful. It must be all the wakeboarding practice because his surf’s up first round also. JBR is completely glassy this morning with the only interruptions being waves from other boats that must be navigated. This doesn’t pose too much of a problem and Jasper manages five or six turns before it’s time to swap over once again.
Morning on the Water
I’m not great at wakeboarding, preferring to waterski. I always say it’s because it is more symmetrical to which I get constant eye rolls but it’s actually true. I struggle a bit even deciding which foot to put forward. So I think everyone (including me!) is a bit surprised where I manage to pop the board up and stand first time also.
Perhaps it’s because I have reasonable balance (thanks to 15 years of gymnastics in my youth). But balance isn’t enough here, the power of the wave requires coordination and concentration with subtle adjustments making all the difference. In fact, unlike waterskiing, where the boat pulls you along via holding onto the rope, here the wake actually provides all your momentum. Well, once I find my balance and coordination enough to stay on it, that is. This is actually much easier on the body than water skiing or wakeboarding and while I eventually lose my balance, I have enough energy to give it another try.
After a few turns of my own and with much success, we relent. I even managed a ‘high 5’ to the instructor from the board. Our time is up. We must now head back to the harbor after what has been a very successful and enjoyable morning.
The early morning wake up is long forgotten by now. This time together as a family is precious, well spent time. Reminding myself that no lie in and lazy morning in bed can replace the grins on everyone’s faces right now, I am certainly, nevertheless, very much anticipating a shower and a coffee.
Good To Know
We wake surfed through a new offering by the Captains Club (Dubai). Other companies include: Wake Dubai, Xtreme Wake UAE and Sea Riders UAE.
Like it or not, early morning when the water tends to be calmest is the best time to try. Surf’s up!
Would I Return?
Yes.