Passion For the Waves: Wake Clubs In Dubai

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by Alexandra Mansilla

Passion For the Waves: Wake Clubs In Dubai

29 Feb 2024

Dubai's near year-round season makes it an ideal destination for wakesurfing. With just a handful of clubs several years ago, the count has now grown to nearly 30 this season. It is no wonder the city has become a magnet for riders, industry professionals, and enthusiasts who are eager to hit the water bright and early. Many champions in these sports come here to take advantage of the variety of locations available.

But with so many options, choosing the right spot can be a bit tricky. That is why we reached out to our wakeboarding and wakesurfing friends for their top recommendations. After all, who better to advise on the best spots than those who ride them every day? So, check out these top picks, and stay tuned — we will be bringing you more articles about wake sports in the UAE as they continue to grow and evolve.

Juju WakeClub

Rasha El Ghoussaini, 1st Arab female Wakesurf competitor-Masters Skim; Bronze Medal CWSA World Championship’23: "I love the new boats, both Centurion and Axis, as well as the professional drivers who can quickly set up the perfect wave. The boat company is owned and managed by Juju, a World Champion, a great coach, and a dear friend. They host top-tier and world-renowned coaches and offer surf camps to connect the surfing community. They can coach all levels with a wide range of well-known coaches available all year round. Their booking process is convenient, and their boat services are great, providing refreshments and towels.

They offer discounted rates for training ahead of competitions. The branch also connects Kanuk team riders together and offers online coaching, which is very helpful."

Instagram: @juju_wakeclub

Eliane Kozal (co-founder of Wakescoop): "My favourite time to ride there is sunrise or sunset. The view of Downtown and Burj Khalifa is stunning! I love going to Juju WakeClub mainly because of the team, such fun, talented coaches, and great riders who really love the sport; they compete internationally and in the UAE. Juju’s club is more like a Wakesurf school focused on teaching riders to have a strong foundation, improve their ride gradually and prepare for competitions for those interested.

It is a place where pro riders from across the globe come to visit and offer classes, so it is really nice that we get to meet different coaches and network with people from different countries."

Seariders

Rasha El Ghoussaini: "My favourite place to train for surfing is the Jumeirah branch. It is a closed bay with clean water and flat conditions that are almost always favourable. Additionally, there are always available parking spots nearby. The best part is that the boat is already in the water, so there is no need for a boat ride to get to the surfing spot, which saves time and energy. The branch also has accessible showers, which is a huge convenience. The shop here offers a variety of surfing gear, such as boards, rashguards, vests, ponchos, etc. Their boat services are decent, and they provide refreshing beverages.

Seariders Club often hosts great coaches, Jennifer and Anthony Edwards, who are dear friends. The booking service is very convenient, and they even sponsored the first WWA competition in Dubai, which was excellently organised."

Instagram: @searidersuae

Alya Lapina, Europe ‘23, ‘22 pro champion, bronze medal at World ‘21 pro, silver medal World ‘20 outlaw: "Looking back at last year, I spent much time at Sea Riders. It is one of the oldest clubs with the coolest locations in the city. It is situated on Jumeirah, a secluded spot near the hotel.

Seariders Club has a really great team. It is nice to hang out on the beach while waiting before or after. The water area is a bit small, but just enough to practice, while it is always covered by the shore from winds and waves of the open sea. Also, being inside the city is convenient.

It is a good club, one of the oldest in Dubai. They have been holding on for a long time and have already earned nationwide love."

Wake Dubai

Instagram: @wake_dubai

Rasha El Ghoussaini: "They provide top-of-the-line boats from Centurion and Nautique, along with coaching tailored to different skill levels. Their boat services are excellent, offering refreshments and towels. Plus, they have sponsored multiple CWSA competitions in Dubai.

Their booking service is convenient, and they even offer discounted rates for training before competitions. However, their Marina location, once ideal — especially in the early mornings — has become busier with the influx of clubs and boats on the water."

iWake

Eliane Kozal: "Jebel Ali area is my favourite spot to ride in Dubai for its calm water most days. Crystal-clear waters and skyline views make it the perfect backdrop for any rider, especially at sunrise and sunset. This spot is ideal for wakeboarders and wakesurfers from all levels, whether a beginner who just wants to learn how to stand up on a board or an advanced rider looking to improve skills and train for competitions. The team is super helpful; they love the sport, are good at it, and can give instructions to help the riders. They are welcoming and friendly and always greet with a big smile, making the riders feel comfortable and enjoy the session.

I have been going to 'Iwake' regularly for the last few years, whether to have a fun session with friends or for my training. They also provide the equipment (gear and board) for those who don’t have their own, which are very well maintained and in excellent condition. It is a fun place that feels like home. In terms of location, access is easy: less than 20 minutes away from Dubai Marina, there is no traffic to get there, there is parking, and it is connected to Jebel Ali Hotel, which makes it a spot to hang out and even spend the day at the beach or restaurants after the ride."

Instagram: @iwakedxb

Alya Lapina: "They have awesome boats, a fantastic team, charismatic captains, and always great music and atmosphere. It feels like a mini vacation when you are there on the weekend.

IWake Club is still the best spot for convenience, cleanliness, and water clarity because it is just outside Dubai, so the water there is crystal-clear. Sometimes you will see dolphins and little fish, but there is nothing scary. The water is so clear that you can always see everything and know what to expect.

You really feel safe in that place. Jabel Ali Palm gives you a bit of coverage, so you don't feel completely exposed to the open water. But at the same time, it is still open sea, which is mind-blowing. In short, iWake initially discovered and firmly established the most amazing spot. They are really impressive."

WakeyWakey

Eliane Kozal: "Located at Jebel Ali resort, this spot is becoming famous for the community it has created and the weekly shared rides and events that bring people together from different age groups and skill levels, such as group rides followed by social breakfast and ice baths. The boats are brand new and perfect for Wakeboard, Wakesurf and Wakefoil. The team is fun and welcoming, and they always make sure everyone is comfortable and enjoying their time on the water.

It is a great place for a fun ride with friends and training with the coaches to improve skill levels and learn new tricks."

Instagram: @wakeywakeydubai

Alya Lapina: "These days, I primarily ride at Wakey Wakey because I work there, but that is not the only reason. Once I came, I couldn't leave! The boats have great waves, and the captains are super attentive with loads of experience. The location is top-notch: clean water, sheltered from waves and wind, close and free parking, cleanest changing rooms and showers, cafe on the spot where you can rest or work! The club provides boards of all sizes and life jackets, and scheduling and booking are incredibly convenient for both the team and clients.

Although it is a new club, it feels like they have done everything for the people right away: convenient, easy, and accessible. I really enjoy working with the club owner — she is fully committed and always ready to get involved in any idea! She is forming a great community of people who love being in the water and exploring wakesurfing world."

by Alexandra Mansilla