BEST SURF SPOTS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Introduction...
It is bordered by Jordan on the northwest, Iraq on the north and northeast, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates on the east,
Oman on the southeast, and Yemen on the south.
It has an estimated population of 27.6 million and its area is roughly 2,150,000 square km
Saudi Arabia is an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. Saudi Arabia has the largest reserves of petroleum in the world and ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC.
Surfing...
Level of surfing: beginners
Coastline: 2,640 km
Best months: November - January
Climate: Arida, extreme desert conditions
Hazards: Extreme heat, Severe Storms, Coup / Civil unrest
Currency: Riyal (SAR)
Time zone: AST (UTC +3)
Special Requirements:
private beaches, special pass/permits, lenghty VISA process,
non tourist friendly, strict religious observance, no alkohol allowed!
Saudi Arabia's coastline includes both Persian Gulf territory and the Red Sea. Persian Gulf swells are a real rarity that occurs with rideable results maybe twice a year. Standard weather patterns will not produce rideable surf within the Gulf. What you are looking for is a stray system from the northern Indian Ocean or the Arabian Sea to go spining out of control and sit at one end of the Gulf for a few days. If the system sits to the north then the UAE, Western Iran, Saudi, Qatar and even Bahrain will have something small but rideable.
If the system sits south then the UAE will be a howling offshore sandstorm with Qatar, Saudi and even Kuwait getting a wave.
The Red Sea is the occasional victim of severe inland dust and sand storms that will occasionally sit in position drilling away over the water to either the North or South of the Sea. If this happens long enough then windswell will bounce either up or down the Red sea lighting up what are the most northern Tropical reefs in the world. The salinity in the Red sea is in some cases double that of normal sea water. An interesting phenomena that means you can get away with about 2 feet less surfboard and still maintain the same level of buoyancy. here are plenty of reef breaks just south of the major Red Sea Saudi port of Jiddah to keep you guessing with Mastabah one of the best.
Where to stay...
There are all types of hotels available through the Kingdown of Saudi Arabia. Most tourist cities will offer affordable accommodation for travellers whereas all the major cities will generally have larger and more expensive hotels.
You can expect to pay north of US$200 for a weekday night at a good hotel in any of the big Saudi cities. All hotels tend to have excellent customer service but just incase, you may want to bring along a translator to avoid any communication problems.
Smoking is the one sin that the Wahhabis haven't gotten around to banning yet and as a result, people are smoking everywhere - hotel lobbies, airport lounges, shopping mall food courts, drivers in their taxis, etc. If this is a problem to you, be sure to request non-smoking rooms in hotels.
What to pack...
Better start with a list of what you shouldn't bring to Saudi Arabia:
- pork and pork products;
- alcohol drinks.;
- pornography (dvd/films),
- porn magazines,
- sex toys;
- symbols of other religions (such as a cross necklace), etc.
Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses!
Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti hastamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar and cost more. By the way, getting medical insurance for the trip would be a good idea.
And take a good protection for your camera from the sand.
The source: http://www.surfingatlas.com/country/216
What to do in Saudi Arabia when the surf is flat???
Watersports...
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| Photo: http://www.travelingeast.com/middle-east/saudi-arabia/what-to-do-in-saudi-arabia/ |
Yes! After all, beyond the golden sands of Saudi Arabia lie the endless blue waters of Red Sea and Persian Gulf.
The Persian Gulf has several diving
sites worth exploring.
It is home to 700 marine species such as the
dugong, which is often seen grazing along the gulf’s shallow waters. The
area is also frequented by kingfishers, whose migration route takes
them close to the shores of Saudi Arabia.
The coast of the Red Sea features some
of the best windsurfing spots in the region. With winds reaching up to 7
kilometers (4.3 miles) per hour, a surf enthusiast will get all the
thrills he wants from this desert country.
Retrace the old Arabian caravan routes
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| Photo: http://www.travelingeast.com/middle-east/saudi-arabia/what-to-do-in-saudi-arabia/ |
Long before Mecca became a place of reverence to all Muslims,
it was already part of a caravan trade route stretching from Rome to Africa to the heart of India. Frankincense from Yemen, pearls from Abu Dhabi,
and copper and gold from Muscat once passed through this city.
There are other caravan stops along the
way, and while Mecca and Medina are now forbidden to non-Muslims, these
other trading stops open their gates to reveal their glorious history.
Al Jawf is a town and oasis in northern
Saudi Arabia. Remote and ancient, the town is located along the caravan
route between the Mediterranean and India. While largely crumbling, the
town has archeological sites worth visiting.
Taima has an extraordinary water well
that is considered to be one of the oldest and most sophisticated in the
region. Dating back from the Babylonian times, the well was responsible
for the orchards sprouting across town. Today, Taima is still known for
its high quality figs, dates and pomegranates.
Experience Bedouin Hospitality...
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Photo: http://www.travelingeast.com/middle-east/saudi-arabia/what-to-do-in-saudi-arabia/ |
The Bedouins are the last of the nomadic tribes of Saudi Arabia.
They live in tents and travel from place to place with their herds and material possessions.
They raise sheep and camel for food and
money. Their homes are literally built on sand and are designed to be
easily packed and carried.
Travel with the Bedouins and you’ll get an experience you will never forget.
Because of their portable homes,
Bedouins are able to offer their hospitality anywhere. Expect to get
shelter and food from your host, and perhaps hear one or a couple of
their folk legends.
A Bedouin home is like an oasis in the
desert. When you find yourself in one, you not only refresh your body,
you also satiate your senses and reenergize your soul.
See the King’s Cup
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| Photo: http://www.travelingeast.com/middle-east/saudi-arabia/what-to-do-in-saudi-arabia/ |
The King’s Cup is a yearly sports event
that takes place in Riyadh during the month of February.
Here, around 2,000 young boys from across the kingdom join the camel race with huge prices at stake.
What is so special about these races is
that the boys were trained to ride camels from a very young age, so
these races showcase the impressive talents of young riders in riding
these magnificent beasts.
In addition to the King’s Cup, you can
also attend the Janadriyah Festival, which occurs simultaneously. The
event takes place in Riyadh and is regarded as the most important
cultural event of the year.
The Janadriyah Festival celebrates Saudi
Arabian culture.
Songs, dances and even lavish theatrical perfomances
showcase the kingdom’s Bedouin heritage. Arts and crafts, sometimes made
on the spot are sold in kiosks.
Between just these two events, you will surely get an eyeful of the culture of Saudi Arabia.
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