As summer gives way to winter, and as the waves take turn to move towards the north-east facing coastline, from Sur up to Sohar and beyond, beaches in and around the capital, including Azaiba, Kalbuh, Al Bustan, Qantab, Sifa and Dahabab will make way for surfing and come under the spotlight of surfers in the country.
That observation comes from Gee Sutton, surfing expert of Oman Surf School and professional photographer of Ninja Fotos. The following article explains the growing surfing scene in Oman while highlighting the training options for interested surfers.
Surfing Season
Despite the general view by the surfing world that there are no waves in Oman, the Sultanate is blessed with a long coastline facing into the Indian Ocean, which is widely regarded as the best wave generating ocean in the world. From April to September, the southeast facing coastline from Ras Al Hadd, all the way to the Yemen border in the south, receive waves from the local weather system and from further afield in the south of the ocean. These long-range swells can be powerful and produce world-class waves as they shoal onto the reefs and beaches of Oman. In particular, Joe’s Point at Aseelah (40 minutes south of Ras al Hadd); although relatively unknown, it is often referred to as one of the best waves in the world. On most weekends you can find a surf-able wave to suit all levels of ability, somewhere along this coastline.
Moving into the winter season, September to April, the waves move to the northeast facing coastline. Although not so powerful, and a lot less consistent than the summer swells to the south, it does give the wave-starved surfer something to hope for through the winter months. But as the waves are, generally, of poor quality and on the smaller side – referred to as ‘wind swell’ – watching the wave forecast along the Muscat coastline becomes very important. During the last winter, there have been occasions when we would arrive at Kalbuh and find the sea flat. We then sit and wait for an incoming swell…literally watch for an hour as the waves slowly get bigger, until it’s enough to surf. Two hours later the waves would have reached head high, but that is the peak of the swell. For the next two hours, the waves start to get smaller again, until it’s too small to surf. So, the whole swell will be surfable for only 4 hours. And that will be it for waves for the next 2-3 weeks, maybe.
Learning to Surf
For beginners, almost always, the best way to get into surfing is with a surfing friend or a surf school. The benefit of a surf school over a surfing friend is that the school will search out suitable waves for making the learning process easier. However, it is possible to teach yourself by simply getting a board and going to the beach; but it could be a long and difficult task. Learning to read the ocean is almost as important as learning how to stand up and ride the wave.
For the beginner, there are more waves than for the practised surfer; the practised surfer needs a certain level of a wave to surf. The beginner can use relatively poor quality waves to learn the basics.
Oman Surf School
Set up by Nasser Al Ghadani, the Oman Surf School has been running since June 2018 (I am involved with Nasser in the School owing to my 8-year experience in surf schools in Spain). We offer surf lessons and coaching in Oman and, so far, we have had a lot of interest and clients from all over the GCC, as Oman offers the best waves throughout the area.
We offer one-day lessons, or weekend excursions, including accommodation. Throughout the summer we operate in the south along with the waves but will move up to the beaches around Muscat shortly. We hope to gain interest from schools and youth groups as something different to do after school.
We are equipped with Soft Foam boards that are less dangerous for a beginner, who may lack the control that a more experienced surfer has. These boards are also, generally, a lot bigger and buoyant, facilitating the learning process.
Oman Surfers
Oman Surfers is a group of surfers and wave riders from all around the world who live and work in Oman. First formed around 5 years ago by Qais Azr (Oman) and Maynard Ringor (Philippines), it is predominantly a WhatsApp and Facebook group, where we share details of when and where to find waves in the Sultanate of Oman. Although most members are males, we also have a few female surfers, including Anisa, the first Omani woman to trek to the North Pole, in an expedition from earlier this year.
We are an environmentally aware group and wish to spread the idea of keeping the beaches and Oman, generally, litter-free through beach cleaning events. We are also in the process of forming the Oman Surf Association, to be recognised nationally and internationally as a surfing nation and destination.