Emirati surfer taking on world's best

An Emirati surfer is set to take on some of the world's best competitors at an international competition in Spain next month.

Mohammed Rahma, 28, will be flying the UAE flag at his second international competition during the week-long Pantin Classic Galicia Pro. He is the only Emirati surfer competing.

"I'm really looking forward to it as it's going to be the first world qualifying competition I've taken part in and it's going to be a great experience,” he said.

"Of course I am aiming to make it to the quarter-finals but it is going to be tough as I will be up against people who have more experience.”

He was placed 22nd out of 90 at the World Surfing Games in Peru in his first international competition last year and now hopes to compete more regularly. However, training in the UAE is posing difficulties.

"At the moment there aren't any waves so it's not possible to go out and practice,” said Rahma, who works as a sales department manager at Etihad Airways.

"I've been doing a lot of gym work and going out to Wild Wadi in Al Ain to train indoors there.”

As a result he plans to head to Spain a week before the competition begins to get in some vital practice.

"It's one of the disadvantages I have compared to competitors who are in countries with a lot of good surf,” he said.

"They only arrive a day or two before but for me the extra time will be valuable in practising in the competition conditions on the water.

"For me, it's all about the sport I love – and being able to compete on an international level and bring awareness to the UAE of the growing surf culture. I'm proud to be part of it.”

He hopes that his example will encourage other Emiratis to take up the sport in the coming years.

"I only got into the sport five years ago and at my age I perhaps can only improve so much,” he said.

"Imagine if someone begins practising at the age of four or five, which many of the professional surfers do, and how good they will become.

"I want more Emiratis to become surfers and eventually I would love for the UAE to send a full team to these kinds of events.”

The Spanish event is part of the global World Qualifying Series that includes 200 competitors all eager to qualify for the prestigious World Surfing League.

Carl de Villiers, a friend and founder of Surf Shop Arabia said he was proud of Rahma's achievements.

"His participation in the ISA World Games in Peru last year was a highlight for the whole surfing community in the UAE,” he said.

The Pantin Classic Galicia Pro competition runs from September 1 to 6. For more details, visit www.morahma.com.
Source: The National