Chris Camilleri, Malta’s top kayaker will be breaking new ground by participating in the 6th Dubai Shamaal surfski race on the 3rd December in Dubai.

The race takes its name from the predominant north wind and consists in a 20Km downwind race in surfskis – 6 metre plus kayaks specifically designed for downwind racing - with kayakers easily averaging 13 to 15 kph for the whole distance.

The Dubai Shamaal, labelled as the world’s richest kayak race because of the substantial prize money bag of €60,000, attracts top kayakers from all four corners of the world with over 26 countries being represented. Malta would make an ideal venue for surfski events particularly since our small size makes it easy to stage events at different parts of the island and take advantage of the downwind currents. No doubt Chris Camilleri’s foray in Dubai will certainly benefit the future of this sport in Malta.

This year the organisers of the Dubai Shamaal have designed three different routes – the actual one will be decided between 24 to 48 hrs before the race. “This year we’re committed to chasing the wind. At this time of year it blows from one of three directions and we’ve selected three courses accordingly.

The wind generally starts at around 1pm and is steady for the rest of the afternoon so the race will be started at about 3pm with the intention of having the race completed and all the paddlers off the water by 5pm. In the case of a direct onshore wind, the race will start 20km out to sea – skis will be transported by commercial barge and the paddlers on traditional Arabic Dhows for what will be a ‘mid-ocean party’ with barbeques, music - a celebration of the world’s richest ski race”

Chris has been preparing hard and fast for this event and his performance will no doubt leave it’s mark.