Young UAE wakeboard riders inspired by world’s best challenged to reach top level
Top Emirati professional rider Omeir Saeed secured his second successive victory in the UAE Wakeboard Championship as some of the rising stars of the sport in the Emirates grabbed a share of the spotlight.
Just as he did in the opening round of the series, Omeir dominated the Freeride category in round two, winning from Khalid Subaa, the UAE’s first national team captain, and Rashid Al Muhairi in third place.
Ahmed Al-Nuaimi won the novices class ahead of Abdullah Al Qasimi and Ahmed Al Rumaithi, with Mohammad Al Balooshi securing the juniors category from Hamed Al Balooshi and Muhammad Al Ketbi.
Five of the nine riders who found their way onto the podium at the weekend were in the UAE team for the 2019 IWWF World Wakeboard Championships in November.
Hosts Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) said a major factor in staging the event was to let the UAE’s top young enthusiasts learn from the best in the world.
“It’s definitely working, as we saw a big improvement in the performance of some of our youngest competitors this weekend,” said Salem Al Remeithi, General Manager of ADIMSC. “They have benefited from being on the world championship stage in Abu Dhabi, and we now challenge them to keep rising towards the top level.”