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Kite surfing blew in hundreds of people on Mirfa's white shores this past weekend, the otherwise quiet costal town in the west of Abu Dhabi Emirate. Participants and spectators alike were all here for one of the favourite, eye-catching events in Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, taking place in Mirfa from 23rd April 23 till 2nd May, the kite surfing competition.

Warnings from the Met office of a very rough sea with high waves and strong winds, blowing up to 60 kilometres per hour, were nothing but good news for kite surfers, many of whom travelled from across UAE to challenge themselves and each other in a sport that takes stamina and precision.

Altogether, there were 35 participants who competed in the kite surfing competition, over 15 of them being Emirati nationals from all over UAE, al Gharbia included.

Among them was His Excellence Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.

"This year is the first time that we have the same number, if not more Emiratis than expats taking part in the competition, which is very good for the kite surfing sport," said Sheikh Ahmed.

Being the chairman of Emirates Kiteboarding Committee and a professional kite surfer, he supported the kite surfing competition in Mirfa ever since the festival was launched seven years ago.

"I'm very fond of kite surfing; it is my first sport. I started learning in 2002 and kept improving more and more since," said Sheikh Ahmed.

"This time I only participated in the long distance race, not the free style. The race is different in the sense that it needs more speed and different techniques. We raced over four or five kilometres distance and reached a speed of 55 to 60 kilometres per hour. If you crash at that speed, you can get seriously injured," he also explained.

Kite surfing requires a great deal of endurance and patience, not to mention plenty of practice. The gear involves a short board on which the surfers stand, an extra wide back support vest on which the kite is also strapped to - this will indicate the surfer's position in case of an accident and will also prevent the kite being lost - and the kite itself, usually a 12 meters wide sail attached to 23 meters long ropes.

The fitness of the surfer, his weight, skills, techniques and creativity, as well as the power of the wind are all factors determining the outcome of the competition.

In Mirfa, there were two competitions - the long distance race and the free style, the last being split into three categories - men, women and juniors. Each participant got about 10 minutes surfing, during which time they had to perform at least 10 stunts, usually jumping with added spins, twists and flips. The best performance would win the contest.

Waiting patiently for his turn to take to the waters was Rashid Al Muhairi, who was the champion here both in 2013 and 2012.

"I learnt kite surfing in Dubai and I've been practicing for eight years," he said.

"I prefer free style because of the creativity and the stunts. My favourite move is changing the kite from one hand to another, from the back, while jumping," added Rashid, who took part in every kite surfing competition in Mirfa, except the one last year.

"This year is the best because the wind is on our side, so we can perform better," said Rashid, who also travels the world to run in kite surfing competitions in Spain, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Morocco.

Organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Al Gharbia Watersports Festival will continue until May 2 with plenty more beach competitions and boat sailing and racing to come, as well as a traditional souk and heritage display for visitors.

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