Diving
Whatever your sea-based plans this winter, it’s likely at some point to involve swimming, snorkelling or diving. Sea Hawk Water Sports, at Mina Zayed, sell specialised equipment for whatever your plans. www.shw-sports.com (02 673 6688).
• Diving in the UAE doesn’t always require an insulated wetsuit, due to warm seas, but it does need to protect the diver from jellyfish and wrecks. The Profile wetsuit is perfect for warmer waters and yet at 0.5mm thick still offers good protection.
Available in both men and women’s sizes, Dhs500.
• The excellent and high performance Scuba Pro Jet Fins were originally for technical use but are widely used by divers in the know for their performance and great price.
Dhs600.
Horse riding
Most people think they have to pop through to Dubai for riding kit, but Gulf Rider has an excellent stock of good quality items right here in Abu Dhabi. Gulf Rider, behind Patchi, opposite Khalidiya Garden, Al Khalidiya (02 665 5571).
• GPA riding helmets are tested to destruction. But if you don’t trust us, trust the French army and police force, the Garde Républicaine ceremonial riders, the British, Norwegian and Italian police, the Irish and Italian army, as all these institutions use them.
Dhs1,950.
• Gloves are essential for riding, even in this weather. Not only do they protect your hands from rein and rope damage but in hot weather the grip is an added bonus.
SSG gloves Dhs50-Dhs200.
• Whether you prefer long boots or a jodhpur and chap combo, Gulf Rider has something to suit.
Prices range from Dhs220-Dhs1,400.
Golf
Opening its ‘virtual doors’ only five months ago, eGolf Outlet is the UAE’s first online retailer of new, used and pre-owned golf equipment. The company offers a handy and economical trade in service, delivery in 24-48 hours and a handy cash on delivery option. www.egolfoutlet.ae.
• Vega VM-01irons and wedges are considered the very pinnacleof high-end golfing equipment. These are handcrafted and forged by expert craftsmen who use a mix of traditional one-piece forging with more modern techniques such as CNC milling. Vega Irons are custom built in the UAE to lie, length, shaft flex and loft specifications of the customer and delivered within two weeks.
• Premium Condition Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls. These Premium grade Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls play like new at a fraction of the price, so can you afford not to?
Dhs159.
• A selection of the 2011 and 2012 hugely popular Scotty Cameron Putters with tour inspired cosmetics and truly timeless designs.
Dhs1,099.
