8th to 14th December 2006 | Oman

The Mussandam Challenge 2006

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The Musandam Challenge (Oman)

December 8th-14th, 2006

This was G4G’s 20th Challenge.

The Musandam Peninsula, known as the “Norway of Arabia”, is the northern-most part of Oman, jutting out into the Straits of Hormuz at the entrance to the Arabian Gulf. The spectacular coastline is dominated by mountains plunging into the sea, fjord-like inlets, and small islands. This was Gulf for Good’s first full kayaking challenge and, accompanied by a “mother” catering and equipment dhow and a safety boat, participants paddled right around the Musandam Peninsular from Khasab to Dibba. Only a handful of people had ever done this before, and it promises to be truly memorable. Funds raised was for charities for children and the blind, in Oman itself.

Starting with a morning coach-ride from Dubai, we began by launching double kayaks from Khasab, with a shortish paddle – around 3 hours – to a remote beach for the first overnight camp. After an early start the next day, we headed north towards the Straits past Umm Al Ghaman, and then east past stunning cliffs across the top of the Musandam. Our destination this day was the town of Kumzar, where the inhabitants, cut off from the world except by boat, speak their own unique language. Next morning, after rounding the tip of the peninsula, we continued south along the coast to our camp in Khor Habaayn. During the last legs of the challenge, we paddled south to the village of Lima, round Lima rock and Ras Sannut and then straight through all the way to Ziggy Beach, just north of Dibba for the final night. After reaching Dibba on the last day, we had a spectacular drive through the wadi’s and over the mountains back to Khasab, and then on to Dubai for a well-earned celebration dinner.

Rated at a moderate fitness level, this challenge certainly demanded endurance, but was achievable by anyone of good fitness and determination.

Level: Moderate, no previous kayaking experience necessary

Number of participants: Maximum 25 per group.

Registration fee: Dhs 1,850/-

Minimum sponsorship: Dhs 8,700/-

Assistance provided in advance by G4G: Fund-raising ideas; training & fitness suggestions; safety & medical advice; clothing & equipment advice.

What G4G provides on the Challenge: Bus transfer to and from Khasab, tents, food, guides, medical & vehicle back-up.

Essential to leave behind: Day-to-day problems.

Essential to bring: Determination & a sense of humour!

Day 1

The coach took us through the Khasab / Ras Al Khaimah border past to the Khasab harbour. We launched the double kayaks from Khasab and after a short paddle, we camped on a secluded beach (approx 6kms).

Day 2

We headed north towards the Straits of Hormuz and paddled past Jezirat Umm Al Ghaman, turned east through a narrow passage to arrive at a beach for the night. (approx 20 kms).

Day 3

Paddled east across the top of the Musandam past stunning cliffs and a rock lined coastline. We visited Humzar, the largest town after Khazab in the Musandam which is only accessible by boat. After lunch, we travelled on through “the hole in the wall”, then headed south to that evening’s beach camp (approx 18 kms).

Day 4

Continued on south, passing Ras Al Kayaa, crossing Khor Shobus, round Ras Dhiloh to camp inside Khor Habaayn (25 kms).

Day 5

Continued south along the coast which is almost a continous succession of cliffs, past the village of Lima, round Lima rock and Ras Sannut to our next camp site (approx 30 kms).

Day 6

Through all the way to Ziggy Beach for the last night and camp. This was the longest days paddle of approx 40 kms.

Day 7

Short paddle to Dibba Beach, transferred via road to Khasab via Wadi Bih and up past Jebel Harim at 2000+ metres (the highest point on the Musandam peninsular). At Khasab, we boarded the coach to take us back to the UAE.

Climate

Warm to hot days, averaging 30 degrees, and cool at night, averaging 15-20 degrees. Rain is possible though unlikely, but windy conditions may be experienced.

Health

The most important and simple thing you can do to prevent illness is to be properly immunized. Our medical adviser suggests that you ensure that you should be immunized against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Tetanus (Diphteria and Polio recommended). Malaria risk is extremely low. Contact the Dubai London Clinic on 04 3446663 to arrange your immunizations at cost price.

Training

You will be kayaking for several hours per day, so it is important that you start a gym or training programme at least three months prior to the Challenge. Most gyms will be happy to assist you in achieving your fitness (and some may even help you fundraise!) We can also supply names and numbers of personal trainers, some recommended by previous Challengers and some who are ex-Challengers themselves.

The challenge is described as a moderate intensity test of all round fitness. You need to be fit and healthy to participate.

Visas & Passports

Check your passport is valid for at least 6 months before departure. You should also have a couple of clean pages (no stamps!) left in the passport. All foreigners entering Khasab require a visa.

Travel & Medical Insurance

G4G will arrange a group medical/travel insurance for all the participants. You will be required to pay your insurance premium at least two weeks before departure. Further details about the premium, type of cover, insurance terms and conditions etc are available on request.

Fundraising

You will receive a comprehensive fundraising booklet, containing hundreds of ideas – and G4G challengers have come up with more. It is always preferable to arrange fundraising “events” rather than ask family, friends and colleagues for money. Fundraising in this way increases your profile, creates more goodwill and raises awareness of the work of the nominated charities. The G4G office can give you names of previous challengers who will be happy to offer advice and maybe even assistance.

Safety

We take your safety very seriously. It is our first and never forgotten priority. Please listen to your guides and follow their instructions.

Respect for the Environment

We maintain a firm commitment to conserve the areas we work in and ask you to do the same. Take only photographs and leave behind only footprints!

What We Supply

Bus transfer to and from Khasab, daily meals, water and accommodation. All your gear will be transported each day to the night stop, except daily necessities carried in your own daypack.

A Typical Day

You can expect a normal day to start at 6.00am with breakfast served around 7.00am, and departure by 8am. Bags are to be packed and left on the “mother” dhow before departure. In the morning there is usually a 3-4 hour paddle before the stop for lunch, followed by 2-3 hours in the afternoon. On arrival at the campsite there is time to relax, socialise or explore the area before dinner.

Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. Bottled water is available throughout the day from the support vehicle.

Personal Equipment

Travel light! Do limit the weight of your luggage to less than 15 kgs and less than 20 Kgs overall. All bags are to be clearly marked and lockable. Do not take or wear any valuables on the trip, it is best to leave them at home. Light clothing is recommended for this challenge. Synthetic fibres are preferable to cotton. Be aware that the nights and early mornings can be cool.

All the items required for the trip can be purchased from major sports shops & camping suppliers.

Al Noor Association for the Blind in Muscat

www.alnoor4blind.org.om

Funds raised by the challenge provided specialised HAL and SUPERNOVA computer software. These programmes give blind and partially sighted people the facilities to use standard, off-the-shelf computers. Training on computers, means that individuals are given skills that will enable them to find employment.

The Mussandam Challenge 2006

Difficulty Scale :

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The Mussandam Challenge 2006

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