Oman has impressive beaches and locations for Stand Up Paddleboarding. The sport is widespread, and some of the venues get quite busy, but never crowded. There is always lots of room to move. Most of the venues are also suitable for beginners due to the mild conditions and prevailing shallow water. Shatti Beach is where it all began around the early 2000s, but there are several ideal spots to get your paddle on.
Ras Al Hadd lagoon
Being a lagoon, this venue is ideal for beginners. It is always flat, often glassy, so an excellent place to get some experience and feel your board underneath you. It does get very shallow, which is generally ok, but if you feel a fin touch, then it is recommended that you wait until high tide. When the tide is high, it is idyllic. There are plenty of turtles around.
Fishermen’s Bay
One of the very few Stand Up Paddleboarding locations in Oman that actually poses any sort of real threat. It is for skilled Paddleboarders for the following reasons.
- You do get some waves in the area. Nothing too excessive, but if you lack experience in real waves, it might be a little intimidating.
- In turtle season, the area gets a bit of a visit from Tiger sharks. Anyone on a Stand Up Paddleboard needs to be aware.
- There is a thermal wind in the area that operates from the temperature difference between the cold water current and the hot land adjacent. It can get up to 30 knots.
