Tranquil waters: A Journey of Stand up Paddleboard in Kuwait - Kumaran Mahalingam

Excited to perform stand up paddleboarding in Mangaf beach, Kuwait for the first time

Stand up Paddleboarding has always been my sanctuary. Regardless of how draining the corporate world became, the simple act of standing on a paddleboard and gliding over calm waters served as my reset button. For years, I endured a hectic five-day office job in India. By the time Friday arrived, I was ready to escape—quite literally. With a packed bag and a heart longing for freedom, I’d catch a flight to spend my weekends paddling. Those few hours on the water made the stress and chaos of the workweek feel distant. However, the rhythm of that life changed significantly when I transitioned to a 28-days-on and off work schedule. It was a game-changer. Suddenly, I had nearly six months each year to dedicate entirely to stand up paddling. Those were golden days, filled with exploring uncharted waters, tackling new paddling challenges, and refining my skills. Yet, balancing my passion for the sport with my career demands remained a delicate dance—a challenge I was determined to conquer. Then came 2022, a year of transformation. I secured a permanent job with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), a decision that required a major trade-off: leaving my home country, India, for a new chapter in Kuwait. It wasn’t an easy choice. I’d be leaving behind familiar waters and beloved paddling spots. But as life has taught me, every change brings an opportunity for discovery.

Exploring Kuwait's Waters through Stand Up Paddle Boarding

As someone who’s naturally drawn to exploration, my first instinct upon arriving in Kuwait was to understand its geography. My background in spatial analysis coming handy, I pored over maps and scoured the internet, searching for Kuwait’s entry and exit points for paddling. The country’s position on the Arabian Gulf intrigued me. Its coastline, stretching along the serene waters of the Gulf, presented an exciting canvas for paddlers like me. Kuwait’s geography is largely flat, with vast desert plains that roll gently into the Persian Gulf. The Gulf itself is an absolute delight for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Unlike the oceans I was accustomed to, the Arabian Gulf is devoid of towering waves, making it an ideal spot for paddlers of all skill levels. The calm waters offer a sense of safety and tranquility, perfect for both leisurely paddles and more intensive sessions.

The climate, however, required some adjustment. Summers in Kuwait are blisteringly hot, with temperatures often soaring past 50°C (122°F). For someone like me, who’s used to early morning paddles in cooler climates, this was an eye-opener. Winter, though, revealed a more forgiving side of Kuwait’s weather. Mild temperatures and calm seas painted a picture of perfection for paddling enthusiasts. It was a season I couldn’t wait to dive into.

A Happy Surprise at Mangaf Beach

My initial days in Kuwait were spent settling into my new job and familiarizing myself with the local culture. While I had explored Kuwait’s paddling potential online, I hadn’t brought my stand up paddleboard kit along. As a result, my connection to the sport felt distant, like a part of me had been left behind in India. One evening, while scrolling through Instagram, I received a message that changed everything. It was from Rizwan, a fellow stand up paddler who had been following my standup paddling journey for some time. “Hey Kumaran, I see you’re in Kuwait now! I've been following your work on paddling. Let’s paddle together sometime,” his message read. It was a delightful surprise—the kind of serendipity that makes life feel beautifully interconnected. Rizwan turned out to be an avid stand up paddler who shared my passion for SUP. Even more exciting, he paddled four to five times a week and owned not one but two paddleboards. We arranged to meet at Mangaf Beach, a serene stretch of coastline not far from where I was living.

Rizwan - Stand up paddler from Kuwait

Rediscovering the Stand Up Paddleboarding in Kuwait

Meeting Rizwan felt like reconnecting with an old friend. As we carried the boards to the shoreline, a sense of anticipation buzzed in the air. The sea was a shimmering expanse of calm, its gentle waves inviting us to step in and paddle away. Standing on the board for the first time in Kuwait, I felt a wave of familiarity wash over me. The rhythm of paddling—the dip of the paddle, the pull through the water, the balance required to stay upright—came rushing back. The waters of Mangaf Beach were everything I had imagined and more. Smooth and steady, they allowed for a meditative paddling experience. As we glided over the surface, I marveled at how different this was from my usual paddling routes in India. Yet, in its own way, it was equally captivating.

Standuppaddle boarding in Kuwait

Standuppaddle boarding in Kuwait

The Joy of Shared Passions

Stand up Paddling, I’ve realized, is not just a solitary pursuit. It’s also a shared experience, a bond forged over the love of water and the freedom it offers. For Rizwan, paddling was a weekly ritual—a way to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and reconnect with the elements. For me, it was a bridge to a new chapter, a way to find a sense of home in an unfamiliar land. Together, we discovered the nuances of paddling in Kuwait, from the best times to venture out to the hidden gems along the Gulf’s coastline.

Lessons from the Water

My journey as a Stand up paddleboarder has always been intertwined with lessons about life. Moving to Kuwait and rediscovering paddling here has reinforced some profound truths:

1. Adaptability is Key: Whether it’s adjusting to a new country, a different climate, or a new paddling environment, adaptability is what allows us to thrive.

2. Community Matters: Finding Rizwan and connecting with a fellow paddler reminded me of the importance of shared passions and the support they bring.

3. Embrace Change: Leaving India was a daunting decision, but it’s opened doors to new experiences and connections that I’ll cherish forever.

   
   

The Road Ahead

As I settle deeper into life in Kuwait, stand up paddling continues to be my anchor. With every session on the Arabian Gulf, I feel a deeper connection to this land and its waters. The horizon holds countless adventures, and I’m eager to explore them all. For anyone considering paddling in Kuwait, my advice is simple: embrace the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf, find a paddling buddy like Rizwan, and let the sea become your sanctuary. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a curious beginner, Kuwait’s coastline has something to offer everyone. And who knows—you might just find a piece of yourself out there on the water, as I did.

The journey is ongoing, and the paddle board is always ready. Let’s keep exploring, one stroke at a time!