We found ourselves lying down on the bus seats for the next two hours from Dubai to Al Ain. Yes, you heard that right – lying down. With only the four of being escorted by the shuttle, it was easily decided to hog separate aisles, unfold the jump seats and get some sleep so we would be energized for GoPro’s Training Day that was held last 8th of October and supported by Al Boom Diving at Wadi Adventure. Amidst the dying heat, we still ended up tanned but ecstatic.
First, a little info – we were complete newbies with GoPro use. But it didn’t take us long to get acquainted with it, my colleague Jung took the GoPro Hero 4 Session out for the day whilst I chose to go with the Hero 4 Silver just because it had a touch screen. Kind of an odd reason to choose it but hey, we’re newbies so a touch screen is kind of attractive.
Inside the event hall of Wadi Adventure, I was filled with such profound joy when our trainer, Dominik asked who weren’t familiar with GoPros. And lo and behold we weren’t the only ones! So a quick tutorial was in order: what to press where, how to jump between modes, how to set it up to create great footage and then we were provided with a multitude of accessories that we could use for the day to compliment our GoPros.
Of we went to the wave pool. With a few minutes in our hands before the actual training begins, we decided to make a splash for a few moments just to beat the sweltering heat that has come over Al Ain. GoPros in hand and bodyboards in tow, the team braved the wave pool only to be thrown back a few metres by a surprise wave none of us saw! Trying again, we managed to ride the bodyboards and ride out the waves like actual professionals – There were even some people who were riding the board as if it was a surfboard! Mo Rahma, an Emirati surfer was also present during the event and he was quick to show us how to surf with a bodyboard.
Being refreshed, the time came for the actual training and the first stop was the Airpark and its host of challenges. First up was the zip line which all of us took on and what’s amazing is that with the help of the GoPro, I was able to capture some great footage of myself as well as of the scenery from where I was – smack dab in the middle of a zip line in midair. It wasn’t much of a challenge really but we were about to get our taste of our own medicine in the next challenge. Which was Wadi Adventure’s very own obstacle course suspended in the air high above the resort. Gulp.
A little flashback to the bus trip – I didn’t know what Wadi Adventure had so Jung and me played a little wager – take on the 2nd tier of the obstacle course for a little sum and superb bragging rights. I remember saying “Yeah! Let’s get it on!” but as soon as we were taking on the first tier of the course I got a quick reality check because the first tier is already high! Lesson learned – never go in blind.
Back to the present day and we were taking on the first tier – slowly but surely, one stump after another, a log here a climbing wall there, don’t look down as it was extremely high and after what seemed to be an eternity of nerve-inducing walking along that course, we were done shaken to the core by being dangled in midair.
After the Airpark session, the last part of the training was to do some whitewater rafting. After a quick orientation on how to paddle, we were set up by our guide to take on perhaps Wadi Adventure’s most famous feature. Paddling as vigorously as we could, we ended up in various ways – sideways, backwards and even slanted so much that the raft almost tipped over (we’re a bit sad it didn’t tip over because the resort says it’s a blast for the raft to capsize). Some us in the raft however were almost close to being thrown overboard by the waves! GoPro at the helm, great photos were guaranteed.
As the day came to a close, we all enjoyed a healthy amount of snacks while a lesson on using the GoPro Studio – their own post processing software was being discussed. The Studio is a great way to make the most out of your device and it ensures amazing videos and photos same as the ones that GoPro uses for its promotions. Of course, the day ended with one of the most practical, albeit common uses of GoPros – obligatory selfies with the entire group after a day of dangling, rafting and getting wet and hydrated. Just in time for winter.
Words by: Keith Perena
Photos by: Keith Perena and Jung Francisco
