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Mohanna Aldoseri’s mobile water-sports school is making a big splash with sea-lovers as they enjoy an adrenaline rush and a chance to experience what Bahrain’s coastline has to offer as he develops the kingdom’s own unique ‘beach culture’.
The 26-year-old has been organising courses on kite surfing, Stand Up Paddling (SUP) and SUP Yoga at various remote areas around Bahrain through his facility called GYPSEA.
Mohanna, a kite-surfing specialist and president of the Bahrain Kite Surfing Association, wanted to bring back the beach lifestyle for locals and allow expats to enjoy adventurous thrills and spills while soaking up the sun.
He said: “We are the gypsies of the sea; we travel where the wind and ocean currents take us! GYPSEA is a unique mobile water sports school facility that operates from several secret locations around the island.
“We travel around using the GYPSEA van to choose prime locations and expose hidden locations that have never been visited by many on board before. We choose the locations depending on the activities or events that we are staging, taking into consideration the weather conditions.
“This introduces a whole new world of how to stay connected to the changes in tide, swells, currents, moon and wind.
“There’s a real ‘wow factor’, as most of them have never seen these parts of Bahrain before and that includes locals that have lived here all their lives!”
Mohanna is owner and managing director of the aptly-named Beach Culture, a provider of products and services in the coastal management and recreation industry. His kite boarding students and enthusiasts receive a license stating the level attained and it can be used in any kite boarding school or rental shop in the world. It also automatically makes them a member of the International Kiteboarding Organisation and gives them access to its website.
And he says those trying their hand at SUP are paddling and making waves on their own in no time.
Mohanna, who has received accreditation from the Association of Surfers International and was appointed as the sales and water-sports manager for a leading marine solutions company in Bahrain, has always had an affinity for the beach and a love for the big blue yonder.
He has also dreamed of developing the coastlines of Bahrain as well as giving people a chance to experience water-sport activities to their fullest, which is why every Friday and Saturday he helps to organise a fun day at the beach called Al Marassi Weekend.
One of the free events was held at Al Marassi beach in Diyar Al Muharaq recently from 10am to sunset, which attracted hordes of beach dwellers allowing them to indulge in various activities such as paddle boarding, paddle boarding yoga and kite surfing. Children also had their faces painted and enjoyed a variety of games. There were food trucks and a beach-inspired art gallery as well. The events will continue for two months.
Mohanna, an economy, finance and banking graduate, said: “Most of my earliest memories as a child involve me being at the beach – whether it’s hearing my mum telling me not to go too far into the waves or simply going fishing and on diving trips with my dad.
“As I grew up, my passion for the ocean grew further. At the age of 10 I joined the national sailing team and developed a successful career as a professional sailor.
“One memory that stuck with me, though, was when I was four. I badly cut the palm of my hand from a piece of broken glass that had been left on the beach. Why would anyone turn the beach into a giant garbage can?
“We live on such a beautiful island that needs our attention so desperately. My aim behind starting Beach Culture and GYPSEA is to bring the ‘island-ness’ of Bahrain to the surface, with a full commitment to improve the overall beach-goer experience and creating a healthy, sustainable, eco-friendly and Bahraini beach culture.”
Since its launch in April, Mohanna’s endeavours have been going swimmingly supported by his five-member team featuring instructors, a coastal engineer and environmental experts.
His future goal is to transform the kingdom’s beaches into popular getaways. He added: “As Bahrain’s coastline has been developing ever so rapidly, the need for coastal management is crucial for the sustainability of such growth.
“I hope to transform Bahrain into a global touristic beach destination, while ensuring the coastal wildlife and natural habitats remain valued and protected.
“Our long-term goal is to preserve and enhance the value of the coastal resources of Bahrain, to create stunning beaches that motivate tourists to visit Bahrain. We aim to provide modern ways to harness our grandparents’ ways of associating with the sea through educating Bahrainis and expats in a safe, fun and proactive way.”
The kite king also has a permanent water sports centre in Meena 7’s Coco Beach in Amwaj Islands. By April, he is planning to add kayaking and sailing to the list of fun activities.
To find out about GYPSEA trips, classes and prices, check out Instagram @Beachculture or on Facebook and YouTube at Beach Culture.
