Sitting on an island surrounded by water with near perfect temperatures nine months of the year, it's only natural that people would see Abu Dhabi as an excellent place to stand up paddle (sup).

An Island sitting in the Indian Ocean eight degrees south of the Equator, resting on the western fringes of the ring of fire, with perfect waves and conveniently placed reef channels, this is where I call home, Bali, also known as the ‘Island of the gods’ and more recently as ‘Stand Up Heaven.’

Israel, the holy land. A region deemed sacred by three of the world’s largest monotheistic faiths, brimming with diversity and history, becomes sup grounds.

The Focus(tm) Backdoor Pro was held in Bat-Galim Haifa, Israel on Feb 27, 2010.  It was a great event with some fierce competitors who turned out to participate even in some stormy conditions and 3-4 ft waves.