As September is all about novelty – at least in fashion – Vogue’s Jeannine Yazbeck was challenged to try something new. While discovering wakesurfing, she discovered a lot about herself too…
Surfboard, Loro Piana. Photo: Rohit Sabu
It’s June 21, and an editorial meeting is underway at Vogue Arabia’s HQ for the September issue, when I hear these words: “Jeannine, as September is all about what’s new, you’ll do the Upfront in first person about having a new experience. What about wakesurfing?” This directive comes straight from the head of the magazine. He goes on, “It will be cool, and it will be trending,” to which I respond, “Wakesurf wakesurf?” (We Lebanese tend to repeat words twice to confirm all was understood. If you know, you know). It goes without saying that I, an almost 50-year-old mother of two, assume my editor-in-chief must be joking. But no, he isn’t. So, wakesurf it will be.
Born in the Mediterranean region, my encounters with the ocean have consisted of long, relaxed tanning days, positioned firmly on the sand. So before embarking on my blind date with a wave, I dive deep into the details on diving deep into the sea. My research on the subject lands me on the website for Wakesurf Dubai, a school in the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour and in Marina. I keep reading to find out that, in this trendy watersport, the rider (me) aims to surf the wave created by the wake of a boat without remaining attached to it (as one does, for example, while water skiing). After getting up on the board, typically by use of a tow rope, the rider then lets go to become one with the wave’s face below its peak – in an upright fashion reminiscent of surfing.
All this sea jargon – ride, wake, boat, rope – is quite new to me. Intimidated, I keep reading and locate the contact details for Thanina Mahiou, the Algerian-French owner of the operation that offers a range of lessons whether you’re a zero or a hero in all things wakesurf. I explain to her over the phone that I, a complete novice, am seeking to test out the activity and report back about the experience. I also highlight the fact that, being very much in the aforementioned zero category, watersports and I are not the best duo. Amused by this, Mahiou assures me that not all riders are professionals. In fact, she tells me that they even offer a program specifically for women, and invites me to give it a try. Seizing my courage with both hands, I accept the challenge and we agree to meet at sunset, the weather being too hot for wakesurfing by day.
While she might have become more acquainted with the water than the board, Yazbeck came out of the wakesurfing experience with a renewed outlook on life. Photo: Rohit Sabu
Unfortunately, due to excessive winds, we postpone the initial plan, which is how I find myself standing by the Dubai Harbour at sunrise the following week when the sea is calm and conditions are ideal for the task at hand (especially if you’re a beginner. Safety first). WakesurfDubai is perfectly situated in a waveless area where you participate in the activity with a stunning view of the city’s skyline. It’s 6am and, with life jackets secured and boat boarded, all is set for the adventure. Let’s do this, I think to myself.
Next comes a quick rundown from instructor Younes. He explains that all I need to do after getting in the water is to lift myself up on the board and find my balance without worrying about releasing the rope. Having spent much of my life standing in heels, balancing family and work, this should be easy, right? Not quite. Staying upright while barefoot on a slippery surface, the liquid ground below doing its best to tip me over – this could cause me to lose my footing faster than a tight deadline and fielding calls from my kids abroad, all in the same hour.
After a few failed attempts, I manage to pull myself up, enjoying a whole two seconds of triumph before the board wobbles and… down I go. It’s me battling the sea rather than riding it at this point, which I had been told is part of the fun. Still, noticing my despair, Younes encourages me to keep trying. “You’re very good for a first timer,” he offers, giving me a much-needed boost to continue.
By the end of the session, I am exhausted and waterlogged but happy to have seen through this mission and to have had my brief moments of glory. They say the sea whispers secrets. If that’s the case, then I hope it will be discreet about my first attempt at wakesurfing. Though even if that turns out to be true, the same probably can’t be said about the photographer who accompanied me to capture this experience.
So, will I surf again? Why not. I might’ve spent more time under the water than on top of it, but I was happy. This experience taught me that trying something new at any age goes beyond the activity itself – it’s about always standing tall in the face of challenges, learning to laugh at the falls, and remembering that the best moments happen when we step out of our comfort zone. I can’t wait to fail a little better next time.
Hair and makeup: Laloge
Originally published in the September 2024 issue of Vogue Arabia
