Chris Camilleri, Malta’s top kayaker, will be breaking new ground by participating in the 6th Dubai Shamaal surfski race on Saturday.

Taking its name from the predominant north wind, the Dubai Shamaal is a 20km downwind race in surfskis – six-metre-plus kayaks specifically designed for downwind racing with kayakers averaging 13 to 15kph for the whole distance.

The Dubai Shamaal, labelled as the world’s richest kayak race because of the substantial prize money fund of €60,000, attracts top kayakers from all four corners of the globe with over 26 countries represented.

“Malta would make an ideal venue for surfski events particularly since our small size makes it easy to stage events at different parts of the island and take advantage of the downwind currents,” the Malta Canoe Federation said in a statement.

“No doubt Chris Camilleri’s participation in Dubai will certainly benefit the future of this sport in Malta.”

This year, the organisers of the Dubai Shamaal have prepared three different routes – the actual one will be decided between 24 to 48 hrs before the race.

Camilleri has been training hard and fast for this event to improve his chances of turning in a strong performance in this prestigious race.