AT THE beginning of August Monster Energy's Reubyn Ash headed off into the Arabian dessert for a few days of surf training.

In what seems like an improbable prospect, the 24-year-old Bude man was heading to the newly opened Wadi Adventures purpose built surfing wave pool in Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, a couple of hours from Dubai. No one knew quite what to expect in terms of wave quality, but after seeing the first swell pulse out of the wall, the crew were amped.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.