Sitting on the patio at DIMC (Dubai International Marine Club - our hosts) is very entertaining. From my perch on the two seater couch I can view the pre-race antics of the world's best paddlers; and I really mean...THE WORLD'S...BEST...PADDLERS.

Can this really be true? All these guys and girls in one place together? Don't let any of them know, but I have to make a concerted effort to not get too excited about it.

I've got to like do the slow shuffle past the okes...you know...calmly nod..."Hey Ben (Fouhy) howzit bru"..."O ja what's up Erik (Laarsen), hows Norway?"...."O hey Busto (Manuel), is that a sock in your sleeve or are you just trying to scare me!" And that's just to name a few. I haven't begun to mention the likes of Ken Wallace and Tim Brabants, nor surf lifesaving stars like Jeremy Cotter or Caine Ecstein; living legend marathon paddler Ivan Lawler....flip, the list goes on AND on AND on.

So since Monday we've pretty much paddled every day at 13:00ish (race time) except for the day we went to Atlantis for some "alternative" training. Sol Kerzner's new hotel on the tip of the Palm Jumeira is quite a sight. Unreal aquarium, bling bling shops and a water park. Tommo led the way and the old goats (me, Mich and Steve) followed his lead....except I didn't do the Leap of Faith... Just the name should give you the reason why, with my gammy ankle and all.

The official race venue is quite a classic set-up. Big lawn area, pool, full time kitchen staff.

Today I paddled with our wonderful host Theunis Reynolds. Theunis is a big boy in construction here and from what I can gather is pretty much responsible for many of the landmark developments here in Dubai. Him and his wonderful wife Vera have looked afer Tom and I as if we're their own children. It's been wonderful staying with them, especially their humble little villa quite a far 30metre walk to the beach.

CHECK THE VIDEOS AND PICS OF TRAINING PADDLE AND VENUE

So 3 days to go and things are heating up here. Looks like its going to be a classic race. Keep checking for updates.