Sap surfing on the Mediterranean Sea

Sap surfing - standing upright on a board using an oar to paddle - has become a popular pastime for tourists and locals alike off the shores of Israel.

In a series of pictures taken by Reuters photographer Baz Ratner sap surfers appear suspended in the shot, with the hazy skyline merging with the still waters against a misty backdrop.

Similar conditions are seen on the Dead Sea, where swimmers enjoy a dip in the salty waters that are mentioned in the Bible and sit at the lowest point on Earth.