The world’s best surfers are eager to impress at this weekend’s highly anticipated event
A city known for its rich sports culture and hosting prestigious events like Formula 1, UFC, and the NBA, Abu Dhabi is about to make history once again.
This time, it’s not on the asphalt or in the arena; it’s in the water. For the first time ever, the UAE is set to host a professional surfing event, bringing the World Surf League (WSL) to Surf Abu Dhabi, an innovative wave pool that is already being hailed as one of the best in the world.
The Abu Dhabi Longboarding Classic is more than just another surfing contest. It’s a milestone moment, blending the UAE’s progressive approach to sports with the soulful vibe of the surfing world.
Surf Abu Dhabi’s General Manager, Ryan Watkins, a 13-year resident of the UAE, couldn’t contain his excitement.
“This is a truly special moment for me,” Ryan said at the event’s kickoff. “The only thing this country was missing was waves, and now we have the best wave pool in the world right here in Abu Dhabi.”
Watkins emphasised the significance of this event not just for the city but also for the global surfing community.
Hosting 48 of the world’s top longboarders, the competition is an electrifying prelude to the much-anticipated World Championship Tour event next year.
“It’s incredible to bring the soul of longboarding to Abu Dhabi. To host the world’s best surfers here is something we’re super proud of,” Watkins added.
The presence of Andrew Stark, President of the Australian Pacific Region for WSL, further highlighted the global importance of this event.
Stark expressed his enthusiasm for the groundbreaking partnership between Surf Abu Dhabi, Modon, and the WSL.
“It’s an honor for the WSL to partner with Surf Abu Dhabi. This facility is truly spectacular and a game-changer for wave pools globally,” said Stark.
“We’re not only kicking off the World Longboard Tour this weekend, but we’re also laying the foundation for next year’s World Championship Tour event. The future of surfing in Abu Dhabi looks incredibly bright.”
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the WSL, as the inclusion of Abu Dhabi on the global surfing map showcases the sport’s expansion into regions previously untouched by professional surfing.
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Longboarding legends like Taylor Jensen, Rachel Tilly, and Eduardo Delpero are in attendance, bringing with them a wealth of talent and excitement.
Jensen, currently ranked number one on the World Longboard Tour, shared his eagerness: “It’s amazing to be here in Abu Dhabi. This facility is next-level, and I’m excited to ride some perfect waves.”
The excitement is palpable, not just for the surfers but also for local enthusiasts. Watkins, as a longtime UAE resident, highlighted the importance of the event for the younger generation.
“As a father, the coolest thing for me is that I get to bring my kids to see professional surfing for the first time in this country. They’re beyond excited to watch some of their heroes up close.”
The competition will see top surfers battle it out in the state-of-the-art wave pool, which offers perfect, consistent waves; a stark contrast to the unpredictable nature of ocean surfing.
This unique feature levels the playing field and adds an extra layer of excitement, allowing for a fairer and more controlled competition. Rachel Tilly, the 2015 World Champion, noted this challenge.
“This is my first time competing in a wave pool. Unlike in the ocean, wave selection isn’t an issue here, so it’s going to be interesting to see how we all adapt.”
The long-term vision for this partnership is clear: Abu Dhabi is here to stay on the global surfing stage.
Next year’s World Championship Tour promises to be another landmark event, bringing shortboarding’s biggest names to the UAE.
As Andrew Stark put it, “The highest level of surfing is coming to Abu Dhabi, and it’s here to stay.”
As the world’s eyes turn toward Abu Dhabi this week, the city’s reputation as a sporting capital grows even stronger.
With professional surfing now a part of the mix, the future of sports in the UAE just got a lot more exciting.
Surf’s up, Abu Dhabi!
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