Desert waves, epic rides: Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Makes a Splash

Elite surfers wow crowds as Ferreira and Simmers take top honours

Last updated:
A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor
2 MIN READ
Participants kept the fans engrossed during the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi, which concluded on Sunday.
Participants kept the fans engrossed during the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi, which concluded on Sunday.
Afra Al Nofeli/Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Under the bright Abu Dhabi sun, waves crashed, boards sliced through the water, and the world’s best surfers put on a show like never before in the region. The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, the first-ever World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event in the Middle East, delivered an unforgettable weekend of high-performance surfing, leaving spectators in awe.

Ferreira and Simmers claim victory

Brazil’s Italo Ferreira and American Caitlin Simmers emerged as the event’s inaugural champions, dazzling the enthusiastic crowd gathered along the banks of Surf Abu Dhabi. Ferreira powered past Indonesian star Rio Waida in the men’s final, while Simmers, the reigning 2024 WSL champion, overcame Australia’s Molly Picklum to claim victory in the women’s division.

World-class waves on a record-breaking stage

Surf Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art wave technology, powered by Kelly Slater’s WaveCo, set the stage for the thrilling competition. The innovative system holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest and largest artificial wave pool and the world’s biggest barrel, allowing surfers to push the limits of their craft.

Momentum builds for the WSL season

The recent Lexus Pipe Pro in Hawaii marked the start of the 2025 WSL Championship Tour, with Surf Abu Dhabi Pro serving as the second stop in a 12-event global season. With world-class waves and fierce competition, the event played a key role in shaping the rankings as surfers chase the coveted World Title at the season-ending WSL Finals.

Surf Abu Dhabi’s exciting future

Beyond the competition, Surf Abu Dhabi is set to become a hub for the sport, with upcoming initiatives including surf mastery retreats, festivals, and concerts. These events will not only elevate the surfing experience but also showcase Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture and entertainment scene. While details remain under wraps, the momentum from this groundbreaking event signals a bright future for both surfing and sports tourism in the region.

The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro made history, and if this weekend was any indication, it’s only the beginning. With world-class waves, top-tier talent, and an atmosphere charged with excitement, the Middle East’s first WSL Championship Tour event proved that surfing has found a new home in Abu Dhabi.

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