LONDON: The world's greatest surfers have convened this week for the second round of the sport's prestigious worldwide tour—not on the golden beaches of Australia's Gold Coast or Hawaii's North Shore of Oahu.
Follow us at @ArabNewsSport for the most recent information.
Most likely because, up until recently, the UAE capital lacked surfable waves, even though it was encircled by the seas of the Arabian Gulf.
However, a world-class surfing destination has been created as a result of advancements in artificial wave technology and significant investments made in sports by nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
18 women and 36 men compete in the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, which began on Friday and is a part of the World Surf League's Championship Tour.
The WSL's 12-leg circuit also includes the legendary reef pass of Cloudbreak in Fiji, the long, peeling point break of Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, and the fierce Teahupoʻo in Tahiti, which was a fixture of the Olympics last year.
The competition to develop wave-pool technology entered a new phase ten years ago, marking the beginning of Abu Dhabi's quest to add its name to this distinguished list.
Since the 1960s, wave pools have existed in surfing, but they have always been a subpar replica of the genuine thing.
But in 2015, Kelly Slater, the all-time great surfer, shared a video from a hidden location in Lemoore, California, showing a flawless peeling wave that lasted 45 seconds—a lengthy ride in surfing.
There were even parts of the wave that let the rider accomplish one of the sport's cardinal objectives: getting "barreled," which is to say that the rider vanishes beneath the wave's lip as it crashes onto the water ahead.
For the surf community, it was a turning point. At last, someone has produced an endless supply of top-notch waves independent of winds, tides, and surges produced by storms.
After a number of WSL events were held at Surf Ranch, as it came to be called, there were whispers that a larger and better version was being planned.
Modon Properties, an Abu Dhabi developer, said in June 2023 that it had teamed up with Kelly Slater Wave Co. to build "the most advanced wave facility in the world" on Hudayriyat Island, and that the project was almost complete.
In October of the same year, Surf Abu Dhabi launched, providing rides on waves over 2.5 meters high that lasted over a minute.
By pulling a big submerged hydrofoil along a track near the pool's edge, the technique creates a wave that breaks over precisely formed underwater features.
At the time, Slater claimed, "I've surfed hundreds of amazing waves around the world, and this wave in Abu Dhabi stacks up well against some of the best waves on earth."
Ahead of the competition, the wave has been undergoing some last-minute adjustments, according to WSL Deputy Commissioner Kayla Durden.
She told Arab News, "The wave is amazing." Actually, a week or two ago, they adjusted the interval. To combat the wind, they somehow managed to refine the barrel a little more.
It now seems more like a natural ocean wave thanks to the improvements made to the Abu Dhabi pool.
Since it is the first saltwater wave pool, surfers can use the same boards they would in the ocean due to the same buoyancy.
In order to give surfers more time, the engineers have made the parts where they carve their turns more akin to a natural wave.
Durden continued, "It took what Surf Ranch started and made it that much better."
In the frequently conventional world of surfing, wave pools are a contentious topic.
Some believe that participating in them takes away from surfing's distinctively unpredictable aspects.
Additionally, it eliminates the physical strain of paddling through big waves in hazardous waters.
Others claim that compared to Mother Nature's lottery, seeing the same wave over and over again might get monotonous.
However, because of this repetition, surfers now use the new wave pools as a vital training ground to conduct advanced, frequently airborne moves that push the sport's boundaries.
Because the artificial waves are consistent, players can compete on an even playing field under identical circumstances.
According to Durden, "you can replicate an air 15 times in a wave pool, but not in the ocean."
Wave pool naysayers may reconsider after witnessing the Abu Dhabi wave's excitement, as its various portions need a comprehensive set of surfing skills to receive a high score from the judges, she said.
"The goal of the tour is to have the best surfer on the best waves declare a world champion, and I believe that encompasses all wave types," Durden continued.
The Brazilian two-time world champion Filipe Toledo, a master of small-wave surfing and sophisticated aerial techniques, is one of the favorites at the three-day competition.
It is anticipated that the Abu Dhabi pool will produce a new generation of dynamic young women professionals, such as Caitlin Simmers and Erin Brooks.
The Moroccan Ramzi Boukhiam, the first Arab to earn a spot on the WSL Championship Tour—which is dominated by Americans, Australians, and Brazilians—will also be highlighted.
If Boukhiam were to win the inaugural Championship Tour competition in the Middle East and North Africa, it would be an interesting story.
"I'm excited and under a lot of pressure because this will be my first time competing in a pool," Boukhiam remarked. "The anxiety disappears as soon as you get your first turn in, even though surfing this wave is really stressful."
The WSL hopes that by bringing the tour to the UAE, surfers throughout the area will be inspired, even if Abu Dhabi may not be a traditional surf destination.
Dubai, Lebanon, and Oman already have devoted surf communities. Morocco is the best place to surf in the region because of its Atlantic coast.
In an effort to encourage the next generation to take up surfing and possibly compete in future events, the WSL hosted surf sessions for ladies in the United Arab Emirates this week at the wave pool.
An important turning point in the Gulf's recent investment in sports is the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro.
As host nations use cutting-edge technologies and construct upscale facilities outside football, tennis, and Formula 1, less popular sports have begun to reap the rewards.
In addition to surfing, the UAE is the site of international competitions for urban cycling and high-performance sailing. In addition to hosting the Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia intends to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029 at a resort that is presently being built.
According to Lloyd McMillan of the Dubai-based sport and entertainment marketing firm Dune 23, "their investment in top-notch infrastructure and high-end technology makes an event like Surf Abu Dhabi possible in the Middle East and has attracted stakeholders to set up permanent bases in the region."
"Many strategic visions to create diverse economies for the young, technologically advanced populations are reflected in the Middle East's focus on sport."
Athletes in Abu Dhabi have praised the level of hospitality for the competition as well as the facilities' quality beyond the pool.
Durden predicted that many tickets will be purchased for Abu Dhabi. "A huge surf trip is just waiting to happen."London: This week, the top surfers in the world have convened in the unexpected place of Abu Dhabi for the second leg of the sport's prestigious worldwide tour, rather than on the sandy beaches of Australia's Gold Coast or Hawaii's North Shore of Oahu.
Follow us at @ArabNewsSport for the most recent information.
Most likely because, up until recently, the UAE capital lacked surfable waves, even though it was encircled by the seas of the Arabian Gulf.
However, a world-class surfing destination has been created as a result of advancements in artificial wave technology and significant investments made in sports by nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
18 women and 36 men compete in the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, which began on Friday and is a part of the World Surf League's Championship Tour.
The WSL's 12-leg circuit also includes the legendary reef pass of Cloudbreak in Fiji, the long, peeling point break of Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, and the fierce Teahupoʻo in Tahiti, which was a fixture of the Olympics last year.
The competition to develop wave-pool technology entered a new phase ten years ago, marking the beginning of Abu Dhabi's quest to add its name to this distinguished list.
Since the 1960s, wave pools have existed in surfing, but they have always been a subpar replica of the genuine thing.
But in 2015, Kelly Slater, the all-time great surfer, shared a video from a hidden location in Lemoore, California, showing a flawless peeling wave that lasted 45 seconds—a lengthy ride in surfing.
There were even parts of the wave that let the rider accomplish one of the sport's cardinal objectives: getting "barreled," which is to say that the rider vanishes beneath the wave's lip as it crashes onto the water ahead.
For the surf community, it was a turning point. At last, someone has produced an endless supply of top-notch waves independent of winds, tides, and surges produced by storms.
After a number of WSL events were held at Surf Ranch, as it came to be called, there were whispers that a larger and better version was being planned.
Modon Properties, an Abu Dhabi developer, said in June 2023 that it had teamed up with Kelly Slater Wave Co. to build "the most advanced wave facility in the world" on Hudayriyat Island, and that the project was almost complete.
In October of the same year, Surf Abu Dhabi launched, providing rides on waves over 2.5 meters high that lasted over a minute.
By pulling a big submerged hydrofoil along a track near the pool's edge, the technique creates a wave that breaks over precisely formed underwater features.
At the time, Slater claimed, "I've surfed hundreds of amazing waves around the world, and this wave in Abu Dhabi stacks up well against some of the best waves on earth."
Ahead of the competition, the wave has been undergoing some last-minute adjustments, according to WSL Deputy Commissioner Kayla Durden.
She told Arab News, "The wave is amazing." Actually, a week or two ago, they adjusted the interval. To combat the wind, they somehow managed to refine the barrel a little more.
It now seems more like a natural ocean wave thanks to the improvements made to the Abu Dhabi pool.
Since it is the first saltwater wave pool, surfers can use the same boards they would in the ocean due to the same buoyancy.
In order to give surfers more time, the engineers have made the parts where they carve their turns more akin to a natural wave.
Durden continued, "It took what Surf Ranch started and made it that much better."
In the frequently conventional world of surfing, wave pools are a contentious topic.
Some believe that participating in them takes away from surfing's distinctively unpredictable aspects.
Additionally, it eliminates the physical strain of paddling through big waves in hazardous waters.
Others claim that compared to Mother Nature's lottery, seeing the same wave over and over again might get monotonous.
However, because of this repetition, surfers now use the new wave pools as a vital training ground to conduct advanced, frequently airborne moves that push the sport's boundaries.
Because the artificial waves are consistent, players can compete on an even playing field under identical circumstances.
According to Durden, "you can replicate an air 15 times in a wave pool, but not in the ocean."
Wave pool naysayers may reconsider after witnessing the Abu Dhabi wave's excitement, as its various portions need a comprehensive set of surfing skills to receive a high score from the judges, she said.
"The goal of the tour is to have the best surfer on the best waves declare a world champion, and I believe that encompasses all wave types," Durden continued.
The Brazilian two-time world champion Filipe Toledo, a master of small-wave surfing and sophisticated aerial techniques, is one of the favorites at the three-day competition.
It is anticipated that the Abu Dhabi pool will produce a new generation of dynamic young women professionals, such as Caitlin Simmers and Erin Brooks.
The Moroccan Ramzi Boukhiam, the first Arab to earn a spot on the WSL Championship Tour—which is dominated by Americans, Australians, and Brazilians—will also be highlighted.
If Boukhiam were to win the inaugural Championship Tour competition in the Middle East and North Africa, it would be an interesting story.
"I'm excited and under a lot of pressure because this will be my first time competing in a pool," Boukhiam remarked. "The anxiety disappears as soon as you get your first turn in, even though surfing this wave is really stressful."
The WSL hopes that by bringing the tour to the UAE, surfers throughout the area will be inspired, even if Abu Dhabi may not be a traditional surf destination.
Dubai, Lebanon, and Oman already have devoted surf communities. Morocco is the best place to surf in the region because of its Atlantic coast.
In an effort to encourage the next generation to take up surfing and possibly compete in future events, the WSL hosted surf sessions for ladies in the United Arab Emirates this week at the wave pool.
An important turning point in the Gulf's recent investment in sports is the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro.
As host nations use cutting-edge technologies and construct upscale facilities outside football, tennis, and Formula 1, less popular sports have begun to reap the rewards.
In addition to surfing, the UAE is the site of international competitions for urban cycling and high-performance sailing. In addition to hosting the Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia intends to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029 at a resort that is presently being built.
According to Lloyd McMillan of the Dubai-based sport and entertainment marketing firm Dune 23, "their investment in top-notch infrastructure and high-end technology makes an event like Surf Abu Dhabi possible in the Middle East and has attracted stakeholders to set up permanent bases in the region."
"Many strategic visions to create diverse economies for the young, technologically advanced populations are reflected in the Middle East's focus on sport."
Athletes in Abu Dhabi have praised the level of hospitality for the competition as well as the facilities' quality beyond the pool.
Durden predicted that many tickets will be purchased for Abu Dhabi. "A huge surf trip is just waiting to happen."
Follow us at @ArabNewsSport for the most recent information.
Most likely because, up until recently, the UAE capital lacked surfable waves, even though it was encircled by the seas of the Arabian Gulf.
However, a world-class surfing destination has been created as a result of advancements in artificial wave technology and significant investments made in sports by nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
18 women and 36 men compete in the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, which began on Friday and is a part of the World Surf League's Championship Tour.
The WSL's 12-leg circuit also includes the legendary reef pass of Cloudbreak in Fiji, the long, peeling point break of Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, and the fierce Teahupoʻo in Tahiti, which was a fixture of the Olympics last year.
The competition to develop wave-pool technology entered a new phase ten years ago, marking the beginning of Abu Dhabi's quest to add its name to this distinguished list.
Since the 1960s, wave pools have existed in surfing, but they have always been a subpar replica of the genuine thing.
But in 2015, Kelly Slater, the all-time great surfer, shared a video from a hidden location in Lemoore, California, showing a flawless peeling wave that lasted 45 seconds—a lengthy ride in surfing.
There were even parts of the wave that let the rider accomplish one of the sport's cardinal objectives: getting "barreled," which is to say that the rider vanishes beneath the wave's lip as it crashes onto the water ahead.
For the surf community, it was a turning point. At last, someone has produced an endless supply of top-notch waves independent of winds, tides, and surges produced by storms.
After a number of WSL events were held at Surf Ranch, as it came to be called, there were whispers that a larger and better version was being planned.
Modon Properties, an Abu Dhabi developer, said in June 2023 that it had teamed up with Kelly Slater Wave Co. to build "the most advanced wave facility in the world" on Hudayriyat Island, and that the project was almost complete.
In October of the same year, Surf Abu Dhabi launched, providing rides on waves over 2.5 meters high that lasted over a minute.
By pulling a big submerged hydrofoil along a track near the pool's edge, the technique creates a wave that breaks over precisely formed underwater features.
At the time, Slater claimed, "I've surfed hundreds of amazing waves around the world, and this wave in Abu Dhabi stacks up well against some of the best waves on earth."
Ahead of the competition, the wave has been undergoing some last-minute adjustments, according to WSL Deputy Commissioner Kayla Durden.
She told Arab News, "The wave is amazing." Actually, a week or two ago, they adjusted the interval. To combat the wind, they somehow managed to refine the barrel a little more.
It now seems more like a natural ocean wave thanks to the improvements made to the Abu Dhabi pool.
Since it is the first saltwater wave pool, surfers can use the same boards they would in the ocean due to the same buoyancy.
In order to give surfers more time, the engineers have made the parts where they carve their turns more akin to a natural wave.
Durden continued, "It took what Surf Ranch started and made it that much better."
In the frequently conventional world of surfing, wave pools are a contentious topic.
Some believe that participating in them takes away from surfing's distinctively unpredictable aspects.
Additionally, it eliminates the physical strain of paddling through big waves in hazardous waters.
Others claim that compared to Mother Nature's lottery, seeing the same wave over and over again might get monotonous.
However, because of this repetition, surfers now use the new wave pools as a vital training ground to conduct advanced, frequently airborne moves that push the sport's boundaries.
Because the artificial waves are consistent, players can compete on an even playing field under identical circumstances.
According to Durden, "you can replicate an air 15 times in a wave pool, but not in the ocean."
Wave pool naysayers may reconsider after witnessing the Abu Dhabi wave's excitement, as its various portions need a comprehensive set of surfing skills to receive a high score from the judges, she said.
"The goal of the tour is to have the best surfer on the best waves declare a world champion, and I believe that encompasses all wave types," Durden continued.
The Brazilian two-time world champion Filipe Toledo, a master of small-wave surfing and sophisticated aerial techniques, is one of the favorites at the three-day competition.
It is anticipated that the Abu Dhabi pool will produce a new generation of dynamic young women professionals, such as Caitlin Simmers and Erin Brooks.
The Moroccan Ramzi Boukhiam, the first Arab to earn a spot on the WSL Championship Tour—which is dominated by Americans, Australians, and Brazilians—will also be highlighted.
If Boukhiam were to win the inaugural Championship Tour competition in the Middle East and North Africa, it would be an interesting story.
"I'm excited and under a lot of pressure because this will be my first time competing in a pool," Boukhiam remarked. "The anxiety disappears as soon as you get your first turn in, even though surfing this wave is really stressful."
The WSL hopes that by bringing the tour to the UAE, surfers throughout the area will be inspired, even if Abu Dhabi may not be a traditional surf destination.
Dubai, Lebanon, and Oman already have devoted surf communities. Morocco is the best place to surf in the region because of its Atlantic coast.
In an effort to encourage the next generation to take up surfing and possibly compete in future events, the WSL hosted surf sessions for ladies in the United Arab Emirates this week at the wave pool.
An important turning point in the Gulf's recent investment in sports is the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro.
As host nations use cutting-edge technologies and construct upscale facilities outside football, tennis, and Formula 1, less popular sports have begun to reap the rewards.
In addition to surfing, the UAE is the site of international competitions for urban cycling and high-performance sailing. In addition to hosting the Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia intends to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029 at a resort that is presently being built.
According to Lloyd McMillan of the Dubai-based sport and entertainment marketing firm Dune 23, "their investment in top-notch infrastructure and high-end technology makes an event like Surf Abu Dhabi possible in the Middle East and has attracted stakeholders to set up permanent bases in the region."
"Many strategic visions to create diverse economies for the young, technologically advanced populations are reflected in the Middle East's focus on sport."
Athletes in Abu Dhabi have praised the level of hospitality for the competition as well as the facilities' quality beyond the pool.
Durden predicted that many tickets will be purchased for Abu Dhabi. "A huge surf trip is just waiting to happen."London: This week, the top surfers in the world have convened in the unexpected place of Abu Dhabi for the second leg of the sport's prestigious worldwide tour, rather than on the sandy beaches of Australia's Gold Coast or Hawaii's North Shore of Oahu.
Follow us at @ArabNewsSport for the most recent information.
Most likely because, up until recently, the UAE capital lacked surfable waves, even though it was encircled by the seas of the Arabian Gulf.
However, a world-class surfing destination has been created as a result of advancements in artificial wave technology and significant investments made in sports by nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
18 women and 36 men compete in the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, which began on Friday and is a part of the World Surf League's Championship Tour.
The WSL's 12-leg circuit also includes the legendary reef pass of Cloudbreak in Fiji, the long, peeling point break of Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, and the fierce Teahupoʻo in Tahiti, which was a fixture of the Olympics last year.
The competition to develop wave-pool technology entered a new phase ten years ago, marking the beginning of Abu Dhabi's quest to add its name to this distinguished list.
Since the 1960s, wave pools have existed in surfing, but they have always been a subpar replica of the genuine thing.
But in 2015, Kelly Slater, the all-time great surfer, shared a video from a hidden location in Lemoore, California, showing a flawless peeling wave that lasted 45 seconds—a lengthy ride in surfing.
There were even parts of the wave that let the rider accomplish one of the sport's cardinal objectives: getting "barreled," which is to say that the rider vanishes beneath the wave's lip as it crashes onto the water ahead.
For the surf community, it was a turning point. At last, someone has produced an endless supply of top-notch waves independent of winds, tides, and surges produced by storms.
After a number of WSL events were held at Surf Ranch, as it came to be called, there were whispers that a larger and better version was being planned.
Modon Properties, an Abu Dhabi developer, said in June 2023 that it had teamed up with Kelly Slater Wave Co. to build "the most advanced wave facility in the world" on Hudayriyat Island, and that the project was almost complete.
In October of the same year, Surf Abu Dhabi launched, providing rides on waves over 2.5 meters high that lasted over a minute.
By pulling a big submerged hydrofoil along a track near the pool's edge, the technique creates a wave that breaks over precisely formed underwater features.
At the time, Slater claimed, "I've surfed hundreds of amazing waves around the world, and this wave in Abu Dhabi stacks up well against some of the best waves on earth."
Ahead of the competition, the wave has been undergoing some last-minute adjustments, according to WSL Deputy Commissioner Kayla Durden.
She told Arab News, "The wave is amazing." Actually, a week or two ago, they adjusted the interval. To combat the wind, they somehow managed to refine the barrel a little more.
It now seems more like a natural ocean wave thanks to the improvements made to the Abu Dhabi pool.
Since it is the first saltwater wave pool, surfers can use the same boards they would in the ocean due to the same buoyancy.
In order to give surfers more time, the engineers have made the parts where they carve their turns more akin to a natural wave.
Durden continued, "It took what Surf Ranch started and made it that much better."
In the frequently conventional world of surfing, wave pools are a contentious topic.
Some believe that participating in them takes away from surfing's distinctively unpredictable aspects.
Additionally, it eliminates the physical strain of paddling through big waves in hazardous waters.
Others claim that compared to Mother Nature's lottery, seeing the same wave over and over again might get monotonous.
However, because of this repetition, surfers now use the new wave pools as a vital training ground to conduct advanced, frequently airborne moves that push the sport's boundaries.
Because the artificial waves are consistent, players can compete on an even playing field under identical circumstances.
According to Durden, "you can replicate an air 15 times in a wave pool, but not in the ocean."
Wave pool naysayers may reconsider after witnessing the Abu Dhabi wave's excitement, as its various portions need a comprehensive set of surfing skills to receive a high score from the judges, she said.
"The goal of the tour is to have the best surfer on the best waves declare a world champion, and I believe that encompasses all wave types," Durden continued.
The Brazilian two-time world champion Filipe Toledo, a master of small-wave surfing and sophisticated aerial techniques, is one of the favorites at the three-day competition.
It is anticipated that the Abu Dhabi pool will produce a new generation of dynamic young women professionals, such as Caitlin Simmers and Erin Brooks.
The Moroccan Ramzi Boukhiam, the first Arab to earn a spot on the WSL Championship Tour—which is dominated by Americans, Australians, and Brazilians—will also be highlighted.
If Boukhiam were to win the inaugural Championship Tour competition in the Middle East and North Africa, it would be an interesting story.
"I'm excited and under a lot of pressure because this will be my first time competing in a pool," Boukhiam remarked. "The anxiety disappears as soon as you get your first turn in, even though surfing this wave is really stressful."
The WSL hopes that by bringing the tour to the UAE, surfers throughout the area will be inspired, even if Abu Dhabi may not be a traditional surf destination.
Dubai, Lebanon, and Oman already have devoted surf communities. Morocco is the best place to surf in the region because of its Atlantic coast.
In an effort to encourage the next generation to take up surfing and possibly compete in future events, the WSL hosted surf sessions for ladies in the United Arab Emirates this week at the wave pool.
An important turning point in the Gulf's recent investment in sports is the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro.
As host nations use cutting-edge technologies and construct upscale facilities outside football, tennis, and Formula 1, less popular sports have begun to reap the rewards.
In addition to surfing, the UAE is the site of international competitions for urban cycling and high-performance sailing. In addition to hosting the Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia intends to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029 at a resort that is presently being built.
According to Lloyd McMillan of the Dubai-based sport and entertainment marketing firm Dune 23, "their investment in top-notch infrastructure and high-end technology makes an event like Surf Abu Dhabi possible in the Middle East and has attracted stakeholders to set up permanent bases in the region."
"Many strategic visions to create diverse economies for the young, technologically advanced populations are reflected in the Middle East's focus on sport."
Athletes in Abu Dhabi have praised the level of hospitality for the competition as well as the facilities' quality beyond the pool.
Durden predicted that many tickets will be purchased for Abu Dhabi. "A huge surf trip is just waiting to happen."
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