News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, the first-ever World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event in the Middle East, launched on Friday at the state-of-the-art Surf Abu Dhabi facility on Hudayriyat Island. The three-day event, running from February 14 to 16, has brought together the world’s top surfers in both men’s and women’s categories, marking a historic moment for the sport in the region.
The opening day saw intense competition in the men’s heats, with Connor O’Leary, Jackson Bunch, Jack Robinson, Griffin Colapinto, Italo Ferreira, Yago Dora, Jordy Smith, Rio Waida, Filipe Toledo, Kanoa Igarashi, and Liam O’Brien securing automatic qualification for Saturday’s Round of 16. They were joined by Miguel Pupo, Joel Vaughan, Deivid Silva, and Mateus Herdy, who triumphed in a high-stakes night-time elimination session featuring 24 surfers.
Brazilian surfer Miguel Pupo, who advanced through the elimination round, expressed his excitement: “It feels great to qualify. All my practice runs were at night, so I was used to the environment – the conditions and the light – and took advantage of that. I felt at home. It gives me a lot of confidence for tomorrow.”
Pupo also praised the unique setup of Surf Abu Dhabi, which features cutting-edge wave technology developed in collaboration with surfing legend Kelly Slater and his company, WaveCo. The facility boasts multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest and largest artificial wave pool, offering surfers and fans an unparalleled experience.
“Having this environment to watch so close and see those airs at just 15 meters away, it’s pretty nice. I hope the fans enjoy it,” Pupo added. “The stadium vibe is really good, and it’s nice having the pressure too – usually in the ocean, you train a lot and don’t have that opportunity. Here, you’re going to have your waves, and it’s just a matter of whether you’re going to make them or not.”
The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is not just a showcase of elite surfing but also a crucial step in the race for the World Title, with competitors vying for points ahead of the season-ending WSL Finals. The women’s heats will take center stage on Saturday, alongside the men’s Round of 16 and quarter-final action.
As the event continues, fans are encouraged to witness the thrilling performances and experience the innovative wave technology that has set a new standard for competitive surfing. With world-class athletes, record-breaking waves, and a vibrant stadium atmosphere, Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is poised to become a landmark event in the global surfing calendar.
