World Surf League announces Surf Abu Dhabi as 2025 CT venue

The World Surf League (WSL) has announced that Surf Abu Dhabi, situated on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi, will be included in the 2025 Championship Tour (CT) as the third stop on the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour.

Surf Abu Dhabi, managed by Modon Holding, showcases cutting-edge wave technology from the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC).

This collaboration has produced a top-notch wave that will test the skills of the world’s best surfers.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what the Surf Abu Dhabi facility can deliver for the world’s best surfers – and the broader surfing world – in the future,” said Ryan Crosby, WSL CEO.

“Both the evolving wave technology and the region itself present interesting opportunities for the WSL, and we’re excited to see that come to life in the coming months.”

“The collaboration with Kelly Slater Wave Company and Surf Abu Dhabi allows us to build a destination ready to welcome surfers from all levels and communities and nurture a new generation of surfers in the region.

Together, we’ve created a facility that provides perfect waves time and time again, new wave profiles suitable for every level, and the uniqueness of this being the first saltwater-based wave pool.

We can’t wait to welcome the world’s best surfers and all the new fans this region is bringing to the sport,” said Bill O’Regan, Group CEO at Q Holding.

“The partnership with the WSL now amplifies this opportunity, creating a platform to showcase the world’s best surfers to both new and existing fans, seated in the heart of Hudayriat Island’s broader sports ecosystem.” said Jeff Fleeher, Kelly Slater Wave Company President.

The WSL Championship Tour represents the top surfing level and crowns the annual World Champions every year in September.

Surf Abu Dhabi will now join locations like Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Snapper Rocks in Queensland, Australia, and the Paris Olympics location: Cloudbreak in Fiji.

The WSL Longboard Tour includes three competitions that culminate, in the Championship held in El Salvador.

The third destination, the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon will take place from September 27 29 2024 at Surf Abu Dhabi.

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