The event, which was not open to the public, saw Slater gauge the first wave’s quality, providing essential input to refine the wave’s characteristics before its scheduled opening to the public in early 2024.
Elite surfers like Caroline Marks, Filipe Toledo, Stephanie Gilmore, Gabriel Medina, and Ramzi Boukhiam were present, all participating in the maiden artificial surf experience at Surf Abu Dhabi. Modon Properties took the lead in constructing the UAE surf attraction in partnership with the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC).
Unique features of Surf Abu Dhabi include boasting the longest ride, biggest barrel, and the tallest artificial wave globally. Contrasting with its predecessor, Surf Ranch, this surf oasis on the Arabian Peninsula is set to welcome a broad audience.
Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, the chairman of Modon Properties, announced, “The preparations are near completion.” He further emphasized the significance of this inaugural test wave with Slater and other surfing icons, noting it as a confirmation of their dedication to turning this ambitious project into a tangible reality.
Slater himself was notably moved by the wave quality at Surf Abu Dhabi, comparing it favorably with some of the top waves worldwide. Drawing from his extensive surfing travels, he contributed to designing the wave at this venue, highlighting the global reach of surfing and expressing his astonishment and joy at the realization of this project in Abu Dhabi.
He envisioned the facility as a source of joy for many, offering an unmatched surfing experience in a distinctive locale, catering to both adept surfers and novices alike. He heralded this development as the dawn of a groundbreaking epoch in surfing possibilities.
Jeff Fleeher, president of the Kelly Slater Wave Co., conveyed his enthusiasm for elevating the regional surf culture to unprecedented heights. He pointed out Abu Dhabi’s status as a crossroads for tourism, sports, and business and a melting pot of cultures, making it an ideal location to display the unparalleled wave technology and surfing experience of KSWC in the Middle East.
Surf Abu Dhabi is poised to be a prime venue for international surf contests and to provide professional surfers with optimal training and competition conditions.
The genesis of Slater’s wave pool innovation was first witnessed in 2015 in Lemoore, Central California. Since its inception, the test site has been exclusively accessible to the World Surf League (WSL), as well as to private and corporate functions.
Bill O’Regan, CEO of Modon, concluded by saying, “We can’t wait to welcome surfers of all skill levels to find their wave in Abu Dhabi and benefit from the world-class technology and facilities available to them. Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi is driven by a commitment to enhance Abu Dhabi’s leisure and sports offerings with a destination which attracts surfing enthusiasts from across the world and offers a unique and enjoyable experience for all.”
Developed by Modon and in collaboration with the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), the global experts in man-made wave technology, Surf Abu Dhabi is designed to inspire and cater to surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to elite. This innovative destination will offer a unique surfing experience, featuring the world’s longest ride, largest barrel, and highest man-made wave.
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