Alice Lemoigne and Steven Sawyer Win Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic

Presented by Modon

- Best Friends Alice Lemoigne and Zoe Grospiron Share All-French Final
- 2018 World Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer Returns to the Winner’s Podium
- Qualifiers Confirmed for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships

Pictured: Steven Sawyer (RSA) and Alice Lemoigne (FRA) celebrate their win at the first Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon. Credit: © WSL / Damien Poullenot

HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Sunday, September 29, 2024) – Today, Alice Lemoigne (FRA) and Steven Sawyer (RSA) won the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon, Stop No. 3 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. In a historic day of competition, the WSL crowned its first event winners in its first event in the UAE. The competition was hosted in the perfect three-foot waves of the Surf Abu Dhabi facility, which utilizes the Kelly Slater Wave Company technology.

Best Friends Alice Lemoigne and Zoe Grospiron Share All-French Final

The exquisite nose-riding of Alice Lemoigne (FRA) saw the Reunion Island surfer claim her second Longboard Tour event victory, winning an all-French Final against one of her best friends, Zoe Grospiron (FRA). Runner-up to the Longobard World Title in 2021, Lemoigne’s win also clinched her the No. 3 seed for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships. Despite over a decade on Tour that has seen her consistently place in the Top 10, Lemoigne had previously made just two Longboard Tour Finals. The emotions of the 27-year-old were palpable after every wave she successfully completed on her road to victory.

“Wow, it’s just amazing,” Lemoigne said. “I had so much fun, and to share a final with Zoe was insane. I didn’t feel I was competing, I was just going for a free surf and I enjoyed so much the wave. Before El Salvador, it means so much to win here so I’m pretty happy, and yeah, go for it for El Salvador. It’s gonna be an amazing finals day.”

The previous best result for both Lemoigne and Grospiron was the 2021 Jeep Malibu Classic, where Lemoigne won and Grospiron placed in the Semifinals. The pair were thrilled to share their first Final together. Long, critical hang-tens from Lemoigne aided her in scoring rides in the 9-point range in all three heats surfed today, including the Final, where she posted the highest single-wave score of the event, a 9.43 (out of a possible 10). With Lemoigne surfing first, Grospiron had the opportunity to overtake her scores on her final two waves. Having opened with two solid 7-point rides, she increased the number on her right to an 8.50, lowering the requirement of her left to an attainable 8.77. Committing to an extended hang-ten in the opening moments of the final wave of the event, Grospiron hung on too long, handing the win to her great friend, whom she shared the stoke with as the two were chaired in victory together.

It was the very first Final for Grospiron, who has continued to rise through the rankings across many years on Tour. The 24-year-old was excited to clinch a spot for El Salvador, a location where she has spent a significant amount of time, especially since her sister relocated to the venue of the upcoming World Longboard Champion crowning event.

“I’m super stoked,” Grospiron said. “To share the Final with Alice, to be around this beautiful surfer, and it was a very good show. I’m really stoked, super excited for El Salvador, I get to see my sister. Coming here, I just had the fire inside me. I just wanted to do good and to show my surfing and enjoy as much as possible. Making it to the top ten was already a goal, and now qualified. It’s a dream.”

2018 World Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer Returns to the Winner’s Podium

Surfing in his only event of the 2024 season, South Africa’s Steven Sawyer (RSA) claimed the second Longboard Tour win of his career. The 30-year-old’s sole previous victory came at the 2018 Taiwan Open World Longboard Championships, which earned him the title of WSL Longboard Champion for that year. Having previously been runner-up to the Longboard World Title in 2016, Sawyer’s only other Final came at the start of 2019. Now, over five years later, he has taken a timely win that sees him earning the final qualification slot for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships on the basis of a single event.

“This is a surfer’s dream,” Sawyer said. “From the wave, to all the amenities, to hospitality. Everything’s bigger, better, greater, harder, faster here. And it’s just amazing. So to be here and experience the wave and learn it and have a couple more under the belt, it just felt more comfortable each time. And I mean, this is as good as a contest can get.”

Sawyer was able to draw on his extensive point-break experience to consistently earn excellent scores in every heat surfed. Born and raised in Jeffrey’s Bay, where he has also surfed in a WSL Championship Tour event as a wildcard, the goofyfooter’s backhand technique has been honed at one of the world’s finest locations.

That approach, which included a wide array of variety on nearly every wave surfed, saw him open the Final with an 8.67 on the right, but his greediness for the barrel cost him his opening left. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) had started well but with only mid-range scores. On his second run, the Hawaiian posted an 8.23 on the right, leaving all of the pressure on Sawyer to deliver on the final wave of the men’s event. The South African put it all on the line, opening with a bold hang-ten before throwing caution to the wind and locking into a barrel in the same section that had previously bested him. Threading it cleanly, Sawyer stepped into a long nose-ride, from which he saluted to the crowd, confident that he had done enough to secure victory. It was no surprise when an 8.77 was awarded and his 17.44 (out of a possible 20) heat total landed as the highest of the event.

“I only needed two waves,” Sawyer said. “I stuffed two up and I made two, so that’s what got me through. For that one that I just had in the end there, I was like alright, I’m not gonna get stuck behind, I’m gonna do a little walk back and jump forward again, try to get some momentum, pass those three bumps, and then the tube’s on and the rest of the wave was just gonna be lined up. So that was it. It just worked out, just turned out smooth.”

In his second season on Tour, Van Hohenstein has now made the Final in half of the Longboard Tour events he’s surfed, placing runner-up in three out of six competitions. His result in Abu Dhabi caps off an incredible year that now sees the 21-year-old as the No. 2 seed for El Salvador.

“I never would have thought, I told myself last year I just want to make it to the Top 8,” Van Hohenstein said. “I just worked hard, and now I’m sitting at number two, and it’s insane. I don’t know what to say, speechless.”

Mixed Results for Hawaiian Contingent

Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) delivered a masterclass in style and grace in the Semifinals, earning one of the highest single-wave scores of the event, a 9.17, on a flawlessly surfed left. The ease with which the goofyfooter held nose-rides, positioned tight and deep through the most critical part of the wave, provided picture-perfect moments. Her placing in Abu Dhabi sees her sitting in the middle of a trio of surfers from Oahu, Hawaii in the rankings, with Honolua Blomfield (HAW) landing in No. 6, Kaleopaa in No. 7, and Sophia Culhane (HAW) in No. 8. The three will feature together in the very first heat in El Salvador.

A wind change during the first men’s Semifinal changed the dynamics of the wave significantly, drawing errors from all four Semifinalists. One of the most reliably stable surfers on Tour, defending World Champion Kai Sallas (HAW), took multiple uncharacteristic falls, while Kaniela Stewart (HAW) was unable to recreate the magic barrels that had previously provided him with the event’s highest numbers, coming up short on all of his waves. The No. 2 and No. 1 seeds in 2023, Sallas and Stewart had to settle for the No. 4 and No. 6 positions, respectively, headed into this year’s World Champion crowning event.

In the first heat of the day, Mason Shcremmer (USA) started strong against Honolua Blomfield (HAW), but the Hawaiian was able to get the edge on almost every wave. Schremmer’s loss, followed by Quarterfinal heat wins from Zoe Grospiron (FRA) and Alice Lemoigne (FRA), relegated the American as the sole Quarterfinalist not to qualify for El Salvador. However, her Top 10 finish guarantees her a spot on the Longboard Tour in 2025.

Qualifiers Confirmed for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships

The 2024 World Longboard Champions will be decided at the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships. The competition will be held on the best single day of competition within the window from October 9 – 13, 2024. The best two-of-three events on the Longboard Tour leaderboard count toward qualification. The first tiebreaker is the number of heat wins, followed by the average heat score.

Women’s Top 8 Qualifiers
1 – Soleil Errico (USA)
2 – Rachael Tilly (USA)
3 – Alice Lemoigne (FRA)
4 – Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
5 – Zoe Grospiron (FRA)
6 – Honolua Blomfield (HAW)
7 – Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW)
8 – Sophia Culhane (HAW)

Men’s Top 8 Qualifiers
1 – Taylor Jensen (USA)
2 – John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
3 – Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
4 – Kai Sallas (HAW)
5 – Ben Skinner (GBR)
6 – Kaniela Stewart (HAW)
7 – Steven Sawyer (RSA)
8 – Chase Lieder (USA)

For highlights from today’s competition at the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Women’s Final Results:
1 – Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 17.26
2 – Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 16.30

Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Men’s Final Results:
1 – Steven Sawyer (RSA) 17.44
2 – John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 14.70

Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 12.07 DEF. Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 11.90
HEAT 2: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 17.33 DEF. Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 17.00

Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Steven Sawyer (RSA) 14.84 DEF. Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 5.87
HEAT 2: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 13.54 DEF. Kai Sallas (HAW) 13.17

Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 17.07 DEF. Mason Schremmer (USA) 16.17
HEAT 2: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 15.84 DEF. Sophia Culhane (HAW) 13.66
HEAT 3: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 16.83 DEF. Rachael Tilly (USA) 16.30
HEAT 4: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 15.67 DEF. Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 13.80

Last Stop: Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships
The Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships will be the final, World-Title-deciding event on the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour. The competition will hold a window from October 9 – 13, 2024 and will run on the single best day of conditions. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

For press inquiries, please contact:
press@worldsurfleague.com

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

About the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC)
The Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) is an unparalleled leader in the surf experience industry, offering a groundbreaking blend of cutting-edge wave technology, and comprehensive training and progression for surfers of all ability levels. Created in collaboration with 11-time World Surf League Champion Kelly Slater, visionary science and technology experts, and dedicated operators, KSWC provides beloved experiences that resonate with everyone in and around the waves.KSWC facilities integrate experience and technology seamlessly, as evidenced by the world’s longest, open-barrel, high-performance artificial wave. The experiences and certifications developed by KSWC form the foundation for the success of its development partners and their properties. Rooted in our rich history, culture, and training, KSWC creates authentic, one-of-a-kind destinations and experiences that embody community, adventure, and soul. Learn more at kswaveco.com.

About Modon Holding
Modon develops vibrant communities, unique hospitality and lifestyle experiences, and world-class sports facilities. Based in Abu Dhabi with an international vision, Modon Holding is a Private Joint Stock company listed on the ADX Growth Market with the shareholding of ADQ and the IHC Group being our majority shareholders. Through a diversified business portfolio in the UAE, we are engaged in strategic investment and innovation on an unrivalled scale, shaping future smart living. Our goal is to deliver long-term, sustainable value, laying the foundations for intelligent, connected living.

About Surf Abu Dhabi
Surf Abu Dhabi, developed by Modon Holding, is a high-performance surfing destination located on Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Established in 2018, Modon specializes in developing vibrant communities, unique hospitality, and lifestyle experiences alongside world-class sports facilities. With Surf Abu Dhabi, Modon has created the biggest and most advanced wave facility in the world. This iconic destination features the world’s longest ride, the world’s biggest barrel, together with the world’s highest man-made wave. Surf Abu Dhabi’s WSL certification sets it apart, ensuring the highest standards and allowing it to host professional surfing events.Surf Abu Dhabi is developed in partnership with the Kelly Slater Wave Company, showcasing Modon’s commitment to partnering with the industry leader in wave technology. This partnership adds to Abu Dhabi’s diverse leisure and sports offerings and further positions the city as a leading tourism destination and an international sporting hub. Through Surf Abu Dhabi, Modon contributes to driving socio-economic growth of the emirate, shaping the Abu Dhabi of tomorrow, and offering the best experience for Abu Dhabi’s citizens, residents, and visitors. For more information, please visit SurfAbuDhabi.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Top Seeds Dominate Women’s Opening Round at Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic…

…Presented by Modon

Women’s Quarterfinals and Men’s Semifinals Set for Competition Finish Tomorrow
Seven Qualification Spots Still Open for Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships
Finals Day Starts Tomorrow, Sunday, September 29, at 1:00 PM GST (14 hours ahead of Hawaii….11pm Saturday)

Pictured: Rachael Tilly (USA), who holds the title of the youngest-ever World Longboard Champion, is through to the Quarterfinals today at the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon. Credit: © WSL / Tommy Pierucki

HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Saturday, September 28, 2024) – The Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon, Stop No. 3 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour, continued today with the women’s Opening Round and men’s Quarterfinals in perfect three-foot waves at the new Surf Abu Dhabi facility.

All of the women’s Opening Round heats were won by the top seeds, pushing the qualification scenarios for El Salvador into Finals Day. Every Quarterfinal heat will have major implications for the seeding of the Top 8, with just one of the eight Quarterfinalists unable to qualify. The men’s Quarterfinals saw two more qualification slots confirmed as the field narrowed to its final four competitors ahead of a big competition day tomorrow.

World Champions Blomfield and Tilly Advance to Finals Day

Honolua Blomfield (HAW) was able to advance into the Quarterfinals on the strength of her two opening waves, outpacing the strong showings of former Tour mainstay Ophelie Ah-Kouen (FRA) and rookie Chloe Coleman (USA). That didn’t stop the three-time WSL Longboard Champion from bettering her situation across her next two waves. Keeping an 8.00 (out of a possible 10) from her first left, Blomfield added an 8.33 on her second right, to start off an important event for her with an excellent 16.33 (out of a possible 20) heat total.

“Oh man, luckily, we got like eight practice waves before the contest, so I think that helped a lot,” Blomfield said. “Honestly, I feel like it’s always changing, though, so you never know. Like today, the wind on the right, I didn’t expect it to be there, but it was there. So it was a bit of a challenge, but just having fun with it and seeing what I can do. It’s always nice to get the first one out of the way.”

Blomfield enters the event as a strong favorite, as the winner of the only other Longboard Tour event to be held in a wave pool, the 2021 Cuervo Surf Ranch Classic, where she earned a 10-point ride. The heat win will go a long way for the 25-year-old, who is currently sitting in No. 4 on the rankings, as she looks to solidify her position in the Top 8.

Competing for the first time in a wave system, 2015 WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) adapted well. The 26-year-old looked comfortable on her way to earning one of the highest single-wave scores of the day, an 8.50, and defeating Keani Canullo (HAW) and Victoria Vergara (FRA). Tilly, who holds the title of the youngest-ever World Longboard Champion, has confirmed her spot in the Top 8 and advances one step closer to securing a favorable seed within the World Longboard Championship bracket. Along with Natsumi Taoka (JPN), who also progressed to the Quarterfinals, she has the opportunity to take the No. 1 seed away from current Tour leader Soleil Errico (USA) with a win in Abu Dhabi.

“I had a lot of nerves before that heat,” Tilly said. “This is just such a different format. One, knowing what you have to get before going out, and also showing up a few hours before your heat and not having anywhere to go free surf or do anything like that. It’s a totally different environment. I feel like I’m kind of starting from scratch and happy to have that heat done with and to be through it. For the 8.50, I really would have liked to get into the excellent range, that was the goal. Fortunately, for those last two waves I had, I knew that I had one, and I could kind of push it a little bit more. I’m happy that came through and definitely gives me confidence moving forward.”

Sitting on Either Side of the Top 8 Cut Line, France’s Lemoigne and Grospiron Start Strong

Heading into the day, France’s Alice Lemoigne (FRA) and Zoe Grospiron (FRA) sat in the precarious positions of No. 8 and No. 9 on the rankings. Both surfers needed the heat wins that they earned today to have the opportunity to fight for the 2024 World Longboard Title in El Salvador next month.

Lemoigne posted the highest heat total of the day, 16.77 (out of a possible 20), after collecting excellent rides in the 8-point range on three of her four waves. The 27-year-old received the strongest competition of any of the top seeds from Tully White (AUS). White led for much of the heat, her incredible style and technique earning a 14.06 total and leaving Lemoigne in need of a score on her final wave. Having fallen on her first left but knowing that she required a number, Lemoigne held a long, risky nose-ride through an extended critical section to deliver an 8.47 and the win.

“Well, it was pretty hard because I have so much pressure on me, but yeah, I want to surf my best and have a good left,” Lemoigne said. “I’m pretty happy about my surfing right now. It’s super great to surf in the pool. All the girls get the same waves, so it’s amazing, and the wave is just so good. You are having so much fun when you are on the wave. You don’t feel you are in the contest. I love it.”

In the Opening Round, Grospiron faced Emma Perrier (AUS) and Californian Avalon Gall (USA). Gall was one of four surfers to make the Final the last time the Longboard Tour utilized the KSWC technology at the 2021 Cuervo Surf Ranch Classic and set herself as the heat leader today with two rides in the 6-point range. Grosipiron had picked up an 8.23 on her first wave for a great blend of style, high-performance turns, and critical nose-rides. But, the Biarritz local needed a 4.43 from her final wave to defeat Gall. Playing it somewhat safe but wanting to make the most of the opportunity in front of her, Grospiron picked up a 5.53 to earn a position in the Quarterfinals.

“I guess this contest is only about yourself when you’re out there, so I was just keeping it calm,” Grospiron said. “I knew I had to surf the whole wave and not to rush it too much to complete the wave. It was not a big score needed but needed at least like a score. I was just telling myself that it is maybe the last time, so I just wanted to enjoy and finish it. I know the timing of the wave, so I just rode it how I could. I’m very stoked to have more opportunity to surf this wave. I really want to go to El Salvador, but first I just want to enjoy here in Abu Dhabi. We have a very good setup and a very good wave and the staff is super nice. I’m just enjoying it a lot here.”

It’s the second year in a row that Grospiron has arrived at the last event of the regular season one spot away from qualification for the World Longboard Champion crowning event. In 2023, the 24-year-old was unable to increase her position, but the heat win today has improved her chances for 2024.

Men’s Final Four Ready for Last Day of Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Tomorrow

The majority of scores in the men’s Quarterfinals centered around the barrel, with waves made or broken by the critical tube section in the middle of the wave. The matchup between goofy-footer Steven Sawyer (RSA) and regular-footer Kai Hamase (JPN) epitomized the dynamic the most. The pair earned the highest numbers in their matchup based on barrels on their respective backhands, an 8.97 for Sawyer and an 8.90 for Hamase, with their forehand waves marking a bigger difference, an 8.50 for the South African and an 8.30 for the Hamase. Just 0.27 separated the two in favor of Sawyer, the 2018 WSL Longboard Champion.

The most effective use of the barrel came from Kaniela Stewart (HAW), who put an exclamation mark on his qualification for El Salvador by earning the highest heat total of the event so far to defeat Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) and secure the opportunity to compete for the 2024 World Longboard Title. As with his Opening Round heat, Stewart utilized an innovative technique to get deeper in the barrel than any other surfer so far. His creativity paid off with a 9.33 on the right, and an 8.27 on the left, for a 17.60 total.

“I was praying every single wave out there that I wouldn’t think about what I’m gonna do, just let God deal with it,” Stewart said. “I’m stoked to come out on top of that one. JR is such a good surfer, and you never know. I didn’t even really think, you know, like when do you ever go out and surf and think, ‘Oh, I’m gonna do this here, on this here, on a wave,’ you never do that. So I just went out there and let my body and my mind take over.”

Multiple failed barrel attempts plagued both John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) and Sam Christianson (RSA), with just a single completed wave from Van Hohenstein determining their heat’s outcome. Sitting at No. 4 on the rankings at the start of the event, the Semifinal berth for Van Hohenstein could mean a highly consequential jump in seeding for the World Longboard Championship event.

An unmade barrel was also the determining factor in the last heat of the day, as Declan Wyton (AUS) lost his chance to guarantee a slot in El Salvador and handed victory to Kai Sallas (HAW). The reigning World Longboard Champion had already clinched his spot by making the Quarterfinals and will head into tomorrow’s Finals Day looking for an event win and a jump in his seeding on the road to defend his Longboard World Title. Sawyer’s result will be crucial to the Top 8 confirmations and if someone gets knocked out of the current standings.

Qualifiers for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships

Following today’s competition, two more men were confirmed for the 2024 Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships to compete for the 2024 Longboard World Titles. There are now five spots remaining for the women and two spots for the men heading into Finals Day tomorrow. The best two of three events on the Longboard Tour leaderboard count toward qualification. The first tiebreaker is the number of heat wins and then the average heat score.

Women’s Top 8 Qualifiers
– Soleil Errico (USA)
– Rachael Tilly (USA)
– Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
– Five spots remain

Men’s Top 8 Qualifiers
– Taylor Jensen (USA) – No. 1 Seed Locked
– Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
– Ben Skinner (GBR)
– John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
– Kai Sallas (HAW)
– Kaniela Stewart (HAW)
– Two spots remain

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Women’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 16.33 DEF. Ophelie Ah-Kouen (FRA) 13.00, Chloe Coleman (USA) 6.43
HEAT 2: Mason Schremmer (USA) 12.67 DEF. Kaede Inoue (JPN) 10.70, Kirra Molnar (AUS) 9.36
HEAT 3: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 13.76 DEF. Avalon Gall (USA) 12.66, Emma Perrier (AUS) 6.17
HEAT 4: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 15.43 DEF. Sive Jarrard (ASM) 10.06, Anneke Barrie (USA) 9.80
HEAT 5: Rachael Tilly (USA) 15.50 DEF. Keani Canullo (HAW) 9.00, Victoria Vergara (FRA) 7.40
HEAT 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 16.77 DEF. Tully White (AUS) 14.06, Emily Currie (GBR) 7.20
HEAT 7: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 15.00 DEF. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) 11.70, Crystal Hulett (RSA) 6.33
HEAT 8: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 15.47 DEF. Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) 11.50, Natalia Wunderlich (HAW) 6.80Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Mason Schremmer (USA)
HEAT 2: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Sophia Culhane (HAW)
HEAT 3: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Alice Lemoigne (FRA)
HEAT 4: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) vs. Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW)Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 17.60 DEF. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 15.33
HEAT 2: Steven Sawyer (RSA) 17.47 DEF. Kai Hamase (JPN) 17.20
HEAT 3: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 11.83 DEF. Sam Christianson (RSA) 6.16
HEAT 4: Kai Sallas (HAW) 14.50 DEF. Declan Wyton (AUS) 13.50Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Men’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA)
HEAT 2: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Kai Sallas (HAW)

Watch LIVE
The Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon will host Finals Day tomorrow starting at 1:00 p.m. GST and will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

…Presented by Modon

Women’s Opening Round Is ON at Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic…

First-Ever WSL Women’s Heats in the UAE Start at 11:00 AM GST (14 hours ahead of Hawaii)
Men’s Quarterfinals to Follow at 6:14 PM GST
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) is on the cusp of qualification for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships and will face Tully White (AUS) and Emily Currie (GBR) in Heat 6 of the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon. Credit: © WSL / Tommy Pierucki

HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Saturday, September 28, 2024) – The Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon, Stop No. 3 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour, continues today. Surf Abu Dhabi is providing its daily dose of perfection, thanks to the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) technology, with perfect point break style lefts and rights peeling in the utterly unique setting, where the ocean, the city, and the desert all collide.

The women will get their first experience competing in the UAE, with the eight heats of their Opening Round starting at 11:00 a.m. GST, followed by the men’s Quarterfinals at 6:14 p.m. GST.

The women’s Opening Round heats will each feature three surfers, with the winner advancing straight into the Quarterfinals and the bottom two surfers eliminated. The stakes in every heat are high. As the final event of the regular season, elimination will mean the end of the year for many of the competitors.

The goal for every surfer in Abu Dhabi is to place in the Top 8 in the rankings and qualify for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships to have the opportunity to compete for the 2024 Longboard World Titles. So far, only three women have confirmed their attendance in El Salvador, leaving five potential places available.

Honolua Blomfield (HAW) is one such competitor in need of a result. The three-time WSL Longboard Champion will feature in the very first heat, where she will face rookie Chloe Coleman (USA) and former Tour competitor, wildcard Ophelie Ah-Kouen (FRA). As the winner of the 2021 Cuervo Surf Ranch Classic, where she earned a 10-point ride, big things are expected of Blomfield, but her fellow Surf Ranch winner, Edouard Delpero (FRA), was eliminated in the men’s Opening Round and the pressure is on.

Heat 6 will see two longtime Tour competitors, both in need of a result. Alice Lemoigne (FRA) and Tully White (AUS) are on the cusp of Top 8 qualification but will need a heat win to have any hope of appearing in El Salvador. After a tough season, longtime competitor Emily Currie (GBR) is also looking for a solid finish and will be strong competition for the two higher-ranked surfers.

Last year’s Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic winner, Sophia Culhane (HAW), and her good friend Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) are also in need of a result to hold their positions within the Top 8, as is Mason Schremmer (HAW), leaving nearly every heat a must-win for the top seeds.

When men’s Quarterfinals kick off, multiple qualification scenarios will come into play as lower seeds Sam Christianson (RSA), Kai Hamase (JPN), and 2018 WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA) seek to upset the higher-seeded Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and Declan Wyton (AUS).

Watch the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Qualifiers for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships

Three women and five men are confirmed so far for the 2024 Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships to compete for the 2024 Longboard World Titles. The best two of three events on the Longboard Tour leaderboard count toward qualification. The first tiebreaker is the number of heat wins, and then the average heat score.

Women’s Top 8 Qualifiers
– Soleil Errico (USA)
– Rachael Tilly (USA)
– Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
– Five spots remain

Men’s Top 8 Qualifiers
– Taylor Jensen (USA) – No. 1 Seed Locked
– Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
– Ben Skinner (GBR)
– John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
– Four spots remain

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA) vs. Ophelie Ah-Kouen (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Kaede Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 3: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Emma Perrier (AUS)
HEAT 4: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Sive Jarrard (ASM) vs. Anneke Barrie (USA)
HEAT 5: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW) vs. Victoria Vergara (FRA)
HEAT 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Tully White (AUS) vs. Emily Currie (GBR)
HEAT 7: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Crystal Hulett (RSA)
HEAT 8: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW) vs. Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW)Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
HEAT 2: Kai Hamase (JPN) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA)
HEAT 3: Sam Christianson (RSA) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
HEAT 4: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Kai Sallas (HAW)For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.Watch LIVE
The Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon continues today at 11:00 a.m. GST and will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

Presented by Modon

Upsets Kick Off Men’s Competition at Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic

Big Eliminations Within the Top 8 Following Men’s Opening Round
South Africans Sawyer and Christianson Take Down World No. 1 Jensen and No. 3 Skinner, Respectively
Competition Continues Tomorrow, Saturday, September 28, at 11:03 AM GST (14 ahead of HI time)

Pictured: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) won the opening heat of the day, and will take on Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) in the Quarterfinals. Credit: © WSL / Tommy Pierucki

HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Friday, September 27, 2024) – Stop No. 3 of the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour, the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon, witnessed a historic day of surfing as the first WSL competition in the United Arab Emirates kicked off its opening day. The men’s Opening Round ran in the picturesque waves at the Surf Abu Dhabi facility, with early upsets in the first of three competition days.

The pressure was on from the very first heat. Featuring a format that saw three-person match-ups in each Opening Round heat, the winning surfer advanced directly to the Quarterfinals and the bottom two surfers were immediately eliminated. Four total waves were available per surfer, two lefts and two rights, with the highest score from each direction equaling the heat total.

As the final event before the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, every moment counted. Only the Top 8 ranked men and Top 8 ranked women will compete in El Salvador and four of the available positions are locked in for the men and three for the women, leaving no room for error for any surfer not already qualified. A loss today likely meant the end of their season. Beyond just qualification, seeding for El Salvador is highly important, which made it all the more significant when top seeds started dropping out of the event.

Big Eliminations Within the Top 8 Following Men’s Opening Round

Four of the surfers currently in the Top 8 were eliminated today, including Ben Skinner (GBR), Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS), Kevin Skvarna (USA), and World No. 1 Taylor Jensen (USA). The loss won’t affect Jensen, as he has already clinched the No. 1 seed for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships. Skinner has also clinched, but can lose valuable ground in the seeding pending further results. But it was the end of Ellice-Flint’s campaign as 2023 World Title contender Declan Wyton’s (AUS) opening-round performance pushed him into the No. 8 seed heading into the Quarterfinals. Wyton earned the highest single-wave score of the event so far, an 8.37 (out of a possible 10).

One surfer currently within the Top 8 who was able to strengthen his position was Kaniela Stewart (HAW), who rose to the occasion under pressure. The 23-year-old won the opening heat of the day on his first two waves, before picking up the first excellent score of the event on his fourth and final ride to convincingly defeat Chase Lieder (USA) and Ignacio Pignataro (URY). Stewart earned an 8.13 and a 7.83 for a 14.96 (out of a possible 20) heat total, largely thanks to a unique barrel-riding technique that he effortlessly applied, combined with critical hang-tens. After heading into the final event of the year for the past two seasons No. 1 on the rankings, Stewart was relieved to progress and loved his experience as he took out the first-ever professional surfing heat held in the UAE.

“It’s amazing, it’s like everything you dreamed of,” Stewart said. “On the last two I kind of was just going for it to try and do critical hang-tens, big turns and then try and get barreled and I came out of that middle section, it was fun. This heat was really big for me, you know, I’m not sure if I qualified for El Salvador yet but just to make it through is just a blessing in itself.”

Pictured: Steven Sawyer (RSA) anxiously awaits World No. 1 Taylor Jensen’s score in Heat 4 of the men’s Opening Round at the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon Credit: © WSL / Damien Poullenot

Low Seeds Take Down Big Names, Including South Africans Sawyer and Christianson

The stakes couldn’t have been higher for 2018 WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA), who was competing in his first event of the season. Facing a must-win situation against the current World No. 1 and three-time WSL Longboard Champion, Taylor Jensen (USA), who had so far remained undefeated in 2024, the Jeffrey’s Bay local fell at critical points on both of his opening waves. In the meantime, Jensen posted a solid two-wave total of 14.10. Needing to significantly improve on both of his remaining waves, Sawyer delivered a masterclass in variety and execution under pressure to post a 7.83 on his right and a 8.07 on his left, getting barrelled in both directions at the same points at which he had fallen on his first waves. His 15.90 heat total was the highest of the day, yet he still had to sit and watch while Jensen tried to improve. With an 8.13 requirement from his final left, Jensen surfed a flawless wave that nonetheless lacked any standout moment. Sawyer agonized on the shore as he awaited the number, which came through as a 7.73, seeing the 30-year-old South African through to the Quarterfinals.

“It’s the toughest thing being on land and I can do nothing about the scores that he’s gonna post next,” Sawyer said. “I mean, I was as solid as nails up until all my waves and then as soon as I hit the deck afterwards, all the nerves just came over me. I’m still shaking. My eyes are fluttering. It’s like, oh my word. First event of the year. So good to get a win. I’m just so stoked to be here.”

Fellow South African, Sam Christianson (RSA) also managed a major upset in the following heat. Facing Tour veteran Ben Skinner (GBR), Christianson showed elements of the solid brand of traditional longboard surfing that has seen him win four straight national titles in South Africa, but small errors left the door open for Skinner. Having opened with an 8.33 on his first right, the 39-year-old Englishman only needed a 3.40 from the left. Skinner attempted to safety-surf his second left after an early fall on his first, but still lost the wave, only managing a 2.50, handing the victory to Christianson. The 26-year-old South African could barely believe what had happened as he progressed into his first Longboard Tour Quarterfinal.

“When I was sitting out on the deck watching (Ben Skinner) go, I don’t think I’ve ever had as many evil thoughts in such a short space of time,” Christianson laughed. “So I think the deck out here brings the worst out in you. (Abu Dhabi) is amazing. I don’t think without this event I would have ever had a chance to get over here, so really stoked. And to surf again, with Ben and Micah (Desoto), such a privilege. So really, really stoked and hopefully we can come back.”

The only two men in the draw to have previously won WSL events in wave pools, Edouard Delpero (FRA) and Kai Hamase (JPN), met each other in Heat 3, along with Tour veteran Tony Silvagni (USA). Delpero, winner of the 2021 Cuervo Surf Ranch Classic, started strong, his first two waves landing in the 7-point range. Meanwhile, Hamase, winner of the Siheung Korea Open LQS1000, started with a stumble, but immediately bounced back, collecting one of the highest scores of the day, an 8.33, for one of the best barrels of the day. As the lowest seed, Hamase surfed his last two waves before the other two competitors, improving his right to a 6.97 and leaving Delpero and Silvagni with decent requirements. Delpero fell early on both waves. Silvagni improved his own scoreline, but still finished in third, allowing Hamase, with his classic style and clinical precision, to progress to his first Quarterfinals and the best result of his career.

“I’m so happy to be in the same heat as Tony and Edouard,” Hamase said. “Edouard and Tony are really good surfers. And yeah, I focused on the barrel and got eight points. I’m so happy.”

For highlights from today’s competition at the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Men’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 14.96 DEF. Chase Lieder (USA) 12.90, Ignacio Pignataro (URY) 8.83
HEAT 2: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 14.44 DEF. Jack Van Wagoner (USA) 14.30, Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) 7.84
HEAT 3: Kai Hamase (JPN) 15.30 DEF. Edouard Delpero (FRA) 14.34, Tony Silvagni (USA) 12.53
HEAT 4: Steven Sawyer (RSA) 15.90 DEF. Taylor Jensen (USA) 15.50, Augusto Olinto (BRA) 7.13
HEAT 5: Sam Christianson (RSA) 11.73 DEF. Ben Skinner (GBR) 10.83, Micah Desoto (HAW) 7.97
HEAT 6: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 13.10 DEF. Taka Inoue (JPN) 13.00, Martin Coret (FRA) 11.27
HEAT 7: Declan Wyton (AUS) 14.74 DEF. Kevin Skvarna (USA) 13.50, António Dantas (POR) 9.53
HEAT 8: Kai Sallas (HAW) 14.20 DEF. Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 9.76, Kaimana Takayama (USA) 6.83Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
HEAT 2: Kai Hamase (JPN) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA)
HEAT 3: Sam Christianson (RSA) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
HEAT 4: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Kai Sallas (HAW)Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA) vs. Ophelie Ah-Kouen (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Kaede Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 3: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Emma Perrier (AUS)
HEAT 4: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Sive Jarrard (ASM) vs. Anneke Barrie (USA)
HEAT 5: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW) vs. Victoria Vergara (FRA)
HEAT 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Tully White (AUS) vs. Emily Currie (GBR)
HEAT 7: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Crystal Hulett (RSA)
HEAT 8: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW) vs. Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

…Presented by Modon

Men’s Opening Round Up First at Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic…

First-ever WSL Competition in the UAE Starts at 1:45 PM GST (Gulf Standard Time is 14 hours ahead of Hawaii).
Opening Round Heats to Feature Immediate Elimination
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) will compete in Heat 2 of the men’s Opening Round today against Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) and Jack Van Wagoner (USA) at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic. Credit: © WSL / Tommy Pierucki

HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Friday, September 27, 2024) – The first-ever World Surf League (WSL) competition to be held in the UAE is ON. Stop No. 3 of the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour, the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon, will start at 1:45 p.m. GST. As always, the conditions are perfect, with the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) technology that Surf Abu Dhabi features delivering 500-meter-long lefts and rights. The world-class wave technology offers the opportunity for barrels, nose-rides, and rail turns in equal measure. Day one will include the eight heats of men’s Opening Round, with the women’s Opening Round starting tomorrow.

The format for the event sees three surfers in each Opening Round heat. The winner of the heat advances directly to the Quarterfinals, while the other two surfers are immediately eliminated. As the final event before the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, for which only the Top 8 surfers qualify, the pressure in every heat will be intense.

Two-time runner-up to the World Title, Kaniela Stewart (HAW), headlines the first match-up of the event. The 23-year-old is currently sitting at No. 6 on the rankings and needs to advance to keep his hopes of competing for the 2024 World Title alive. He will face stiff competition from New York’s Chase Lieder (USA), who is carrying momentum from the best result of his career, a Semifinal finish in the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic. The pair will also face longtime longboard competitor Ignacio Pignataro (URY). Pignataro is hungry for a breakthrough result this season and has looked strong in the practice sessions.

In Heat 4, three-time World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA), who is undefeated in the 2024 season, will face two wildcards, neither of whom are strangers to the Tour. 2018 World Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA) and Augusto Olinto (BRA) will seek to play spoiler for Jensen, a role Sawyer has filled before. The South African defeated the 40-year-old American, who was the reigning World Longboard Champion at the time, on the way to claiming his World Title.

Australians Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) and Declan Wyton (AUS) are sitting on either side of the qualification line for El Salvador, in No. 8 and No. 9 on the rankings, respectively. Ellice-Flint is finding himself amongst the highest rankings of his career, while for the past two seasons Wyton has comfortably placed in the Top 5 headed into the final event. The two will both need to win their Opening Round heats to stay in the race. Ellice-Flint will feature in Heat 2, where he will come up against Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL), one of the form surfers of the season, and rookie Jack Van Wagoner (USA). Wyton will take on Kevin Skvarna (USA), who is placed one spot above the two Australians, in No. 7 on the rankings, along with wildcard António Dantas (POR).

Watch the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Pictured: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) will be up first this morning against Chase Lieder (USA) and Ignacio Pignataro (URY) in the men’s Opening Round at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic. Credit: © WSL / Damien Poullenot

Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Men’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Chase Lieder (USA) vs. Ignacio Pignataro (URY)
HEAT 2: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) vs. Jack Van Wagoner (USA)
HEAT 3: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Kai Hamase (JPN)
HEAT 4: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA) vs. Augusto Olinto (BRA)
HEAT 5: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Sam Christianson (RSA) vs. Micah Desoto (HAW)
HEAT 6: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Martin Coret (FRA)
HEAT 7: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. António Dantas (POR)
HEAT 8: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Kaimana Takayama (USA)Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA) vs. Ophelie Ah-Kouen (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Kaede Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 3: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Emma Perrier (AUS)
HEAT 4: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Sive Jarrard (ASM) vs. Anneke Barrie (USA)
HEAT 5: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW) vs. Victoria Vergara (FRA)
HEAT 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Tully White (AUS) vs. Emily Currie (GBR)
HEAT 7: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Crystal Hulett (RSA)
HEAT 8: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW) vs. Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW)Watch LIVE
The Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon starts today at 1:45 p.m. GST and will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATE BELOW

STARTS TODAY FRIDAY 9/27! Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon

World’s Best Longboarders Touched Down in UAE Ahead of top Seeds Ready for Perfection at Surf Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates 14 hours ahead of Hawaii)
Delpero and Blomfield Eager to Repeat Success in Wave Tech Over the Weekend
Stop No. 3 of the WSL Longboard Tour Runs September 27 – 29, 2024
Sebastian Álvarez Achieves World-First as He Skydives Into Surf Abu Dhabi Facility

Pictured: [From Left to right] Edouard Delpero (FRA), Taylor Jensen (USA), Rachael Tilly (USA), and Honolua Blomfield (HAW) at the official press conference for the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic. Credit: © WSL / Beatriz Ryder

HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Thursday, September 26, 2024) – The world’s best longboarders have arrived in the United Arab Emirates ahead of the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon, Stop No. 3 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. This event marks the first WSL competition to be held in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic will determine the Top 16 surfers, eight men and eight women, who will compete for the World Titles at the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships in October.

Surf Abu Dhabi is a groundbreaking wave facility owned and operated by Modon Holding. Surf Abu Dhabi features the world-leading wave technology from the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), the same technology used at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore, Calif. The venue offers competitors perfect 500-meter-long lefts and rights that will showcase sections for nose-riding, powerful carving turns, traditional longboarding, and tube rides. The long rides, coupled with a leaderboard format, will test the mettle of each competitor over the three-day event.

Pictured: An empty wave at Surf Abu Dhabi, the facility hosting the 2024 Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic. Credit: © WSL / Damien Poullenot

Top Seeds Ready for Perfection at Surf Abu Dhabi

Taylor Jensen (USA) remains at the top of the rankings following his two back-to-back wins at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic and Lexus US Open of Surfing. The three-time World Longboard Champion is in the best form he’s seen since claiming his last Title back in 2017. The 40-year-old Californian has had plenty of experience surfing in this technology and is looking forward to the challenge that comes with such long, perfect waves.

“It’s pretty special to be here in Abu Dhabi for this event,” said Jensen. “I think we’re all just really excited to compete here. It’s such an amazing facility for the UAE surfing. It’s pretty incredible, and at the first event here, the pool is an amazing experience, and I’m just looking forward to riding some perfect waves and sharing it with all of my friends.”

Rachael Tilly (USA) is fresh from claiming her first major win since 2015, taking an emphatic victory last month at the Lexus US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, Calif. Tilly feels like she has found some of the form that saw her claim the 2015 World Longboard Title as a 17-year-old, and she is eyeing a second Title in 2024. First, she’ll look to continue her form with a solid result in Abu Dhabi.

“This is something that I haven’t had any experience with before,” said Tilly. “We did have the stop at the Kelly Slater Wave in Lemoore a few years ago, but I do not compete in that one, so this is my very first time competing in a wave pool. I’m just trying really hard to learn the wave and learn how to have any points of differentiation because, you know, normally in the ocean, wave selection and timing, all of those things come into play, and that’s out the door here. I’m really excited for a completely new experience and opportunity.”

Pictured: Rachael Tilly (USA) in her practice session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic, which starts tomorrow. Credit: © WSL / Tommy Pierucki

Delpero and Blomfield Eager To Repeat Success in Wave Tech Over the Weekend

Although this week’s Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic will be the first WSL event to be held in the UAE, it won’t be the first time longboarders have competed in KSWC technology. Back in 2021, Edouard Delpero (FRA) and Honoloua Blomfield (HAW) claimed victory at the Cuervo Surf Ranch Classic at the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California. Delpero hasn’t found a major victory since that event but sees this week in Abu Dhabi as a massive opportunity.

“The Surf Ranch was a pretty good experience,” said Delpero. “Here we are seeing everybody improving their surfing into the wave with the training sessions. It’s gonna be pretty exciting. I was super excited to actually take out the little ocean factor. So, when the wave is coming, it is just with you with yourself, mainly competing against yourself. I am looking forward to it. For me, it’s my first time in the UAE, and it’s really been such an experience. I think it’s really great for us to have longboarding on the world stage like this.”

With one of the most memorable performances in recent history, Honolua Blomfield (HAW) was a clear standout the last time a Longboard Tour stop was held in this technology, scoring a 10-point ride, which included the Hawaiian riding the tube switch. Blomfield was able to go on that year to win her third World Title and hopes to use this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic as a similar launch pad for this year’s Title race.

“I think it’s really cool to have this event on our Tour,” said Blomfield. “I am stoked to be here. I like wave pools a lot, and the last time I did get lucky and got a good wave. I think it’s cool that everybody gets the same opportunity, and I’m just really happy to be here and be the first to have a contest in the wave in this wave.”

Pictured: Sebastián Álvarez 2024 skydiving into a wave at Surf Abu Dhabi. Credit: Alfred Jürgen Westermeyer / Red Bull Content Pool

Sebastian Álvarez Achieves World-First as He Skydives into Surf Abu Dhabi

As an early preview of the Surf Abu Dhabi facility, Chilean wingsuit flyer Sebastian Álvarez made history after leaping from a Bell 212 helicopter traveling at 3,657 meters (12,000 feet) over Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi before dropping into a wave in the most spectacular style.

With a modified surfboard attached to his feet, Álvarez “skysurfed” down from the helicopter, swooping in by parachute before cutting his chute to land on a 2.3m (7.5ft) wave at Surf Abu Dhabi. Over two years in the making, this project is a high-level combination of three unique disciplines – skysurfing, swooping, and surfing.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Men’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Chase Lieder (USA) vs. Ignacio Pignataro (URY)
HEAT 2: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) vs. Jack Van Wagoner (USA)
HEAT 3: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Kai Hamase (JPN)
HEAT 4: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA) vs. Augusto Olinto (BRA)
HEAT 5: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Sam Christianson (RSA) vs. Micah Desoto (HAW)
HEAT 6: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Martin Coret (FRA)
HEAT 7: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. António Dantas (POR)
HEAT 8: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Kaimana Takayama (USA)Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA) vs. Ophelie Ah-Kouen (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Kaede Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 3: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Emma Perrier (AUS)
HEAT 4: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Sive Jarrard (ASM) vs. Anneke Barrie (USA)
HEAT 5: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW) vs. Victoria Vergara (FRA)
HEAT 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Tully White (AUS) vs. Emily Currie (GBR)
HEAT 7: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Crystal Hulett (RSA)
HEAT 8: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW) vs. Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW)Watch LIVEThe Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon starts Friday at 1:45 p.m. GMT+4 and will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app.Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.