Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Kicks Off: World’s Best Surfers Take on Historic Event

The much-anticipated Surf Abu Dhabi Pro has officially begun, marking Stop No. 2 on the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). After an electrifying start to the season in Hawaiʻi, the world’s best surfers have now turned their focus to the cutting-edge Surf Abu Dhabi wave pool in the United Arab Emirates. With 500-metre-long perfect waves available at the push of a button, this event promises one of the most unique and pressure-filled formats of the year, running from February 14-16, 2025.

Boukhiam and Fioravanti Eye Redemption in Abu Dhabi

After a challenging Lexus Pipe Pro, Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) and Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) are eager to make a strong comeback in the desert.

Boukhiam, who was eliminated in 17th place at Pipeline following an interference call in his Round of 32 heat, was one of the first surfers to test the Abu Dhabi wave pool. Now, as he prepares for his first-ever wave pool competition, the Moroccan is feeling right at home.

“This is my fourth time to this facility,” Boukhiam said. “I was lucky enough to come to the opening with a group of surfers, and it was cool to see and surf the wave. Every time I come here, everyone takes really good care of us. The hospitality is amazing, so I’m happy to be back. This will be my first time competing in a pool, so it’s exciting, and there’s a lot of pressure. I’m sure I’ll work it out – my boards are feeling good, so it’s time to go.”

Meanwhile, Fioravanti is coming off a career-best runner-up finish at Pipeline, putting him at No. 2 in the world rankings. The 27-year-old Italian is eyeing his first Yellow Leaders Jersey, a feat that would mark a major milestone in his career.

“After the Final in Hawaii, I was straight on a flight that night for a massive transit, then into training here in the pool,” said Fioravanti. “It’s so fun but also very physical, as the waves are so long; you’re surfing for almost a minute, so it’s a lot. I’m feeling caught up, though, so I’m ready to go.”

He also acknowledged the unique pressure of competing in a controlled wave setting:

“The pressure will be everywhere. There’s no hiding from it. Everyone will be watching you for that 55 seconds you ride the wave, it’s crazy.”

Caroline Marks and Wave Pool Specialists Set for Battle

For Caroline Marks (USA), today’s event presents a golden opportunity. The last time a WSL Championship Tour stop used Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) technology, Marks was a standout performer, finishing as runner-up to Carissa Moore (HAW). Since then, Marks has added both an Olympic Gold Medal and a World Title to her achievements, making her a top contender for the win in Abu Dhabi.

“This kind of feels like a snowboard run or a skateboard run,” Marks explained. “I’m assuming that’s how they feel every time, which is kind of cool. But even though it’s a wave pool, sometimes with the wind, it can change a little bit. I do have a super good idea of what I’m going to do on the wave, which is pretty fun.”

Joining Marks in the hunt for victory are Johanne Defay (FRA) and Lakey Peterson (USA)—the only other women in the draw to have won WSL wave pool events in the past. Peterson arrives in Abu Dhabi fresh off a Semifinal finish at Pipeline, while Defay is making her season debut after missing Stop No. 1. The Olympic Bronze Medallist is eager to find her competitive rhythm again.

“I am really happy to be here in Abu Dhabi and to be back in the jersey,” Defay said. “It’s been great to have these days to train and compete. That’s what’s so interesting about this event—your training will be the same as the competition, which is so different to the ocean.”

She also noted the differences between Surf Abu Dhabi and Surf Ranch, highlighting how the wave’s characteristics could impact performance:

“It feels like this wave is a bit slower, maybe, than the Surf Ranch, so it’s kind of allowing you to make a few more mistakes in some ways. It’s a bit shorter, too. It’s just different, and it’s about finding a rhythm, and I’ll hopefully find it for the contest.”

A Game-Changing Event for Competitive Surfing

The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is set to be a pivotal moment in the 2025 WSL Championship Tour, as surfers adapt to the precision and strategy required in a wave pool setting. With perfect waves, high stakes, and elite athletes ready to push the limits, the competition is poised to deliver unforgettable moments.

Stay tuned as the world’s best surfers battle it out in Abu Dhabi, chasing crucial rankings points and a place in history at the first-ever Surf Abu Dhabi Pro.

The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro has been Called ON