Confirmed: Abu Dhabi Wavepool To Appear On 2025 CT

“The saltwater in the pool was a huge difference,” Strider Wasilewski told us, about the new Abu Dhabi wavepool. “That was the most important part to me, about how much better the experience was. Even paddling into the waves felt 50% easier. Catching the waves, riding the waves, they were more forgiving. Everything about it was really enjoyable because of the saltwater.

“It felt more natural — you wanted to push harder because you had more glide and speed. Everything about it felt more like the ocean. Surfing in Lemoore, you can rip it, but you don’t really keep evolving. In Abu Dhabi, it felt like the evolution never ended. It just became more and more exciting, more rippable.”

Today, the WSL confirmed that the Abu Dhabi wavepool would officially be on the 2025 CT schedule, and would also be the third stop on the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour.

Per the Woz:

Surf Abu Dhabi, the groundbreaking wave facility owned and operated by Modon Holding, features the world-leading wave technology from the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), the innovative wave technology and surf experience company. Through this partnership, the team created a high-performance wave that will be an incredible canvas for the world’s best surfing. 

“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.”

Historically, the Surf Ranch Pro has been possibly the most maligned event ever on the World Tour, with complaints regularly pouring from keyboards at even the slightest notion of the artificial Dream Tour stop.

That said, it’s rumored to be one of the few events each year where the WSL actually turns a profit, and it’s no secret that Ziff and Co. are curious about the shifting financial interests of the Middle East.

It wouldn’t be completely out of the question for the Saudis to casually buy an entire surf league as a loss leader to boost their geopolitical perceptions… right?

As for the surfers, it’s no secret who this event benefits.

Medina has won at the Surf Ranch twice (‘18,’19), Filipe once (‘21), and Griff once (‘23). Though, Brazilians will tell you Medina has won thrice. 

On the women’s side, Carissa has won twice (‘18, ‘23), Lakey once (‘19), and Johanne Defay once (‘21). With the changing of the guard occurring in rapid fashion, our money is on Erin Brooks, Caity Simmers, or Caroline Marks to add some Middle Eastern hardware to their repertoire come 2024.

As we know more, we’ll share more. 

Inshallah.