If you’re going to Surf Abu Dhabi, you’ll have to wait for the pros to get out of the pool
Surf Abu Dhabi announced that they will be open in October of this year, almost a full year after the world first saw Kelly Slater riding his signature wave pool design set against the futuristic Abu Dhabi city skyline. Simultaneously, the WSL has announced two separate events, one a CT, to be run at the venue.
This week Surf Abu Dhabi said they are finally ready to open their doors and that bookings for October sessions will go live on their website in September.
“Back in 2019, we set out with a bold vision: to bring perfect waves to the Middle East,” said the company. “Over the past five years, this vision has been shaped by relentless dedication, countless hours of work, and a deep commitment to the art of wave craftsmanship.”
Leading to the launch of the middle East’s first surf-only wave pool, Wavepooljobs posted several key employment positions for Surf Abu Dhabi including Surf Guide, Surf Coach and Water Safety Director.
“Surf Abu Dhabi is designed to inspire and cater to surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to elite,” the company said. “This innovative destination will offer a unique surfing experience, featuring the world’s longest ride, largest barrel, and highest man-made wave.”
As part of WavePoolMag’s 2024 annual price guide, we had included information on Abu Dhabi with a big question mark for the pricing. At the company’s request we removed that entry with the promise that Surf Abu Dhabi will furnish finalized rates shortly. So stay tuned.
In the meantime, the website boasts that they will have tailored waves for every surfer, from first timers to advanced to pros along with coaching. Amenities will include “first-class food” with the facility inviting visitors to “Dive into coastal flavours where surf lifestyle and culinary creativity collide.”
Cost to surf in the Middle East
The big question on everyone’s mind is, how much will it cost to surf at Abu Dhabi? We know that the Surf Ranch in Lemoore is a high-end lux experience that rents out daily for between $55K and $75K depending on season. Many visitors have shared with WavePoolMag that the food and service is on par with any A-List facility, much of that due to management under Blake Hess.
We reached out to wave pool industry veteran Skip Taylor of Surf Park Management to get his crystal ball forecast and comparison between the Kelly wave pool in California and this new one in Abu Dhabi.
“Lemoore sees more intermediate and advanced surfers due to the exclusive high-end experience they create that caters to high networth coastal California surfers,” said Skip. “Often those groups bring beginners and intermediates with them as part of the group who join in but the base of the business is from experienced surfers which I don’t think will be the case as much in Abu Dhabi.”
Skip reiterated that the beginner/Intermediate market is the bread and butter of any current public surf park business, save for Lemoore.
“The extent of the customer base varies a lot though based on location,” said Skip. “For us running a surf park in Hawaii (Wai Kai) we have a huge base of advanced or expert surfers so you will see a different ratio than you would if you open a pool in Abu Dhabi. But that said they will also build their base of experienced surfers quickly. We saw this in Waco with a crew of landlocked surfers progressing to become rippers very quickly and swinging the ratio.”
The Waco Effect, as we’ll call it, is when a wave pool dramatically augments a fledgling surf scene while attracting international visitors. However, it’s an apples and oranges comparison when day rates and price points enter the picture. Waco is roughly $10 per wave while Kelly’s in Lemoore can be upwards of $500 per wave.
Catering to customers
To facilitate the expected larger beginner base, the KS WaveCo has a “W” shape in the shallow end that offers a gentle beginner wave. In a post by Raimana Van Bastolaer on Instagram, the Surf Ranch’s most famous employee showed himself and friends on foamies surfing gentle rollers: “Does Surf Abu Dhabi have a beginner wave? You tell me.”
In the clip we’re treated to a foil wave that peels per usual in the lagoon. However, the new design breaks up the dissipating wave energy into soft, beginner-friendly rollers. The classic long, rectangular KSWaveCo footprint is still there, but now a submerged “W” shaped reef seems to allow for more wave offerings.
“Having a better variety of wave options in Abu Dahbi will be good to allow more people to be active in the water at one time (even if it doubles capacity from 8 to 16) and their new “W” reef adds the type of wave product better suited to beginners and intermediates that will likely be their primary base of business when they open.”
The WSL
Kelly Slater Wave Company President Jeff Fleeher said that the collaboration with the Kelly Slater Wave Company and Surf Abu Dhabi will help grow an entirely new Surf Community in Abu Dhabi.
“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.
The 2025 CT schedule will stop at the venue during at an undertimened date. The venue will also host the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon, from September 27 – 29, 2024.
After lackluster response for events at the Lemoore wave pool, the WSL’s CEO Ryan Crosby said they were looking forward to seeing what the Surf Abu Dhabi facility can deliver for the world’s best surfers and hinted at some changes.
“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,” said Ryan.
Surf in the Middle East
An hour-and-a-half away from Abu Dhabi is Dubai, where for years an ex-pat surf community has thrived. Although limited due to recent offshore development, the main break there is Sunset Beach which offers short-interval beach peaks against the backdrop of the famous Burj Al Arab hotel.
Dominate northwest winds run for hundreds of kilometers to produce swell aimed perfectly at Dubai’s beaches. Abu Dhabi’s bathymetry and development limit surf-able waves. A two-hour drive to the east is the famous OG wave pool Al Ain Adventure which was made famous by filmaker Joe G and Dion Agius.
Abu Dhabi is situated on an island in the Persian Gulf, off the Central West Coast, with most of the city and emirate located on the mainland. As of 2023, its urban area had an estimated population of 2.5 million, out of 3.8 million in the Emirate. The city is home to the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which was the world’s third-largest sovereign wealth fund in 2022, managing over a trillion US dollars in various assets.
More on Surf Abu Dhabi as information is released.
Surf Abu Dhabi
C87X+9G2, الحديريات, أبو ظبي, أبو ظبي, United Arab Emirates
The Lowdown: Surf Abu Dhabi is the first Kelly Slater Wave Co system beyond Lemoore and is part of a massive 51 million square meter project on Abu Dhabi Island. The country is building this massive development that will create 16 kilometers of new coastline and several new neighborhoods and attractions. The project is part of the Modon masterplan for Hudayriyat Island which also includes a velodrome, and the biggest urban park in Abu Dhabi.
Type of wave(s): Lefts and Rights, hollow with no interrupting sections
Wave Generating Technology: Kelly Slater Wave Co. Systems
Wave’s Technical Information: Wave height: 2-6 ft, Both Left and Right Breaks, Length of Wave: over 100 yards/meters, Hollow performance-oriented
Hours of operation/Seasonal Hours: Unknown, but given Abu Dhabi’s weather, it should be year round.
Pool Structure: Manmade lake
Waves per hour: 12-25 waves per hour
Apparel: Burkinis, Boardshorts
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