Abu Dhabi Chosen As Championship Tour Stop
Instead of releasing the complete Championship Tour schedule, as the WSL has done in the past, this year the Woz is drip-feeding the information to fans.
In this way we've learnt Snapper is returning to the CT and that Fiji will became a Finals Day, at least for a few years.
Overnight, the latest 'drip' of information landed and it's sure to cause a stir.
Abu Dhabi has been confimed as a venue for the 2025 CT.
Surf Abu Dhabi is the Kelly Slater Wave Company's second pool, built on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi - the capital of the United Arab Emirates. In 2022, the WSL dropped Lemoore from the CT roster, apparently due to poor ratings and feedback from pro surfers, however this move indicates pools will be a recurring fixture in future schedules.
“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."
Many CT stops are billed as tourist drawcards to attract people to a region - all the Australian CT stops, for example, are supported by government tourist agencies - and this stop is being painted as something similar. The difference, however, is that, aside from a few expats, there are very few surfers in the UAE, and very little surf.
“The collaboration with the Kelly Slater Wave Company and Surf Abu Dhabi showcases our creation of a world-class facility that will provide perfect waves to a region to help grow an entirely new Surf Community in Abu Dhabi,” said Jeff Fleeher, Kelly Slater Wave Company President. “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.”
Dates for the Abu Dhabi contest haven't been announced, however, as well as a CT stop, Abu Dhabi will also be a contest site for the Longboard Tour next month. The Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon will be September 27-29th, 2024.
Comments
Yawn.....
In fairness that pool does look like the best surfing (wave) pool so far and hopefully v2 cuts down time between waves. Better water colour then Kelly’s first waterski pond
What’s the lesser of two evils?
Gambling or Saudi money in sport?
Everything has its price…
You mean Emirati money.
But yes... oil v's gambling.
Right you are Young One…
PS. Who was your favourite?
Neil/Chris/Vyvyan/Rik?
Have they managed to increase the wave size/height?
None of the promotional guff would appear to indicate that:
https://www.instagram.com/surfabudhabi/
https://www.surfabudhabi.com/
So pretty much same same, different location...
Wave size and length, yeah.
Though this one is saltwater.
Every Big Wave Pool player underestimated their wash-over...
Surf Lakes backwash was pretty heavy & races back hard'n'fast to Warp 3rd wave.
The prototypes needed inshore wash over wade lagoons to soften the rebound.
Each were/are mean't to theme the same Wave Zone (Pro = Tube Slide vs Beginners = Wade pool etc)
Wave garden can only run Beast on one side at a time as it overflows next tub.
Can also see expert Mode washes over mid ride.
The new Sydney WG expert mode take off with cross/offshore tops over the wall
They had to trial a new compressed wall rebound wave mode to contain it.
Seen inshore wash smack hard as well + see Tulla WG Skimmer boxes below!
Check Ranch Comp crowd split with initial Mid Wash > would Slosh any Village Apex idiots!
Seriously...thought it was the best spot to view the Comp...It is! Too bad so sad! Next!
Every Vid of Abu Dhabi was cut just as 'roaring wash' blasted & scoured the concrete!
Extreme speed wash reforms on the Big W > Rag dolls any [L]...re: Death Race 2000 Tally board!
See the wash over pool + Also washed up to the feet of Temp Life Guard ladder!
Poor Dylan had jet ski bouncers cut him short + all his heavy inshore footage was culled.
Endless Surf have sweeping heavy post midwave wash...would bowl over micro gromz easy.
Right now walling off Pool access on account of overwash.
Crew have gotta walk thru gaps in Makeshift block wall over sandbags on the open weekend
Looks like shit...real seat of yer pants makeshift fix...Trying to madly sort they are!
( Wave Size )
No way can any wavepool design go bigger without a massive wide beach size run off!
Cost ya a fortune in wasted real estate > need to offset a Mega Beach Party Receptacle!
With Stilted DJ Booth + Binoculars for Judges + be too far from the bar!
Happy to share exclusive creepy observation...none talk about it...it's a very real concern!
Wave height is restricted by Seachange Real Estate > Join the Queue mate...got a reference!
Sorry! Roarie / Bob / Malu tranz Buster are not real Wave Godz just VIP Pool Bullies.
PS: Hodads recall them posh Olympic Swim Pool perimeter wake Skimmer Gutters...
Tulla Tub actually fitted a few in each Take OFF zone to settle things down between sets.
Also doubles to give ya that Surging Take Off...very posh growling type Beastie!
https://www.ertech.com.au/static/53bf4fefa787d43245dffe66f747eb99/2f1b1/...
Haha, money talks bullshit walks. Does KS get an invite?
100% he gets a wildcard.
I listened to bartons pod cast with ol Robert this morning....geeze poor guy is cooked re tour...sounds like he watched every minute of every heat of the olympics
Then texted and bugged people who were in the event
Zee sea you n tea has the worst case of fomo ever.
Still referring to himself as being on tour.
Shits creepy at this point.
Mind must be in a closed loop of surfing....
Wondering if Caroline and Kanoa knew they were being coached by Kelley during the comp and Bryan Perez had the wildcard he would have got. Honestly he is getting ridiculous.
That part was so weird.
Made me uncomfortable listening.
It’s hard for him not being the centre of attention I guess.
KS senior citizens concession cards ..thank god finals day is at a decent break
Pretty disgraceful. Goes against all things surfing is about. Only thing keeping me watching the CT is the amazing surfers. Very disappointing
“We’re looking forward to seeing what money the Surf Abu Dhabi facility can deliver for the WSL - and the broader surfing world - in the future,” said Ryan Crosby, WSL CEO. “Both the money and the region itself present interesting money for the WSL, and we’re excited to see that money come to life in the coming months."
Yep.
Abu Dhabi going to make the girls cover up their butt thongs? Faark what next?
Any idea when margs comp dates are? I need to book my holiday
Aqua stripers not possible at this stop.
Not called butt thongs anymore, now called shit splitters.
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/dubai-women-surfing
https://www.instagram.com/manirostom/reel/Cw2DSDKpIZ1/
https://www.facebook.com/surfabudhabi
How will the local guys control themselves over all the temptation on display.
Flogging a dead horse I'm afraid
"Deliver for the.... broader surfing world...."
What the actual...? Broader surfing world conjures up images of land locked newbies feeling the energy of a wave, groms having a crack at a perfect little tube, the democratisation of surfing for all and that good old fashioned counter culture, laid back, go with the flow, connected to nature spirit of surfing.....
All for hundreds of US dollars a session, while you stay at exclusive hotels for thousands of dollars, burning fossil fuels over looking human skylines.... oh - and good luck if you're not a bloke.....
What about Tyler and JMD!! Openly gay in a country where homosexuality is illegal.Plus I can't wait for the WSL to show the surfers holding little potted plants in the desert looking for a place to revegetate.
"The search for fertile ground" .
Abu Dhabi Pro - Sponsored by Indian worker slave labour and human right abuses.
No judgments on indentured labour, but how's this for a wild statistic?
"The 2022 population of the UAE stands at 9.4 million, of which 69% of the population is male and 31% of the population is female."
It's skewed so heavily because of all the expatriate workers from south Asia.
Worked over there many years ago... shameless how foreign workforce was treated (not me I was overpaid)... working outside in 45+ degrees with no shade.
Many White expats were just as bad as the Emiratees in how they treated Asian workers.
Kelly is a grub for doing business there.
There was a cool boardriders club tho... SODS... Surfers of Dubai.
Absolutely agree re; Slater. I reckon most surfers over 40 would still worship him no matter what he did. I saw a clip of him the other day talking about we all need to do our bit for the planet and my eyes fell out of my head.
slater worship is pathetic
That whole country is a massive, massive shit hole.
Agree - a gold plated toilet.
slater is a full blown bell end for supporting this capitalist bull shit. I spent 3 weeks in Abu Dhabi and the extent of slavery in the UAE is disgusting, filthy rich camel jockey mofos who can afford to pay a decent wage to migrant slaves but no , they keep their passports and hold them like cattle in the desert heat, Any pro surfer that goes to that pool to make money has blood on their hands, According to the Indian embassy, at least 100 Indians commit suicide in the UAE every year since 2011. In 2008 alone, the number of suicide cases reached 176.
Ultra long range aircraft are coming into service now, slowly but surely changing the way the world travels between major hubs. Confronting stuff for the Middle East….
Love me some corpo speak press releases!
What do you want them to say...
Going to get some Barrels in the desert. Its gunna be sic Brah
Sorry gowzer,
I've listened to quite a few podcasts in the last few days, the corpo speak gets difficult to hear after a while.
TcDL.
Too convoluted Didn't Listen.
There is a middle ground Gowsa. They dont need to channel their inner Pointbreak / Bill & Ted - but sometimes even corporate speak goes so far into the delusional that it just screams of hypocrisy.
They cant POSSIBLY believe that this is some "good for the local surfing community" thing. You don't need a Phd in cultural studies to know about the levels of economic and gender inequality in that part of the world.
As expected. Also, next Olympics will probably be held in the pool.
Wow, it's almost like the human rights stuff the WSL leaned so heavily into a couple of years back with gender equality, BLM etc was ... bullshit. Surely not!
Will be interesting to see if Tyler puts here money where her mouth is on that subject... or just takes the tainted money.
she's already hated on in Oz for being open about her non-hetero sexuality. i hope she goes there and takes their money like she takes money from the bigots here. it's a lose/lose no matter what she does, so why not?
Agree Nick, hear you, that they might as well surf and take the money... athletes after all.
Respectfully, Can't agree that anyone would dislike Tyler because of choice of partner though... that shit died with disco,
Oh....a quote from the WSL site a few years back:
“The WSL is proud of its commitment to gender equality"
....except we will run a competition in a country where there is no such thing.
Touche!!
Seems like these threads are always negative towards the WSL or any kind of change. This could be good for surfing, in the long term. It could be the beginning of new money, big money into competition surfing. It could spawn a rebel tour with the best surfers in the best waves. Yes, maybe sponsored by companies we don't ethically agree with. But do we really agree with all the ethics of our beloved big three that sponsored the tour for years. Competition surfing sold out decades ago in shitty surf at North Narra, Japan, Manly, Rio .. .. . . If you don't want change, re watch The Green iguana, Mad Wax even 7 days 7 slaves, watch free surfing. Let the filthy oily money drown our athletes on larger prize money, more exposure to new brands and industries. The moral dilemma resides with the surfers, let's just sit back and try and enjoy the show of identical wave after identical wave.
I'm all for the wavepool contest actually
Just best 2 waves 1 right 1 left.
Top score on both wins ....not combined either.....
May the best surfers surfets win !
"The moral dilemma resides with the surfers"
Disagree. You watch it, you support it... and whoever is behind it.
Give us one reason that "new money, big money into competition surfing... filthy oil money..larger prize money..more exposure to new brands..." is good for surfing and I will give you a hundred why it isn't.
moral ambiguity is lame
Wave pool world tour coming soon to an inland town near you.
The most exciting contest I've watched this year was stab high. Great judging, pitty about the prize money dilema
Can’t wait for the Dubbo Pro presented by Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
haha, ^ Dubbo Mayor's speech: 'it was only a generation ago, surfers mocked a film about a young wave-pool champ from Arizona making it on Hawaii's North Shore. As I look at the incredible talent coming through our Sugar Gliders Surf-Club, I think we can all acknowledge, the surfing world has come a long way in a short time. Cowabunga! Inland to the future!!'
The new, new dream tour. Dubbo, Abu Dhabi, Surf Ranch, Manchester, Asuncion, Moscow and the finals in Bendigo.
with respect, we will procure the final in Aldinga for 10 years, before Bendigo steals it.
A vote here for Rotterdam as tour stop.
Who is the ex aust Qs/ct? Surfer who runs this pool
Felicity Palmateer I think.
I don't see the issues...its just what surfing needs...surfing is the winner!!!!...
"Move fast and break things philosopy is still alive......"
Just when you thought things were looking up after Trestles being dropped from the finale.
Yep, thought they were getting the ship righted and back on course and they go and pull this shit.
Disappointing to say the least.
Shouldn't they rename these things wavedromes? I mean, like a velodrome, there's no real variation in the form. It'd be a pain in the arse to judge, wouldn't it?
Make it a festival. Collingwood can play Melbourne City in a cross code format match while the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney Opera House sort the music. Ship em all over on a Qantas-Emirates partner flight. All the moral outrage about foreign workers’ rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights is sooo 2021. Isn’t this how we’re gonna get to World peace? The Sheiks’ fortunes intertwined with the sporting, cultural and financial systems of the West? Good to see the Woz stepping up. Not that that’s in anyway to put the downs on One Ocean.
its it just 1 nod of butter and a dash of milk when mashing potato for potato mash.......
Great thing is we don’t have to watch it ;)
Many have travelled on trains, then planes,ferries and buses in the hope for perfect waves.... scored great waves, maybe malaria, dengue, coral cuts, good and bad times.... & stories
Cheap Fossil fuel Oil is now finite, this perfect wave is another last affluent gasp of these old world petro dollars...burning up & down
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2XfBfWBeSDgY9yM48
Winds, temperatures, tides, storms and waves are & will increase in strength & height.... keep searching, surfing & moving towards higher ground..... "it wont be too long.."
About as exciting as watching the grass grow
Says the man who hugs fish .
Too funny lanky one world record comments on an article I think someone is obsessed with a pool .
I was a full sceptic of pools at first.
Yet as happens my views can change.
I'm not overly bothered to surf them
Yet I did once at wet n wild in the 80s on the gold coast.
Apart from that, I haven't surf any of the new pools .
"The 2023 Global Slavery Index estimates that on any given day in 2021, there were 132,000 individuals living in modern slavery in the UAE. This equates to a prevalence of 13.4 people in modern slavery for every thousand people in the country. The UAE has the second highest prevalence of people in modern slavery of 11 countries in the Arab States region, "
Maybe Tyler can denounce her sexual status & pick up a slave or 2 whilst competing @ the "Climate Change" event put on by 'The Wozzle'. This Big Show just gets more bizarre every year!
Bungan33. Hi mate.
Concur with all you wrote, sir. AW
Far out Stu, thought it was April 1, this one's got everything. So I went looking for natural surf, and they do get waves:
On the other side of the peninsula the Houthis are lobbing missiles into global trade, but I reckon on that coast there might be a few more options, what a road trip that one would be.
An occasional Swellnet contributor is living in the UAE now. Sent a few emails that both mentioned Gulf-side windswell and, far more interesting to my ears, the reefs and points on the Oman side of the peninsula. Even attached a few photos as proof of his wild adventures.
Yeah I reckon, any cyclone west of the Indian peninsula would produce decent clean swell surely. And the setups on google earth...
A rellie has done the fishing in Socotra (sp?) reckons that was absolutely mind blowing.
Have been fascinated by Socotra VJ for years, dragon blood tree
This one too, quite a positive picture of the local surf scene:
Well done guys!
It might get boring after a while but jeez it looks fun as
There is common R&D Engineering Link between Modon / Surf Lakes / Ranch.
tbb has reported it in isolation but never as a Combo.
It was only recently when checking on why Bill keeps popping up to call all the shots
Modon Bill O'Regan + Surf Lakes Kit Sidwell + Wave Ranch Adam Finchham
All 2000 (Research Engineers) > more likely to suss out and rank each other's Weird Shit.
Modon Holding CEO Bill is at the Top of his Game & is paid to Boss anything & everything in town.
All 3 are R&D Engineers and scrutinize each others designs & respect each other's Skillset.
Firstly Modon Bill would have envisaged utilizing free Water Supply to seek out these big boys.
Ain't no one else queuing up unless ya can tap free resource which Bill can easily engineer in Dubai!
This explains why only Bill was crazy enough to line up the only 2 Players that few ever contact!
Secretary filing fingernails : "Like...think someone mighta accidentally phoned about a month back!"
Wave Pool Overlord : 'FFS now ya tell me...please say it was #1 Surf Journo Stu!'
* Modon initially drafted plans to fit Kit's Surf Lakes Stadium
(tbb shared those PDF Portfolio plans earlier)
* Surf Ranch were hooked on Surf Lakes Multi X Waves & reworked X into Adam's Big W.
(tbb also shared that particular pod where Surf Ranch drooled over Kit's (5 waves) X factor!
* Modon then switched from Kit's X factor Surf Lakes to Adam's Big W Surf Ranch
(This is the missing definitive article...we only know that Modon switched after the X > Wow factor!)
So! Again we know for sure Bill's decision was based on Engineering Principle suited to universal Task.
#1 Task : Deliver an Asset for Abu Dhabi Sporting Excellence Legacy
It seems Bill is working toward 'State Pride' above all Corp Empire reshuffles or surfing legacy!
But there is a more obvious factor that needs all box ticking...a little bit trickier!
Especially in an established community is downright impossible!
March 2019 (Inception Team) of Aussie Real Estate / US Surf Travel / Ranch Development
The idea being to fit an adventurous global sporting drawcard into a Dream Island setting.
Likely that The Ranch design was 'less noisy' in an Iconic upmarket VIP Island enclave
tbb thinks that was the deal breaker that cost Surf Lakes & directed attention toward Ranch design!
Even this much has never been clearly laid bare as overriding reason to why we see the here & now!
tbb is just sharing that universal optimum State Lifestyle Legacy is the one true goal!
Seems to defy belief that Bill is delivering a Massive universal Wavepool as a core lifestyle anchor!
The local Iconic residential Velodrome likewise defies belief...
No one here can envisage either venue in any Oz Island Community & would likely block their inclusion.
Sure Oz does exhibit some iconic examples & maybe why Oz was chosen to share such!
We the crew merely dip into a WSL tour stop for a week!
We can check this further as several Companies of all varied Aim have folded & re-amalgamated
But it's still Bill that commands his universal directive & calls the shots to run the Timeline to this day!
Bill is paid to tick all boxes at once for a seemingly impossible fairytale ending!
Any talk of Politics is simply dusted off as it's nothing to do with him or Ultimate Universal Aim.
Of equal interest to many is surf tourist accessibility and if Locals get a discount package.
Most tourism operators will be intently focused on entry level price.
Welsh tourism review > Wave Garden drew many extra tourists & few even surfed...just box tickers!
Kinda like Train Spotters that collect pins of Iconic engineering Marvels. (Return home with cred!)
tbb's daughter don't surf but returned home with Jap' Surf Stadium Backpack...tbb was droolin' Mine!
Never saw it again...Huh! Thought she bought it for Dad! (Nothing more than a cute Iconic keepsake!)
tbb admits to last minute detouring to visit many unplanned Iconic attractions without participation!
Most are well sign posted & have easy access > Pull up for a Happy Snap / Coin / Badge / Postcard!
Recall visiting Hawaiian North Shore as a Lake in Summer...No Waves! No matter! Pull up...Tick! Done!
Not alone as others do likewise amounting to a massive prime wave of tourism...see how easy it works!
So yes! For sure...Many will simply pull in... [ I was there ] Velodrome / Waves or Not! Post a Photo!
Lots of German Chix right now posting Munich Surf Town snaps of lockers or any shit with fav track!
None surf...less care to ask...just the Claim!
[ I was here, I'm hot & you're not, so suck shit! ] Signed Hot Bitch! ...Like Everyone press Like! Waiting!
Leemore no longer has a surf contest, but Abu Dhabi do.
good summary
March 2019 : Modon Surf Abu Dhabi Inception Team
tbb may have tricked the crew into thinking he knows a bit about this...(Cough!)
If any of the crew were wondering about WTF is tbb on about or who that is or Wot it does?
Pretty much only know it's what Oz does with their eyes closed....
If ya can bottle it...ya can sell it to these freaks for a fortune...make it sound like a measured science!
Well to be perfectly honest...tbb only recently dug this out as with the Combo of Research Engineers..
Kinda like different levels but all working towards an inbuilt Surfing Lifestyle Destination Legacy.
'Inception team' will share more detail on the lifestyle component...
But you'll have to read into it...with yer Aussie Smarts...
Too easy...as said...to us it's second nature, we live & breathe it!
But to others...it's the elixir of life!...give it to me...I gotta have it & will give you my kingdom for it!
No sweat mate...just chill! For a COLD beer & a sunset...we'll share the secret...FART!
Fuck off Goodvibes...tryin' to hoot Huey for the Secret of Life...these blokes need extra Whitewash!
Can get ya started where tbb picked up on the trail...
Start with the loose unit Aussie Guy for a way in...coz he's the one sharing the stoke...well durr.
Scroll down to Warwick's Ranch Visit...here he thanks his March 2019 'Inception Team'
Oz : Warwick Hatfull (Destination Collective) Destination Real Estate
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/warwick-hatfull-65452550_abu-dhabi-announ...
Before ya move on...be sure to check on Warwick's Worldly Wavepool safari...nice work if ya can get it!
US : George Ivezaj ( WSL+ Ranch ~ Development / Strategic Growth )
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeivezaj?trk=people-guest_people_search-...
US : Noah Grimmett ( Ranch / Chief Operating Officer ) Voyage Consulting
https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-noah-grimmett-170299b0?original_refe...
https://www.thevoyageconsulting.com/about
Abu Dhabi : Deepak Jain (He's their Go Between - local Real Estate Guru + likely their interpreter)
https://ae.linkedin.com/in/djain6?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goo...
Not a lot of detail...so they all know their place & reminding all were sworn to secrecy...
Correct! That's why it's so tricky to find a way into any background on this pool.
Reckon we're doin' alright to unlock wot we have all things considered...
Sure tbb was thrown a few times with desal logistics & stadium...dug a hole there!
But we're all good with the X > W + the new upside down rail rollers.
So that's the A team that visited the Site back in March 2019.
That's a minor breakthru as there is no Gold Spade soil turning...so this is the Meeting of Minds!
Near impossible to unlock any Shaking of Hands other than R&D engineer Bill.
Can go back & Read Warwick's next post to see he clearly makes sure thank Bill up front as ya do...
Bill O'Regan is runnin' the show!
General consensus being that the Team are all keen Surfers or know the basics of the Wavepool.
Now onto that other riddle from earlier & above...
When tbb referred to Oz World Iconic Touring/Sporting Venue Islands (Re: Hudayriat Island)
Crew may be forgiven in Thinking why Oz...well durr!
Even now these venues are well off the Radar but are Fucking Mega Iconic without any protest!
Like we just slipped into them as a way of life & none notice they exist > Unless you're born o/s!
* Phillip Island Race Track is 70 years old
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipNModRF8_Qpcv2etqUT_1S5UohqgVrg...
* #1 Ticketed World Surf Arena (Penguin Surf Stadium) Largest natural Pro Party Wave (100 years)
If that looks outta this world...then it is...pay $50 to see Penguins surf ashore...WSL be like WTF
Whole of Oz hand over all their money to build the penguins a Mount Olympus Surf Stadium.
Like we're zombies...just do wot the cute Pro Penguin Surf League Says! Drool over live web cast now!
https://steelprofile.steelselect.com.au/sites/default/files/2023-06/5181...
* Noosa Triathlon perfectly slots into an Oasis for over 40 years now & none even notice...Wot! OMG!
https://noosatri.com.au/events/event-overview/
* Surfers Paradise Race Track Straight has 100 years track record.
No Shit...this Narrowneck -Main Beach stretch was breaking Speed records 100 years back...
Even Motor Bikes > Fuckin' Flew thru here...outta my way fuckers!
Also Trick Planes / Glider Aerodrome Runway / Broadwater - Jet Boats / Helicopters / Blimps
See this Promo...It's actually 100 yr old Plane / Beach Car / Bike race track or equal speed...Gulp!
Shh! Not even these guys would know...(Totally Organic!) Nothing New! Amazing Huh!
No money spent then & Not a dollar spent 100 years later nor another 100 years! Got it!
The Beach Spit is organically long & built for Speed...outta my way!
https://www.snaplap.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/gold-coast-600-track-...
* Sydney to Hobart is also the same 80 years on & each time ya roll it out it's more perfect and free!
https://ozevents.online/festivals/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SydneyToHob...
No offence but Modon (How ya say!) would wank over our natural Sporting Tourism legacy
Pick any of them Events & ya sell out months in advance...gotta beat 'em off with a bloody big stick!
All got World Record real estate to suit...can't get near these Iconic hangs...
Again...Modon be drooling over our secret recipe...Like Disneyland for real!
Sorry mate...gotta wait in a 50 year queue to even get a look in...or [like] some insta chick.
They be like drooling...Fuck Yeah...Please lay out these Aussie Icons on their Sporty Island...Now!
But more importantly how organic they grow within' their own communities...Shh!
Zero Fuss...that's the secret...Are we all on the same page here! These are Golden Treasures!
Don't Rock the Boat...sail home with the Glory!
Golf / Surfing / Yachts / Racing even little Aussie Critter hangs...Money for Jam! Give it to me!
Even Aussie Soccer Chicks pulled 10,000 crazy crowds 100 years back...only now wake up! Wot? Fark!
Like why no one tell us that...just did! F.U.
It's in our blood & the world wants it...check last Olympics...Get Covid > 5 days later on the podium!
Less said 'bout that the better...Cough!
That photo attached to the article looks to photoshopped to the max, the colour saturation etc and do reckon the Kelly was actually standing there?
That's how sports-washing works.
'Well ... Kelly's ok with it'
We could protest. Would be a snowflakes chance in hell of making a difference, such is the power of the GOAT to make a Sheik palatable but that's no reason to accept blatant human rights abuse.
I won't be watching. I know, it's no sacrifice, Steve will watch it all, poor bastard and 3b's highlight reel will give us all we need to know.
Swellnet, we can't be bought with slimey blood money
In what is being widely viewed as a reaction to the recent successful acquisition of a World Surf League Championship Tour event by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, is reported to have begun the process of transferring the painting Salvator Mundi, often referred to as the Lost Leonardo, from the Geneva Freeport, where it is believed to have remained in storage since being acquired by the Kingdom in 2017.
In what Gulf watchers are describing as the latest episode in the Crown Prince’s ongoing game of one-upmanship with his Emirati counterpart, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the controversial masterpiece is earmarked to be the centrepiece of the soon to be completed Riyadh Art Museum.
While no official date has been set for the grand opening, lovers of the Renaissance master should note that, according to data provided by Visit Saudi, flights to Riyadh arriving in late May 2025, are booking fast.
Gulf watchers believe this time period, corresponding to the dates of the running of the previous World Surf League Kelly Slater Wave Systems World Championship Tour event, and likely window for the Abu Dhabi World Surf League Kelly Slater Wave Systems 2025 World Championship Tour event, is the moment the Saudi Crown Prince, often referred to as MBS, will choose to unveil the Leonardo, purchased at auction for a record $450 million dollars in 2017.
Such is the desire of the Crown Prince, insiders say, to demonstrate the power and reach of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, in the face of competition from rival Gulf states.
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/mbs-mohammed-bin-salman-salvator-m...
shocked
for a environment and culturally centred sport, to introduce and entertain holding an event in such a discriminatory, violent, elitist country
smacks of double standards and a huge money grab
respect is earned never bought
humanity will prevail ....acording to some popular stories, books and testaments.
South China Sea Washing?
Crew are angling at green washing but perhaps there is a Middle Power Influencer Agenda.
It could be argued that Abu Dhabi are exploiting WSL for hooking merging Key Pacific middle powers.
But how tbb...there is next to zero promo?
27-29th Sept Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2024/lt?month=september
But if yer clumsy & trip over...as tbb has a habit of doing...ya dust yerself off & start to see Stars...
Oh yeah! Now tbb sees subtle strategic backdoor red carpeting of merging Surf Nation.
All stoked to see Indonesia surfer Rio Waida finish top 10 CT
Also notice Philippines Surfers now make Mainstream Show Bizz News
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1198265
WSL Longboard Tour Championship Rankings
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/tour/mlt?year=2024
All stoked to see #2 Philippines surfer aiming to take WSL Crown ( Massive! )
Features in the Surf Abu Dhabi ~ My Life on Board Promos
https://www.instagram.com/mylifeonboard/reel/C-sSCyWxvup/
https://www.threads.net/@mylifeonboard/post/C_f3rLIz8Bs
Quote : " Counting down the days before we see @jayresquivel make history as the first Filipino Surfer to Surf and compete in the newly built wave pool in Abu Dhabi for the 3rd stop on the WSL Long Board Tour."
Ok that qualifies as a WSL chosen one hero claim...gotta check this out...OMG! Internet is melting...
Here's one of Jr' recent wins...( Lots of National Pride + check his Groupie Influencer Power Posse )
Paparazzi tripping over themselves to latch onto Premium Philippines WSL Star Power Fans.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/01/26/24/esquivel-crowned-world-surf-lea...
Ok! So we check on these influencers and where have we seen this VIP Surfer Gurl before...
Well ain't a coincidence coz this VIP has been swanning at Surf Abu Dhabi hookin' WOTD everyday!
Nice work if ya can get it...not even the GOAT can wrangle that lineup.
Can we bring up that Promo...
Well...not much choice is there...as only Filipinos feature in Abu Dhabi WSL Long Board Comp Promos!
https://www.facebook.com/surfabudhabi
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/897675/andi-eigenman...
Which brings us Full Circle...Why are Abu Dhabi back-dooring WSL VIP Philippines Influencers.
tbb is just verifying there is a subtle deft of hand massaging a united South China Sea agenda
Ask why WSL only set up this $Gazillion shebang for a Philippines Longboarder VIP Posse?
That's...the right question crew...how does this Chiko Chick whip Surf Ranch Slaves at the Palace!
And you'll want a shit hot answer that's worth more than that there Shit Hot Wave Pool...Gulp!
Crew are slave drivers...but tbb can eek out a Posh Mandate!
Because UAE are desperately seeking a free trade agreement with Philippines.
Said to be worth even more than a wave @ KSWC wave ranch...how is that even possible?
https://www.agbi.com/trade/2024/05/philippines-is-next-stage-of-uaes-ase...
Reckon they're influencing a Red Carpeted Podium for any VIP Philippines Surfers either way.
https://www.agbi.com/trade/2024/08/uae-philippines-trade-talks-to-enter-...
Philippines hope & pray that UAE will clean up their Rivers as tidy as the Wave Pool...(Not Joking!)
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567269/world
Also been long seeking Defence Pact...not locked in as yet...(Perhaps a Party Wave!)
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2372156/world
https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/Missions/Manila/UAE-Relationships/Bilateral-R...
So! Just as crew said...WSL hands aren't bloody...all above board here! (Coughing fit!)
WSL are also competing with the Boss by scouring swellnet Comp Booth for a high Aussie Judge.
Simple Task : To hand out Frequent Flyer Rewards to these supa rad exotic VIP free trade surfers.
https://beachgrit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-09-a...
This could be your back being whipped...say no more tbb...think we can feel the Rod of God from here.
So now ya know how these WSL Desert Comps come in Handy when massaging Snake Oil...Ouch!
WSL are getting pretty good at settin' up exotic Comps & for Gazillionaires to bank absurd windfalls.
Not tbb's cup of herbal tea, magic potion or sun bum lotion...can pick the winner if ya like...enough tbb!
https://www.surfabudhabi.com/
Booking / Prices : Not Yet
Parking : Yes
Camping : No
Cash Entry : Yes (Walk Ups Ok > No mandatory Digital Entry)
Each Booking = 6 free Entry Passes or Friends (Extra Pass $40 Entry...No Surf)
Guessing that means $40 AUD Entry to Visit / Spectators
Times : 9am-10pm (m-f) 9am-11pm (w/e)
Sun Bed : $60 AUD
Bar : Grog Ok! o/s visitors
Online Sports Bet on WSL Comp : Ok! o/s visitors
Cheeky Chix Bums : Ok! o/s visitors
Bare Chest : Ok! o/s visitors
2x Lifeguards 2x Towers
50 Surfers cap > Coaches / Schools / Corps Ok!
Waves # (Surfers) Boards / Height / Type
Beach Break : Foamie > Knee High : 1. Fast Whitewater (8) + 2. Slower Green Face (8)
Cocoa Beach : (5-6) Foamie/Middies > Chest : Cruise > Speed run open face > Cruise > Speeds at end
Point Break : (6) Twinnie > Shoulder : Graduate into steep wall & Barrel Runs
Kelly's Wave : (6) High Performance > Overhead : High Speed Open Face Middle & End Barrel