“I’ve surfed hundreds of incredible waves across the world and this wave in Abu Dhabi stacks up well against some of the best waves on earth.” -Kelly Slater
Abu Dhabi has a reputation for big splashy construction projects so it comes as no great shock that when the decided to build an artificial wave, they went big. Surf Abu Dhabi partnered collaborated with Kelly Slater Wave Company’s team of scientists, engineers and designers to create the world’s biggest man-made wave that spits out perfect barrels on demand. There’s no available information on how much they will be charging but if it’s anything like Kelly’s original wave it’ll be pricey. Wavepool Magazine reports daily rental of the entire facility in Lemoore, California range from about $70,000 to $50,000 depending on the season. Hourly cost per person works out to $875 High Season $625 Low Season. However much it ends up costing your average surfer to ride, the new wave is undeniably a major step in creating world class surf conditions outside of the ocean. Check out the promo vids:
Here’s two-time world champion Filipe Toledo riding the new wave:
Here’s a press release from Modon, the construction company that built the facility:
Abu Dhabi set to become global surf destination as Modon partners Kelly Slater Wave Company on Surf Abu Dhabi
Adding to Abu Dhabi’s impressive sporting credentials, the Surf Abu Dhabi project will open on Hudayriyat Island in late June 2023, Abu Dhabi: Modon Properties (Modon), the Abu Dhabi developer, has partnered with Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), the world experts in man-made wave technology, to create Surf Abu Dhabi, the most advanced wave facility in the world.
Featuring the world’s longest ride and the world’s biggest barrel, as well as the world’s largest man-made wave facility, Surf Abu Dhabi is an exclusive surf experience designed to inspire and appeal to everyone – from beginners to elite surfers.
Surf Abu Dhabi will further underscore Abu Dhabi’s sporting offering when it opens later this year. Located on Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s sport, leisure and recreation destination, the elite-level surfing facility will take its place alongside other major additions to the city’s sporting infrastructure including a 3,500-seat velodrome equipped to stage international indoor cycling competitions.
Bill O’Regan, CEO of Modon, said: “At Modon, our role is to support the growth of Abu Dhabi’s ambitions and sports asset development strategy which is contributing towards a legacy of sporting excellence.
“As the world’s premier man-made surf experience, Surf Abu Dhabi is specified to host major international surf competitions. It is a high-performance destination which will offer world-class surfers the perfect conditions to train or compete, while also growing the region’s surfing community, and inspiring wider society to embrace a healthy new activity.”
“When we opened the first wave, the mystery it created and excitement that ensued was something I’m not sure many have experienced,” said Kelly Slater, 11-time World Surf League Champion and founder of KSWC. “Surfing reaches people in all corners of the globe and I’m always surprised with who gravitates towards this world. Having a KSWC wave in Abu Dhabi is something I’ve never dreamt would happen but here it is. Unbelievable. While not many would have predicted the location for the project, there are great synergies with Abu Dhabi and like KSWC they are always innovating and ahead of the curve. This is going to be a lot of fun for so many people.”
Jeff Fleeher, President of Kelly Slater Wave Company, said: “As a global hub for tourism, sport, and business, with diverse peoples and cultures, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place for us to showcase KSWC’s unmatched wave technology and surf experience. We’re fortunate to partner with Modon and join Hudayriyat Island’s incredible ecosystem of sport and recreation to foster new participation and enthusiasm for surfing in the Middle East.”
