Wavepool technology is progressing fast, and the WSL is taking note. Earlier this month, the World Surf League announced that KSWC’s Surf Abu Dhabi will be on the bill.
The pool is 51 million square meters and is said to offer competitors the biggest human-made barrel on earth. Its waves are generated from Kelly Slater Wave Co technology, similar to the wave in Lemoore.
How the Artificial Wave Works
Similar to other wave pools around the world, Surf Abu Dhabi’s waves are generated in a large pool. Variables like wind direction, cross-swells, and currents are eliminated, giving surfers perfect and predictable waves every time.
Surf Abu Dhabi uses Kelly Slater Wave Co. wave generating technology to create the powerful waves that mimic open ocean swells. Large foils weighing more than 100 tons are pulled from one end of the pool to the other. When the waves hit the shallow contours of the pool, they stand up, creating long rippable rights and lefts.
The wave at Surf Abu Dhabi will probably be larger and more powerful than its sibling at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California. Surf Abu Dhabi officially opens to the public in October, 2024.
Check out 3x World Champion Gabriel Medina surfing the wave here.
Does Abu Dhabi get Surf?
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and sits on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Although the city sits on the sea, it rarely gets rideable surf.
On rare occasions, strong north to northwest winds will blow off the southern coast of Iran and generate windswell. However, because of the shallow seas around Abu Dhabi, swells will lose their power before hitting the coast, leaving nothing but mushy shore break for surfers.
So, you want good waves? Either fork out tens of thousands of dollars for Surf Abu Dhabi or drive to Oman.