The Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 wrapped up with an incredible display of talent, style, and precision that will be remembered as one of the most remarkable events in modern longboarding. Held at the state of the art Surf Abu Dhabi facility on Hudayriyat Island, this contest brought together the world’s best longboarders to compete on perfect man-made waves under the desert sun.
Over three unforgettable days, fans witnessed surfing artistry at its finest with smooth cross steps, nose rides, deep carves, and plenty of flair. The event concluded with Honolua Blomfield and Edouard Delpero emerging victorious, reaffirming their positions as two of the sport’s most accomplished and respected figures.
The Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 was more than a competition. It was a celebration of the sport’s evolution and its growing global reach.
A Landmark Event for Modern Longboarding
The Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 was not just another stop on the World Surf League Longboard Tour. It was a statement about the future of surfing. Abu Dhabi, a city known for innovation and luxury, has now added another jewel to its crown: a world class surfing venue designed to host global events in a controlled wave environment.
Set against the backdrop of Hudayriyat Island, the event showcased the region’s commitment to becoming a global hub for water sports. The facility’s technology ensured perfectly consistent waves, allowing every athlete equal opportunity to showcase their technique and creativity.
This consistency also introduced a new level of fairness and spectacle to competitive longboarding. Instead of relying on unpredictable ocean swells, competitors could focus purely on artistry, combining balance, grace, and control in each ride.
From the very first heat, the energy around the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 was electric. Spectators gathered around the pool’s edge, cheering for every hang ten, cross step, and stylish drop knee turn. The blend of local fans, international visitors, and passionate surf followers created an atmosphere of pure excitement.
Day One: Setting the Stage
The first day opened with near flawless conditions and a sense of anticipation in the air. As the women’s division began, it was clear that Honolua Blomfield, a multiple time world champion, had come to make a statement. Her very first wave was nearly perfect, earning her top scores that set the tone for the rest of the event. Her classic Hawaiian flow and smooth transitions reminded everyone why she remains one of the greatest longboarders of her generation.
In the men’s rounds, Edouard Delpero from France showcased technical brilliance. Known for his elegant footwork and powerful turns, Delpero approached the wave pool with a mix of experience and confidence. He posted some of the highest scores of the day, positioning himself as a clear front runner for the title.
As the sun set over the desert skyline, Day One concluded with excitement and optimism. It was clear that the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 was going to be something special.
Day Two: Rivalries and Rising Momentum
The second day brought tighter heats and rising tension. The surfers were now more familiar with the rhythm of the artificial waves, which allowed them to fine tune their performances.
In the women’s category, the young and dynamic Avalon Gall impressed everyone with her bold approach, blending traditional style with modern flair. Still, Blomfield maintained her dominance, her poise and consistency stood out as she continued to post high scores throughout her heats.
On the men’s side, competition intensified as Delpero faced strong challenges from defending champion Steven Sawyer of South Africa and Ben Skinner of the UK. The exchanges between these veterans were thrilling to watch, each wave became a showcase of pure longboarding artistry.
Outside the competition, the venue buzzed with activity. Surf Abu Dhabi had transformed into a full fledged festival. Spectators enjoyed live music, surf workshops, and food stalls that brought together local flavors and international cuisine. The “Surf Village,” as organizers called it, was filled with energy. Families, fans, and even first time surfing enthusiasts celebrated the culture of surf in the heart of the UAE.
By the end of Day Two, anticipation for the finals was sky high. Both divisions had clear front runners, but anything could still happen on Finals Day.
Finals Day: Waves of Glory
When the final day arrived, the excitement was palpable. The desert air was warm, the sky a deep blue, and the waves perfectly tuned. Every detail from the lighting to the sound of the crowd made the stage feel ready for history.
Women’s Final: Honolua Blomfield’s Triumphant Return
In the women’s final, Honolua Blomfield faced off against Avalon Gall in a match that symbolized two generations of longboarding, experience versus rising energy.
Blomfield, calm and composed, opened with a flawless ride. Her signature style, a smooth flowing rhythm with long nose rides, earned her a near perfect score. Gall responded with power and precision, linking stylish turns and extended nose time, but Blomfield’s experience shone through.
Her combination of technical mastery and grace proved unbeatable. With a total heat score of 16.60, she secured the win and lifted the trophy high.
What made Blomfield’s victory even more remarkable was her personal journey. Having recently become a mother, she returned to competition stronger and more determined than ever. Her win symbolized resilience, balance, and the power of determination, qualities that resonated deeply with the audience.
As she accepted her trophy, Blomfield thanked her family, her team, and the fans who supported her through her comeback. Her smile said it all. This was not just another title, it was a personal triumph.
Men’s Final: Edouard Delpero’s Masterclass
In the men’s final, the stage was set for an epic showdown between Edouard Delpero and Steven Sawyer. Both surfers had impressed throughout the event, and both were hungry for victory.
Delpero started strong, delivering a masterclass in balance and power. His ability to combine long nose rides with sharp, clean turns demonstrated his full control of the wave. Sawyer fought back with determination, executing his signature fluid style and effortless flow.
But Delpero’s rhythm, timing, and confidence gave him the edge. His consistency across both waves earned him a total of 15.80 points, enough to secure the title and etch his name into Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 history.
After the final horn, Delpero was visibly emotional. For him, this victory was more than a trophy, it marked a return to peak form. As one of Europe’s most respected longboarders, he had proved once again that his blend of style and technique remains world class.
The sight of Delpero lifting the trophy under the golden desert light was a perfect ending to a remarkable event.
A Celebration Beyond Competition
While the champions took center stage, the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 was also a celebration of community, culture, and progress.
For spectators, it was a rare opportunity to experience surfing excellence in the Middle East. The event drew fans from across the UAE, the wider Gulf region, and international surf communities. Many attendees were new to surfing but left inspired by the beauty of the sport.
The organizers made sure that the event was inclusive and engaging. Between heats, visitors could take part in surf themed activities, try balance boards, meet athletes, and even learn about ocean sustainability and surfboard shaping. The goal was not only to host a world class competition but also to nurture a deeper connection to surf culture.
At night, the venue transformed into a festival atmosphere, with live performances, DJ sets, and stunning visual displays across the wave pool. It was surfing reimagined, where sport met entertainment in a region that continues to redefine innovation.
Honolua Blomfield: A Story of Strength and Grace
Honolua Blomfield’s win at the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 added another remarkable chapter to her legacy. Already a multiple time world champion, she now holds one of the most memorable victories in modern longboarding history.
Her journey leading to this event was inspiring. Balancing her new role as a mother with her training, Blomfield showed that strength is not just physical, it’s emotional and mental. Her poise, precision, and artistic expression on the board captured the spirit of longboarding at its best.
Blomfield’s performance throughout the event was a lesson in mastery. Every step on her board seemed effortless, every ride deliberate yet fluid. She displayed perfect timing, impeccable control, and a joyful connection with the wave.
Her win also sends a message of empowerment, that dedication and balance can bring success in both sport and life. For aspiring female surfers around the world, Blomfield’s story will stand as a beacon of inspiration.
Edouard Delpero: The Return of a Champion
For Edouard Delpero, the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 marked a powerful comeback. Known for his smooth style and deep experience, the French surfer reminded the world why he remains a force in professional longboarding.
Delpero’s approach to the competition was strategic. He studied every wave, adapting to the consistent rhythm of the pool and maximizing each ride with precision. His turns were strong yet elegant, his transitions perfectly timed.
Winning in Abu Dhabi also held personal significance for Delpero. Having last won a major event several years ago, he described this victory as a rejuvenating moment in his career. It symbolized perseverance and the rewards of patience and dedication.
The sight of Delpero lifting the trophy under the warm desert light captured the essence of the event, a blend of passion, artistry, and triumph.
Surf Abu Dhabi: Redefining Surfing in the Desert
The Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 also showcased how technology and vision can transform the future of surfing.
Surf Abu Dhabi’s wave pool is one of the most advanced in the world, generating perfectly shaped waves of consistent quality. The facility demonstrates that surfing can thrive beyond coastlines, opening the sport to entirely new audiences and locations.
The UAE’s investment in surf infrastructure aligns with its broader goal of promoting tourism, sports innovation, and cultural diversity. Hosting a WSL sanctioned event of this caliber puts Abu Dhabi firmly on the global surfing map.
For local youth, the event also served as inspiration. With surfing schools and training programs now expanding in the region, many young Emiratis got their first taste of the sport and possibly their first dream of becoming future surf champions.
The Broader Impact of the Event
The Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 goes beyond just competition results. It symbolizes a moment in surfing’s evolution where tradition meets technology.
Longboarding, known for its roots in Hawaiian culture and its emphasis on flow and grace, found a new expression in a modern desert based wave pool. This balance between authenticity and innovation was one of the most talked about aspects of the event.
Athletes praised the conditions, noting that the artificial setting allowed them to showcase a full range of maneuvers without the unpredictability of the ocean. Judges, too, appreciated the even playing field it created.
From an environmental standpoint, events like this also raise important discussions about sustainability. The controlled setting reduces travel to remote ocean locations, minimizes environmental disruption, and promotes awareness of clean water management, fitting seamlessly with the UAE’s sustainability goals.
What’s Next for Longboard Surfing
With the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 setting a new benchmark, the future looks bright for longboard surfing. The event’s success proves that innovative venues can coexist with traditional surf spots, offering both consistency for athletes and excitement for audiences.
The WSL is expected to expand its longboard series to include more diverse locations like Abu Dhabi, where technology, accessibility, and fan experience come together.
For athletes like Blomfield and Delpero, the victory adds momentum as they move forward on the tour. For the sport itself, it marks a defining moment, a reminder that longboarding is not just a discipline but an evolving art form that continues to captivate hearts worldwide.
Final Reflections
The Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 was more than just a surf contest. It was a convergence of culture, innovation, and athletic excellence.
From Honolua Blomfield’s inspiring comeback to Edouard Delpero’s elegant resurgence, the event celebrated human spirit and the timeless beauty of longboarding. The perfect waves, the enthusiastic crowd, and the stunning setting combined to create a spectacle that felt both futuristic and deeply rooted in surfing tradition.
As the sun set over Hudayriyat Island and the champions held their trophies high, one thing was clear. Surfing’s future is global, inclusive, and full of possibility. The Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic 2025 proved that even in the middle of the desert, waves and dreams can rise higher than ever before.
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