The inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, held on February 16, 2025, at the state-of-the-art wave pool on Hudayriyat Island, witnessed thrilling performances from top surfers Caity Simmers and Italo Ferreira. Both athletes emerged victorious, solidifying their positions at the top of the World Surf League (WSL) rankings.
Key Takeaways
- Caity Simmers and Italo Ferreira won the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro.
- Simmers defeated Molly Picklum, while Ferreira overcame Rio Waida in the finals.
- Both surfers now lead the WSL rankings.
Event Overview
The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro marked the second stop on the 2025 WSL Championship Tour, showcasing the talents of both men and women in a controlled wave pool environment. The event featured clean, three-foot waves generated by Kelly Slater Wave Company technology, providing a unique competitive setting.
Caity Simmers Shines in Women’s Final
At just 19 years old, Caity Simmers demonstrated her prowess by securing her seventh CT victory. After a strong performance in the semifinals against Gabriela Bryan, where she scored an impressive 9.57, Simmers faced off against Molly Picklum in the final.
- Final Scores:
- Caity Simmers: 16.10
- Molly Picklum: 15.70
Simmers started strong, setting a high bar early in the final. Despite Picklum’s efforts to catch up, Simmers delivered a flawless backhand maneuver on her final wave, clinching the victory. Reflecting on her win, Simmers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete and the camaraderie with her fellow surfers.
Italo Ferreira Dominates Men’s Final
Italo Ferreira, the 2019 World Champion, showcased his exceptional skills throughout the event, culminating in a decisive victory over Rio Waida in the men’s final. Ferreira’s journey to the final included impressive wins against Kanoa Igarashi and Jack Robinson, where he consistently scored above 17 points.
- Final Scores:
- Italo Ferreira: 17.27
- Rio Waida: 14.50
In the final, Ferreira quickly established dominance, scoring 8.67 and 8.60 on his first two waves, leaving Waida in a challenging position. After the win, Ferreira celebrated his achievement, noting the excitement of competing in a wave pool and the support from his team.
Looking Ahead
With their victories, both Simmers and Ferreira now lead the WSL rankings as they prepare for the next stop in Portugal. The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro not only highlighted the talents of these athletes but also set the stage for an exciting season ahead in competitive surfing.
As the surfing world turns its attention to the upcoming events, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances from these top competitors.
Sources
- Italo Ferreira Claims Title At WSL Abu Dhabi Surfing Event – The Pinnacle Gazette, Evrim Ağacı.
- City Life Org – Caity Simmers and Italo Ferreira Win Inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, City Life Org.
- Caity Simmers and Italo Ferreira Win Historic Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, Gold Coast Magazine.
- Italo Ferreira, Caitlin Simmers Win Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, The Inertia.
