The inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro concluded with thrilling performances from Caitlin Simmers and Italo Ferreira, who both claimed victory in their respective finals. This event marked a significant milestone as the first World Surf League Championship Tour event held in the United Arab Emirates, showcasing the talents of the world’s best surfers in a state-of-the-art wave pool.
Key Takeaways
- Caitlin Simmers and Italo Ferreira emerged victorious in the women’s and men’s finals, respectively.
- Simmers reclaimed her position as World No. 1, while Ferreira celebrated his 10th Championship Tour win.
- The event utilized advanced wave technology, providing a unique surfing experience.
Caitlin Simmers Shines in Women’s Final
Caitlin Simmers, the reigning world champion, faced off against Australia’s Molly Picklum in a highly competitive final. Simmers set the tone early, scoring an impressive 8.67 on her first wave. Picklum responded with an 8.00, but Simmers maintained her lead with a final score of 16.10, narrowly defeating Picklum, who scored 15.70.
Simmers expressed her gratitude after the win, stating, "I’m thankful for surfing, for just being able to ride waves. It’s like the funnest thing ever, I really enjoy it. And I’m thankful for Molly because she makes me surf my best."
Italo Ferreira’s Aerial Mastery
In the men’s final, Italo Ferreira showcased his aerial prowess against Indonesia’s Rio Waida. Ferreira quickly established dominance, scoring an 8.67 on his first wave and following it up with an 8.60. His final score of 17.27 left Waida trailing with 14.50.
Ferreira, who celebrated his 10th Championship Tour victory, shared his excitement: "In a wave pool, it’s always super exciting when I have a wave or have a chance to perform. You’re always going harder and bigger, and that’s what I did."
Event Highlights
- Location: Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Date: February 16, 2025
- Wave Technology: The event utilized Kelly Slater Wave Company technology, providing consistent and high-quality waves.
Performance Overview
| Final Results | Score | Runner-Up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Simmers | 16.10 | Molly Picklum | 15.70 |
| Italo Ferreira | 17.27 | Rio Waida | 14.50 |
Looking Ahead
With the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro now concluded, the Championship Tour will take a break before heading to Portugal for the Meo Rip Curl Pro. Both Simmers and Ferreira will look to maintain their momentum as they compete in the next event, aiming to solidify their standings at the top of the leaderboard.
This event not only highlighted the incredible talent of the surfers but also marked a new chapter for surfing in the Middle East, setting the stage for future competitions in the region.
Sources
- Caity Simmers and Italo Ferreira Win Inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, Surf News Network.
- Simmers, Ferreira Win Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, SURFER Magazine.
