New Parents Shine at Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic, Securing World Title Shot

The Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic concluded with thrilling finals, crowning Honolua Blomfield and Edouard Delpero as champions. Both new parents delivered exceptional performances, earning them top seeds for the upcoming World Longboard Championships in El Salvador. The event also finalized the top 8 qualifiers for the prestigious championship.

Key Takeaways

• Honolua Blomfield and Edouard Delpero, both recent parents, claimed victory.
• The event served as the final qualifier for the World Longboard Championships.
• Avalon Gall and Edouard Delpero secured the No. 1 seeds for the championships.

Blomfield’s Remarkable Comeback

Six months after welcoming her first child, Honolua Blomfield showcased a dominant performance, securing her sixth career win. The three-time world champion consistently posted high scores, including two 9.80s, and credited her family for her motivation. Her victory propelled her to the No. 3 seed heading into the championships.

Delpero’s Resurgence

Edouard Delpero, also a new father, experienced a career resurgence with his win in Abu Dhabi. After a challenging season, Delpero’s powerful surfing and barrel-riding secured him the top spot and the No. 1 seed for the World Longboard Championships. This marks his first event win since 2021.

Gall and Sawyer Secure Top Seeds

Avalon Gall’s impressive run to the final, including victories over Rachael Tilly and Alice Lemoigne, earned her the No. 1 seed in the women’s division for the upcoming championships. On the men’s side, Steven Sawyer reached his second consecutive final in Abu Dhabi, securing the No. 6 seed.

World Championship Qualifiers Confirmed

The Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic marked the final opportunity for surfers to qualify for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, scheduled from November 5-9. The top 8 men and women have now been confirmed, setting the stage for the ultimate battle for the 2025 World Longboard Titles.

Women’s Top 8 Qualifiers:

• Avalon Gall (USA)
• Soleil Errico (USA)
• Honolua Blomfield (HAW)
• Chloe Calmon (BRA)
• Hiroka Yoshikawa (JPN)
• Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW)
• Rachael Tilly (USA)
• Tully White (AUS)

Men’s Top 8 Qualifiers:

• Edouard Delpero (FRA)
• Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS)
• Taylor Jensen (USA)
• Kevin Skvarna (USA)
• Max Weston (AUS)
• Steven Sawyer (RSA)
• Declan Wyton (AUS)
• Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)

Final Results

Women’s Final:

1. Honolua Blomfield (HAW) – 16.60
2. Avalon Gall (USA) – 16.43

Men’s Final:

1. Edouard Delpero (FRA) – 15.80
2. Steven Sawyer (RSA) – 14.43

Sources

• New Parents Claim Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Title, SURFER Magazine.
• Honolua Blomfield and Edouard Delpero Win Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic, Surf News Network.
• Opening Round: Edouard Delpero turns in jaw-dropping 18.43 Surf Abu Dhabi start, World Surf League.
• Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic, Carve Surfing Magazine.