Latest news with #WorldSurfLeagueChampionshipTour
Ya Biladi
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan surfer Ramzi Boukhiam's Rip Curl Pro ends in agony with knee injury
Moroccan surfer Ramzi Boukhiam's run at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Australia, came to a painful end after he sustained a serious knee injury while exiting the water following his heat. Boukhiam, who placed last in Heat 6, was walking across rocks back to shore when a wave struck him from behind, causing his left knee to twist. A video captured him crying out in pain, clutching his leg, and being helped from the water by fellow surfers. The 31-year-old was later taken off the beach in a medicab and seen limping on crutches into the event's medical suite. World No. 1 Italo Ferreira, who competed in the same heat, described the moment on the event broadcast: Injury update ? Ramzi has been injured exiting the water following his Opening Round heat. Wishing Ramzi a speedy recovery ? #RipCurlProBellsBeach @ripcurl @originalbonsoy @visitmelbourne — World Surf League (@wsl) April 22, 2025 «He'd just finished the wave and was waiting for the score. I saw him walking, then he went into the rock. The other wave hit him from behind… he said, 'I'm gone, I'm gone.'» On Instagram, Boukhiam shared a photo of himself being helped from the water by two surfers, writing: «Life doesn't always make sense… and right now, it's really tough to accept what happened». «Getting a major injury — again — and during a contest I felt so ready for, just breaks me», he added. «With everything I've already been through, it honestly hits deep». He thanked fellow surfers for their support and vowed to come back «stronger than ever», saying, «everything happens for a reason». Boukhiam was competing at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, the longest-running event in professional surfing and one of the most iconic stops on the World Surf League Championship Tour.
The Guardian
26-02-2025
- The Guardian
Plug in to adventure: surf star Adrian Buchan takes us on a family road trip
Adrian Buchan is no stranger to life on the road. 'I had about 15 years on the world tour travelling to incredible places all around the world,' he says, smiling. The former professional surfer, known as Ace, has fond memories of competing on the World Surf League Championship Tour – partly because of the many exotic destinations he visited, such as Tahiti, Indonesia, South Africa and Europe. But Buchan's love of travel was ignited years before he became a globetrotter for his career. Family camping trips up and down the New South Wales coast, to places such as Crescent Head, Point Plomer and Seal Rocks, were a formative part of Buchan's youth. 'I really do remember those road trips,' he says. 'Everything just seemed so exciting.' Despite having retired from professional surfing in 2021, Buchan, along with his wife, Beck, and their three children, still often hits the road in search of adventure. 'We are lucky on the east coast of Australia to have this incredible coastline,' Buchan says. 'I'm grateful to be able to share that with my kids now, and go back to places that I was able to explore.' The family's most recent trip was driving – in a Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV – from their Sydney home up to Avoca Beach on the Central Coast of New South Wales. We asked Ace to talk us through his essentials for a weekend on the road with the family. He may be a former pro surfer, but these days Buchan lives a life much like many of us. He describes his weeks as 'busy', balancing the responsibilities of parenthood and a new career off his surfboard, as the chair of Surfing Australia, an environmentalist and entrepreneur. 'We love going to a boutique hotel and swimming in the pool as much as anyone,' Buchan says. 'But I think getting out and about and discovering places is much more rewarding work.' For Buchan, 'a sense of discovery and adventure' are integral to any family road trip. 'Travelling is about not having plans,' he says. 'Just kind of seeing where the day takes you.' 'Safety,' Buchan replies without hesitation when asked about must-haves for any vehicle he'd take on the road. 'It's important with a young family.' He's just as quick to list what items he would never go on a road trip without. 'The number one thing I'd take would probably be the surfboard.' There are more than 10,000 beaches in Australia, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV opens up access to many of them. Its seven driving modes can handle all sorts of terrains, and its Super All-Wheel Control system offers greater stability on whatever terrain your adventure finds you driving on. Exploring those beaches, it's no surprise that Buchan, someone whose life is 'somewhat dictated by surf', would want his surfboard with him. And his three children seem to have inherited their father's passion. 'When we did the road trip in the Mitsubishi, the kids were very keen to make sure the boards were all in the back,' Buchan says. Buchan thinks Australia's east coast is perfectly suited to anyone who might want to give surfing a try. 'There are lots of different types of waves,' he says. 'No matter what kind of level you're at – a beginner, like my kids, or a professional.' Discovering new places, trying new foods, meeting new people – it's easy to recall our favourite memories from a road trip after the fact. But there is also, undeniably, a lot of time spent, you know, driving. When Buchan's behind the wheel, he prioritises comfort. And the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV didn't disappoint. 'The car was super comfortable,' he says. 'The drivability was great, and it was surprisingly really stylish.' But Buchan has another tactic for comfort on the road, one that parents far and wide will relate to: keeping the kids happy. 'If you can find something that your kids are into, it's quite a nice way for them to zone out,' he says. 'We play games, like I spy, or find a good playlist. My youngest, Harley, also loves listening to dinosaur podcasts.' From an early age, Buchan's passion for the ocean led him to develop a love for the environment and a desire to protect it. He's long been a climate advocate, speaking out about the climate crisis, and between 2020 and 2023 served as a board member for the Australian charity Surfers for Climate. With its fully electric range of up to 84km, and regenerative braking technology that recharges the battery while it's driven, the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV can make a road trip more sustainable. And Buchan was surprised at how well suited the car was to travelling as a family. 'There's been a lack of options within that portion of the market,' he says. 'It's really cool to see that there are now options that have space and can accommodate a young, growing family.' Learn more about the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV, built for Australian adventures.
Gulf Business
24-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Surf Abu Dhabi's Ryan Watkins on the sport's rising popularity in the region
Images: Supplied From February 14-16, Surf Abu Dhabi made history by hosting the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event in the UAE. This landmark competition not only introduced professional surfing to a new audience but also solidified Abu Dhabi's position as a global sporting and adventure tourism destination. Here, we speak to Ryan Watkins, general manager of Surf Abu Dhabi, who has been instrumental in shaping the region's surfing landscape. Under his leadership, In this conversation, Watkins reflects on the significance of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, its impact on Abu Dhabi's tourism, economy, and sporting culture, and the future of Ryan Watkins/ Image courtesy: Thiago Diz Surf Abu Dhabi hosted the inaugural World Surf League Championship Tour event, the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, in February 2025. How significant was this event for both Surf Abu Dhabi and the broader tourism and entertainment landscape in Abu Dhabi? The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, the inaugural World Surf League Championship Tour event in the UAE, was a monumental occasion for both Surf Abu Dhabi and the region's tourism and entertainment landscape. We were incredibly excited to unveil the energy of professional surfing to a new audience, igniting a passion for the sport within the UAE and broader Middle East, and offering a first-time experience for many. The event also went beyond just showcasing world-class surfing; it was about inspiring future generations of surfers and demonstrating Abu Dhabi's ability to host premier global events. The impact extended beyond the waves, with hundreds of athletes, coaches, and event staff requiring accommodations and utilizing local services, making the economic impact substantial. This influx of international visitors, many experiencing the Middle East for the first time, further strengthened Abu Dhabi's appeal as a diverse and dynamic destination. The excitement was palpable, with hundreds attending the first day of practice, highlighting the immediate and long-term potential of this landmark event. Taj_Lindblad/ Image courtesy: Run Amuck Photography Beyond the immediate excitement of the event, what are your projections for the economic impact of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro on the local tourism industry? How did it affect hospitality, retail, and other sectors? The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro significantly boosted the local tourism economy, attracting international visitors and driving revenue across multiple sectors. Increased demand for hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants, along with retail sales and transportation utilisation, contributed to this economic upswing. With a large number of event inquiries coming from outside the UAE and Surf Abu Dhabi's existing user base already comprising 75 per cent of international visitors, this event further solidified Abu Dhabi's position as a global destination, attracting new tourists and fostering long-term growth within the local tourism industry. As a key part of Abu Dhabi's drive to position itself as a global sporting destination, what strategic role did Surf Abu Dhabi play in the city's broader tourism and entertainment vision? Surf Abu Dhabi played a key strategic role in solidifying Abu Dhabi's position as a premier global sporting destination. By hosting the World Surf League Championship Tour, featuring the world's top surfers, Surf Abu Dhabi added another dimension to the city's already impressive portfolio of international sporting events, which includes Formula 1, golf, tennis, and triathlons. This further diversified Abu Dhabi's tourism offerings, attracting a new segment of visitors and showcasing the region's ability to host world-class competitions. This event elevated Abu Dhabi to a prominent position within the global surfing landscape, alongside iconic destinations like Hawaii and Australia. It was a source of immense pride and signified Abu Dhabi's commitment to innovation and its emergence as a dynamic hub for sports, tourism, and entertainment. The Middle East has traditionally not been a hotspot for surfing, so how important was the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro for expanding the popularity and growth of the surf industry in the region? The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro was pivotal for expanding the surf industry's presence in the Middle East. By showcasing the world's best surfers in a region not traditionally associated with the sport, the event generated significant interest and awareness, inspiring potential new surfers. Beyond the competition itself, Surf Abu Dhabi's commitment to developing local talent through coaching programs and grassroots initiatives, including working with Emirati surfers towards Olympic aspirations, further fueled the growth of surfing within the region. Luke_Wyler/ Image courtesy: Run Amuck Photography Can you elaborate on the state-of-the-art wave technology at Surf Abu Dhabi? How does this innovation set the venue apart from other surfing destinations around the world, and what role did it play in the development of surfing as a sport in the Middle East? Surf Abu Dhabi's state-of-the-art wave technology, powered by Kelly Slater's WaveCo, set it apart as a truly world-class surfing destination. This innovative system produces what is widely considered the best man-made wave globally, holding multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest man-made wave and largest artificial wave pool. This cutting-edge technology was crucial for developing surfing in the Middle East, providing a consistent and controlled environment for surfers of all levels, from beginners learning on smaller waves to professionals practicing high-performance manoeuvres on fast, barreling waves. This accessibility and the quality of the waves were key to fostering a vibrant surf culture and nurturing future talent within the region. Modon's strategy with Hudayriyat Island is to bring the world's leading sporting facilities to the region, and this was truly the case with Surf Abu Dhabi. With the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro attracting a global audience, what were the key factors that made the Middle East a growing market for international sporting events like surfing? How did Surf Abu Dhabi cater to international competitors and fans? Several key factors contributed to the Middle East's emergence as a growing market for international sporting events like surfing. The region's investment in world-class infrastructure, coupled with a desire to diversify tourism offerings and engage a global audience, created an attractive environment for hosting major competitions. Surf Abu Dhabi, as a state-of-the-art facility designed for events of this scale, exemplified this commitment. While the local surf community was still developing, the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro provided a catalyst for growth, attracting international competitors and fans. By offering a premium experience, both in terms of wave quality and overall facilities, Surf Abu Dhabi catered to the needs of elite athletes and created a memorable experience for fans from around the world. What were some of the most significant challenges you faced in developing Surf Abu Dhabi, particularly in establishing it as a major destination for adventure and sports tourism, and how did you overcome them? One of the key opportunities we addressed in developing Surf Abu Dhabi was establishing a thriving surf community in a region where surfing wasn't traditionally prevalent. We recognised this as a chance to introduce the sport to a new audience and cultivate a passion for surfing. By offering a world-class facility with unparalleled wave technology and expert instruction, we were able to attract both seasoned surfers and beginners, fostering a growing and enthusiastic surf community. Another area of focus was positioning Abu Dhabi as a compelling surf destination alongside established global surf locales. We saw a positive response, with surfers increasingly choosing Abu Dhabi as a prime surf trip destination, drawn by the quality of the waves and the overall experience. This demonstrated the growing appeal of Abu Dhabi as a hub for adventure and sports tourism. Looking to the future, what other initiatives or events will Surf Abu Dhabi host to further solidify its position as a leading destination for sports tourism in the region, and how do you plan to continue evolving the surf experience? We're developing a range of initiatives and events, including surf mastery retreats, festivals, and concerts, designed to enhance the surf experience, attract a wider audience, and showcase Abu Dhabi's vibrant culture and entertainment offerings. While details are still under wraps, these future developments will build upon the success of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro and contribute to the continued growth of surfing and sports tourism in the region.
Khaleej Times
15-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Why the world's best surfers are competing in Abu Dhabi
Surfing is one of the last sports that you might associate with the Gulf region. But this won't be the case for long. This weekend, Surf Abu Dhabi is hosting the first World Surf League Championship Tour event in the Middle East, helping the UAE to further establish itself as a thriving surfing hotspot. Until Surf Abu Dhabi, the world's longest and largest man-made wave facility, opened last year, surfing in the UAE was limited to just a few spots in Dubai and small indoor wave rider machines. But now, with the state-of-the-art facility on our doorsteps and the best surfers in the world descending here to compete, the surfing scene in the UAE is ready to explode. Inspiring surfers Ramzi Boukhiam, Morocco's first professional surfer, is accustomed to breaking boundaries in the world of surfing. Along with being the only MENA athlete competing in Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, he was also first Arab to compete in surfing at the Olympics. A well-established Arab sporting icon, he is on a mission to inspire and nurture surfing talents from across the region. Speaking to Khaleej Times at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro pre-tournament press conference, he said: 'Having the World Surf League in Abu Dhabi will introduce so many kids to surfing, including many who probably haven't really heard of the sport. 'Being able to watch the best surfers on the planet compete right in front of them will show them that surfing is really cool and exciting, and that it's possible to try it right here in Abu Dhabi. Who knows, hopefully the UAE will have an Emirati surf champion in future years. To push surfing in this part of the world really is a testament to the sporting ambitions of the UAE,' he added. Born and raised near the beaches of Agadir on Morocco's southern Atlantic coast, Boukhiam has been competing in surfing championships since he was a young child. He said: 'I am very proud to be the first professional surfer from Morocco and represent my country. We have 3,200 kilometers of coastline and some crazy waves, and so Morocco is very famous in the surfing world. Surfing has also hugely boosted tourism and the local economy in Agadir in recent years. We now have around 300 surf schools and many big hotels that have provided so many jobs for local people. I want to show kids from Morocco that they can do whatever they want to do. After all, I chased my dream, believed in myself, and now here I am competing across the world.' From the first wave From his very first wave, 31-year-old Boukhiam was hooked on the feeling of surfing. It's a sensation that he wants everyone to experience. 'Catch waves is so much fun and an amazing feeling. To grow surfing in the Middle East, the first step is simply making people aware of just how enjoyable it is. Once people try it, they will then naturally fall in love with it. 'The next step is then bringing in more specialised coaches and facilities, and of course we are already off to an amazing start with Surf Abu Dhabi,' noted Boukhiam. Liking the vibe Olympic gold-medal winning surfer Caroline Marks is another athlete competing at Surf Abu Dhabi Pro. Along with topping the podium at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the American made history as the youngest woman to ever compete on the World Surf League, having made her debut aged just 15. The 2023 World Surf League Women's World Tour champion expressed how impressed she was with Surf Abu Dhabi: 'I have been to Surf Abu Dhabi before to train and it was a great experience. It's a really fun concept and the wave pool has an almost stadium-like vibe. It's our only structured event out of the entire season, and I think that's really exciting for fans and surfers.' UAE resident Ryan Watkins is the General Manager of Surf Abu Dhabi. He believes that Abi Dhabi will grow into one of the world's top surfing destinations. He noted: 'Hosting the World Surf League Championship Tour here elevates Abu Dhabi to a prominent position within the global surfing landscape, and it puts us alongside destinations like Hawaii and Australia. 'By showcasing the world's best surfers in a region not traditionally associated with the sport, we hope to inspire potential new surfers, and further demonstrates Abu Dhabi's ability to host premier global events,' Watkins added.
Japan Times
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Absent champions, fresh venues in focus as surfing's world tour begins
The World Surf League Championship Tour is set to get underway in the sport's spiritual homeland of Hawaii this week, but without its reigning men's champion and some of the tour's other biggest names due to retirements and injuries. Hawaii's John John Florence, who won his third world title last year, is taking the year off tour but will compete as a wildcard at the season opener in his backyard at the infamous Pipeline. "I want to create the time to explore, find new waves, and draw different lines," Florence said on Instagram last week. "I intend to compete full on for another world title in 2026, but right now this idea of adventure and creatively pushing my surfing as far as possible is really exciting!"
