The World Wakeboarding Association (WWA) Wake Park World Championships comes to Abu Dhabi for the fourth time this weekend.
Shannon Starling has been involved with the WWA since its inception 25 years ago, so when he says that the facilities at the UAE capital’s Al Forsan International Sports Resort are “matched by none”, you can be sure he knows what he’s talking about.
The Khalifa City venue is the only purpose-built facility used by the WWA for its World Series and the Abu Dhabi leg of the tour has grown every year to establish itself as the stand-out destination.
It’s grown again this year, with over 200 competitors from 30 countries appearing on the Al Forsan waterways to delight the enthusiastic crowds.
Another thing that’s grown is the rewards, with $40,000 the total prize purse for this year’s event.
“The sport continues to grow in Abu Dhabi and the Al Forsan facilities are matched by none,” said event organiser and WWA co-founder Starling.
“I’m looking forward to a good Championships.”
The world’s best and most daredevil wakeboarders will compete for the biggest prize in their sport and perform the most outrageous stunts across six different categories.
Tom Fooshee, 30, is one of the top wakeboarders in the world, and loves coming to Abu Dhabi. He said: “It’s the most prestigious event in the sport of wakeboarding.
“There will be lots of exciting action and you will see the best riding you’ll ever see at a wakeboarding event.”
He said Australian duo Aaron Gunn, who leads the features and obstacles rankings, and number one female ranked wakeboarder Courtney Angus, will be among the leading lights, but also singled out young Emirati wakeboarder Omeir Saeed, who is just 17.
“When I came here four years ago Omeir was just getting into wakeboarding but he’s very capable of taking a world title this year,” added Fooshee.
Not only is he a local favourite, he’s a world favourite too, and is already a global superstar.”
The Abu Dhabi teenager will be competing in the traditional and features only categories.
Saeed, who won the junior men’s event in 2012, is just one of many Emiratis who have impressed Fooshee.
“It’s incredible what I’ve seen from the local participants over the last few years,” he said.
“I’m shocked at how good some of them have got.
“Omeir’s definitely one to look out for. He’s a humble kid and a great guy.
“This is his home event so he’s going to want to impress.”
Aside from the competitions, there’s lots of new features this year, including a bungee jump facility and a merchandise village.
The Championships will conclude with a concert and DJ Party from 19:00 on Friday.
Entry to the event is free on Thursday, while there is a charge of Dh100 for the final day of competition on Friday.
Rashed Al Qubaisi, general manager at Al Forsan, said: “We have the best facilities in the world here at Al Forsan.
“The event will be enjoyed by all and will be very challenging for athletes, and we look forward to it.”
What: World Wakeboarding Association Wake Park World Championships, Abu Dhabi
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, November 5-7
Cost: Entry to the event is free, apart from a Dh100 fee on the third and final day.
Ages: No restriction
Sport360 Verdict: It's going to be a wet and wild, high-octane and high-flying, adrenaline fuelled few days
Contact: Al Forsan International Sports Resort – phone 02 556 8555/02 656 5612, email: [email protected]
