Abu Dhabi is poised for a week of elite watersport with the Stand Up World Surfing Tour (SUWST) set to hit town next week.
Stand-up Paddleboarding is popular in the capital and the best in the business are here for the showpiece event.
Before the action gets underway, fans of the sport or just those curious have the perfect opportunity to get involved at the opening ceremony on Saturday.
Taking place at the popular Wadi Adventure Park (WAP) in Al Ain at 19:00, families will be able to take photographs and receive autographs on the eve of the opening day of the tour.
Last year the event was so successful that organisers have decided to make it an annual fixture and is now a part of the World Tour and World Series calendar.
Among the stars in attendance on Saturday are Caio Vaz and Nicole Pacelli, who are the current leaders of the competition. Both will be in action in Abu Dhabi, aiming to extend their lead at the top the point standings.
Tristan Boxall, chief executive officer at Waterman League who put on the event, feels the public can get a real insight into surfing before the event even begins.
“On Saturday there will be an opening ceremony to mark the start of the competition," clarified Boxall.
"It is a good opportunity for people to get autographs and pictures taken with them and learn more about the sport.”
Following the opening ceremony, the men’s heats take place on Sunday at WAP, while the last-16 stages of both genders are on Monday. The event comes to a close on Tuesday with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals that take place from 09:00 at the same venue.
Boxall describes what the public should expect from the event.
“It is some of the most visually dynamic action people will ever witness. It is exciting to watch and the backdrop at the pool makes for a great spectacle.
"This is a full status World Championship event, so it will be the world’s best putting it all on the line.
Our goal in 2014 is to establish this as not only one of the most exciting events on the calendar, but also the most prestigious in terms of stature.”
Following SUWST, the racing category will begin at Yas Marina from April 17.
WHAT: Stand Up World Surfing Tour, part of the Abu Dhabi All Stars competition.
WHERE: Wadi Adventure park, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.
WHEN: Saturday April 12- Tuesday 15.
SPORT360° VERDICT: The perfect chance to meet the world’s best competitors and learn more about the Stand Up World Surfing Tour category.
CONTACT: 03 7818422
