Honolua Blomfield Edouard Delpero Win Surf Abu Dhabi Classic

The second edition of the World Surf League (WSL) Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic ended in thrilling fashion on Sunday evening, as Honolua Blomfield of Hawaii and Edouard Delpero of France were crowned champions after a weekend of spectacular competition.

Hosted at the state-of-the-art Surf Abu Dhabi facility—home to the world’s longest man-made wave—the event drew thousands of surf fans and featured two days of high-level heats leading up to a dramatic Finals Day filled with elite performances, vibrant music, and festival-like celebrations.

A Festival of Surfing in Abu Dhabi

The Finals Day began early on Sunday with the quarter-final rounds featuring the eight remaining men and women from an international lineup of surfers. Under the bright Abu Dhabi sun and in front of an enthusiastic crowd, each heat brought displays of exceptional balance, creativity, and technical skill.

As the field narrowed, American rising star Avalon Gall and Hawaiian legend Honolua Blomfield battled through to secure their places in the women’s final. Meanwhile, in the men’s bracket, defending champion Steven Sawyer of South Africa and France’s Edouard Delpero set up a highly anticipated clash of experience and style.

Between heats, spectators enjoyed a lively concert by surf music icon Donavon Frankenreiter, who brought his trademark energy to the Surf Village, adding to the festive and family-friendly atmosphere that has quickly become synonymous with the Abu Dhabi event.

Blomfield’s Emotional Comeback

The women’s final delivered an emotional highlight of the weekend. Competing with grace and confidence, Honolua Blomfield edged out Gall with a narrow win, earning a total score of 16.60 to Gall’s 16.43.

Blomfield’s victory carried special significance—just six months after giving birth, the three-time WSL Longboard World Champion returned to the sport’s elite stage to reclaim her dominance.

“It’s a lot to take in,” Blomfield said after her win. “I’ve had such blessings these past few days with great waves and great support. Sharing a final with one of my best friends made it even more special. My partner helped me stay focused mentally—believing in myself was key.”

Reflecting on her journey back to competition, she added, “I was pregnant last year during the Tour, and after having my baby, I just knew I wanted to come back. I wanted my child to see me doing what I love and to travel with me. Winning this title was the goal, and achieving it here feels incredible.”

Blomfield was presented with a handcrafted trophy carved from ghaf wood and adorned with a traditional handwoven Sadu pattern created by Emirati women artisans—a symbol of cultural craftsmanship and unity between global and local surf communities.

Delpero Dominates the Men’s Final

In the men’s division, Edouard Delpero produced a dominant performance to claim the 2025 title, scoring 15.80 against Sawyer’s 14.43 in an electrifying final showdown. The French surfer, who last won in a wave pool event, showcased his mastery of flow, control, and artistry on the longboard, thrilling the packed stands.

“Last time I won was in the pool too, so this feels familiar and unreal,” said Delpero. “I’m grateful for this win and excited to go home to my family. That’s what really matters most right now.”

Surf Abu Dhabi’s Growing Legacy

The Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic has quickly established itself as a cornerstone event in the WSL Longboard calendar. The venue—boasting cutting-edge wave technology and eco-conscious design—continues to attract world-class athletes and strengthen the UAE’s reputation as an emerging global hub for surf culture.

This year’s event highlighted not only high-performance surfing but also the vibrant Surf Village, where fans enjoyed live music, artisanal food stalls, cultural showcases, and interactive experiences for families and children.

From elite competition to community celebration, the weekend encapsulated the sport’s unique spirit—equal parts athletic excellence, artistic expression, and coastal camaraderie.

The success of the 2025 Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic underscores the UAE’s rising influence in the international surfing scene. With continued investment in infrastructure, events, and youth participation, Surf Abu Dhabi stands at the epicentre of a new era for surf culture in the Middle East.