Riyadh Set To Host Saudi Arabia’s First Pool Surf Competition; Details Inside

Surfing in the middle of Riyadh still sounds a bit unreal to some people. No beach, no sea breeze, no waiting around for waves. But that is exactly what is happening next month as Saudi Arabia gets ready for its first-ever pool surf competition. The event, called Red Bull Pool Clash, is set to take place on June 13 at Aquarabia Qiddiya City. 

Riyadh Is Getting Its First Pool Surf Contest And It Looks Wild

 

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Instead of heading to the ocean, surfers will compete inside Surftopia, the artificial wave pool inside Aquarabia. The waves are controlled and consistent, which means riders can focus more on tricks, creativity and style instead of waiting forever for the perfect set.

For many younger surfers in Saudi Arabia, this is something completely new. Competitive surfing has existed in the region before, but a pool-based event like this changes the vibe entirely.

A Competition That Feels More Like A Festival

The organisers informed us that there will be music, crowds, commentary and a full event atmosphere around the surf pool. Think less quiet sports arena and more energetic summer gathering with people cheering from the sidelines.

Also, because the waves are machine-made, there is almost constant action. Nobody has to sit around staring at the water waiting for something to happen.

Surfers Will Be Judged On Tricks And Style

The competition format is different from traditional surfing contests.

During the opening rounds, surfers will get a limited number of waves within a set time. Judges will score them based on execution, creativity and the difficulty of their moves.

But riders are also expected to mix things up instead of repeating the same tricks again and again. Only their strongest waves will count towards the rankings.

After that, the top competitors move into the knockout rounds. Quarter-finals, semi-finals and then the showdown.

And yes, there is a prize as well.

Also Read: The Most-Awaited Aquarabia Water Park In Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya To Open This Eid Al Fitr

The Winner Gets A Surf Trip To Germany

The champion will win a surf trip to Munich, home to the famous Eisbach wave, one of the best-known river surfing spots in the world.

The event is organised by Red Bull alongside the Saudi Surfing Federation.

Registration is still open for surfers who want to compete. But even people who have never touched a surfboard can attend and watch from the side.

Cover Image Courtesy: Aquaarabia/Website