The desert is not always as dry as a desert! Well, definitely not in Abu Dhabi this upcoming weekend. On November 6th and 7th, for the third year in a row, the 2015 FlowBarrel World Flowboarding Championships returns to Abu Dhabi. Awesome sponsors like Oakley, Crowne Plaza Hotel and SuperDuper Surf will be there to support the top flowboarders from all around the world! It may seem like a mirage since the competition will heat up during some serious high-flying battles between the best of the best!
Located on YAS Island, YAS Waterworld Abu Dhabi is UAE’s first mega waterpark where friends, families and of course flowboarders can enjoy a range of thrilling activities! It’s a perfect place to soak in some sun and check out some amazing tricks from these world-class athletes.
“The World Flowboarding Championships are very thrilling to watch. The competition is fierce but friendly,” mentions FLOW Event & Sport Marketing Coordinator, Adam Muller. The competition provides a unique format where not only individuals can earn bragging rights as World Champions but qualified teams have the chance to fly their flag and bring back a World Championship title to their home country.
In 2014, UAE claimed the Team Championship and will be looking to defend their home wave and make it back to back championships in 2015!
The Double FlowBarrel at YAS provides fair playing ground for all competitors, offering a right left barrel. “Judges like riders to have the option to use both sides of the wave to showcase their strong points,” explained FLOW Head Judge, Rob Chalfant.
The participants are entitled to three runs of 45 seconds each; adding 2 scores together. “We want to see all the riders go big, so having both sides of the wave as an option will open up the realm of possibilities!” Chalfant added.
Eric Silverman (USA), 6x World Strapped Champion is gunning for his seventh title, where defending strapless Champion, Clayton Barker (UAE) attempts to hold off the dogs, and looks to prove he is king of the bone yard.
In 2014, Billy Tennant (SA), swept the Bodyboard divisions, earning himself top spot in both Prone and Drop knee riding categories by defeating former World Champion, Chris Childers (USA).
Since we are less than a week away from competition day, a majority of the contestants have already made the trip to Abu Dhabi and are living the sweet life. They are riding the waves, enjoying the culture and hanging out with cheetahs – sounds like the trip of a life time!
For more event information, stay social and follow the FLOWmovement on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
See ya on the wave!
Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLuE8cMjVs
