Unique skydiving stunt precedes Surf Abu Dhabi's first event

In advance of its scheduled official opening next month, Surf Abu Dhabi has staged its first event - the opening round of the men’s competition at the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic.

48 elite surfers travelled to Hudayriyat Island to compete in the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour with the opening round marking the Middle East's first elite surfing event showcasing leading surfing talent.

The groundbreaking wave facility, which features Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) wave technology, offers the world’s longest manmade wave and largest barrel.

The WSL event was preceded by a remarkable stunt featuring Chilean wingsuit flyer Sebastián Álvarez leaping from a Bell 212 helicopter at 3,600 metres to drop into a wave in spectacular style.

Álvarez, a former Air Force pilot, skysurfed down from the helicopter using a modified surfboard attached to his feet.

He swooped in by parachute before cutting his chute to land on a 1.8-metre.

A world-renowned BASE jumper and outdoor skydiver, Álvarez has successfully completed thousands of similar jumps.

The project took two years to plan and execute, blending three distinct disciplines: sky surfing, swooping and surfing.

Developed by Modon Properties, Surf Abu Dhabi was originally scheduled to open as of late last year, is the world’s second surfing lagoon offering KSWC wave pool technology.

Waves are created by KSWC’s patented hydrofoil generator which provides a consistent energy profile for surfers.

The technology simultaneously produces sizeable wave faces without degradation - meaning waves are always suited for competitive events and exhilarating guests.

Images: Wingsuit flyer Sebastián Álvarez launches himself towards Surf Abu Dhabi (top) and champion surfer Kelly Slater tests the waves at the attraction (below).