Though it still seems like too insane of a statement to be true, Abu Dhabi now has world-class surf. It’s a fact that Skimboarder and YouTuber Blair Conklin put to the test in his latest video.
Of course, the wave in Abu Dhabi did not come about naturally. It is the result of careful engineering from Kelly Slater Wave Co. and an estimated $90 million investment. All that money went toward a facility that is decidedly aimed at the luxury market, with admission costing about $950 USD.
To Blair Conklin, though, it turned out to be a luxury playground. As seen in his latest YouTube offering, he put the facility through its paces on a bevy of surf craft. One of those was basically just a hand-shaped plank of wood — a bold choice at one of the world’s most expensive waves.
“I took all my favorite pool toys to Surf Abu Dhabi and had the time of my life testing the largest Kelly Slater wave pool that has been built,” he wrote in the caption. “Not only is this wave pool the most expensive and largest basin ever built, but it also boasts being the first saltwater wave pool. Huge thanks to Kaz Sawyer for inviting me on this once in a lifetime trip to the UAE. The staff at Surf Abu Dhabi were incredibly friendly and accommodating. The restaurants and amenities around the wave pool are five star.”
