Wave of the Week: Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Shines Bright
That electric Abu Dhabi vibe just got dialed up a notch! The World Surf League Longboard Tour's third stop didn't just deliver world-class tube rides; it served up pure emotion and family triumph. Fresh off her first child, Hawaiian legend Honolua Blomfield crushed it in the women's final, posting two massive 9.80 scores to edge out Avalon Gall. Her journey? Honestly, inspiring. After competing while pregnant last year and giving birth, Blomfield had a clear goal: prove she could balance motherhood and monster surf. Reported by Carve Surfing Magazine, Blomfield shared her post-race jitters and triumph: 'My boyfriend actually talked me into the mental... you just got to believe in yourself.' Her handcrafted trophy, made from sustainable ghaf wood, perfectly symbolizes the event's blend of tradition and progression.
Meanwhile, on the men's side, French contender Edouard Delpero leaned on pure family love. Beating Steven Sawyer in a thrilling final (15.80 to 14.43), Delpero stole the thunder with a simple yet powerful post-victory message: 'I want to go back home as fast as possible and be close to my family. That’s the only thing that really matters now.' This wasn't just another win – it was a heartfelt homecoming. The festival atmosphere, capped off by Donavon Frankenreiter's surf-rock tunes at the Surf Village, wrapped up a weekend where passion and pedigree collided.
Beyond the trophies, Abu Dhabi continues cementing its spot as a global surf hub. The WSL event drew top talent and offered a unique, controlled wave environment. Yet, it's stories like Blomfield's and Delpero's that truly resonate. They showcase why we keep coming back: the raw drive to connect with the ocean, achieve peaks, all while embracing life's biggest changes.
Remembering a Pipeline Pioneer
Sad news rippled through the surf community this week with the passing of John Peck. The creative mind behind the iconic 'pig-dog' maneuver – that risky, tube-riding technique surfers swear by today – has died at age 81. Peck didn't just pioneer the move at Pipeline; he redefined how surfers approached barrels backside. Surfers like Herbie Fletcher later mastered and popularized his method. Beyond technique, Peck embodied the rebellious spirit of early surf culture. A recent tribute from Cyrus Sutton captured his essence: 'John worked hard to overcome his desire to be seen... using intensity to shake people out of their trauma.' His legacy lives on every time a surfer leans into a tube, rail pressed. R.I.P., John.