Home/Olympics
0
  Debate

Debate

Air Force veteran surfs at 12,000 feet—Is this the most inspiring story of the year?

In mankind’s history, many have attempted some of the most dangerous stunts, which put their lives at heavy risk. But, when these stunts are completed successfully, it is mesmerizing to see a person’s lifelong dream finally come to fruition. That individual will go on to the history books not only for orchestrating something most people wouldn’t even dream of attempting but also for its successful completion.

At Kelly Slater’s newly opened Surf Abu Dhabi, Chilean wingsuit flyer Sebastian Alvarez took on one such dangerous stunt as he leaped from a Bell 212 helicopter at 12,000 feet before dropping into a wave. According to SurferToday, the former Air Force pilot incredibly skysurfed after leaping from the helicopter with a surfboard modified to attach to his feet. He then jumped into a six-meter wave at Surf Abu Dhabi. This was such a crazy plan that it took two years from its planning to execution.

Sebastian Alvarez is a base jumper and outdoor skydiver who is known specifically for these types of jumps. However, the stunt pulled at Abu Dhabi was heavily arduous. But Sebastian was willing to spend time on the task, as it was his childhood dream. He used to watch Pelicans gently approach the ocean and stay with the fave, fascinated by the whole thing. The skydiver wanted to replicate the act in some way. “The dream of using a high-performance canopy at a high speed is the same as a pelican, or a seagull, using waves to fly,” he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Alvarez picked Kelly Slater‘s Surf Abu Dhabi as the perfect spot to tackle her latest challenge. This place is powered by the Kelly Slater Wave Company’s cutting-edge technology, creating the world’s longest ride and the biggest artificial barrel. Designed to attract sports fans and adventure seekers, this wave pool is truly one-of-a-kind—it’s the largest in the world!

Reflecting on this incredible project, Slater in the past has shared, “Surfing reaches people in all corners of the globe, and I’m always surprised at who gravitates toward this world. Having a KSWC wave in Abu Dhabi is something I’ve never dreamt would happen, but here it is. Unbelievable.”

What’s your perspective on:

Air Force veteran surfs at 12,000 feet—Is this the most inspiring story of the year?

Have an interesting take?

After Sebastian Alvarez completed the task at hand, he thanked the provided facilities. The surfer also called the artificial wave technology one of the most amazing things ever created. Talking about the challenge, he said, “It has felt like entering the unknown, doing something nobody has ever attempted before. It really is a dream come true.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

It was an incredible moment not only for the Air Force veteran but also for the venue, which is still in its initial days. Kelly Slater’s Surf Abu Dhabi has also bagged another great opportunity to host a major event that is set to start soon.

Kelly Slater’s Surf Abu Dhabi set to host major surfing event

Kelly Slater’s Surf Abu Dhabi is well set to stage the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic. The first ever professional surfing event to be held in the UAE, it is said to let all of the attendees enter without charge. Surf Abu Dhabi is to become the third stop in the World Surf League Longboard tour, whose finals are scheduled to take place in October in El Salvador. The tournament will be held from September 27th to 29th, but the location has not yet opened to tourists.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Talking about the competition, Ryan Watkins, General Manager of Surf Abu Dhabi, said, “Whether you’re passionate about surfing, love world-class sports, or just want a fun day out, this event is truly unique—it’s the first pro surfing event to be staged in the UAE. The Longboard Classic will showcase the pure elegance and style of surfing, offering something for everyone to enjoy watching.” He concluded by saying that the hosts were very excited about hosting this historic event.

Opened mainly to invite surfboard enthusiasts to Abu Dhabi, the place is to open in October. The place was developed by Modon and Kelly Slater Wave Company. It is promising to offer a surfing experience not to be forgotten, filled with a long ride and barrel waves in this world. Experience is said to be suitable for both beginners and professional surfers. So it’s all set to become another great reason to travel to the Emirates.

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.