Spectators rode on a wave of adrenaline at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi this weekend, as Team U.A.E. knocked 14 international teams out of the water in the World Flowboarding Championships 2014, sponsored by Oakley, GoPro and Crowne Plaza Yas Island.
Taking the world title for the first time, Team U.A.E.'s Mohammed Ibrahim Darwish, Clayton Barker, Max Sokolov and Jennifer Mauherhoff, showcased their world-class flowboarding and bodyboarding skills across four challenging divisions in the competition. The surf moves of former title holders, USA, were no match for Team U.A.E. as they took second place, ahead of South Africa who secured the bronze medal.
Each team arrived at Yas Waterworld – the U.A.E.'s first mega waterpark – to display their board skills on the world's largest FlowBarrel 10 Double Sheet Wave Ride, Bubble's Barrel. Homegrown flowboarding hero Clayton Barker of Team U.A.E. clinched the individual champion title after demonstrating his unmatched style and commitment in the strapless standup division, while Emirati-born Mohammed Ibrahim Darwish excelled in the bodyboarding competition.
Never before in the competition's seven year history has the team competition been this closely contested and the title is testament to the dedication and countless hours of training that Team U.A.E. has put in this past year.
The World Flowboarding Championship is part of the ‘100 Family Days' festival at Yas Waterworld, which continues until the end of the year. Away from the waves, waterpark guests can groove to the beats of DJ's playing crowd favourites every weekend throughout November as the park celebrates Music Month, while enjoying the 45 thrilling rides, slides and attractions on offer.
Source: WAM