The day arrived when professional surfing entered Modon Holding's newest addition to the sport with the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic hosting the world's best longboarders in a last push toward qualifying for the World Title showdown. The hot desert sun couldn't keep performances down with Abu Dhabi's famed skyline setting the backdrop for the likes of Kaniela Stewart and Steven Sawyer to post excellence. But, scattered upsets ensued including Sawyer taking down World No. 1 Taylor Jensen, despite Jensen holding the No. 1 seed in El Salvador. To close out Day 1, South African Sam Christiansen overtakes No. 3 Ben Skinner in the men's Opening Round.
