Tuesday, 18th February 2024 – Abu Dhabi, UAE: Indonesia’s Rio Waida delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, securing his second career runner-up finish on the WSL Championship Tour. Waida, 25, powered through a tough field of competitors, battling some of the world’s best surfers to reach the final.
Waida’s journey to the final was marked by his impressive consistency and ability to rise above a stacked field. In the early rounds, he faced off against top athletes, including Connor O’Leary and Jackson Bunch. In a tense semifinal heat, Waida’s precision and composure under pressure allowed him to execute a series of critical maneuvers, putting him in a position to challenge for the top spot. His ability to adapt to the strong surfing styles of his opponents, combined with his solid surfing skills, earned him a deserved place in the final.
In the final, Waida went head-to-head with Brazil’s Ítalo Ferreira, one of the most decorated surfers in the sport. Despite an impressive showing from Waida, it was Ferreira who ultimately claimed the win, but Waida’s runner-up finish was a testament to his growth and ability to compete with the world’s best on a consistent basis. This result marks his second runner-up finish on the World Championship Tour, following his memorable second-place finish at the 2024 Fiji Pro.
Waida’s performance in Abu Dhabi not only highlights his individual talent but also draws attention to Indonesia’s growing presence on the global surf scene. His success continues to inspire fellow Indonesian surfers, including Bronson Meydi, who recently made his debut in a World Championship Tour (CT) event. Meydi, the second-ever Indonesian surfer to compete on the CT, is currently competing in the Challenger Series this season after earning a wildcard entry following his victory at the World Juniors in La Union.
Waida’s achievements are a testament to the years of hard work and dedication he’s put into the sport. As he continues to gain experience on the Championship Tour, his future looks increasingly bright, and all eyes will be on him as he aims for more podium finishes in the coming events.
About the Asian Surf Co:
The Asian Surf Cooperative is a professional surfing organization with more than 20 years of experience in organizing, managing and supporting surfing events around the Asian region, from local boardriders club competitions to World Surf League World Championship Tour events.
The ASC’s mission is to grow the sport of surfing in the Asian region by offering reliable and consistent resources and assistance to both small and large organizations as they work to progress the sport and their surfing athletes, including consulting and management, live computer scoring, certified judges and professional staffing, event media packages, athlete management, and site surveys, as well as ISA surf instructor and judging/officiating programs.
See more @asiansurfco @ligasurfingindonesia and @grom.patrol
About the Asian Surfing Performance Academy (ASPA):
The Asian Surf Performance Academy (ASPA) is a high-performance surf academy for all levels, from beginners to aspiring pros. We offer expert coaching and programs covering surf techniques, video analysis, physical training, judging criteria, mental preparation, and athlete profile building. ASPA also provides certified ISA programs to educate surfers, coaches, and officials, ensuring the sport grows responsibly and professionally.
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