Watch: Women's World Longboard Title race heats up in Surf Abu Dhabi oasis I Corona Cero Post Show Day 1

An opening day showcase of poise under pressure provided stunning moments to ignite the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic from women's elite. Avalon Gall and three-time World Longboard Champ Honolua Blomfield set the precedent early with Gall's 17.16 heat total, including a 9.33, holding as the gauntlet thrown. But, Blomfield responded in Round 2 with a 9.80, a day's best, to join Gall and Opening Round standouts including Kelis Kaleopa'a, Chloe Calmon, Tully White, and defending event champ Rachael Tilly into the Quarterfinals. With first eliminations dealt in Round 2, only Blomfield and Alice Lemoigne held firm to dodge early exits and keep their hopes toward a Final 8 spot intact. Now, when competition resumes, the men will take on Surf Abu Dhabi and see who can push toward critical Quarterfinal appearances in the hunt for a place in the World Longboard Title showdown. This year marks the second edition of the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic in which all eyes turn to the desert to witness world class longboard surfing. Surfers will embrace the island life on Hudayriyat Island October 24-26 for three days of on-demand world-class surf.