Adventure On SI

Surfer Faces Unfortunate Elimination from Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Competition

After colliding with a photographer, a professional surfer has been eliminated from Surf Abu Dhabi 2025.

Maria Aldrich

Surfer on the beach
Surfer on the beach / Rafael Leão - Unsplash

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro 2025 has arrived and is seeing a surplus of action as world-class athletes tackle the waves. Featuring notable surfers such as Caroline Marks, Caity Simmers and Jack Robinson, viewers have been in for a treat as they watch the awe-inspiring events unfold.

The competition hasn't been all glam and glory, however. On Saturday, Brazilian professional surfer, Filipe Toledo, faced elimination after colliding with WSL photographer, Thiago Diz. While the two individuals were unharmed, Toledo was not granted a chance to surf the wave again.

At first glance, the decision made by officials sounds rather unjust. To clear up any concerns, the WSL provided an explanation as to why Toledo was not given a second chance.

"Filipe's final turn would have added between 0.2-0.5 max if completed and that would not have changed the final result of the heat," officials wrote on social media. "As a result, there will be no re-surf of the wave."

As the surfer wrote on his Instagram story, "Today wasn't easy! Crazy moment at the end of my right (after the air on the photo). Unfortunately hit the water photographer @thiagodiz... but thank God no injuries, the speed and power I hit the camera was crazy, the incident could've been waaay too bad! But we're safe and ready to go again!"

While the circumstances that occurred at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro are certainly unfortunate and caused visible frustration for Toledo, he appears to be maintaining a positive attitude following the event and intends to move forward, offering support to his fellow competitors.

Toledo, 29, hails from São Paulo and comes from a family line of surfers. His father, Ricardo Toledo, has won numerous titles and introduced his son to the sport at a young age. From then on, Filipe has continued to make an incredible name for himself in surf community.

It's unlikely that this obstacle will hold Toledo back from reaching even more success. On Sunday, Feb. 16, athletes will be competing in the Semifinals, Finals and the Award Ceremony where the top competitors will be recognized.

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Maria Aldrich
MARIA ALDRICH

Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While earning her degrees, she learned the fundamentals of climbing, wilderness travel, and leadership in the backcountry. These skills built upon Maria's lifelong passion for the outdoors. Following graduation, she began working in the outdoor recreation field, serving individuals with disabilities to help them access outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The following year, Maria moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York State to continue working towards a life of adventure and writing. She has continued rock and ice climbing, hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and paddling through various rivers while documenting her experiences through writing. When Maria isn’t adventuring in the mountains, she can be found reading a book, fishing on a shoreline, or spending time with family.

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