WORLD FIRST: Base jump from Heli and swoop to surf world’s longest artificial wave

Red Bull Wingsuiter Sebastián Álvarez makes history by transitioning from one super adventure to another

Chilean wingsuit flyer Sebastián Álvarez has made history by successfully transitioning from a BASE jump to a parachute swoop and into surfing the world’s longest artificial wave at Surf Abu Dhabi.

With a modified surfboard attached to his feet, Álvarez leaped from a Bell helicopter at 3,657 meters (12,000 feet) over Hudayriyat Island. He ‘sky-surfed’ down, expertly swooping with his parachute to line up with the wave before cutting away the chute to land precisely on a 2.3-meter (7.5-foot) wave produced by the world’s most advanced artificial wave technology.

The 80/20 Snapshot:

• # Historic Triple Transition: Álvarez combined BASE jumping, skydiving swooping, and surfing into one continuous, unprecedented feat, marking a historic world-first.
• # Precision Landing on World’s Longest Wave: Leveraging Surf Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art wave technology, he executed a precisely timed landing onto the world’s longest ride and biggest barrel—a feat impossible with natural ocean waves due to their unpredictability.
• # Mastering Swooping: Utilizing advanced canopy piloting techniques, Álvarez induced speed through specific maneuvers, diving his canopy toward the earth before leveling out to glide horizontally toward the wave.
• # Inspired by Nature: Motivated by watching pelicans and seagulls glide effortlessly over ocean waves, he aimed to replicate this natural phenomenon through human flight and surfing.
• # Years of Preparation: The project took over two years of meticulous planning, training, and coordination across multiple sports disciplines.

Deep Dive:

Concept & Inspiration: The idea stemmed from Álvarez’s childhood fascination with birds soaring over waves. “I remember as a kid watching pelicans soar over the waves, thinking how gently they fly and approach the ocean,” he said. This vision inspired him to merge BASE jumping, swooping, and surfing into one seamless experience.

“Achieving this dream has been incredible. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and the relentless pursuit of pushing what’s possible… I wanted to recreate the feeling of birds gliding over waves, and thanks to the perfect setting at Surf Abu Dhabi, I was able to make it a reality… It’s incredibly special to perform this project here in Abu Dhabi,” Álvarez said. “I consider this technology, the wave, as one of the most amazing things that humans have created. It is a perfect wave.” – Sebastián Álvarez:

The Three Disciplines Explained:

• BASE Jumping: Starting with a daring leap from a helicopter, Álvarez initiated the stunt with a BASE jump—a sport involving jumping from fixed objects and deploying a parachute to land safely.
• Skydiving Swooping: He then performed advanced swooping maneuvers. Technically speaking, skydiving swooping is an advanced form of canopy piloting where an individual induces speed through specific maneuvers and dives the canopy toward the earth—all while leaving enough time for the canopy to level out and glide horizontally across the ground.
• Surfing the World’s Longest Wave: At the precise moment, Álvarez cut away his parachute to land on the artificial wave at Surf Abu Dhabi, riding the world’s longest artificial wave and biggest barrel with the skill of a seasoned surfer.

The Venue’s Critical Role: To bring his ambitious vision to life, Álvarez and his team needed a location that offered unparalleled precision and control over wave timing and positioning—elements critical to the project’s success. They partnered with Surf Abu Dhabi, a state-of-the-art facility designed in collaboration with 11-time World Surf League champion and surfing legend Kelly Slater and his team at Kelly Slater Wave Company.

Wave Precision: The advanced wave system at Surf Abu Dhabi allowed Álvarez to meticulously synchronize his swoop speed and altitude with the exact moment the wave formed. The precise timing and consistent wave positioning provided by the artificial setup were essential for the seamless transition from sky to surf. Such a level of control is unattainable with natural ocean waves due to their inherent unpredictability. By offering the world’s longest artificial wave, Surf Abu Dhabi created the optimal conditions for Álvarez to push the boundaries of what’s possible, turning his long-held dream into reality.

Preparation & Training: Over two years, Álvarez dedicated himself to mastering each discipline. This multidisciplinary approach required physical prowess and innovative problem-solving to adapt equipment and techniques. He trained extensively in skydiving swooping, honing his canopy piloting skills to achieve the precise timing needed for the stunt.

Challenges Overcome: Combining three sports presented unprecedented challenges. “It felt like entering into the unknown, doing something that nobody has ever attempted before,” Álvarez reflected. The feat required exact timing, exceptional control, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions mid-air.

Cross-Discipline Innovation: This accomplishment sets a new benchmark, highlighting the possibilities within sport. Álvarez’s successful integration of multiple disciplines showcases how athletes can push boundaries and explore new frontiers, inspiring others to innovate. (Red Bull Content Pool)