The worlds best stand up paddlers are assembling in Abu Dhabi for the nest Stand Up World tour event, but this one's a little different! Abu Dhabi is home to one of the most incredible wave pools in the world, so when we say waves, we mean artificial waves! 

It's called the All Stars invitational, and it kicks off today with paddlers Jamie Mitchell, Kody Kerbox and Paul Jackson are already there. Yesterday they explored the vibrant city, before heading to the wave pool for a sneak peak at what's involved before the competition starts today.The concept is a little different to your average surfing event too, but we'll let the Stand Up World Tour Explain: 

"An innovative new format will be introduced at the Abu Dhabi All Stars, to promote performance riding and the most progressive and dynamic competition possible.Round 1 will feature only the right hand breaking wave, with every rider getting 3 waves each, with their best wave to count. This will be a non elimnation round.Round 2 will feature only the left hand breaking wave, with every rider getting 3 waves each, with their best wave to count. Again, this will be a non elimination round.Round 3 will feature only the closeout wave, providing a junction section for riders to either boost air or lay into driving turns on. Again, each rider will get 3 waves each, with their best wave to count.

The best waves from Round 1, 2 and 3 will be added together to provide an overall result, with the Top 6 athletes advancing through to the quarter finals.Sudden Death Round: The remaining athletes will go into a Sudden Death round for the final 2 places in the quarterfinals. Each athlete in this round will be allowed 3 waves of their choice, with their best ride counting towards their chances of advancing or not into the quarterfinals."

Watch it all live or stay tuned over the next few days to see if the concept works, and to cheer on our Aussie competitors! 

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