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Taj Burrow claims victory at Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2016

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Maldives.net.mv – The 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy has been run and won by West Australian surfer Taj Burrow. Burrow came up against the event’s defending champion, big wave legend Shane Dorian in the Final.

After winning the semifinal and final of the thruster division, coming up against Dorian in the overall event final would be no easy task for a fatigued Burrow. Burrow hit the lead early posting two excellent scores, a 9.17 and an 8.67 (out of a possible 10) for a heat total of 17.84.

Burrow was always going to be too tough to beat having only just retired from competing on the elite WSL Championship Tour (CT). The natural footer surfed incredibly on the final day throwing his fins out on critical sections and drawing rail carves out as if he was on tracks.

TB was lightning quick all through the thruster division – WSL / Sean Scott

“This has been such a fun event,” Burrow said. “Sultans is just such a fun rippable wave, and to surf with one of my childhood heroes, Shane Dorian, in the final was like a dream come true. I was so nervous in both of those Finals; Shane was ripping so hard and just not falling off, so it was pretty nerve-racking.”

Along with the prize money, for winning the contest Burrow is now invited back to the event next year, which some would say is the best prize of all.

TB throwing caution to the wind – WSL / Sean Scott

“Bec (Burrow’s partner) and I are so stoked we get to come back next year,” Burrow said. “It’s been so amazing here on Kuda Huraa. It’s funny because everyone talks about how chilled out this event is but we’re all competitive deep down and as soon as we paddle out, we’re in it to win it.”

Returning to the event as defending champion, Dorian was the one to beat and his performance didn’t disappoint posting excellent scores across all divisions and taking out the twin fin division. This continued in the final where Dorian’s huge power hacks saw him post a heat total of 17.33, just short of the requirement. “That was so fun today,” Dorian said.

Reigning event champion Shane Dorian pushed Burrow to the edge in every heat – WSL / Sean Scott

“That was so fun today,” Dorian said. “The waves were pumping all day. I’m so tired after surfing back-to-back finals but it was sick to be out there with Taj, he’s an incredible surfer. My wife and I have been looking forward to getting back here all year so I’m stoked we got to experience it all again and get on the different boards in a contest.”

Earlier in the day the two met in the final of the thruster division, which was taken out by the in form Burrow. Before they got there they had to each overcome a number of the world’s most renowned surfers on their more preferred conventional thrusters.

Finishing in equal 5th in the thruster division was Californian style icon and former Pipe Master Rob Machado. Machado was on a tear but came up against a rampaging Travis Logie and Taj Burrow and was knocked out of the division finishing in equal 3rd overall.

Rob Machado was a pleasure to watch all contest – WSL / Sean Scott

“This has been unreal,” Machado said. “That heat was sick, Bethany blew me away, her surfing is incredible. Everyone at this contest rips so hard, once you’re off tour it’s rare to be around people who surf at this level, it’s so cool to see, especially making everyone surf single and twin fin boards. I came to the Maldives years ago and it was a real mission getting around to waves but this trip has been amazing; Kuda Huraa is so close to all these waves it’s been so incredible.”

In one of the closest heats of the contest, WSL Deputy commissioner Travis Logie looked set for a finals birth in the thruster division posting a number of excellent scores with his searing back-hand attack. With less than a minute left, Shane Dorian took off on a set and went to town on it posting an excellent 8.90, putting Logie into second for a division result of equal 3rd and an overall contest result of the same.

Trav floating the boat – WSL / Sean Scott

“This is one of the best events I have ever competed in,” Logie said. “The vide is really cool and the waves have been pumping the whole time. I’m pretty bummed I didn’t make a final, it was really tough to compete on your backhand; hats off to Rob for making the Single fin final. I think Bethany Hamilton is the best surfer in the world, I’ve always had respect for her but seeing her surf this week was incredible. I have done a lot of travelling in my life and been to the Maldives a number of times but this experience at the Four Seasons has been the best, the service, the food and such a short boat ride to Sultans, it’s amazing.”

Finishing in fourth overall was Hawaiian ripper and former Pipe Mater Jamie O’Brien. O’Brien finished second in the twin-fin but was unable to progress through the thruster division in a heat that was low on set waves.

JOB laying rail – WSL / Sean Scott

“This event has been so great,” O’Brien said. “The waves, the hospitality at the Four Seasons and the format are all awesome. It’s been a really relaxing experience except for the last five minutes of my heat of course. I’ve had a real blast.”

Hands down the most impressive performance went to Bethany Hamilton of Hawaii. In the unique format, Hamilton was the only competing female. Hamilton posted an excellent 8.63 and had her male opponents on the ropes. The inspirational goofy-foot was unable to find a back-up score and finished 6th overall at the event.

“That wave was so perfect – one of the ones you really look for,” Hamilton said. “It’s been so good to be here with my family and surfing with the guys. Seeing Rob and his style is just amazing. It’s been a really awesome event.”

Beaten in the Semifinal by Burrow, local wildcard Hussain ‘Iboo’ Areef put on an awesome display of backhand surfing at his local break, which tested the world class Burrow no end.

Local wildcard Iboo Areef turned heads through all divisions during the event – WSL / Sean Scott

“This has been the best week,” Iboo said. “Seeing the world’s best surfing my home break has been amazing but talking to them and hanging out has been the best part. They’re all so nice which is cool. I feel like my surfing has improved just from watching how they surf. I will remember this experience for ever.”

Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.84, Shane Dorian (HAW) 17.33

1. Taj Burrow
2. Shane Dorian
3. Travis Logie
3. Rob Machado
4. Jamie O’Brien
5. Iboo Areef
6. Bethany Hamlton

About The Event: Unique in many ways, the Surfing Champions Trophy determines heat times based on age and tests skill across three divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster. Places are granted by invitation-only to six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and a US$25,000 prize pot.

The event is hosted aboard Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. Fans can get up close to the action with onboard VIP passes, while the ‘surf tour’ experience continues with shoulder-rubbing events back at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners (the pros behind Kuda Huraa’s surf operation.)

Source: Surfing Champions Trophy

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Visit Maldives collaborates with Surf Session and Kyllian Guerin to promote the Maldives as a leading surf destination

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Visit Maldives has collaborated with ‘Surf Session’, a media platform dedicated to surfing. An exciting familiarisation trip and a digital campaign was conducted to promote the Maldives as a leading surf destination in the French market. The digital campaign was conducted on social media and the Surf Session website.

During the first part of the campaign, a young surfer, Kyllian Guerin, accompanied Surf Session on a week-long trip where he surfed and explored the best waves of the Maldives. Ayada Maldives, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, and Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives hosted this familiarisation trip. Kyllians’ journey was captured and brand content in the form of Instagram stories, posts, articles and banners were disseminated on Kyllian Guerin and Surf Session social media platforms and official website. As for the second part of the campaign, digital and print articles highlighted the surf lifestyle in the Maldives and were published on Surf Session website. Additionally, an exciting video of Kyllian’s journey in the Maldives was posted on YouTube, showcasing the beauty of the surf spots of the destination.

The campaign strengthened Maldives’ presence as a premium surf destination and drove excitement among Surf Session’s readership and surfing community. The campaign increased visibility for French surfers and further strengthened the Maldives brand in the French market. Collaborating with prestigious media like Surf Session and influential personalities like Kyllian Guerin allows MMPRC to capture the attention of potential surfers and travel enthusiasts alike, encouraging them to choose the Maldives as their preferred holiday destination. The entire campaign resulted in over a collective reach of 919,209.00.

The current ranking of France is at #8 with 41,072 arrivals as of 31st October 2023. MMPRC is consistently promoting the Maldives in the French market through various marketing activities. This year, we conducted a campaign with Vogue France and IFTM Top Resa 2023. We also plan to promote the Maldives at ILTM Cannes 2023 later this year. These marketing activities ensure the Maldives remain a top-of-mind destination for travellers from the French market.

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Joel Parkinson’s perfect ten-in-a-row secures historic win at Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy

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In an astonishing display of skill and determination, Australian surfer Joel Parkinson achieved an unprecedented feat by scoring a perfect ten-in-a-row at the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, securing a historic victory. After four days of intense competition, Parkinson’s flawless performance in all three rounds and the grand final solidified his status as a surfing legend.

Following consecutive days of rest, during which contestants explored the luxurious offerings of the Four Seasons resort, the final showdown took place at the pristine Sultans surf break. The world championship match-up featured Joel Parkinson and Adriano de Souza, who had previously shared a unique experience swimming with sharks during the event.

The clash between these surfing titans began with Parkinson showcasing his signature carves, earning him a commendable score of 7.0. De Souza responded shortly after with an 8.0 for a powerful layback jam. Back-and-forth exchanges followed, with Parkinson and de Souza pushing their limits to gain an edge. Parkinson managed a 7.27, but de Souza’s impressive ride on one of the longest waves of the competition allowed him to regain a slight lead with a score of 6.57.

As the competition heated up, Parkinson’s strategic wave choices and ocean reading skills proved pivotal. His expert selection of waves led to a remarkable sequence, climaxing with a spectacular ride that earned him an exceptional 9.10 score. With less than a minute left in the final heat, Parkinson’s final wave, highlighted by his breathtaking turns, secured a 9.0 score, tipping the scales in his favor.

With both surfers awaiting the judges’ scores in the channel, the tension was palpable. De Souza, in a gracious display, secured an 8.6 for his best wave, putting additional pressure on Parkinson. Despite the heightened challenge, Parkinson’s final wave earned him the necessary points to clinch victory with a score of 7.57. As the announcement was made, Parkinson raised the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy in triumph.

Reflecting on his unparalleled accomplishment, Parkinson expressed his disbelief, stating, “Ten from ten! I definitely didn’t expect that, and for it all to come down to the last minute of the last heat is as good as it gets.” He acknowledged the role of his experience and familiarity with the surf break in maintaining his momentum throughout the competition.

De Souza, though not victorious, maintained a positive perspective. “Just to get the invitation to spend a week here was amazing, I had the best time,” he shared. “Congratulations to Joel, he surfed so well in every division.” De Souza’s journey throughout the event included adapting to new surfing equipment, such as single fins, twin fins, and thrusters.

Parkinson also praised the overall experience, highlighting the camaraderie among competitors. “Staying at the Four Seasons feels like a family holiday with a sprinkle of competition on the side,” he remarked. The event not only showcased the competitors’ competitive drive but also their mutual respect and enjoyment of the sport.

As the sun set on this unforgettable event, Joel Parkinson’s unprecedented achievement will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the history of surfing. The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy showcased the essence of the sport, combining skill, strategy, and the sheer joy of riding the waves in one of the world’s most breathtaking locales.

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Discover ‘surf and spa’ at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

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Calling all wave riders! With the legendary Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy (SCT) on the horizon from August 21 to 28, 2023, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is marking the occasion with a special Surf and Spa package running through the entire month of August that includes a session for two with expert Tropicsurf coaches, a two-for-one offer at The Island Spa, 15 percent off non-suite rooms, in-villa welcome refreshments, round-trip airport transfers, and daily buffet breakfast at Café Huraa. Guests on-site during the SCT will also receive front row seats to the action-packed event.

Renowned for its uncrowded beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Maldives is perfect for beginners and more advanced surfers alike. Waves range from fun and forgiving to the “best-wave-of-my-life” swells that have wowed some of the world’s leading surf talent. Kuda Huraa has long prided itself on supporting every guest to build their surfing confidence. Guests starting out can learn the essentials in the calm waters of Kuda Huraa’s lagoon with onsite coaches, while daily boat trips take thrill-seekers to the country’s most famous breaks.

The Forbes Five Star Resort plays host to the annual SCT – the world’s most luxurious surfing event – won last year by “Momentum Generation” icon Kelly Slater. Previous SCT participants include Mark Richards, Shane Dorian, Tom Curren and Taylor Knox – with all participants, judges and guests staying on site. The excitement is already building for 2023, with an invitation to keep an eye out for this year’s yet-to-be-announced thrilling line-up.

After an inspiring session with a Tropicsurf coach as part of the Surf and Spa package, it’s time to soothe tired muscles with a two-for-one massage at The Island Spa, a tranquil haven reachable by traditional dhoni. Savoured against a backdrop of gently lapping waves, guests can choose from the Islander Massage – a head-to-toe fusion of South Asian specialities with long strokes, pressure points and stretching; or the Surfer Massage, during which strong, targeted pressure rebalances the body.

The Surf and Spa package is subject to a minimum stay of four nights. To reserve a stay in this surfer’s paradise, book online, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call the central reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at (960) 66 00 888.

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