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Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2012 Begins

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Maldives Promotion House – In an, ’80s flashback, legendary surfers Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo (Aus), Tom Curren (USA), Damien ‘Dooma’ Hardman (Aus) and Martin ‘Pottz’ Potter (GB) relived their historic rivalries with the same intensity on the first day of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2012. Rounding out the ensemble cast is 2007 ASP Longboard champion Phil Rajzman (Brz).

On day one of the competition, all five former world champions dueled it out in the single-fin division in beautiful four-foot, offshore surf at Sultan’s Point, Maldives.

After a solid morning of competition, the final featured Hardman versus Potter. From the outset it was as if the two rivals hadn’t missed a beat from their heyday. Potter surfing with the raw aggression that made him one of the most feared surfers in his heyday, while Hardman applied his calculated, strategic and vertical approach that led him to two world titles. After a back and forth duel, ultimately it was Hardman that edged out Potter for the single-fin victory.

“I thought it would have been more relaxed out there but it reverted to the old days, it was a bit scary,” said Hardman post single-fin victory.

“Everyone got competitive, but it was good surfing against those guys again, they are all still surfing great,”

“And I finally got ‘Pottz’ back from when he beat me at Bells Beach in 1989, that was the last time we competed against each other,” added 46 year-old Hardman.

Hardman, who claimed USD3000 for the win joked.

“It’s the first prize money I have won in 12 years so I can put pro-surfer on my departure card now.”

Potter, 46, who held the lead with five minutes remaining, admitted to a priority error which Hardman utilized to lock in a 7.10 score and claimed victory.

“You can never make a mistake when surfing against ‘Dooma’, he will capitalize on it every time,” said Potter, who won USD1000 for the runner-up placing.

Enroute to the final, Hardman narrowly edged out a fluid Curren in semifinal one.

“It was like old times, it was really good, except that I lost my heat,” said Curren.

“I was really trying to surf like Cheyne Horan, back in 1981 he had his designs really together so I was trying to do the same top to bottom surfing as he did back then,” added Curren.

The high scoring second semi saw Potter take an early lead with a heat high 9.07 ride. Occhilupo quickly answered back with an 8.10 but fell short on the siren to end his winning run in the Maldives.

“It wasn’t the result I was hoping for but it was good to see ‘Dooma’ get a win after his run of bad luck here last year,” said Occhilupo.

“We still have a few divisions to go so it’s not over yet” added Occhilupo.

The inaugural event, held in 2011, was a clean sweep for ‘Occy’ who won all three divisions of Single Fin, Twin Fin and Thrusters, before defeating world longboard champion Josh Constable (Aus), 30, in the Grand Champions Final to take home $19,000 of the $25,000 purse on offer.

The Four Seasons Explorer luxury catamaran provided the ultimate headquarters for the day as surf guide organization Tropicsurf coordinated the iconic tournament. With three-decks and 39 metre (128 foot) on offer for competitors, event crew and spectators, luxury was the call of the day.

Starting the event was the single-fin era (1970’s), to be followed on day two, the twin-fin (late ’70s and early ’80s), and ultimately finished by the Thruster (’80s onwards) division. With a $25,000 USD prize purse up for grabs, the all-star cast have spent their down time living it up at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa.

On his road to his three world championships, Curren’s clashes with young, upstart Mark Occhilupo became the stuff of legend. To this day, any surfer worth his or her salt has these shattering moments engrained in the lore of the sport as they were plastered across magazine pages and immortalized in videos.

Unfortunately 2005 ASP Women’s World Champion Chelsea Hedges was forced to withdraw after suffering a collapsed lung while training for the event.
The surf forecast looks promising throughout the week-long waiting period and the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy looks to add to its already historic legacy. Tropicsurf organizers will reassess conditions again tomorrow morning for a 7am call for the Twin Fin Division.

For the latest updates on the event, visit: www.surfingchampionstrophy.com

RESULTS

Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2012 Single Fin
FINAL
Damien Hardman (Aus) 13.43 def. Martin Pottter (GB) 13.07
SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
SFl Hardman 13.90 Tom Curren (USA) 13.16
SF2 Potter 16:40 Mark Occhilupo (Aus) 15:57
ROUND ONE RESULTS
HT1Tom Curren (USA) 13.66, Mark Occhilupo (Aus) 9.77, Damien Hardman (Aus) 9.67
HT2 Martin Potter (GB) 15.83 Damien Hardman (Aus) 15.74 Phil Rajzman (Brz) 11.53

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Six Senses Laamu celebrates anniversary of Sea Hub of environmental learning in Laamu

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Six Senses Laamu commemorates the one-year anniversary of its Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL), highlighting the resort’s steadfast dedication to marine conservation and environmental education.

In March 2023, Six Senses Laamu unveiled the SHELL on its sunset beach, marking a pivotal milestone in the journey toward fostering environmental awareness and education. The 2,336 square-foot (217 square-metre) immersive exhibition space invites resort guests, hosts, and Maldivian residents to explore and learn about the colorful and vibrant local marine life. Investing further in marine conservation, the SHELL houses a working marine laboratory run by the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), a collaborative endeavour featuring marine biologists from Six Senses Laamu, working hand in hand with three partnering NGOs: Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and Olive Ridley Project. Currently, the research team comprises over ten marine biologists.

Collaborative Research Efforts Yield Remarkable Results

The SHELL has expanded MUI’s research capabilities, with notable projects including coral larval restoration and sea turtle DNA analysis. Ten thousand baby corals from over five different species are currently grown at the SHELL. Over 12 million coral larvae have already been released onto the resort’s house reef. The turtle genetics project involves taking genetic samples from deceased hatchlings and continues to contribute to a better understanding of the Maldivian sea turtle population.

In addition to these projects, the MUI team has conducted numerous research initiatives, such as the identification and registration of over 1,000 turtles and more than 140 manta rays in Laamu Atoll. These research projects contribute to a wider understanding of Laamu’s marine life and environment, resulting in the publication of a peer-reviewed scientific paper on marine megafauna and blue carbon analysis of seagrass and mangrove habitats.

Community Engagement and Recognition

Throughout the past year, the SHELL has welcomed 24 distinguished visitors, including renowned naturalist and BBC presenter Steve Backshall. Engagements with university professors, researchers, and even astronauts during Karman Week, have led to valuable partnerships and research collaborations.

Beyond research, the SHELL serves as a space for exploration and education. Six Senses Laamu has welcomed over 300 community members to the SHELL over the past year. A key initiative, the “Hello Hallu” program, was designed to inspire and motivate students to actively participate in preserving their local ecosystems. The program achieved widespread impact by reaching every school across Laamu Atoll, engaging 237 students in total. Together, with the MUI team, students explored the habitats of Laamu, including mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs, as well as sustainable fishing practices and megafauna.

The SHELL was honoured with the Aspire Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award in 2023, recognising the groundbreaking sustainability efforts by Six Senses Laamu and showcasing the resort’s commitment to marine conservation.

“The SHELL is an incredible achievement from our efforts in research, education and community engagement,” says Lawrence Menz, Six Senses Laamu’s Director of Sustainability and Conservation. “It began as a dream over 5 years ago and marks several milestones in Laamu Atoll’s marine conservation. Since its opening, we were able to welcome over 6,000 guests and members of the local community in the SHELL. The greatest reward for us is hearing local students expressing their newfound inspiration for their island home, stating that visiting the SHELL has encouraged them to share the importance of conservation with their parents, family, and friends.”

Six Senses Laamu’s General Manager, Marteyne van Well, commented, “The SHELL serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, providing a dynamic platform to inspire, educate, and contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in the Maldives.”

Van Well has also recently been recognised in Forbes magazine as one of ‘4 Women Creating Ways To Protect The Ocean,’.

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Diving Dreams Take the Plunge: New PADI Five Star Academy Opens in Maldives

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Maldives’ first and only PADI Five Star Career Development Center, the Maldivian Academy of Diving, has officially opened its doors in K. Himmafushi. This new academy signifies a major step forward for professional dive training in the Maldives.

The Academy is dedicated to providing top-tier, professional-level dive training programs that meet the most rigorous standards set by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). They recently concluded their inaugural PADI Instructor Development Course on March 3rd, and their next PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Course is scheduled for July 29th to August 13th, 2024.

Leading the Academy is Adam Ashraf, a PADI Platinum Course Director for both 2022 and 2023. For the past decade, Ashraf has been running Dive Desk, a highly successful dive center in Malé. In fact, Dive Desk was the most successful PADI professional development center in the Maldives in 2023, earning the prestigious PADI EMEA Platinum Professional Development Excellence Award. This award recognizes the center’s exceptional performance in training new dive professionals, with Dive Desk being the only Maldivian center and one of only ten in the entire Europe, Middle-East & Africa (EMEA) region to receive this recognition.

Platinum status for both the Course Director and the Dive Center is not given lightly. It’s awarded based on a strict criteria of the number of professional-level certifications issued by PADI. Adding to Dive Desk’s accolades, they were also awarded the PADI Outstanding Contribution to People and Humanity Award last month for their dedication to fostering opportunities for Maldivians in the diving industry.

Despite a decade of success and consistently running the top PADI professional development programs in the Maldives for the past seven years, Dive Desk faced challenges. Limited space at their facility and the high cost of accommodation for students staying in Malé for extended periods were significant hurdles.

The Maldivian Academy of Diving was established specifically to address these issues. Located in Himmafushi, the Academy offers a more spacious learning environment and affordable accommodation options for students, all within close proximity to the capital city. The Academy will soon be offering on-site dorm rooms as well.

The Academy caters to all levels of diving experience, from those just beginning their underwater journey to seasoned divers seeking to become instructors. They offer a comprehensive range of courses and certifications to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve their diving goals.

The opening of the Maldivian Academy of Diving represents a significant milestone in Adam Ashraf’s ongoing mission to empower Maldivian youth to pursue careers in the diving industry.

For more information dive into www.divedesk.mv

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Jawakara Islands Maldives Partners with LUX Tennis for Unforgettable Tennis and Padel Getaways

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Jawakara Maldives announces a new partnership with LUX Tennis, a premier tennis management company. This collaboration elevates the resort’s offerings, providing guests with an exclusive tennis and padel program in a stunning beachfront setting.

Unparalleled Island Retreat

Jawakara Maldives is a haven of luxury, seamlessly blending traditional Maldivian warmth with modern amenities. Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery create the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. Guests can choose from exquisite overwater villas and beachfront accommodations, all designed for ultimate comfort and privacy.

A Paradise for All Preferences

Spanning two interconnected islands, Jawakara offers a diverse range of accommodations catering to every taste. Culinary delights await at the resort’s eclectic restaurants, featuring Teppanyaki, Asian, Mediterranean, and international buffets. From indulgent spa treatments to thrilling water sports and exploration of the vibrant underwater world, the resort caters to all interests.

Elevated Tennis and Padel Experience

The collaboration with LUX Tennis introduces a unique program designed to improve guests’ tennis and padel skills. Boasting a tennis court and three padel courts (two covered), Jawakara ensures uninterrupted play. Personalized coaching, structured practice sessions, and exciting events cater to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Whether guests prefer one-on-one coaching, group sessions with experienced professionals, or tournaments, LUX Tennis offers a range of options.

Expert Guidance for All Levels

Leading the program is Afonso Matias, a distinguished LUX Tennis professional with over a decade of experience. Afonso’s dedication and expertise have earned him recognition as a certified coach by the Portuguese Tennis Federation. He currently holds the esteemed position of Tennis Director at Jawakara Islands Maldives.

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