News
Taylor Knox wins Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy
Maldives.net.mv – Iconic Californian surfer Taylor Knox (USA), 42, defeated three time world champion Tom Curren (USA), 49, to win the Grand Final of the 2013 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy and the USD10000 first-place prize.
After an amazing week of competition from the six world surfing champions, it all came down to final thirty seconds, with Knox locking in a late 9.17 score to claim victory in the pristine 1.5 metre (4-5ft) reef break waves of Sultans Point.
The hotly contested final, saw four excellent rides posted by the two Californians. Knox opened strongly for an early lead with a 9.27. Curren answered back at the half way mark with a heat high 9.43 to be looking down the barrel at victory.
But patience paid off for Knox, who required a 9-point ride and used his priority wisely to pick off a 9.17 in the final minute to claim the win. Knox finished with a heat total of 18.40 to Curren’s 18.33 (out of a possible 20).
“I got a couple at the start and was thinking I’m in a good position here, but as I’m paddling back out, there’s Tom sitting in the barrel,” said Knox.
“I had to use my priority because I knew he had taken the lead. I held myself back and waited it out for that set wave right at the end.”
Knox, who retired as the oldest and one of the most respected surfers on the ASP world tour last year, at age 41, said he achieved today what he had failed to do at the elite level.
“I could never do it on the world tour, I had to come to the Maldives and learn off these guys and as Kelly Slater said ‘I’m one of the best surfers but not a good competitor’ but that’s changing now,” he added.
A super cool Curren remained unfazed under pressure, despite his opponent’s seem ably insurmountable early lead the mythical surfer/musician found the events only barrel in the final to bounce back. However it wasn’t enough to halt Knox in his inaugural Maldivian campaign and Curren finished runner-up for the second consecutive year.
“I’m really stoked to have made the final,“ said Curren. “The waves came today and the weather was nice but I had a bad start to the heat. I was able to come back with a good score and at least the final was a close finish so I can’t complain.”
“Taylor was in-form today and yesterday as well. He has been surfing strong and with a lot of power. In these condition especially he is really hard to beat,” added Curren.
Knox qualified for the Grand Final by winning both Saturday’s twin-fin and the thruster division today. Curren secured his finals berth with a win in the single-fin and a runner-up placing in the twin-fin division.
After an unusually stormy week in the Maldives, Sultan’s Point turned on for the final day with light offshore winds, sunny skies and steady surf pumping down the reef. The day kicked off with the Thruster Division. With state-of-the-art, contemporary three-fin boards being utilized the action was fast and full-on as the distinguished field of surfers relished being back on their more conventional, up-to-date equipment.
Touted as the toughest field ever assembled for the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, competition has been extremely intense. The three-fin division set new levels with Damien Hardman (Aus), Pedro Henrique (BRZ), Layne Beachley (Aus), Tom Carroll (Aus) and Curren all surfing with winning intentions.
But nobody took more advantage of the thruster than Knox, who carved his way to victory in the Thruster Final with extremely committed power surfing to defeat former two-time world champion Hardman (Aus) 19:00 to 14.37 (out of a possible 20).
“We got lucky with the waves, I knew it was going to turn on and it did,” said Knox.
Knox locked in the tournament’s first-ever perfect 10-point ride and tallied the event’s highest heat score.
“It was a win-win for both of us, that set had two really good waves,” said Knox.
“I would have taken the first one if Damien hadn’t, but the second one was amazing and it held up into the lagoon and I was able to smash it all the way.”
Hardman acknowledged that the Knox’s performance raised the bar of the entire contest.
“It was good to make the final, but I ran out of puff in the end up against Taylor,” said Hardman. “He was surfing probably the best has been all event and its pretty hard to raise the bar when someone is getting nines and tens but I did my best but got beaten by a better man on the day.”
Hardman who is still involved at the elite level of surfing in his role as Contest Director for Rip Curl said that the competitive element is always a factor.
“It’s weird, on the surface it’s not that serious, but there is an undercurrent that it is serious,” said Hardman. “You feel like you are always looking over your shoulder and everyone has their guard up. We aren’t hassling each other like we used to do back in the ‘90s but everyone definitely wants to win.”
Hardman and Curren battled it out in a back and forth semifinal until the tenacious Australian goofy-footer locked in a 6.5 ride in the waning seconds of the heat. Curren was left needing a seven-point point ride, but as the ocean went flat he never had the opportunity to answer back.
“It was a tight one, Tom’s one of the best competitors in the in the history of the sport,” said Hardman. “I’m stoked to be able to hang on and come away with a win.”
On the other side of the draw, in the second semifinal Knox racked up a 9.07 wave score to edge out an energetic Henrique to join Hardman in the thruster final berth and secure an all-important Grand Final Champions berth.
Seven-time world champion and lone female competitor, Beachley, narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth, defeated by Hardman on the buzzer in their round one heat.
Two-time world champion Carroll (Aus) also looked set for a semifinal berth until the last 30 seconds of his opening heat when Henrique snatched second place from the celebrated storm surfer.
With the Four Seasons’ luxury catamaran, The Explorer, serving as the floating headquarters, surfers and spectators alike enjoyed the action, cold drinks and great food from the deck.
The event format showcases the evolution of the surfboard with the old school ‘70s single-fin in Round 1, Round 2 celebrates the brilliance of the twin-fin that dominated in the early ‘80s, and coming up in Round 3 we’ll see the state-of-the-art three-fin thrusters put to use. The two surfers with most accrued points at the end of the three rounds qualify for the Grand Champions Final.
Overall 2013 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Final Standings
1st Taylor Knox (USA)
2nd Tom Curren (USA)
3rd Damien Hardman (AUS)
4th Pedro Henrique (BRZ)
5th Tom Carroll (Aus)
6th Layne Beachley (Aus)
In an exciting fusion of cinematic excellence and tropical luxury, the 2025 Oscar nominees are set to receive an extraordinary gift: an indulgent escape to the Maldives. This lavish inclusion is part of the renowned ‘Everyone Wins’ gift bag, curated annually by Los Angeles-based marketing company Distinctive Assets. This year’s bag, valued at over $2 million, ensures that even those who don’t take home the iconic gold statue won’t leave empty-handed.
At the heart of this opulent assortment are two exceptional Maldivian retreats: JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING. Nominees are invited to indulge in four-night stays at both resorts, a combined experience valued at $16,000.
- JOALI Maldives: This art-immersive resort offers guests a harmonious blend of luxury and creativity. With 73 private beach and water villas, each space is adorned with curated artworks, transforming the island into a living gallery. Guests can savour innovative dining, engage in marine adventures, and rejuvenate at the world-class spa. The resort’s commitment to sustainability ensures that indulgence aligns with environmental consciousness.
- JOALI BEING: As the Maldives’ first and only dedicated wellbeing island retreat, JOALI BEING offers a transformative journey centred on holistic wellness. Guests can immerse themselves in personalised programmes designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. The resort features thoughtfully designed villas, each with stunning ocean views, and a plethora of wellness facilities, including hydrotherapy, sound healing, and culinary arts that promote vitality.
The inclusion of these Maldivian resorts in the Oscars gift bag underscores the archipelago’s status as a premier destination for luxury and tranquility. The Maldives’ pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unparalleled hospitality continue to captivate the world’s elite, offering an idyllic escape from the spotlight’s glare.
As Hollywood’s finest prepare to celebrate cinematic achievements, the promise of a Maldivian retreat adds an extra layer of allure to the festivities. For the nominees, whether they secure an Oscar or not, the real victory lies in the opportunity to unwind in one of the world’s most breathtaking locales.
This March, Angsana Velavaru invites travellers to experience a month full of vibrant celebrations and unforgettable moments. From vibrant colours Holi to the soulful celebration of women, the resort offers an array of event and experiences perfect for those seeking relaxation, adventure and an escape into paradise.
On 8 March, guests can indulge in a day of celebration dedicated to honouring the women in their lives. The experience begins with a Champagne & Chocolate Tasting at Kuredhi Beach, where the bubbles of champagne pair perfectly with rich sweetness of chocolate, set against the stunning Maldives backdrop.
Adventures can take part in the complimentary banana boat ride, an exciting experience offering the thrill of the sea and the warmth of camaraderie. For those seeking tranquillity, the Sunset Stretch & Relax session at Angsana Spa & Gallery invites guests to unwind as the sun sets. As the day draws to close, guests can enjoy the Sunset Happy Hour at Funa, followed by a Feast of Senses overlooking the ocean, where exquisite flavours and breathtaking views come together for a memorable experience.
To cap off the night, the Ladies Night Party at Kuredhi Pool Bar promises an evening of laughter, music and celebration under the stars.
Celebrate the vibrant festival of Holi with a week-long celebration from 10 to 17 March that invites guest to immerse themselves in colour and joy. Each moment offers an opportunity to embrace the artistry and vibrancy of the season, beginning with a Rangoli Making session at Kuredhi Pool Bar Beach, where guests can create intricate designs that capture the essence of the festival, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Maldives. The Colour Splash Extravaganza ignites the atmosphere with a spectacular burst of colours, offering a visually captivating experience that promises to be both joyful and exhilarating. For those seeking adventure, the resort invites guests to take part in Whale Shark Snorkelling, where encounters with these majestic gentle giants leave a lasting impression, blending awe with serenity in the crystal-clear waters.
The celebration of Indian culture continues with an elegant Indian Flavours Celebration at Kaani, where the rich tapestry of spices and delicacies transport guests to the heart of India’s culinary heritage. For a truly indulgent experience, guests can unwind with the soothing Holi Bliss at Angsana Spa & Gallery, a rejuvenating treatment designed to refresh both body and soul.
As the sun sets and the evening draws near, the DJ Party in Colours at Kuredhi Pool Bar fills the air with infectious beats and radiant neon hues, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that pulses with energy and excitement, ensuring the spirit of Holi continues long into the night.
Throughout March, Angsana Velavaru offers a variety of complimentary experience designed to enhances every traveller’s stay. Guest can explore the house reef through snorkelling, enjoy a fun-filled karaoke night, or relax during a laid-back movie night under the stars.
This march, Angsana Velavaru serve as the perfect setting for unforgettable moments.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has once again secured the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) Five-Star rating, marking its third consecutive year of recognition by the world’s only independent global rating system for luxury hospitality.
This accolade reinforces the resort’s reputation as a benchmark for unparalleled luxury, impeccable service and transformative guest experiences.
“This achievement is more than an award—it is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team, who continuously redefine what luxury hospitality means in the Maldives,” said TJ Joulak, general manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. “To be recognized for three consecutive years by Forbes Travel Guide reaffirms our promise to deliver an extraordinary level of service, ensuring that every moment spent at our resort is unforgettable.”
This highly coveted accolade underscores the resort’s unwavering commitment to elevating guest experiences, cementing its status among the world’s most luxurious destinations. The resort’s consistent excellence is further highlighted by its continued recognition for the third consecutive year, maintaining its place as a premier choice for discerning travellers.
The Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating is one of the industry’s most rigorous and respected distinctions, with properties evaluated against 900 exacting criteria that emphasise flawless service, exceptional facilities, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Only properties that demonstrate consistently extraordinary experiences earn a Five-Star rating.
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