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Dates announced for Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2015

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2 Thila

Clear your calendars! The first three competitors for the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2015have been announced, and it’s the hottest line-up yet.

Headlining the event’s fifth consecutive year, free-surfer Dave “Rasta” Rastovich returns to defend his 2014 title, joined by fearless big-wave legend Shane Dorian and record-setting “surf goddess” Sofia Mulanovich – plus three more world champs yet to be announced.

Surfing enthusiasts the world over won’t want to miss the shoulder-rubbing action that this boutique, invitation-only event brings: a unique chance to stay on a 12 acre (5 hectare) island and share an exclusive “surf tour” experience with six of the sport’s biggest names at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.

The event is organised in conjunction with luxury surf pioneers Tropicsurf (the pros behind Kuda Huraa’s surf courses and trips) and run from the 39 metre (128 foot) Four Seasons Explorer. Guests can obtain day passes to enjoy the action on board as well as well as mingle with the competitors at post-surf cocktail parties.

Event co-ordinator Mark Winson of Tropicsurf comments, “Each year I see the Champions Trophy concept grow to another level. A reputation for flawless waves and high performance surfing again has the world’s elite surfers banging down the door to be one of the six contenders. I think Rasta will have his work cut out for him defending the title considering the competition’s unique age-based handicap. To give the likes of Shane Dorian a head start to a heat will have a big impact.”

The SCT is unique in many ways, from determining a surfer’s heat based on their age to a test of skill across three different divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and triple-fin thruster. This year sees a free-surfer, a big-wave rider, and a hard-charging female challenger in the mix for the USD 25,000 prize money, with excitement building as to who will claim the last three spots.  Introducing the first three SCT 2015 competitors:

Rasta Surfing

Dave “Rasta” Rastovich (AUS)

Hitting the ocean scene as a nipper (young Australian lifesaver), Rasta went on to surf up a wave of wins: U/16 World Grommet Titles in Bali, Pro Junior Burleigh Heads and finals of Billabong World Junior Championships. Turning his back on the traditional pro route, he carved a career that has included recognition as the world’s first pro freesurfer; winning the open class Molokai to Oahu Hawaiian inter-island paddle race (world champs of long-distance open ocean paddling); and setting up Surfers for Cetaceans, dedicated to the conservation and protection of the marine life he shares the water with.

Commenting on his return to defend his 2014 SCT title, Rasta says, “This is a surfing event that ensures everyone has a good time. We all progress our surfing together, go diving, enjoy amazing food and drinks, and get to retreat to luxury at the end of every surf and sun soaked day. I can’t believe I get to re-live the dream of being in this event again this year.”

Shane Dorian (HAW)

One of the world’s best big-wave surfers, Dorian hails from Kona, Hawaii.  He began surfing at the age of 5, turning pro at 17 and steadily climbed the world ranks, reaching his career best #4 in 2000. Carving his own surfing style – raised-chin, down-turned hands, splayed fingers – Dorian was considered one of the best all-rounders when he retired from the tour in 2003.  Far from quitting surfing, the ever-fearless tuberider shifted his focus to big-wave surfing, winning six Billabong XXL big-wave awards between 2005 and 2013 and achieving the ultimate kudos for the near impossible: slaying a world-record setting 57-footer at Jaws, Maui’s monster break, in 2011.

“I can’t wait to get back to the Maldives,” Shane says. “I love it there and am excited to enjoy a week atFour Seasons with my wife Lisa. The chance to score some waves with five other invitees will be awesome!”

Sofia Mulanovich (PER)

The first Peruvian surfer to win an Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour event; the first South American to win a world title; the first South American surfer to be inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame; and the first surfer to defeat Layne Beachley from her six year dominance of the sport – Sofia Mulanovich is surfing elite.  With surfing traditionally being a male-dominated sport in Peru, she grew up competing against the boys, entering her first pro contests at 13. A blue-eyed beauty with a hard-charging style, she’s sure to give this year’s SCT line-up a real run for their money.

Commenting on her place in the competition, Sofia says, “I have always wanted to go to the Maldives. I imagine it’s just like being in paradise.  I’m super excited that I now have the opportunity to surf there and stay at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. It’s a dream come true – I can’t wait!”

 

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Sierra Kerr joins surfing lineup for 2025 Four Seasons Maldives Champions Trophy

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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa has announced Australian surfing prodigy Sierra Kerr as the third confirmed competitor for the 2025 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. Running from September 4 to 11, 2025, the 13th edition of this one-of-a-kind event will see the 18-year-old natural footer become the youngest ever competitor in the tournament’s history, with her sights set on becoming the first female champion.

For Kerr, the invitation marks a full-circle moment. At just 12 years old, she watched her father, Josh Kerr, take home the trophy in both 2018 and 2019 from the channel at Sultans. “I’ve got so many great memories of the Maldives,” says Kerr, who grew up between Australia’s Gold Coast and California. “I had so much fun enjoying the waves and all the activities with my family. Seeing Dad win the Surfing Champions Trophy was amazing, and I remember saying that I hoped one day I’d surf well enough to be invited myself!”

Now a 2023 World Junior Champion and celebrated multi-sport athlete, Kerr is more than ready to tackle the event’s unique format, which challenges surfers across three board disciplines: single fin, twin fin and thruster. “I’m super excited by the format,” she shares. “I’ve competed on a twin-fin before, but never on a single fin. JS Industries make my thrusters but my Dad’s new brand, Draft, will be making my twin fin and single fins, and I can’t wait to ride the best of both worlds!”

Adaptability is one of Kerr’s strengths. In addition to her achievements in surfing and skateboarding, she maintains an impressive golf handicap of 8. Her sights, however, are firmly set on carving her name into the Surfing Champions Trophy record books. “Dad taking the event out was so inspiring,” she continues. “No female has ever won the Surfing Champions Trophy before, so it would be so awesome to be the first!”

While the surf is centre stage, the return to Kuda Huraa is just as meaningful for Kerr. “Four Seasons is the best of the best,” she adds. “It’s beautiful, has so many fun activities, and the staff are so kind and helpful. I’m pretty sure they know what you want long before you do!”

Kerr joins fellow Australians Craig Anderson and Jesse Mendes on the 2025 roster, with the final three surfers — including a Maldivian wildcard — to be revealed in the coming weeks.

The Surfing Champions Trophy will run from September 4 to 11, 2025, at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Guests staying during the week-long event will enjoy front-row access to the action, with the chance to spectate the daily heats from the resort’s luxury boats. Each day’s heat winners are announced back on the island during informal beachfront gatherings, where guests are warmly welcomed to mingle with the competitors both in and out of the water.

For those inspired to experience the waves firsthand, the resort’s Surf’s Up package offers an unforgettable way to surf like the pros. The experience includes round-trip speedboat transfers between Velana International Airport and the resort, welcome refreshments and gifts on arrival, and daily breakfast at Café Huraa. Guests enjoy four days of ability-based surf coaching, complete with guided boat transfers to nearby breaks, complimentary use of surfboards and stand-up paddleboards, and daily group yoga sessions to support body and balance. To help ease wave-weary muscles, the package also includes a 60-minute Islander or Surfer massage for two. Surf experiences are tailored to both beginners and seasoned surfers, from lagoon-based introductory sessions to advanced coaching clinics that chase the perfect ride.

To reserve a Surf’s Up stay, click here or contact the Central Reservations department at +960 66 00 888 or email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com.

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COMO Maalifushi launches freediving with Maldivian pioneer Fahd Faiz

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COMO Maalifushi has announced the launch of its new freediving programme, developed in collaboration with Fahd Faiz, the first Maldivian freediving instructor and a prominent advocate for marine conservation in the country. This initiative reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering transformative guest experiences while promoting sustainability, education, and professional development within its team.

Running from 27 July to 10 August 2025, Fahd Faiz’s residency marks the official introduction of freediving training at COMO Maalifushi. The programme centres on equipping the resort’s marine team with advanced skills in breath-hold diving, safety protocols, and heightened underwater awareness. These freediving techniques are set to be incorporated into the resort’s PADI offerings, providing guests with an opportunity to engage with the ocean in a more mindful and unrestricted manner.

Fahd Faiz is the founder of Freedive Maldives, the country’s first locally owned freediving centre, established in 2015. A world record holder in static apnea, he has trained more than 1,000 students and currently serves as President of the Maldives Freediving Association. As the country’s sole PADI Instructor Trainer, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the freediving landscape both in the Maldives and internationally.

Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Maldives, remarked, “Having Fahd with us at COMO Maalifushi has been an inspiring experience for the team. His passion for the ocean, combined with his exceptional expertise and dedication to education, aligns perfectly with our brand’s ethos of holistic wellness, sustainability, and authentic connection to place. This new freediving initiative not only strengthens our internal capabilities but also enriches the experience we offer our guests, allowing them to encounter the marine world in a deeper and more tranquil way. We are proud to support Fahd’s mission and delighted to introduce freediving at COMO Maalifushi.”

During his residency, Fahd is leading immersive training sessions with the resort’s marine team, focusing on breath control, rescue techniques, equalisation, and mental conditioning—skills essential to freediving and valuable in ensuring guest safety and engagement.

This new freediving experience at COMO Maalifushi is poised to become a signature offering, inviting guests to explore the depths of the Indian Ocean on a single breath, amidst vibrant coral gardens, tropical reef fish, and the meditative silence of the sea.

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Fast, fun, and fearless: Jet Car rides arrive at Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Vilu Reef

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At Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, guests can now glide across the pristine turquoise lagoons aboard a sleek, high-performance Jet Car — a new water adventure that seamlessly blends excitement with elegance. This latest addition invites guests to experience the Maldives from an entirely fresh perspective, all while immersed in the refined comfort and distinctive style for which both resorts are renowned. A striking combination of speed, scenic beauty, and luxury, the Jet Car experience encapsulates the resorts’ dedication to delivering unforgettable moments for discerning travellers.

Powered by a high-performance Yamaha engine, the Jet Car offers a thrilling ride over the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Guests may select from various packages, including guided excursions where a professional driver navigates the route, or private hire options that allow guests to take control, accompanied by a jet ski guide for added safety and assistance.

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, the experience is marked by a sleek white Jet Car that creates a dramatic contrast against the deep ocean hues, while Sun Siyam Iru Veli introduces a vibrant pink Jet Car that brings a playful splash of colour to the horizon. With intuitive controls, the Jet Cars cater to both seasoned water sports enthusiasts and beginners alike. Built-in Bluetooth speakers further personalise the journey, allowing guests to curate their own soundtrack for the ride.

To mark the launch of the Jet Car, both resorts are offering exclusive summer packages. At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, guests staying a minimum of seven nights will receive complimentary round-trip seaplane transfers for two, a veranda breakfast, a Lucky Dolphin Cruise, a USD 100 spa credit on selected treatments, and a welcome bottle of wine with signature bed decoration. Meanwhile, the offer at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef includes complimentary transfers, a sparkling wine and fruit basket on arrival, the choice of a floating or in-villa breakfast, a 30-minute couple’s spa treatment, a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), access to selected non-motorised water sports, and free accommodation for children under 12.

Available for bookings made until 31 August, these seasonal offers present a perfect opportunity for guests to pair barefoot luxury with exhilarating new experiences on the water.

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