Zafar Ali, better known as Zaff, is a man of the sea. When asked how best to describe him, his answer is simple yet captivating: diver, surfer, and water sports enthusiast. Zaff’s love for the ocean and all its wonders began at a young age, when he was introduced to the traditional Maldivian style of surfing in his home island of Fuvahmulah. Little did he know then that this initial encounter would shape his entire life’s journey.

In 2003, Zaff and his friends started experimenting with boards, bringing the sport of surfing to Fuvahmulah. Their efforts laid the foundation for the island to become a popular destination among surfers today. This early exposure to the thrill of riding the waves ignited a passion within Zaff that he would carry with him throughout his life.

After completing his education, Zaff joined Athuruga Island Resort as a Receptionist, marking the beginning of his career in the hospitality industry. Over the course of six years, he gained valuable experience working at various resorts, honing his skills in guest relations and providing exceptional service. However, it was during his tenure as a Guest Relations Officer at Bandos Maldives in 2007 that Zaff’s path intersected with the world of water sports and scuba diving.

Working closely with the resort’s water sports and dive center, Zaff was introduced to a whole new realm of adventure and excitement. The vast playground of the ocean beckoned him, and he eagerly embraced activities such as diving, snorkeling, and jet skiing. The underwater world, in particular, captivated Zaff’s imagination, and he knew he had found his true calling.

Driven by his newfound passion, Zaff pursued scuba diving with unwavering dedication. In 2016, he earned the prestigious certification of Master Scuba Diver, a testament to his expertise and experience in the field. Seeking to deepen his knowledge and share his passion with others, Zaff went on to complete the Scuba Dive Instructor Course, solidifying his position as a respected professional in the diving community.

In 2017, Zaff’s journey led him to Cocoon Maldives, where he assumed the role of Manager for the Extreme Maldives Water Sports Center. This position allowed him to combine his love for water sports with his managerial skills, creating unforgettable experiences for guests and overseeing a team of dedicated professionals. Zaff’s enthusiasm and commitment to providing exceptional service made a lasting impression on visitors from around the world.

Then, the unexpected arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the travel industry, forcing Zaff to reevaluate his career path. Instead of succumbing to the challenges, he saw an opportunity to return to his roots. Zaff moved back to his native island of Fuvahmulah during the lockdown and partnered with Extreme Maldives to establish Olige, a dive center that would showcase the island’s natural beauty and its famous inhabitants: tiger sharks.

Zaff, was among the first explorers to have extraordinary encounters with the majestic tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah, even before it gained recognition as a sought-after dive location. Reflecting on his own initial scuba diving venture in Fuvahmulah in 2011, memories resurface of a time when the island lacked adequate dive equipment and dedicated dive centers. During those days, divers relied upon the generosity of local fishing boats, graciously borrowing their scuba diving gear in order to immerse ourselves in the captivating underwater realm. Thanks to the unwavering determination and resourcefulness displayed by individuals like Zaff, Fuvahmulah’s diving industry has flourished over time, transforming it into the vibrant and coveted destination it is today.

Today, Zaff finds fulfillment in running the dive center in Fuvahmulah, which has become one of the most sought-after diving destinations globally. With its pristine waters and rich marine biodiversity, Fuvahmulah offers divers a chance to explore the depths and witness the awe-inspiring presence of tiger sharks. Zaff’s expertise, combined with his deep connection to the island and its waters, ensures that visitors have a safe and unforgettable diving experience. Zaff Ali, the diver, surfer, and water sports enthusiast, has carved out a remarkable path for himself. From his humble beginnings in Fuvahmulah to managing water sports centers at luxurious resorts, he has followed his passion and shared it with others along the way. Today, Zaff’s dedication to exploring the ocean’s depths and introducing others to its wonders continues to inspire.

Surfers from around the world are gearing up for the thrill of a lifetime as the surfing season at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa kicks off. With its renowned local breaks, expert coaches, bespoke surf cruises, and exhilarating seaplane “surfaris,” the resort is a haven for wave-riders seeking the ultimate surfing experience.

General Manager Didier Jardin expressed the resort’s enthusiasm for surfing, stating, “We’re a little bit surf-obsessed here at Kuda Huraa.” The resort offers lagoon-based lessons for surfers as young as six, catering to beginners and professionals alike. The prestigious Surfing Champions Trophy, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has attracted world-class surfers such as Kelly Slater and Tom Curren, further showcasing the exceptional surf experience available at Kuda Huraa.

The 2022 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, known as “the world’s most luxurious surfing event,” brought together legendary surfers from the “Momentum Generation” and Maldives Surfing Champion Hussain “Iboo” Areef to compete in a unique event format featuring single, twin, and thruster fin contests. Last year’s champion, Kelly Slater, praised the location, saying, “The Maldives is one of those places that I want to come back to year after year. It’s just such a great location, and the waves are beautiful; they’re playful but high level and high-performance surf.”

Excitement is building for this year’s Surfing Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from August 21 to 28, 2023. Surf enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the first competitors, anticipating an exhilarating display of talent and skill.

For those planning a visit to Kuda Huraa, the surf season runs year-round for beginners and from April to October for experienced surfers. Guests can start by learning the essentials in the calm waters of the resort’s lagoon before venturing out to the nearby breaks, where perfect waves await. The breaks around Kuda Huraa, including Honkies, Chickens, Cokes, Sultans, Ninjas, and Tombstones, offer a variety of waves catering to different skill levels and preferences.

In addition to guided Tropicsurf lessons and sessions, Kuda Huraa offers a unique experience: the opportunity to charter a private seaplane and explore untouched breaks in the Maldivian wilderness. Surfers can paddle out to remote, pristine waves surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives, all while enjoying refreshments and the freedom to chase the perfect tide.

The Surf’s Up package at Kuda Huraa includes guest accommodations with daily buffet breakfast, round-trip speedboat transfers, guided boat transfers to local surf breaks, use of surf equipment and stand-up paddle boards, a welcome gift, welcome drink, and fresh fruits in the bungalow. Guests can choose between the Beginner or Experienced Surfer program, with options for lagoon-based courses, ocean-based excursions, coaching clinics, and guided surf excursions.

To plan a surfing break at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, interested individuals can book online, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Kuda Huraa promises an unforgettable surfing experience in the lap of luxury.