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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

Excursions

From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’

Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.

The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.

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Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.

With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).

“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”

As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.

By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.

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