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Two-time world champion Damien Hardman wins Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2012

Maldives Promotion House – Australian surfing legend and two-time world champion Damien ‘Dooma’ Hardman (Aus), 46, narrowly defeated three-time world champion Tom Curren (USA), 48, in the Grand Champions Final of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2012 today.
The invitational event saw five world champions, Hardman, Curren, Mark Occhilupo (Aus), Martin Potter (GB) and Rhil Rajzman (Brz) compete across three divisions to qualify for the Grand Champions Trophy.
It was a magical week in the Maldives for Hardman, winning both the Single and Twin Fin divisions to claim USD6000 before adding another UD$10,000 to his total prize tally of USD$16000.
“I can’t remember the last time I won sixteen grand,” said Hardman.
“It’s been a great week, for our ages we are all surfing on top of our game and Curren was amazing today,” said Hardman. “It was a serious contest out there, but at the same time I had a lot of fun.”
Hardman opened quickly in the final, locking in an 8.83, leaving Curren playing catch-up straight out of the gates. With two minutes remaining the door opened for Curren when Hardman lost priority, but the inconsistent conditions favored the ever-strategic Australian, who would eventually go on to claim the 2012 title. Curren, requiring a 7.5, made one last ditch effort but only managed a 6.5 on his final ride to be forced to settle for second,
“Opening up against Curren in a final where the winner gets ten grand and the waves are quite slow was great,” said Hardman. “You can’t get a better start than that so I think that was the one wave in the final that made the difference.”
Curren who finished with a heat total of 16:10 to Hardman’s 16:56 was happy with his performance and the USD6000 win.
“It was a close final and could have gone either way,” said Curren.
“We had some great exchanges and I knew I had to go on that last wave, as it was inconsistent, but it didn’t have the potential to get the score. Sometimes it just goes that way,” added Curren.
Sultan’s Point turned on a flawless finals day for the Four Seasons Maldives Champions Trophy 2012 with crisp three- to five-foot (1.5 metres) reef-break waves pulsing through all day for the Thruster Division and the all-important Grand Champions Final.
Curren (USA) timed his run to perfection, coming from behind with subtlety, style and calculation to win the Thruster Division and secure a coveted Grand Champions Final berth. Curren was in command from the outset of the final over 2007 World Longboard champion Phil Rajzman (Brz). The American style master remained focused throughout the 30-minute matchup to leave Rajzman, 30, requiring an achievable 6.07 score on the siren.
“I’m very happy,” said Curren. “I like my board a lot and the waves are much better today. I knew Phil was going to be very hard to beat and it came down to that last set wave and he didn’t need much of a score, but it went my way.”
Semifinal one between archrivals and two of surfing most influential stars, Curren and Occhilupo, didn’t disappoint with its intensity. The lead exchanged constantly until Occhilpo looked secure, but Curren proved he could not be underestimated using a last second wave to take the win.
“That was a tough match-up with Occy,” said Curren. “There wasn’t that any waves in that heat and Occy got that really good one at the end. Then I got that pretty decent one behind it and that was enough.”
Despite losing in the opening round of the Thruster Division, Hardman’s earlier wins in the Single and Twin Fin divisions saw the goofy-footer accrue enough points to secure an all-important Grand Champions Final berth.
Minister of Defense and National Security Mohamed Nazim attended the awards ceremony and presented the surfers with their trophies.
Australian surfer/shaper Simon Anderson invented the Thruster design, which was met with skepticism initially, but after enhancements in 1981, he won the Bells Beach Classic and the Surfabout in Sydney, then later the Pipe Masters in Hawaii. Those victories brought the Thruster to everyone’s attention; from 1984 onward every world champion has used one.
Following the success of the second annual event Four Seasons and Tropicsurf have vowed to make the 2013 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy even bigger and better next year.
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Nova Maldives, PADI partner for transformative Ocean Adventure Week with India Black this July

This summer, Nova Maldives, the soulful island resort, is proudly partnering with the world’s leading scuba diving organisation, PADI, to host a unique ocean adventure week from 13 to 20 July, in celebration of PADI’s 11th Women’s Dive Day on 19 July 2025.
Nova & PADI’s Transformative Ocean Adventure Week will be co-hosted by PADI AmbassaDiver, conservation advocate, and broadcaster India Black, and PADI Regional Manager for the Maldives Matt Wenger, inviting ocean lovers from around the world to immerse themselves in diving, conservation, and community, while discovering the transformative power of the ocean and promoting sustainable diving practices.
Taking place at Nova’s stunning South Ari Atoll location, this event will feature guided dives, marine conservation workshops, and sustainability-focused training. Guests will have the rare opportunity to explore the protected pristine waters of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), witness diverse marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks, and deepen their understanding of ethical diving and ocean stewardship.
Leading the way alongside PADI AmbassaDiver India Black is PADI Regional Manager Matt Wenger, who brings nearly three decades of experience as a PADI Pro. Now in his tenth year overseeing PADI’s presence in the Maldives, Matt has played a key role in expanding PADI’s reach across both luxury resorts and emerging local island destinations. His dedication to sustainability and marine conservation aligns closely with PADI’s Three Pillars of Change, ensuring that responsible diving and environmental awareness remain at the heart of this experience. A passionate storyteller and advocate for ocean conservation, India Black has dedicated her career to inspiring people to adventure further, care for themselves, and protect the planet. Having spent time rehabilitating sea turtles in the Whitsundays, paddling 110km across Hawaii’s Alenuihaha Channel, and championing marine protection initiatives worldwide, her connection to the ocean runs deep. For India, the water has always been a place of healing and personal growth, and she hopes this event will encourage others to experience the same. With Matt’s deep expertise in the Maldives diving scene and India’s mission to connect people with the ocean, this event promises to be an inspiring, educational, and immersive week for all participants.
“The ocean has given me so much — peace, perspective, and connection — and I’m so passionate about helping others find that too,” says India Black. “This week is about more than just diving; it’s about learning how we can all play a part in protecting the marine world while building unforgettable memories in it.”
Hosted at Nova’s soulful island resort located in the breathtaking South Ari Atoll, the event offers guests a curated programme of conservation-focused activities, dives, and educational workshops designed to deepen their understanding of ocean protection. With India and Matt’s expertise, throughout the week, guests will experience:
- Manta Quest Snorkelling – Head off in search of majestic manta rays in their natural habitat.
- Whale Shark Snorkelling – Swim alongside the Maldives’ gentle giants in an unforgettable encounter.
- Turtle Quest – Discover the Maldives’ endangered sea turtles while learning about conservation efforts to protect them.
- Ocean Clean-Up Dive – Take hands-on action by removing marine debris from the reef.
- Blue Planet Movie Nights – Unwind under the stars with screenings of BBC’s Blue Planet series, deepening appreciation for the underwater world.
- Marine Conservation Talks & Workshops – Attend presentations on whale shark research, coral conservation, and PADI AWARE’s initiatives[ma1] , exploring sustainable diving and marine protection.
- Women’s Dive Day Celebration – A special PADI Women’s Dive Day event to encourage and empower more women to embrace diving and ocean conservation.
As partners of the MWSRP (The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme) and accredited by Manta Trust as Responsible Manta Tourism Operator Nova is proud to support the conservation of the Maldives’ beautiful gentle giants. At the heart of the event is a commitment to sustainable tourism, ocean conservation, and community connection, values that align closely with India’s own mission. Having built a platform dedicated to encouraging others to adventure further, love themselves better, and protect the planet, India hopes to inspire attendees to see themselves as stewards of the ocean.
“My journey with the ocean has shaped who I am today, and I’ve learned that once you truly connect with the sea, you can’t help but want to protect it,” she says. “I’m so excited to dive alongside Nova’s guests, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully spark that same love for the water in them.”
Nova’s General Manager, Abdulla Aboobakuru, adds: “This event embodies everything we stand for at Nova — community, connection, and sustainability. Partnering with PADI and India Black gives us an incredible opportunity to not only showcase the natural beauty of the Maldives but also inspire guests to become lifelong ocean advocates.”
The Nova x PADI Transformative Ocean Adventure Week from 13 to 20 July 2025 is available to book exclusively through Nova , with limited spots available. Full Board Plus rates start at USD 493/night in a Beach Villa and USD 694/night in a Water Villa (inclusive of tax) based on two adults sharing when booked direct.
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Join football legend Teddy Sheringham at Amilla Maldives

Amilla Maldives has announced that football legend Teddy Sheringham will be returning to the resort this April. From 2nd to 8th April, Sheringham, celebrated for his pivotal role in Manchester United’s treble-winning team, will be inspiring the next generation of footballers with a series of training sessions.
Sheringham, whose 24-year career has cemented him as one of football’s most respected figures, will lead daily sessions from 4:00pm to 6:00pm for young football enthusiasts aged 4 and above. The week-long experience will offer a unique opportunity to train under the guidance of a world-class footballer.
“We are delighted to welcome Teddy back to Amilla Maldives,” said Narelle McDougall, General Manager. “His passion and commitment to inspire young players makes this a truly special event.”
Football fans need no introduction to Sheringham’s remarkable career, and this event promises to be a memorable week of football, camaraderie, and the chance to train with one of the greatest players of his generation.
For reservations, contact reserve@amilla.com.
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Vieri brothers to lead football camp at Siyam World Maldives this April

Calling all parents whose kids spend more time perfecting their goal celebrations than, actually passing the ball! This April 19th to 21st, 2025, Siyam World Maldives is bringing football royalty to the island, as legendary striker Christian Vieri and pro coach Max Vieri host an unforgettable kids football camp. This is not your usual “run drills until your legs give up” training. It’s about skills, fun, friendships, and, let’s be honest, giving parents a little peace and quiet.
This fun-filled camp is designed for kids aged 5 -12 years, and promises to focus on developing real football skills, building new friendships, and soaking in the Maldivian magic. And don’t worry parents, you’ll have some well-deserved time to relax, or at least enjoy a break from being the constant referee.
Christian Vieri, Serie A Golden Boot winner, goal-scoring machine, and all-around football icon has scored over 230 goals for clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, and Atlético Madrid. Now, he’s heading to Siyam World’s pitch to pass on his legendary skills to the next generation.
And because we all know kids listen better to someone other than their parents, his brother, Max Vieri, former pro footballer and expert youth coach, will be on hand to keep them focused on actual training).
Why This Camp is Unmissable:
- Kids train with legends – Hands-on coaching from Christian & Max Vieri.
- Late afternoon sessions – No 5 AM wake-ups, just football under the golden Maldivian sky.
- A holiday for the whole family – Kids play, parents relax (or cheer from a sun lounger).
- It’s football, but fun – No pressure, just unforgettable memories on and off the pitch.
A Mother’s Perspective: It’s More Than Just Football
Jessica Gasper, whose children Preston and Sienna attended the January football camp with Daniel Agger, shares her experience: “I thought my kids would have fun, but I didn’t expect the confidence and friendships they’d come away with. Watching them train with a footballing legend, play on a world-class pitch, and come home each day buzzing with stories, it was priceless. And let’s be honest, having a few hours to myself each afternoon? It was the first time in years my husband and I truly relaxed on vacation. A holiday within a holiday! If you’re thinking about it, just do it, your kids will thank you forever.”
Following in the Footsteps of Football Greats
Siyam World Maldives has a rich legacy of hosting world-class football camps, having featured some of the biggest names in football history, including: Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Agger, Esteban Cambiasso and more.
With Christian and Max Vieri now joining this lineup, Siyam World continues to be the ultimate destination for young footballers and their families.
When & Where?
- Where: Siyam World Maldives
- Date: April 19th to 21st, 2025
- Ages: 5-12 years old
- How to Book: Visit Siyam World or email stay@siyamworld.com.
- Limited Spots Available!
- This exclusive football camp is expected to sell out fast.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience combines professional football training with the fun and relaxation of a tropical holiday. Parents, this might be your only chance to watch your kids practice without worrying about shattered living room vases.
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