Nice waves. Nice digs. Photos: Four Seasons Maldives
Surf contests are often held in pretty nice places. Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti… you get the idea. Swaying palms. Crystal clear water. Amazing waves over gorgeous stretches of reef. But there’s one that stands out among the rest, especially when it comes to pure luxury: the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. And this year, the lineup is stacked.
The event runs from September 4-11 at Sultans, one of the Maldives’ premier breaks. The contest organizers brand it as the “world’s most luxurious surfing event,” and it’s a hard point to argue. The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is the backdrop, and only limited packages are available for would-be spectators, who can watch from one of the resort’s luxury yachts.
It’s long been one of those contests that competitors can’t stop talking about. The waves, of course, are spectacular, but it’s more than just the waves.
“Wilko won’t shut up about it!” Owen Wright laughed. “He loved his time at the Four Seasons, and I know I will too. Any surf trip is great, but it’s nice to add a little luxury from time to time. Can’t wait!”
Michel Bourez, a guy who has a Pipe Masters under his belt, is pretty excited as well. He, like Wright, has heard good things from a previous competitor.
“Jeremy [Flores] has only had positive things to say about the event!” said Bourez. “And not just the competition. He told me the Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa is super fun, with good waves everywhere, and that the accommodation is next level. I’m so happy I get to bring my family, to enjoy the experience, and have the chance to be in another country, which will be really good for them.”
The event has an interesting format, with a single-fin event as well as twin-fin and thruster divisions. For surfers who might be used to competing on plain old thrusters most of the time, that could be seen as a little bit difficult, but Bourez is just fine with it.
“I’ve competed on single fins and twin fins and it’s always fun,” he said. “I haven’t surfed in a heat in a while but that’s okay! On my last trip to the Maldives we scored unforgettable waves but what I remember the most are the great times; it was all about fun and good vibes. Amazing memories!”
