The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, renowned as the world’s most luxurious surfing competition, returned this year for its 12th edition. Once again shining a spotlight on the Maldives’ perfect waves, uncrowded spots and the local surf culture. Held from August 29th to September 5th, this eight-day event brought together five international surf champions and a local talent, battling for a USD 25,000 prize under perfect weather conditions.
White beaches, crystal-clear waters, and perfect waves, the Maldives are a true surfing paradise. Photo Credits: Jon Frank
In the lineup were some of the biggest names in surfing, including five-time world champion and surfing’s first-ever female Olympic gold medallist, Carissa Moore. She was joined in the water by Jérémy Florès, recognized as the greatest European surfer of all time, and Brazil’s beloved Jason Andre, who made a strong start by winning the single fin division on the first day. South Africa’s Mikey February also made waves, reaching the grand final, where he faced off against two-time event champion Taj Burrow, who once again secured his title this year, becoming the first-ever three-time winner of the event.
In addition to these international champions, local wildcard Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil, a natural footer from the surfing island of Thulusdhoo and the Maldives’ top-ranked surfer in 2022, showcased the depth of Maldivian surf culture. Competing alongside the world’s best, Ammaday demonstrated that Maldivian surfers have earned their place among the most elite athletes in the sport.
Aerial view of the Sultans, home of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2024. Photo Credits: Conor Quinlan
This year’s competition was held at the iconic right-hand reef break of Sultans, one of the many exceptional surf spots near Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. The event featured three divisions – single fin, twin fin, and thruster – with the grand finalists determined by the twin fin division, following a last-minute change due to an unexpected swell on the second day of the competition.
Aside from the surfers’ incredible performances in the water, what truly captivated the audience during this competition were the athletes’ big smiles, strong camaraderie, and their palpable connection with the ocean, embodying the true spirit of surfing. For many of the athletes, returning to the Maldives was a joyful experience, and the opportunity to ride the islands’ perfect waves once again was a highlight of the year.
The true spirit of surfing: friends, waves, and the joy of shared success. Photo Credits: Jon Frank
Surfing, known as raalhaa elhun in Dhivehi, is deeply rooted in Maldivian cultural heritage, reflecting the close relationship between Maldivians and the ocean, both as a source of livelihood and a way of life. Surfing has long been a favourite pastime for young Maldivians, who would grab their boards and paddle out to enjoy waves that were often all their own.
The modern era of surfing in the Maldives began in the 1980s, when an Australian surfer, stranded on a Maldivian reef during his journey from Sri Lanka to South Africa, decided to settle in the island nation. Captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled surfing opportunities, he eventually married a local woman and established the first specialist surfing operator in the Maldives, opening up the country’s breaks to the international surfing community.
Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil showing the world what Maldivian surf culture is about. Photo Credits: Jon Frank
The introduction of modern surfing marked a turning point in the Maldivian surf culture, inspiring many young men to pursue professional surfing careers. While men quickly advanced in the surfing world, it took nearly a decade for women to enter the scene, and even longer for them to compete. However, thanks to the evolution of the culture and the determination of female surfers, remarkable milestones have now been reached. Just a month ago, during the Asian Surfing Championship, the Maldives secured a spot in the Female Opens division at the 2026 Asian Games, set to be hosted in Japan.
The Maldives is now recognized not only for its stunning surf spots but also as a hub of surfing talent, where local surfers can turn their passion for the waves into a career. Thanks to the efforts of properties like Four Seasons and events like the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, young Maldivian surfers have a platform to shine and gain international recognition.
Giulia Pellizzato
Giulia Pellizzato is a passionate marine biologist with over a decade of experience, including 6 years in the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector. As the founder of My Salty Adventures, she is committed to raising global awareness about the ocean’s beauty and vulnerability. Through her expertise in education, outreach, content creation, and social media, Giulia inspires people around the world to join her mission in protecting and preserving our blue planet.
