Unique in many ways, the Surfing Champions Trophy determines a surfer’s heat time based on their age, and tests skill across three different divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and triple-fin thruster.

Places are granted to surfing’s elite by invitation-only, who then battle it out for both ‘surfing inner-circle’ kudos and US$25,000 prize winnings.

This year saw Aussie Josh Kerr battle it out with Brazilian Alejo Muniz in the final, both finding epic barrels on the inside section. Kerr got off to the perfect start, posting two excellent scores and despite the best of efforts from Muniz, the final nail in the coffin came in the last minute when Kerr scored a perfect 10 point ride.

Local wildcard Abdulla ‘Fuku’ Areef hadn’t had much experience on the different boards, yet was truly impressive with the thruster. The Maldivian surfing legend described the week’s experience as one of the best of his life.

As always, the event was onboard Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. Fans can get up close to the action with onboard VIP passes, while the ‘surf tour’ experience continues with shoulder-rubbing events back at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and partners.

Kerr will return to the event and defend his title in 2019, but stayed tuned for the rest of the invitation-only Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy line up.

 

Written by:
Caleb Thornton-Shaw

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