Sayyid claims O Level Top Ten while juggling surfing career and education

Locals widely regarded surfers as a uneducated bunch with no discipline. Some even described them as street kids with no affinity for studies. However, time and time again, local surfers have proven that this misconception remains far from the truth.

Aspiring local surfer, Sayyid Salahuddin held high hopes of proving this traditional perception wrong and ensuring his efforts towards changing the prejudice were successful as he went to claim his O'' Level results. The result of his hard work juggling education and his surfing career were outstanding. Sayyid, who was enrolled in Iskandar School, Male' City had secured a spot amongst the National Top Ten, claiming sixth rank with A grades.

Balancing his dear love for the waves, the young surfer earned four A*s, three As and one B. His A graded subjects include Islam, while he received a B in Dhivehi language.

The Maldivian surfing community perceived his excellent O' Level grades as a success for the sport itself. The National Surfing Team also held a small event to commemorate his hard earned success.

"It was planned as a surprise. The celebrations, cutting cake was within the team," said Sayyid, referring to the event held to celebrate his accomplishment.

Some had told him he cannot surf while engaged in education, revealed Sayyidh.

"At first, I couldn't bring myself to study much. Some people advised me to focus on my studies. I began studying harder after entering ninth grade," he elaborated.

"However, I had hopes of placing in the top tens when I finished the exams. Because I was able to work that hard."

After celebrating his educational achievement, what is next in line for Sayyidh today are the official events of the ongoing Asian Surfing Championship.

Sayyidh shared that his O' Level results are a source of further encouragement as he faces the challenging waves of the Championship.

The nation remains hopeful in the efforts of the surfing team, led by renowned coach and accomplished surfer, Hussain Areef (Ibu) in preparation for the tournament. The athletes also have particularly high hopes for the Championship this year as it serves as a qualifier for the Japan 2026 Asian Games, marking the first instance of Maldivian participation in a surfing qualifier.

Preparations for this tournament was commenced shortly after last year's Asian Surfing Championships concluded, Sayyid added.

Besides Sayyid, the national junior team constitutes of Yasin Ahmed Nashid, Yoosuf Kayan Hamdhaan Zaki, Kayan Abdulla Areef, Ahmed Zayaan and Mohamed Inaan Abdul Hannaan. As captain to all these young surfers, Sayyid remains conferred a weighty responsibility.