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Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy hosts its 10th year of competition

Malika Shahid
26 August 2022, MVT 16:40
Four Season Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy line-up
Malika Shahid
26 August 2022, MVT 16:40

After a two-year hiatus, Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy (SCT) has made a comeback in the reef breaks near Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa.

Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy (SCT) is hosting its 10th year of competition from August 22 to August 29, with perhaps the most exciting line-up of competitors on one field.

The unique event format throws traditional competitions to the wind where rather than set 30-minute heats; each surfer’s heat time is based on their age.

Additionally, their skills are put to the test across three different surfing disciplines ; single-fin, twin-fin and a more conventional triple-fin thruster. With this varied format, each surfer has the freedom to get creative and have as much fun as possible in the water.

Didier Jardin, General Manager,Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa at the opening ceremony of Maldives Surf Champions Trophy -- Photo: Four Seasons Maldives

The first three surfers (of six) who will be competing in this historic 10th year of competition are Rob Machado, Shane Dorian and Ross Williams. These surfers are not only iconic in the sport, but also make up part of a very special crew in surfing’s celebrated history; “The Momentum Generation”.

With their story now made into a feature-length film, fans can tune in and become invested in the narrative of these legendary surfers from their youth to the present, in the Surfing Champions Trophy at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.

“Don’t be fooled by the age of our crew,” says Rob Machado. “We’ll be more fired up than ever, competing against guys from our own generation!”

The remaining field includes Taylo knox; known as one of the most iconic power surfers of all time, and the winner of the SCT in 2013, Kelly Slater; crowned World Surf League champion 11 times and Local wildcard entry Hussain "Iboo" Areef.

Born on the Maldivian island of Raa Atoll, Rasmaadhoo, 45-year-old Iboo is often said to be “the forefather of surfing in the Maldives.” As a former competitor in the Surfing Champions Trophy and multiple Maldives Surfing Champion, Iboo will be ready to put on a show and represent his country against some of his surfing heroes.

Hussain "Iboo" Areef at the surfing event -- Photo: Four Seasons Maldives

“It means a lot to be competing in the Surfing Champions Trophy again this year,” Iboo says. “It’s like a dream come true, surfing my home breaks with these legends. I am very excited to surf against Rob Machado in particular; he has always been my favourite surfer and I have learned so much from watching him, Shane Dorian, Taylor Knox and others in the Momentum movies and Loose Change. It’s pretty incredible to go from seeing them on the screen and in magazines to lining up alongside them; I feel very lucky and thankful to have this opportunity.”

This packed field will be putting on a unique display of surfing to remember, as they compete for USD 25,000 in prize winnings in one of surfing’s most coveted events.

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