BURROW FINDS REDEMPTION WITH A TWIN FIN WIN AT FOUR SEASONS MALDIVES SURFING CHAMPIONS TROPHY
- MACHADO FINISHES RUNNER-UP 
- LOCAL WILDCARD MIGLAL FINISHES EQUAL THIRD
- MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

Caption:  Taj Burrow taking a win in the Twin Fin Division 2017 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy off the island of Kuda Huraa.
Credit: © WSL /  Sean Scott

MACHADO KICKS OFF FOUR SEASONS MALDIVES SURFING CHAMPIONS TROPHY WITH SINGLE FIN DIVISION WIN
- ROB MACHADO TAKES DOWN C.J. HOBGOOD IN OPENING DIVISION FINAL
LAST YEAR'S WINNER TAJ BURROW KNOCKED OUT IN SEMIFINAL
- MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

Caption: Rob Machado taking out the single fin division at the 2017 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy off the island of Kuda Huraa.
Credit: © WSL /  Sean Scott

COMPETITORS LAND IN PARADISE FOR 2017 FOUR SEASONS MALDIVES SURFING CHAMPIONS TROPHY 
- COMPETITION TO GET UNDERWAY LATER THIS WEEK
- MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

Caption: Tropicsurf founder Ross Phillips introduces the competitors at the 2017 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy during the official opening ceremony on the Island of Kuda Huraa.
Credit: © WSL /  Sean Scott

FINAL COMPETITORS ANNOUNCED FOR 2017 FOUR SEASONS MALDIVES SURFING CHAMPIONS TROPHY
- ROB MACHADO ROSS WILLIAMS AND ISMAIL MIGLAL TO JOIN ILLUSTRIOUS FIELD IN THE MALDIVES
- MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

Caption:  Former world No. 2 Rob Machado will get another shot at taking out the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy when he returns in August 2017.
Credit: © WSL /  Sean Scott

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Caption: Taj Burrow has claimed victory at the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy : Sean Scott

Burrow Claims Victory At World’s Most Luxurious Surfing Event 

Kuda Huraa, Maldives (August 13, 2016) -  The 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy has been run and won by West Australian surfer Taj Burrow. Burrow came up against the event’s defending champion, big wave legend Shane Dorian in the Final.

After winning the semifinal and final of the thruster division, coming up against Dorian in the overall event final would be no easy task for a fatigued Burrow. Burrow hit the lead early posting two excellent scores, a 9.17 and an 8.67 (out of a possible 10) for a heat total of 17.84.

Burrow was always going to be too tough to beat having only just retired from competing on the elite WSL Championship Tour (CT). The natural footer surfed incredibly on the final day throwing his fins out on critical sections and drawing rail carves out as if he was on tracks.

“This has been such a fun event,” Burrow said. “Sultans is just such a fun rippable wave, and to surf with one of my childhood heroes, Shane Dorian, in the final was like a dream come true. I was so nervous in both of those Finals; Shane was ripping so hard and just not falling off, so it was pretty nerve-racking.”

Along with the prize money, for winning the contest Burrow is now invited back to the event next year, which some would say is the best prize of all.

“Bec (Burrow’s partner) and I are so stoked we get to come back next year,” Burrow said. “It’s been so amazing here on Kuda Huraa. It’s funny because everyone talks about how chilled out this event is but we’re all competitive deep down and as soon as we paddle out, we’re in it to win it.”

Returning to the event as defending champion, Dorian was the one to beat and his performance didn’t disappoint posting excellent scores across all divisions and taking out the twin fin division. This continued in the final where Dorian’s huge power hacks saw him post a heat total of 17.33, just short of the requirement. “That was so fun today,” Dorian said.

“The waves were pumping all day. I’m so tired after surfing back-to-back finals but it was sick to be out there with Taj, he’s an incredible surfer. My wife and I have been looking forward to getting back here all year so I’m stoked we got to experience it all again and get on the different boards in a contest.” Earlier in the day the two met in the final of the thruster division, which was taken out by the

“That was so fun today,” Dorian said. “The waves were pumping all day. I’m so tired after surfing back-to-back finals but it was sick to be out there with Taj, he’s an incredible surfer. My wife and I have been looking forward to getting back here all year so I’m stoked we got to experience it all again and get on the different boards in a contest.”

Earlier in the day the two met in the final of the thruster division, which was taken out by the in form Burrow. Before they got there they had to each overcome a number of the world’s most renowned surfers on their more preferred conventional thrusters.

Finishing in equal 5th in the thruster division was Californian style icon and former Pipe Master Rob Machado. Machado was on a tear but came up against a rampaging Travis Logie and Taj Burrow and was knocked out of the division finishing in equal 3rd overall.

“This has been unreal,” Machado said. “That heat was sick, Bethany blew me away, her surfing is incredible. Everyone at this contest rips so hard, once you’re off tour it’s rare to be around people who surf at this level, it’s so cool to see, especially making everyone surf single and twin fin boards. I came to the Maldives years ago and it was a real mission getting around to waves but this trip has been amazing; Kuda Huraa is so close to all these waves it’s been so incredible.”

In one of the closest heats of the contest, WSL Deputy commissioner Travis Logie looked set for a finals birth in the thruster division posting a number of excellent scores with his searing back-hand attack. With less than a minute left, Shane Dorian took off on a set and went to town on it posting an excellent 8.90, putting Logie into second for a division result of equal 3rd and an overall contest result of the same.

“This is one of the best events I have ever competed in,” Logie said. “The vide is really cool and the waves have been pumping the whole time. I’m pretty bummed I didn’t make a final, it was really tough to compete on your backhand; hats off to Rob for making the Single fin final. I think Bethany Hamilton is the best surfer in the world, I’ve always had respect for her but seeing her surf this week was incredible. I have done a lot of travelling in my life and been to the Maldives a number of times but this experience at the Four Seasons has been the best, the service,  the food and such a short boat ride to Sultans, it’s amazing.”

Finishing in fourth overall was Hawaiian ripper and former Pipe Mater Jamie O’Brien. O’Brien finished second in the twin-fin but was unable to progress through the thruster division in a heat that was low on set waves.

“This event has been so great,” O’Brien said. “The waves, the hospitality at the Four Seasons and the format are all awesome. It’s been a really relaxing experience except for the last five minutes of my heat of course. I’ve had a real blast.”

Hands down the most impressive performance went to Bethany Hamilton of Hawaii. In the unique format,  Hamilton was the only competing female. Hamilton posted an excellent 8.63 and had her male opponents on the ropes. The inspirational goofy-foot was unable to find a back-up score and finished 6th overall at the event.

“That wave was so perfect – one of the ones you really look for,” Hamilton said. “It’s been so good to be here with my family and surfing with the guys. Seeing Rob and his style is just amazing. It’s been a really awesome event.”

Beaten in the Semifinal by Burrow, local wildcard Hussain ‘Iboo’ Areef put on an awesome display of backhand surfing at his local break, which tested the world class Burrow no end.

“This has been the best week,” Iboo said. “Seeing the world’s best surfing my home break has been amazing but talking to them and hanging out has been the best part. They’re all so nice which is cool. I feel like my surfing has improved just from watching how they surf. I will remember this experience for ever.”

Check back at WorldSurfLeague.com for more images and information on the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy or on the WSL App.

Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Final Results

Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.84, Shane Dorian (HAW) 17.33

Overall Rankings

1. Taj Burrow 
2. Shane Dorian
3. Travis Logie
3. Rob Machado
4. Jamie O'Brien
5. Iboo Areef
6. Bethany Hamlton

About The Event: Unique in many ways, the Surfing Champions Trophy determines heat times based on age and tests skill across three divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster. Places are granted by invitation-only to six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and a US$25,000 prize pot.

The event is hosted aboard 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 Resort Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners (the pros behind Kuda Huraa’s surf operation.)

CLICK HERE FOR HI-RES PRESS IMAGES

Caption: Shane Dorian put himself in a solid position when he took out the twin fin division at Sultans today : Sean Scott

Dorian Makes it a Twin Win on Twin Fin Day at the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 

Kuda Huraa, Maldives (August 11, 2016) -  Shane Dorian (HAW) has continued his love affair with twin fins taking out the division for a second year in a row as competition continues at the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy.

Dorian looked in good form all day finding a number of long Sultans tubes and unleashing his furious rail game on the clean four-foot walls on offer all day. The big-wave charger was able to post an excellent heat total of 16.24 (out of a possible 20) to overcome fellow Hawaiian Jamie O’Brien in the Final.

“I’m so stoked to be back here in the beautiful place,” Dorian said. “Surfing with all these guys is so sick, I’m just having a blast. That board had not felt good in any surf’s until my first heat and then it all just started to click, which was lucky. Hopefully I can make the final in the thruster division and have a shot at getting back here.”

After a shaky start to the contest during the single fin round, O’Brien was keen to impress on the twin fin which he did, posting impressive scores on his way to the final.

“I’m just stoked to be in the final,” O’Brien said. “It’s been really fun surfing all these guys, my first heat today was almost like a Championship Tour (CT) line-up. It’s been really cool to surf with Bethany; she is such an inspiration. I’m just loving it here.”


Caption: Jamie O'Brien swooping on a long Sultans Wall: Sean Scott

Bethany Hamilton was a standout performer on the twin fin. Having only just had a couple of days practice on the unique craft the Hawaiian goofy foot looked like she was on a thruster going vertical turn after turn. It was not enough to progress to the semifinals so Hamilton will look to reset and focus on the thruster division (three fin conventional board).

“This was my first time surfing a twin fin,” Hamilton said. “It’s really fun, I like how you really have to draw out your turns. Surfing with all of these guys is so amazing it’s just fun to be in the water with them, it gets me excited to surf and pushes me. I’m not in it to take them down but it would be cool to make a heat against them.” 


Caption: Bethany Hamilton throwing buckets : Sean Scott 

After taking out the single fin division, Australian Taj Burrow was hoping to set himself up for an overall final appearance with a solid result in the twin fin. This wouldn’t be the case as Burrow was unable to find a solid scoring wave while O’Brien and Dorian went blow for blow pulling into long draining barrels in the dying minutes of the heat.

“I didn’t know waves that good would come through at this place,” Burrow said. “Those waves at the end were amazing, I was so jealous I wasn’t on them. I didn’t surf this morning so it took me a while to get used to the twin fin. I never really got into a rhythm. It’s all good though I still had a hell time.” 


Caption:Taj Burrow was unlucky to not make his heat today : Sean Scott

Also being out done by the Hawaiian duos tube time was local trials winner Hussain ‘Iboo’ Areef, who’s stylish backhand was unable to get him the nod from the judges on this day. “It was fun out there but quite hard,” Areef said.

“I was really hoping to get a bomb set wave but it didn’t really happen. I’m just looking forward to getting on the thruster.” 


Caption: Travis Logie going upside down on his backhand: Sean Scott

Travis Logie may swap his thruster for a twin fin after the goofy foot South African put on an absolute clinic at Sultans.  Logie posted a solid heat total of 14.97 but was unable to overcome O’Brien who was given an excellent score for his tube riding.

“I felt really good on the board,” Logie said “It’s really tough to compete against a natural footer in waves like that especially when they’re getting barrels, it forces you to go really hard on your backhand turns. I’m really happy with how I surfed out there.”

Rob Machado was unable to make it back-to-back finals appearances as he came up against a rampaging Shane Dorian. In a heat filled with non-stop waves, the two friends went wave for wave each posting a number of scores in the excellent range. Machado’s amazing heat total of 18.00 wasn’t enough and Dorian took the heat win by just 0.77 of a point.

“Surfing against Shane again was so fun,” Machado said. It’s been so long since we have and in conditions like that, it was just perfect. It was a really good heat, the waves kind of didn’t stop and we were both posting high scores which is always a good indicator of the fun we’re having.” 

Check back at WorldSurfLeague.com for more images and information on the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy or on the WSL App as competitors ready themnselves for the thruster division.

Twin Fin Division Results 

Round 1

Heat 1: Travis Logie (ZAF) 16.10, Rob Machado (USA) 11.43, Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 9.80

Heat 2: Shane Dorian (HAW) 18.48, Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.16, Iboo Areef (MDV) 9.10, Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 18.23

Semifinals 

Heat 1: Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 16.43, Travis Logie (ZAF) 14.97 

Heat 2: Rob Machado (USA) 18.00, Shane Dorian (HAW) 18.84

Final: Shane Dorian (HAW)​ 16.24, Jamie O’Brien (HAW)​ 14.00

About The Event: Unique in many ways, the Surfing Champions Trophy determines heat times based on age and tests skill across three divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster. Places are granted by invitation-only to six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and a US$25,000 prize pot.

The event is hosted aboard 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 Resort Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners (the pros behind Kuda Huraa’s surf operation.)

CLICK HERE FOR HI-RES PRESS IMAGES

Caption: Taj Burrow on his way to taking out the first of three divisions at the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions trophy, the single fin division : Sean Scott

Burrow Off to A Flying Start on Day One of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy

Kuda Huraa, Maldives (August 10, 2016) - Competition is underway at the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy with Day 1 seeing competitors return to basics and hitting the water on single fin boards. Taj Burrow (AUS) took out the division in pumping 3 to 4 foot clean right-handers at Sultans.

Burrow, who had only just ridden a single fin for the first time yesterday put on an amazing show all day pulling into barrels and smashing vertical reentries on the groomed walls of Sultans.

In the final, Burrow came up against former Pipe Master Rob Machado (USA). The two went blow for blow but it was Burrow who came out on top with a heat total of 14.94 (out of a possible 20).

“Surfing in a final on a single fin against Rob Machado is like a dream,” Burrow said. “That was just so much fun, the waves are sick and my board felt really good. It’s a bit bigger than what I’m used to but you could really push it through turns. I’m just having such a sick time here on Kuda Huraa we’re all being so spoiled.”

Machado, who was surfing on a board he shaped himself, was a real standout. Surfing a single fin at a wave like Sultans on your backhand is no easy task, but Machado made light work of it posting high heat scores all day.

“That was so fun out there,” Machado said. “The conditions are so dreamy today. It’s been so sick to catch up with Shane (Dorian) and the rest of the crew especially here in paradise. It doesn’t get any better.” 


Caption: Rob Machado going to town on a Sultans wall: Sean Scott

Last year’s event Champion Shane Dorian (HAW) came up against childhood friend and single fin master Machado in Semifinal two. Dorian tucked into a number of barrels for a heat total of 15.34 to tie with Machado who won on a count back due to receiving the highest single wave score of the heat.

“Rob and I have been competing against each other since we were kids,” Dorian said. “We’re good friends so it was super chilled out there. Rob is surfing as a good as he ever has so it was sick to share waves with him. It’s just such a pleasure to be back at this event.”


Caption: Defending Champ Shane Dorian : Sean Scott 

Semifinal one was an amazing duel between Taj Burrow and WSL Deputy Commissioner and former CT competitor Travis Logie (ZAF). Logie’s backhand was on point going vertical on critical sections to earn himself a heat total of 17.06. He was unable to overcome Burrow’s division high score of 18.44.

“They were the best waves I’ve had in a heat in over ten years,” Logie said. “Taj was just getting tubes and I was doing a million turns, it was so fun. It’s always great when you both get opportunities. The conditions are perfect for a single fin, just so good.”


Caption: Travis Logie was in seering form at Sultans today: Sean Scott

In one of the slower heats of the morning, Hawaii’s Jamie O’Brien was unable to find an early score as the ocean went flat. As the heat progressed he began to develop momentum as the waves built. Left needing a 8.40, O’Brien took off on one of the better looking waves of the heat pulling into a long barrel across the inside section; unfortunately it was after the siren and O’Brien bowed out of the day’s competition.

“This is such a unique contest,” O’Brien said. “When a wave comes through and it’s your turn, it’s a real treat; this wave is so perfect. It was a real challenge to ride the single find, you have to take off a bunch of talent and just go with the feel of it. It’s really cool out there, everyone was super relaxed so it was really cool.”


Caption: Jamie O'Brien hooking in the pocket : Sean Scott

Local Trials Winner Hussain ‘Iboo’ Areef (MDV) had to ask a friend if he could borrow a single fin as the young Maldivian had never ridden one before. His lack of experience did not show as the goofy footer nailed backhand hit after backhand hit. His heat total of 12.40 was not enough to move into the Semifinals so Areef will now set his sights on the twin fin division.

"Riding a single fin is really different,” Areef said. “You have to really slow everything down. It was so cool too see Travis, Jamie and Shane surfing up close they were all ripping. I surf out at Sultans a lot and it can get really busy so having it with only four people out there was awesome.”

Check back at WorldSurfLeague.com for more images and information on the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy or on the WSL App as competitors ready themnselves for the twin fin division.

Single Fin Division Results 

Round 1

Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.67, Rob Machado (USA) 14.67, Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 13.56

Heat 2: Shane Dorian (HAW) 15.93, Travis Logie (ZAF) 14.33, Iboo Areef (MDV) 12.44, Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 7.86

Semifinals 

Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.44, Travis Logie (ZAF) 17.06 Heat 2: Rob Machado (USA) 15.34, Shane Dorian (HAW) 15.34

Final: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.94, Rob Machado (USA) 14.00

About The Event: Unique in many ways, the Surfing Champions Trophy determines heat times based on age and tests skill across three divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster. Places are granted by invitation-only to six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and a US$25,000 prize pot.

The event is hosted aboard 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 Resort Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners (the pros behind Kuda Huraa’s surf operation.)

CLICK HERE FOR HI-RES PRESS IMAGES

Caption: Looking down on the epic line-up at Sultans and the beautiful colours of the Maldives: Sean Scott

Surfing Icons Arrive in the Maldives for the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 
 

Kuda Huraa, Maldives (August 9, 2016) - A fresh cast of competitors has arrived on the beautiful Island of Kuda Huraa and hit the water for the first time in preparation for Day 1 of the 2016 Four Season Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. They have been greeted by flawless 3-foot waves at the right-hand reef break of Sultans.

On her second time to the Maldives, lone female competitor Bethany Hamilton (HAW) has been enjoying the challenge of riding the different equipment required for the unique format of the Champions Trophy, which involves surfers competing on single-fins, twin-fins and thrusters over three separate competition days.

“My first surf was so fun – the conditions were perfect,” Hamilton said. “It’s been fun trying to figure out the different equipment and Sultans really is a perfect wave for trying different boards. It’s going to be really cool surfing with all these guys, I can’t wait.”


Caption: Bethany Hamilton (HAW) enjoying being back in the Maldives: Aaron Lieber

Only a few months off the Championship Tour and Taj Burrow (AUS) is relishing the opportunity to surf in an event with such a unique format on different equipment, in such an exotic location. 

“This is the first time I have ever surfed a board that’s not a thruster,” Burrow said. “Since I have left the tour I have been ordering some different types of boards that I wouldn’t usually ride so it’s been really cool to get to know some different surf craft. My dad has been coming to the Maldives for years and says Sultans is his favourite wave so I’m stoked to finally get over here and see it all for myself, the waves seem so perfect.”


Caption: Taj Burrow getting acquainted with the long walls of Sultans on a fresh twin-fin: Sean Scott 

Known the world over for his ability and style on all sorts of surf-craft, Rob Machado (USA) comes into the event a sure favourite in the single-fin division, especially once he becomes more comfortable on the right-hand walls of Sultans. 

“I have ridden alternative equipment a lot but never in a contest,” Machado said. “My experience should help me a little but it also takes some adjusting surfing twin-fins and single-fins on your backhand. I have had a few surfs out there now so I’m feeling good.” 


Caption: Style master Rob Machado looking smooth as ever on his fresh single-fin: Aaron Lieber

WSL Deputy Commissioner and former Championship Tour competitor Travis Logie will be donning a contest jersey for the first time since leaving the CT in 2014. The silky smooth goofy-footer is another competitor who is only just experiencing the joys of surfing on a board other than the traditional thruster.

“This is such an amazing place,” Logie said. “Being here, surfing these fun waves competing against some of my friends and heroes is so cool, I feel like I’m on cloud nine. I had never surfed a single or twin-fin before the last two days and I have to say I’m addicted. It’s such a rewarding style of surfing and I can’t wait to surf heats on these boards.” 


Caption: WSL Deputy Commissioner coming off the bottom on his new twin-fin : Aaron Lieber

This year the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy will encompass a local trials winner. In 2016 the lucky local is goofy-foot ripper Hussain ‘Iboo’ Areef. Iboo is a standout at Sultans and can’t wait to paddle out with his idols in a contest jersey.

“It’s a dream come true to surf with these guys,” Iboo said. “These guys are my heroes, they’re who I look to for inspiration so surfing against them in a contest is amazing. The forecast looks good so hopefully we all get some pumping waves this week.”

Competition is set to get underway tomorrow with the Single-fin division hitting the water first. Check back at WorldSurfLeague.com for more images and information on the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy or on the WSL App.


About The Event: Unique in many ways, the Surfing Champions Trophy determines heat times based on age and tests skill across three divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster. Places are granted by invitation-only to six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and a US$25,000 prize pot.

The event is hosted aboard 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 Resort Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners (the pros behind Kuda Huraa’s surf operation.)


 

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Caption:  Taj burrow will be joining the rest of the crew at the 'World's most luxurious surfing contest' in 2016: WSL/Cestari

Coolangatta, QLD/AUS (Tuesday, July 19, 2016) – The 2016 Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy line up is complete and it is one of the most star studded the unique event has seen. Joining Pipe specialists Jamie O’Brien, former Championship Tour competitor and WSL deputy commissioner Travis Logie and 2015 event champion Shane Dorian will be Taj Burrow, Bethany Hamilton, Rob Machado and local champion Hussain 'Iboo' Areef. 

Taj Burrow is a surfer that needs minimal introduction. Taj is known for his cheerful demeanor and dynamic surfing. The West Australian burst onto the scene in 1999 with a groundbreaking profile movie (SaboTaj) and impressive competitive results, Burrow finished No.2 in the world in his rookie season. He stayed on tour for almost two decades and notched up 12 CT victories. After calling this year’s Fiji Pro his last CT event, Burrow now has more time on his hands to attend more diverse events like the Four Seasons Maldives Champions Trophy.

“This event looks incredible,” Burrow said. “The waves in the Maldives look so fun and the resort looks amazing - there was no way I could knock this one back. The crew surfing in it this year is unreal. I can’t wait to get over there with my girls.”

Bethany Hamilton was born and raised on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai where surfing became a strong part of her life from a young age. Hamilton began to enjoy much competitive success from a young age winning a number of local and regional events. In 2003, Hamilton lost her arm when she was attacked by a tiger shark while surfing near her home. Exhibiting her trademark determination and love of surfing, Bethany returned to competition just seven months later, placing 5th in the 2004 NSSA nationals (winning it the following year). 

 A truly inspirational soul surfer, Bethany’s career highlights include: Hawaiian State Champion, T&C Pipeline Women’s Pro winner (2007), Surf n Sea Pipeline Women’s Pro winner (2014), and 3rd place at this year’s Fiji Women’s Pro. Hamilton’s competitive prowess coupled with her strong passion for surfing. 


Caption:  Bethany Hamilton on her way to a 3rd place finish at the 2016 Fiji Pro CT event as a wildcard: WSL/Sloane

“I’m so excited to have fun surfing with the boys in the Maldives’ pristine waves,” Hamilton said. “It’ll be fun and interesting competing on twin and single fin boards. I’m Looking forward to a cruise time with my family and enjoying our time in paradise.”

Considered one of the smoothest surfers of his generation, Californian Rob Machado is an iconic soul surfer, spending over the last decade travelling the world surfing the most perfect waves he can find, usually on different and experimental equipment. Some people forget however that through the nineties, Machado was a solid fixture in the WSL CT top 10, even making it to World No. 2 in 1995 and was seen as a formidable opponent by his fellow competitors.

Machado’s ability on boards of all shapes and sizes will see him as a major threat when competition gets underway at the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy.

“I’ve always been a massive fan of this event,” Machado said. “Having the three different board types in one event is a really cool concept - it just sounds like an amazing event in an amazing location.”  


Caption:  Rob Machado can thread a tube better than most: WSL/Cestari

Event coordinator, Mark Winson of Tropicsurf, predicts the most exciting year yet with this incredible and diverse line-up of competitors. 

“There’s no guessing which way this will go, and that’s what makes it so exciting,” Winson said. “Spectators are in for an electrifying show of surfing skills.”

For the first time in the event's history a local wildcard will go head to head with the world's best in the main event. Hussain 'Iboo' Areef is widely recognised as Maldives' national surfing hero. The reigning Domestic Champions Trophy winner and successful Maldives Open campaigner will be a legitimate threat on the world stage of the Champions Trophy. 

"I am honoured to have this opportunity to surf in the Four Seasons Champions Trophy this year”, Areef said. “I am so stoked to be able to surf with my heroes. Thank you Four Seasons for giving a Maldivian a chance to participate in this event. I'm really looking forward to it" 


Caption:  Hussain 'Iboo' Areef will be one to watch for on his home turf against some of the best surfers on the planet: Four Seasons Maldives

Equally as exciting is the announcement that the upcoming Maldives Open surfing event will be used as the selection competition to determine the highest placed local surfer for future Champion Trophy’s. Mark Winson of Tropicsurf sees this as one of the most thrilling evolutions of the Champions Trophy. 

"There is so much surfing talent here in the Maldives and the Maldives Open is widely regarded as the highest level of domestic competition in the country, Winson said. “It's the perfect opportunity for local surfers to earn unequalled bragging rights, a share of US$25k prize money, and the Champions Trophy. I'm sure that Iboo and surfers just like him will be real contenders in this event for years to come" 

Maldives Open contest organiser and president of the MBBA Fuku Areef explains that;

"Local surfers are really excited to see one of our own go head to head with the world's best. It's a tremendous opportunity for Iboo on the world stage and we're confident that he will do really well. Furthermore, to now have the Maldives Open as the qualification event for future Champions Trophy’s is a great opportunity for any Maldivian surfer to put themselves up against the likes of surfers like Shane Dorian or Taj Burrow. That's such a great step forward for local surfers and the Champions Trophy concept"


The 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy will run from August 8-14. For more information head to www.WorldSurfLeague.com, www.surfingchampionstrophy.com or check out the WSL app.

About the event: Unique in many ways, the Surfing Champions Trophy determines heat times based on age and tests skill across three divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster.  Places are granted by invitation-only to six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and a US$25,000 prize pot. Each heat is run with a timing handicap per competitor’s age; so, the older the competitor the more time they have in the water.

The event is hosted aboard 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 Resort Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners (the pros behind Kuda Huraa’s surf operation.)