Josh Kerr has taken out the 2018 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy in a thrilling Final Day of action in pumping surf at Sultans. Kerr won two of the three divisions to set up a Grand Finale matchup with Alejo Muniz.
Day 3 of competition saw the best conditions of the event so far, with perfect clean 4-to-6 foot waves at Sultans, giving surfers opportunities for airs, turns and long draining barrels. It was fitting that the Final was the heat of the event with both Kerr and Muniz trading off perfect waves, both finding epic barrels on the inside section.
Kerr got off to a blistering start in the Final, posting two excellent scores early to put Muniz in a combination situation (needing two scores). Muniz did his best to come back posting some massive rides himself, but the door was firmly closed in the last minute when Kerr scored a perfect 10 point ride to guarantee the win. For his efforts, Kerr will be asked to return to the event and defend his title in 2019.
“This was such an incredible event to be a part of,” Kerr said. “The waves just got better every day up until now where they are totally pumping – I never thought I’d get so barreled here in the Maldives. I got to surf a heat with every competitor these last few days, which was really cool. Everyone was in great spirits and brought something different to the event. It was so cool to surf with Alejo today, the surfing he was doing was amazing. The concept of this event is really cool, I like surfing different boards these days so I guess this is the perfect event for me – I’m stoked to be coming back next year but probably not as much as my family, they love it here.”
Spending the majority of his year competing on the WSL Qualifying Series (QS) Alejo Muniz hasn’t had too much experience on traditional style board such as a twin-fin and single-fin. Muniz admits that after this week in the Maldives he will be utilising that sort of equipment more often. It is safe to say, however, that where the former CT competitor truly shone was in the thruster division on Finals Day. Muniz will use this week’s experience to build on his bid to re-qualify for the CT in 2019, as he currently sits on 7th on the QS rankings.
“This has been one of the best days of my life,” Muniz said. “Although I got second three times in this event, I couldn’t be happier to have been in those Finals with some of my idols. It’s going to be tough competing on the QS after this experience – the luxury of the Resort and the pumping surf has made this the trip of a lifetime. Josh has always been one of my favourite surfers so it was cool to have a Final with him – we were both just trading barrels – it was unreal. I’m really pumped up to head back to the QS, but like I said, it will be tough after this.”
Just before the event Grand Finale kicked off, the thruster division wrapped up with former CT competitor Freddy Patacchia Jnr (HAW) taking the win with an incredible display of backhand tube riding. The Hawaiian goofy-footer was searching for a solid result in the Maldives and just came short of the Grand Finale. He rated his thruster Final against Alejo Muniz as one of the ‘most fun’ in his career.
“It’s really funny because when I arrived here I thought I wouldn’t be taking it too seriously but as soon as you put on the contest jersey, the fire is lit,” Patacchia said. “We are all so competitive, so after a couple of average results I was so stoked to win one of the disciplines – I knew I had to bring it. My thruster definitely felt like my best board so I put some more time into focusing today. This has been an amazing experience at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and such a cool event. It’s definitely the most fun I have had in a WSL jersey.”
Coming into the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy for his second year in a row, 2001 WSL Champion C.J. Hobgood (USA) was the most experienced competitor in the field. Hobgood came into the Final Day with a shot to the top spot but came short in the thruster division being eliminated in the first round. The Floridian charger was just stoked he got asked to replace 2017 event winner Taj Burrow who pulled out of the event due to a knee injury.
“I definitely have to thank Mr Taj for missing out this year,” Hobgood said. “It was definitely an honour to return to such an incredible event – It’s such a special place and we get so well looked after. I was a bit down that I didn’t do better because the waves are so pumping right now, but at the end of the day, surfing is just part of this contest but the best part is being in paradise with friends and family.”
Local wildcard Abdulla ‘Fuku’ Areef (MDV) was another competitor who hadn’t had much experience on the different boards and surely had his best performance on the thruster. The Maldivian surfing legend was impressive amongst the world’s best and puts this week’s experience as one of the best of his life.
“This has been such an incredible time for me,” Areef said. “All of the pros have been so welcoming and friendly to me which was awesome – I felt very welcome surfing with them. We got so lucky with the waves as well and the best was definitely today on Finals Day, Sultans was pumping.”
Australia’s Josh Kerr has made it two for two at Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy winning the second round twin-fin division in pumping 4-to-5 foot surf at Sultans. Kerr is now sitting pretty for a Finals Day berth at the world’s most luxurious surfing event.
In the twin-fin final, Kerr faced off with an in-form Alejo Muniz (BRA) who had dominated his way through to the final. It was a match-up of the two standouts all day, but Kerr saved his best until last, scoring an epic heat total of 17.26, including a near perfect 9.63 (the highest of the event so far). The judges rewarded the former Championship Tour (CT) competitor for his impressive combination of tube riding, power turns and smooth, flowing style.
“I’ve been surfing on a twin-fin so much recently that I was almost more nervous surfing today because it was expected that I’d do well,” Kerr said. “Fortunately, from my first heat today I fell into a good rhythm. Everything felt good, the waves, my board, my surfing, the setting – it all felt right. I was so pumped to get out there when we rocked up today, the surf was amazing, just clean and perfect. Coming up against Alejo was always going to be a tough battle. He is still living and breathing competitive surfing on the QS so he is probably the most prepared competitor here plus he is ripping so hard. I just seemed to have a lot going my way. I’m stoked and now I’m about to go and share a few more waves with my daughter – we’re living the dream.”
The youngest competitor in the field, Muniz is currently sitting in 7th place on the Qualifying Series (QS) with the major goal of re-qualifying for the elite Championship Tour (CT). With this being his current mindset, his competitive tenacity is evident and his performances have been impressive all through the event. Although he was a standout in the twin-fin division, he was unable to stop Kerr in the final but was still over the moon to surf against one of his heroes in perfect waves.
“Josh has always been one of my favourite surfers so sharing a twin-fin final with him was so cool,” Muniz said. “I have barely surfed on a single-fin or a twin-fin my whole life so it has been so cool surfing on these boards since being over here – I think I’ll be surfing them a lot more now. They are so different and fun. I didn’t expect all of these guys to be that competitive and thought I might have the upper hand as I still compete, but when they paddle out, they have the fire in their eyes which is really cool to see. I’m just having an amazing time here with my family, it’s pretty much a honeymoon for my wife and I as we got married two weeks ago. Except this honeymoon has perfect waves with no one else out, which is amazing.”
Local wildcard Abdulla ‘Fuku’ Areef (MDV) had the tough task of taking on eventual winner Josh Kerr in the second twin-fin semi-final. The Maldivian surfing legend came short of taking down Kerr but was stoked to have the experience at one of his favourite home breaks.
“I grew up watching these guys on surfing movies so it is so cool competing against them and surfing with them all week,” Areef said. “They are all so cool and down to earth which is nice to see. I am just really soaking it all up and not worrying about the results. I love the wave at Sultans so it’s cool to get the line all to ourselves. It’s an incredible opportunity for me and I’m so grateful to Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Tropicsurf for this.”
The opening heat of the day was totally stacked with 2001 WSL Champion C.J. Hobgood (USA) coming up against Alejo Muniz and fellow former CT competitor Fred Patacchia (HAW). All three surfers had to surf out of their skin to make the heat and, in the end, it was Patacchia who was eliminated in 5th place. Freddy will be back when competition resumes with the thruster division. Floridian goofy-foot Hobgood eventually went down to Muniz in the semi-finals finishing the twin-fin division in equal 3rd.
Stay tuned as Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy moves into the Finals Day with competitors going hi-fi in the thruster division.
Twin Fin Division Results
1. Josh Kerr (AUS)
2. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
3. C.J. Hobgood (USA) equal with Abdulla Fuku Areef (MDV)
5. Freddy Patacchia Jnr (HAW)
2018 FS Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Leaderboard
The 2018 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy has kicked off in stunning conditions with Australian Josh Kerr taking out the opening round single-fin division. Sultans turned it on for the opening day of the world’s most luxurious surfing event with clean 4-to-6 foot waves rifling down the reef.
In the single-fin final, Kerr took on C.J. Hobgood (USA) with the two former WSL Championship Tour (CT) competitors trading waves, both gliding and jiving on their retro boards to each post solid heat totals. 2001 WSL Champion Hobgood led the heat with a minute left until Kerr took off on a medium-sized set and ripped into it, even landing a technical air-reverse to take the lead and the division’s win.
“That wasn’t the best air but it did the job so I’ll take it,” Kerr said. “I’ve always thought about getting the call-up to this event, so to be here now is amazing and to win the single-fin is too good. I was most nervous about the single-fin because the waves were way bigger than what I thought my board could deal with but it turned on in the conditions perfectly. This has been such a blast from the past hanging out with all of these guys; we haven’t seen much of each other over the last few years so this has been such a fun catch-up. And we’re doing it here at literally the most luxurious surfing event in the world with our families – I feel so spoiled.”
Hobgood is the veteran of the event having competed here last year, where he also finished runner-up in the single-fin division. The Floridian goofy-foot was destined for the final with some epic performances throughout the day particularly in his semifinal match-up with Alejo Muniz (BRA) which came right down to the wire. Hobgood continued this form into the final but was overcome by a rampaging Kerr in the dying seconds of the day.
“The waves are pumping today – it’s the best it’s been all week,” Hobgood said. “It’s so good to be back here and I definitely felt like the guy who knew what I was in for but still couldn’t hold in my excitement. I rode that same board last year and rode it a few times recently so was feeling really good on it. It was always going to be tough in that final coming up against Josh (Kerr), I feel like he will be the guy to beat here this week.”
On his way to the single-fin final, Kerr dismantled former CT competitor Freddy Patacchia Jnr (HAW) in semi-final 2. Patacchia was on borrowed equipment after missing the memo and forgetting to pack his own single-fin. The Hawaiian powerhouse was unfazed, making the most of an empty line-up in pumping surf at Sultans.
“I think I must have missed an email or something because I totally forgot to bring my single-fin,” Patacchia said. “Luckily there was one here that I could borrow and it worked all right. I was just having a blast out there today. My career was spent surfing to criteria on a particular board so today I surfed to what I think the criteria on a single-fin should be and although I didn’t win I had so much fun. These are the best waves I’ve surfed in ages so I’m so stoked.”
The opening heat of the event saw a great showing from local wildcard Abdulla ‘Fuku’ Areef. Although he was unable to progress into the single-fin semi-finals, he put on an epic show at one of his local breaks, surfing a single-fin for one of the first times.
Currently sitting within reach of re-qualifying for the Elite CT, Alejo Muniz (BRA) is definitely the most in-tune competitor at this year’s event. Having just hopped on a single-fin for the first time two days ago, Muniz looked in excellent shape, narrowly getting edged out by eventual division runner-up C.J. Hobgood.
Due to a missed flight, Hawaiian surfing icon Bruce Irons (HAW), unfortunately, had to withdraw from the single-fin division but is hopeful to arrive before the twin-fin division gets underway in the coming days.
Stay tuned as we head towards the 80s and our competitors get loose in the twin-fin division, which will most likely kick off tomorrow.
Single Fin Division Results
1. Josh Kerr (AUS)
2. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
3. Alejo Muniz (BRA) equal with Freddy Patacchia Jnr (HAW)
4. Abdulla Fuku Areef (MDV) equal with Bruce Irons (HAW)
2018 FS Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Leaderboard
In by far the most epic wave conditions of any of the 5 previous Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenges, Bali’s Tipi Jabrik bested the 54-strong field of local and international legends, punters, and pro’s to add his name to the perpetual Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge trophy. Competing in the event and on hand to present the trophy were Quiksilver Legends Simon Anderson and Jeff Hakman, who together with Matt Hoy were there to support Quiksilver’s efforts of creating awareness of Bali’s environmental issues.
Jabrik was last year’s Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge runner up, having posted the highest wave score of the day, a 9.5 (out of a possible 10 points) in his Heat 2 effort, but couldn’t post an additional big score to overtake Made Switra, the eventual winner.
This year however, in his first round heat and not having caught a wave in 29 minutes and 30 seconds of his allowed 30 minutes, he dug deep in the final seconds and just made it over the ledge on a double overhead bomb as 2016 event winner Tai “Buddha” Graham was poised to take off just a few meters down the line. Jabrik pulled in, grabbed his rail and hung on tight as the roof pitched out over him, then somehow made it out of the impossibly deep cavern to earn a Perfect 10 point score from the judges.
Jabrik went on to post a 7.27 in Round 2 that got him a total of 17.27 points and the highest two-wave score of the event, and the first place honors.
“I’m really happy to win this event here at Uluwatu, one of my favorite waves in the world,” said Jabrik. “To surf with local legends like Made Switra and Rizal Tandjung as well as international legends like Simon Anderson, Matt Hoy, and Jeff Hakman is just amazing… I was lucky to get a 10 pointer and then the 7.2 at Outside Corner was a great way to finish…big thanks to Quiksilver, Single Fin, the Uluwatu Boardriders and all the ASC officials who ran the event.”
Coming in second place was 15 year old Quiksilver team rider, Ryuki Waida, who was in the same second round heat as Jabrik, and impressed everyone by posting the heat’s highest score of an 8.83 after a 7.67 to rack up a total of 16.50 points. As with his older brother Rio, Ryuki is certainly destined for big things!
The wave conditions were nothing short of epic for this “Sunday Session” with all the legendary Uluwatu waves being surfed during the day, from the Bombie, to the Peak, Racetracks, and finishing off with 10ft Outside Corner on sunset. The crowd gathered in the cliffside warungs for some great viewing with highlights being Uluwatu local Made Lana toying with 10 foot Outside Corner and Cal Lathrope from California, who scored the event’s only other 10 point wave for a deep barrel on the peak.
54 surfers participated in this year’s Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge, which was run in the Eddie Aikau 6-person heat format where each surfer competes in two 30-minute heats and their two highest scores from their four best waves were then scored and totaled.
It was Hakman’s first visit to Uluwatu in 45 years and he was amazed at the development of Uluwatu stating “When I was here we had to walk in from the main road and there was only one small warung on the cliff…. although there has been so much change it is great to see the waves are still as nature intended and with careful management by the Uluwatu community it will be enjoyed by generations to come.”
Matt Hoy and Simon Anderson have now competed in all 6 of the Uluwatu Challenges and enjoyed the waves on offer with Hoy commenting “We had some fun waves last year but today is a day I’ll never forget, with perfect waves throughout the day…I was lucky to be in the last heat and stayed out on Outside Corner until it was dark.
Quiksilver South East Asia Sales and Marketing Executive, Sammy Gosling added, “Quiksilver is proud that we can bring our global team together with local legends and tourists to make a positive difference. Our boardshort range is now produced from yarn made from recycled plastic bottles so as a company we are trying to minimize our impact on the environment….at the same time helping to raise funds for Project Clean Uluwatu is one way we can play our part locally.
The 6th annual Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge this year was a fundraiser for the Uluwatu based NGO, Project Clean Uluwatu (PCU), to raise money that will go towards new infrastructure programs at Uluwatu that will keep the world-class wave clean and pristine for generations to come. Bringing world-renowned surfing legends to Bali helps to draw attention to the challenges it faces with accelerating tourism growth.
The Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge was sponsored by Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia, Project Clean Uluwatu, Uluwatu Boardriders Club, San Miguel Light, Captain Morgan, Smirnoff and Single Fin with support by the Asian Surfing Cooperative (ASC) team.
With tomorrow marking Day One of the 2018 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, competitors for this year’s event have arrived at the sublime island paradise of Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. With a great looking forecast for the perfect right-handers of Sultans, the race is on to see who will take out this year instalment of ‘the world’s most luxurious surfing event.’
With an illustrious career including a number of Airshow victories, over 10 years as a competitor on the elite Championship Tour (CT) and a victory on the WSL Big Wave Tour, Australian Josh Kerr (AUS) is relishing the opportunity to compete at such a unique event. With his entire family in tow, Kerr has been soaking up pristine environment surrounding Kuda Huraa while tuning in his new single fin and twin fin boards.
“This is such a dreamy event,” Kerr said. “I went and surfed a single fin a spot not far from here with my daughter all morning which was cool then went sailing in the afternoon so not your standard event prep that’s for sure. This place is just ridiculous, I wish every surf trip was at the Four Seasons; we’re being so spoiled. I’m feeling pretty good about this event. I’m actually most stressed about the thruster division as I’ve only been surfing on a twinnies and single fins for the last 6 or 8 months – this will definitely help me I think.”
Hawaiian sensation Freddy Patacchia Jnr (HAW) has returned to the Maldives for the first time in over 10 years. Known for his impeccable timing and speed on his backhand, Patacchia is looking forward to the challenge of competing on alternative equipment.
“Since I retired from the CT I have been surfing a lot more alternative equipment,” Patacchia said. “I focused on surfing a thruster for my whole life so I’ve been loving surfing different boards recently and think this format will suit me. I did however leave my single fin at home accidentally so will be jumping on something borrowed, which will be interesting. The format of this event for me is definitely a breath of fresh air.”
Fresh of a Round 4 finish at the Vans US Open of Surfing Qualifying Series 10,000 event, Alejo Muniz (BRA) will be flying the flag for Brazil this year in the Maldives. Still battling to regain his spot on the CT, Muniz is honored to find himself competing amongst some of his heroes in the idyllic surrounds of Four Seasons Kuda Huraa.
“When I first qualified for the CT some of these guys were just finishing their careers so I definitely looked up to them,” Muniz said. “Having the opportunity to come here and surf with them and against them again is amazing. I’ve been watching a few old videos of guys surfing single fins and twin fins jut to get in the zone and work out how best to go about it. I recently had a baby boy and just got married two weeks ago so to come here with my young family is like a dream honeymoon; we feel so blessed.”
Local Maldivian wildcard Abdulla ‘Fuku’ Areef (MDV) has had the benefit of warming up at all of the perfect waves that surround Kuda Huraa for his entire life. In recent weeks though, he has turned his attention to the more traditional craft of competing against the world’s best on the world stage.
“This is a real dream come true for me surfing in this event,” Areef said. “Surfing against these legends will be such an amazing experience for me. I’ve been surfing a lot on twin fins so am looking forward to that but am not sure how I will go in the single fin. I just want to make the most of this opportunity and make sure I soak it all up.”
Returning to the event in 2018 is 2001 WSL Champion C.J. Hobgood (USA) who will be taking on fellow former CT competitor Bruce Irons (HAW) in what is sure to be one of the most exciting battles of the event 8-year history.
Tropicsurf founder and event director Ross Phillips has had over 20 years of experience surfing in the Maldives. Phillips believes that this week forecast is pointing to excellent conditions at Sultans.
“Tomorrow we have a fair bit of swell but relatively strong winds,” Phillips said. “For the rest of the week, the swell drops a little, but not too much. The wind continues to drop as well so it looks like it will be a great week of surfing with plenty of scope for good waves. We’re unsure if we will kick off first thing tomorrow or wait for the lighter winds that are coming later in the week. One thing is for sure there is bound to be some amazing performances on boards from the 70’s, 80’s and today.”
Stay tuned in the coming days as competition gets underway with the opening single-fin division, where competitors will wind back the clock and draw similar lines to the legends of yesteryear.
About the Surfing Champions Trophy
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.
As ever, the event will be 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 Tropicsurf partners.
‘Surf, Spa and Save’ with an exclusive Four Seasons Kuda Huraa offer:
15% off Room Rate
1 x 60-minute massage in The Island Spa for two guests per stay
2 x day passes to view the competition from Four Seasons Explorer (individual tickets to Single, Double, Triple Fin and Grand Finale)
VIP Tour Cocktails (nightly cocktail hour with the six Surfing Champions contestants throughout the week of the competition)
This offer is only available from August 3 to 13, 2018, and requires a four-night minimum stay. Package inclusions are based on a four-night stay. Additional nights include breakfast only.
Maya Gabeira, surfer of mahoosive waves, practically died twice chasing her dream, is apparently being shunned by the WSL in her quest to have her massive Nazaré wave recognised as the biggest ever surfed by a woman.
Apparently the WSL has to verify Guiness world records in surfing for big waves…Being a commercial entity this is very strange in itself as I am pretty sure most world records are verified by independent sporting governing bodies…
But anyway Maya ask them to verify her wave, which is by any standards mind-blowing, but after an initial meeting they have ignored her emails…for three months!
Why would you ignore an email from Maya, all round nice person and rider of huge waves?
Are we, as stated in the email “Living in a time when a woman can surf the biggest wave in the world, and go unrecognized ?!?”
Are there as Maya says, “people who don’t like women riding big waves?”
Mayas full statement is below. It’s a remarkable story. We’d say not only should Guinness recognise her, but so should Surfings Hall of Fame.
“Hello, I’m Maya Gabeira. I’m a big wave surfer from Rio de Janeiro and I need your help. On January 18, 2018 I achieved my life’s goal of surfing the biggest wave a woman has ever surfed.
In order to establish a world record, I need the World Surf League to certify the measurement of the wave. For some reason, the WSL has ignored my request. Please sign this petition to ask the WSL to recognize a world record for women in big wave surfing!
“Since 2013, I’ve been training in Nazaré, Portugal, home to the biggest waves in the world. In 2011 Garrett McNamara set a world record here, and last year Rodrigo Koxa beat that record.
Both of these rides made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Since I was a girl, I have dreamt of the day I would see a woman recognized in the Guinness Book for big wave surfing. In 2013 while trying to set a record for women, I almost died. But, in January of this year, after five years of recovery and training, I successfully rode the biggest wave of my life.Miguel Moreira, an expert at the University in Lisbon, measured the wave, and tells me that it is indeed a world record.
“I researched how to apply to the Guinness Book and learned that The World Surf League must certify every big wave record that is submitted. So, I flew to The WSL headquarters in Los Angeles – where they promised to support a world record for women. But many months later, there appears to be no progress and my emails have gone unanswered. I’m not sure what’s going on, (but there are definitely some people who don’t like the idea of women surfing the biggest waves.) Anyways, perhaps I haven’t been able to scream loud enough? With your voice, though, I might just be heard. If you have a moment, please sign this petition to ask the WSL to make good on their promise to recognize a world record for women in big wave surfing.
It’s been a long time since I first read the Guinness Book. I dream now of some other little girl who might read the book, and see my name, and then one day find her own big waves to ride.”
