The beautiful island of Vabou Huraa last night played host as Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa introduced the all-star field of surfers who’ll be battling it out for this year’s Surfing Champions Trophy.

Didier Jardin, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, welcomed the assembled dignitaries, families and friends of competitors, event staff and VIP hotel guests to the picturesque setting, a short walk over the water from Kuda Huraa.

Didier Jardin, general manager of Four Seasons Maldives, welcomes the surfing world to Kuda Huraa for the 12th time. Photo: Jon Frank

Esteemed guests in attendance included Maldives Ministry of Tourism representatives State Minister Honourable Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, Deputy Minister Honourable Yamin Ahmed, and Director General Aishath Ali. They were joined by Mohamed Arzan from the Maldives Surfing Association, and Hussain Nizam and Hassan Rasheed from the Maldives Bodyboarding Association.

Maldivian State Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, speaking on behalf of his government at the Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa. Photo: Jon Frank

After his welcome, Didier invited Ross Phillips from Tropicsurf to the stage to introduce the field of competitors, including five-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist Carissa Moore, two-time event winner Taj Burrow, and number one ranked Maldivian surfer Ahmed ‘Ammaday’ Agil. Ross left smiles on every face with his incredibly researched, heartfelt words.

Ross then announced the arrival of a beautiful run of swell that could easily produce the best waves the event has ever seen, before guests enjoyed an incredible banquet and an evening of live music, as the anticipation continues to build ahead of an exciting week to come.

The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy runs from August 29 to September 5.

Tropicsurf’s Ross Phillips opens the 2024 edition of the Surfing Champions Trophy. Photo: Jon Frank