Sultan’s Surf Ruler: Taj dominates
The 2024 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy unfolded with a bang, uniting some of the world’s top surfers for an epic display in the best conditions the event has seen in its twelve year history. Over three days, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa showcased six legendary pros, with a fortunate few anchored in the channel to experience the electrifying Maldives moments. With no live stream to spoil the magic, the event offered an intimate affair, cheered on by the surfers’ families, a smattering of surf media and an eager collection of holiday makers who couldn’t believe their luck.
Taj Burrow - Jon Frank
Day 1: A Stellar Start.
Kuda Huraa, Maldives (September 1, 2024)
Image: James Rodd
The competition format saw surfers contesting in single fin, twin fin, and thruster divisions. Start times were staggered due to the age handicap, with Taj Burrow surfacing first, followed by Jeremy Flores, Jadson Andre, Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil, Carissa Moore, and Mikey February.
The world’s most luxurious surfing event launched with immaculate conditions, featuring glassy waves and perfectly groomed barrels. Kicking off with the single fin division, surfers had to blend stylish tube rides with sharp, critical turns. With most used to thrusters, it started things off with a fresh and challenging twist.
Taj Burrow, returning for his third stint at the Champions Trophy, couldn't hide his excitement. “Oh my gosh, it is absolutely cooking out there!” he said, thrilled by the powerful righthanders. Burrow’s enthusiasm was perfectly complemented by the day’s conditions, which stayed consistent throughout the heats. Andre ultimately edged out Burrow in a gripping final, finishing at the top of the day 1 leaderboard.
Jadson Andre’s road to Single Fin domination…..
Jadson Andre - Image: Jackson Onfray
Andre set the bar high with his first wave of his first heat on a custom 5'9" Ricardo Martins single fin. His deep backhand tube ride scored an 8.50, signalling that his impeccable wave selection and tube riding prowess would be a formidable force for the day. Despite fierce competition, Andre progressed past Carissa Moore and local wildcard Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil who battled it out for second place, with Agil ultimately securing the spot with a clean barrel and berth in the next round.
Burrow faced stiff competition in his first single fin heat against Flores and February. Although Flores scored a high 9.10 for a perfectly threaded double barrel, his lack of a backup wave saw him fall short. Burrow and February advanced to the man-on-man rounds with Burrow’s scores of 8.40 and 7.90 proving crucial.
In the man-on-man semi-finals, Andre narrowly defeated February with a decisive 8.27 and 7.33. Burrow, meanwhile, delivered a stunning performance, delivering a pair of nines and a total of 18.86. His 9.63 for a dramatic foam ball ride was the wave of the day and left everyone holding their breath.
As the final of the single fin division commenced, Andre’s premonitions of victory seemed well-founded. Despite Burrow's head start, Andre’s consistent tube rides placed him ahead, leaving Burrow to chase big scores. Burrow, though, showed his prowess with a late charge, but it was Andre’s superior performance that clinched the win.
This is one of those days I’m going to remember forever!” Jadson Andre beamed after clinching victory in the single fin division. This was his first time riding a single fin and you’d never guess it. He came out on top with top-to-bottom aggressive style and passionate determination, setting an impressive benchmark for the event. The Brazilian knows how to put a heat together and he set a healthy competitive tone for the event on day 1.
Jadson Andre - Image: Jon Frank
Day 1: Single Fin Division Results
- Jadson Andre (BRA) 1000pts
- Taj Burrow (AUS) 900pts
- Mikey February (ZAF) equal with Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil (MDV) 800pts
- Carissa Moore (HAW) equal with Jeremy Flores (FRA) 700pts
Day 1: 2024 FS Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Leaderboard
- Jadson Andre (BRA) 1000pts
- Taj Burrow (AUS) 900pts
- Mikey February (ZAF) 800pts
- Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil (MDV) 800pts
- Carissa Moore (HAW) 700pts
- Jeremy Flores (FRA) 700pts
Single Fin Highlights
Day 2: Thruster Division Drama
Kuda Huraa, Maldives, September 2, 2024
Mikey February & Taj Burrow - Image: Jon Frank
Day 2 kicked off...
Burrow and Flores advanced from the first heat, with Burrow continuing his strong barrel riding performance from Day 1. The second heat saw February excel with a 15-point two-wave total, while Carissa Moore secured second place with a collection of sharp carves and perfectly timed barrels. Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil finished third, unable to secure a backup score.
In the semi-finals, Burrow and Moore delivered an iconic heat, with Burrow securing the highest score of the event, a perfect 10, for a long, deep barrel ride. Moore fell short despite her impressive performance. Carissa Moore was stoked to make it to the semifinals, especially given that she's 15 weeks pregnant. You wouldn’t have guessed it, though, by the way she was ripping through Sultans.
Carissa Moore - Image: Jon Frank
February faced Flores in the second semi-final, with February's high scores of 8.67 and 9.10 surpassing Flores efforts. February stormed into the final with momentum and a touch of surprise, standing out as the lone twin fin rider against a lineup of thruster pros.
The final saw Burrow take full advantage of his early start, securing a solid 8.67 and a series of impressive turns. February’s late push, including a crucial 9.57, ultimately secured him the unexpected victory. The final was absolutely electric, with spectators riveted as the two contenders exchanged breathtaking barrels on easily the biggest day of the competition.
Mikey February & Taj Burrow - Image: Jon Frank
The second day of the Trophy saw a dramatic shift as the swell increased, prompting a switch from the scheduled twin fin division to the thruster. The six-foot barrels at Sultans provided an exhilarating backdrop for competitors, with Mikey February emerging victorious.
“I finally won something!” February exclaimed after his win. Despite his limited experience with thrusters, February capitalised on the pumping waves. The change in schedule only heightened the excitement as competitors navigated the shifting peaks and intense barrel rides.
Day 2: Thruster Division Results
- Mikey February (ZAF) 1000pts
- Taj Burrow (AUS) 900pts
- Carissa Moore (HAW) equal with Jeremy Flores (FRA) 800pts
- Jadson Andre (BRA) equal with Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil (MDV) 700pts
Day 2: 2024 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Leaderboard
- Taj Burrow (AUS) 1800pts
- Mikey February (ZAF) 1800pts
- Jadson Andre (BRA) 1700pts
- Carissa Moore (HAW) 1500pts
- Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil (MDV) 1500pts
- Jeremy Flores (FRA) 1500pts
Thruster Division Highlights
Day 3: Taj Burrow Triumphs
Kuda Huraa, Maldives, September 3, 2024
Jeremy Flores - Image: Jackson Onfray
After an early tropical downpour, the day’s perfect conditions offered a flawless stage for the twin fin division - slightly smaller but still well overhead. Jeremy Flores, surfing with a point to prove, delivered a powerful performance with scores of 8.33 and 7.17. Andre advanced alongside him, while Carissa Moore, having been eliminated, proudly celebrated her achievements as she embraces retirement and pregnancy.
The semi-finals saw Flores outperforming February with a 17.77 total, while Burrow dominated the second semi-final with a remarkable 9.67 and a perfect 10 against Andre. Burrow’s final tube, a deep disappearing act, earned unanimous acclaim from the judges.
In the grand final, Burrow and Flores showcased their elite skills, with both surfers catching perfect waves. Flores scored a 9.67 for a huge tube, while Burrow’s 9.77 for a deeper barrel proved decisive. Flores topped the podium with his twin fin, delivering another surprising division win in the competition. The perfect waves and his unexpected victory had him amped and ready to savour the rest of the event experience.
Jeremy Flores & Taj Burrow - Image: Jon Frank
Twin Fin Division Highlights
The finals were a high-energy spectacle as the crowd watched an electrified Mikey February and an exhausted Taj Burrow go wave for wave, showcasing sharp cutbacks, smooth laybacks, barrels, and a few daring punts. The excitement was palpable, and the crowd was hooked from start to finish. Burrow’s 18.13 heat total narrowly edged out February’s 17.77.
Image: Jackson Onfray
As the finals drew to a close, the heavens opened up with a torrential downpour as Taj was crowned the three time winner of the Four Seasons Surfing Champions Trophy. “I almost feel guilty for winning,” Burrow admitted. “Mikey was incredible this week. His surfing was on point, and I knew he was the one to beat. But the ocean delivered, and it turned into one of the most enjoyable finals I’ve ever surfed.”
The event concluded with Burrow’s triumphant win and a promise to “never put on another jersey unless it’s this one!”, all celebrated aboard the Kuda Princess, where the week's achievements and memories were celebrated with a fitting storm roll.
On the final day, Taj Burrow made history as the first-ever three-time winner of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. His victory capped off three days of exhilarating competition in the most pristine waves the event has ever seen. Despite finishing runner-up in all three divisions and enduring ten heats, Burrow ultimately triumphed in a thrilling final showdown.
Day 3: Twin Fin Division Results
- Jeremy Flores (FRA) 1000pts
- Taj Burrow (AUS) 900pts
- Jadson Andre (BRA) equal with Mikey February (ZAF) 800pts
- Carissa Moore (HAW) equal with Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil (MDV) 700pts
2024 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Final Leaderboard
- Taj Burrow (AUS) 2700pts
- Mikey February (ZAF) 2600pts
- Jadson Andre (BRA) 2500pts
- Jeremy Flores (FRA) 2500pts
- Carissa Moore (HAW) 2200pts
- Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil (MDV) 2200pts
Surfing Champions Trophy Final Highlights
Post comp lay day happenings:
With the competition wrapped up, surfers and their families relished the Maldives' luxury and natural beauty in their own special ways:
Taj Burrow: The newly crowned champion and his family dove into adventure with a shark safari, followed by a laid-back cocktail session at the Reef Bar. It was a great mix of thrill and relaxation, just what they needed to keep the whole family happy.
Jeremy Flores: Flores enjoyed quality time with his young daughter and son, catching small waves and savouring simple, intimate moments. It was a refreshing break from the competition and a reminder of life’s little pleasures.
Mikey February: February and his family lounged by the pool at their villa, soaking up the tranquillity of their surroundings. It was a serene and fitting end to a week of intense competition.
Carissa Moore: Moore enjoyed quality time with her sister and cousin at Cokes Break, soaking in the peaceful setting. They also took a relaxing trip to Spa Island, making it the perfect girls' getaway.
Jadson Andre: Andre treated himself to a revitalising massage from Four Seasons practitioner Penny, then savoured fresh Maldivian flavours at the closing ceremony cocktail party, accompanied by his two closest friends.
The 2024 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy showcased elite surfing while offering participants a taste of the Maldives' luxury and tranquillity. The stunning Maldivian swell and unforgettable experiences left everyone eager for a return. If you’d like to experience the magic yourself, contact our team to secure your spot for next year’s exclusive event.
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