14th Surfing Champions Trophy at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa (September 4–11, 2026)

22 September, 2025

The Indian Ocean puts on its most spectacular show each September at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Now entering its 14th edition, the Surfing Champions Trophy (SCT) is confirmed to return to the legendary Sultans break from September 4 to 11, 2026, bringing with it the promise of world-class surfing, sun-bleached evenings, and the kind of access that rarely exists anywhere else on earth.

This is not your typical surf competition. It is an invitation-only gathering of surfing‘s finest, competing across three board disciplines—single fin, twin fin, and thruster—at one of the Maldives’ most renowned reef breaks, with Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa serving as the garden-island base for competitors, judges, and guests alike.

Event Overview: What You Need to Know About the 2026 Surfing Champions Trophy

📅 Dates & Location

The 14th edition runs from September 4 to 11, 2026, at the iconic Sultans reef break in the North Malé Atoll. The event is scheduled to bring together professional surfers, guests, and spectators for a full week of high-stakes competition.

🏄 Competition Format

The Surfing Champions Trophy is a unique event on the surfing calendar. An invitation-only contest, it sees elite surfers battle it out across three divisions of boards—retro single-fin, twin-fin, and contemporary triple-fin—for kudos and the USD 25,000 purse.

🌊 The Wave: Sultans Break

Sultans is a world-class right-hander located just 10 minutes by boat from Kuda Huraa. This reef break consistently delivers perfect conditions, especially during the southwest monsoon season from May to September, when powerful southeast swells hit the reefs with wave heights typically ranging from 3 to 8 feet.

📝 How to Attend

Guests staying during the week-long event enjoy front-row access to the action, with the chance to spectate daily heats from the resort‘s luxury boats. For those who want to participate in surf-related activities during the event period, the resort offers the Surf’s Up package, which includes coaching sessions with Tropicsurf professionals, guided surf trips, daily yoga sessions, spa treatments, and accommodation with transfers.

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A Legacy of Champions: Past Winners of the Surfing Champions Trophy

Since its inaugural edition in 2011, the Surfing Champions Trophy has set a new standard for surfing events, attracting a hall of fame-worthy roster of champions. The inaugural event saw Mark Occhilupo win all three divisions before defeating world longboard champion Josh Constable in the Grand Champions Final.

Complete List of Past Champions

Taj Burrow holds the distinction of being the first-ever three-time winner of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, claiming victory in 2016, 2017, and again in 2024.

Notable Participants

Over thirteen editions, the field has included an extraordinary range of surfing legends: five-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist Carissa Moore, big wave pioneer Maya Gabeira, surfing icons Tom Curren, Rob Machado and Layne Beachley, inspirational athlete Bethany Hamilton, and stylists Mikey February, Jeremy Flores and Jadson Andre.

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2025 Edition Recap: The Year “The Spartan” Refused to Quit

If the 2026 edition is to match the 2025 event, it will need something special. Tahitian powerhouse Michel Bourez defied injury to claim victory at the 2025 Surfing Champions Trophy, stunning spectators by winning both the thruster division and the grand final only 24 hours after tearing his hamstring in the twin fin division.

Fearing that his campaign was over, Bourez received a hefty dose of medical treatment overnight before adrenaline powered him through four heats in pumping waves on finals day. He scored the event‘s only perfect 10 in the last minute of the grand final, a moment that will take some topping.

Australian Olympian Owen Wright, Jesse Mendes of Brazil, free-surfing pioneer Craig Anderson, and Maldivian wildcard Ismail “Smiley” Rasheed rounded out a field that delivered one of the most memorable editions in the trophy‘s history.

“If all competitions were like this, I might have stuck with them,” laughed Craig Anderson, pondering a potential career change out loud after his performance at Sultans.

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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa: The Ultimate Surf Retreat

Beyond the competition, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa stands as one of the world‘s premier luxury surf destinations. The resort has earned a sixth-consecutive Forbes Five-Star rating in 2026.

🌴 Accommodations

The resort features 96 villas, ranging from Beach Pavilions to overwater suites. Signature accommodations include:

• Sunset Water Villa with Pool: Dive from your bedroom straight into the infinity pool, lounge on overwater hammocks, and descend steps directly into the warm crystal lagoon dotted with reef fish and corals.

• Deluxe Beach Pavilion with Pool: A secluded sanctuary steps from the beach with a private garden, free-form pool, and day-bed gazebo.

• Three-Bedroom Kuda Estate: The resort‘s top category, rising from a private white-sand beach with a 139-square-metre pool.

🍽️ World-Class Dining

Kuda Huraa offers exceptional dining experiences:

• Reef Club: Classic Italian dishes with a Maldivian twist—lobster, burrata, wood-fired pizza.

• Kandu Grill: Steak and seafood in a relaxed oceanfront setting.

• Baraabaru: An acclaimed Indian restaurant with menus crafted by celebrated chefs.

🧘 Wellness & Amenities

The resort features ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, a dedicated wellness haven grounded in naturopathic principles. Other amenities include a PADI 5-Star IDC Centre for diving, a Kids Club with Marine Savers program, and a new tennis academy in partnership with RTC.

🚤 Accessibility

Unlike many Maldivian resorts, Kuda Huraa requires no costly seaplane transfer. From Velana International Airport, guests are whisked to the island in just 25–30 minutes via the resort‘s Wi-Fi-equipped speedboat.

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Surfing at Kuda Huraa: A World-Class Wave Playground

Kuda Huraa is a fully-fledged surf hub, with six quality breaks just moments away. The resort provides direct access to some of the Maldives’ most iconic waves, perfectly positioned in the North Malé Atoll.

🌊 Surf Breaks Near Kuda Huraa

🏄 Tropicsurf Coaching

The resort partners with Tropicsurf, offering expert coaching for all levels:

• Beginners: Lagoon-based courses teaching essentials in calm waters.

• Intermediates: Ocean-based guided excursions.

• Advanced surfers: The 10-step Ride Clinic and Perfect Wave Program.

✈️ Seaplane Surf Safari

For the most committed surfers, Kuda Huraa offers an exclusive Seaplane Surf Safari—an epic quest to find perfect, empty waves in some of the Indian Ocean’s most pristine locations. Board a seaplane with expert guides, chase the swell, and return to Kuda Huraa in time for sundowners on the beach.

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Maldives Surf Season: Best Time to Catch Waves

The Maldives offers year-round surfing, but conditions vary by season:

The Surfing Champions Trophy takes place during peak swell season in September, ensuring world-class conditions at Sultans.

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The Surf‘s Up Package: Your Ticket to the Action

For guests seeking to maximize their surf experience during the 2026 event, the Surf’s Up package offers exceptional value:

✅ Package Inclusions

• Round-trip airport transfers by shared speedboat

• Welcome refreshments and gift

• Daily buffet breakfast in Café Huraa

• Four days of ability-appropriate surf coaching for participating surfer

• Guided boat transfers to local surf breaks

• 90-minute Myofascial Renewal treatment for two guests

• Complimentary use of surf equipment and stand-up paddleboards

• Complimentary daily group yoga class for two guests

📊 Pricing Details

Note: Surfing activities are based on one person; the additional fee applies for a second surfer.

The package is available for selected dates between April 4, 2026 – December 20, 2026, and January 11, 2027 – December 20, 2027, with a minimum stay of 4 nights.

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Expert Insights: Why Kuda Huraa Stands Apart

“There are waves ideally suited to beginners all the way through to the pros, and the water is consistently warm. Plus the reefs are relatively safe.”
— CN Traveller, on Kuda Huraa‘s surf offerings

“Kuda Huraa is a great option if you’re looking to do more than just relax. One of the biggest pros for us was how good the resort is for surfing. The surf school team was incredibly friendly and patient.”
— The Resorts Collection, guest review

“All surf services available at the highest levels of quality. The most luxurious surf resort in the Maldives.”
— Luex, resort assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When is the 2026 Surfing Champions Trophy?

A: The 14th edition takes place September 4–11, 2026, at the Sultans break in North Malé Atoll.

Q2: How can I watch the competition?

A: Guests staying at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa enjoy front-row access from the resort’s luxury boats.

Q3: What is the prize purse?

A: Competitors battle for a USD 25,000 prize purse and a place in the SCT Hall of Fame.

Q4: Is the event open to the public?

A: The Surfing Champions Trophy is an invitation-only event for professional surfers, but resort guests can spectate and participate in surf activities.

Q5: What surf breaks are near Kuda Huraa?

A: The resort provides access to six quality breaks in North Malé Atoll, including Sultans, Jailbreaks, Cokes, Chickens, Honky‘s, and Pasta Point.

Q6: What’s included in the Surf‘s Up package?

A: Four days of surf coaching, guided boat transfers, daily breakfast, spa treatment, yoga classes, surf equipment, and airport transfers.

Q7: How do I get to Kuda Huraa?

A: The resort is a 25–30 minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport—no seaplane required.

Q8: What‘s the best time for surfing in the Maldives?

A: The southwest monsoon season (May–September) delivers the largest swells, ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers.

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What Experts Say

“The Indian Ocean does not need much convincing to put on a show. But for one week each September, it outdoes itself.”
— Four Seasons Press Release, on the Surfing Champions Trophy

“It feels better to beat someone you hate,” Kelly Slater joked when asked about competing with his friends at the Maldives event.
— *Kelly Slater, 11-time World Champion, on competing at Sultans*

“This year is special. Our group has been friends for over three decades now. The first heat we ever surfed against each other was 38 years ago, when we were 12 years old.”
— Shane Dorian, 2015 SCT Champion, on the 2022 edition

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Why This Event Matters for Surf Culture

The Surfing Champions Trophy is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of surfing‘s heritage, bringing together multiple generations of wave-riding legends in one of the world’s most beautiful settings. The event honors both exceptional athletes and the Maldives‘ natural beauty, with heats held across retro single-fin, twin-fin, and contemporary thruster boards—paying tribute to the evolution of surfboard design while showcasing the timeless appeal of perfect waves.

For aspiring surfers, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness living legends in action. For luxury travelers, it provides an unforgettable front-row seat to sporting history. And for the Maldives, it cements the nation‘s reputation as one of the world‘s premier surf destinations.

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Plan Your 2026 Surf Adventure

The 2026 line-up will be announced in waves in the months ahead. Now is the time to start watching the horizon.

📞 Booking Information

• Phone: +960 66 00 888

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: www.fourseasons.com/maldiveskh

• Surfing Champions Trophy Official Site: www.surfingchampionstrophy.com

🔗 Internal Links

• Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Official Page

• Surf‘s Up Package Details

• Tropicsurf Coaching Programs

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Summary

The 14th edition of the Surfing Champions Trophy at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa promises to be another unforgettable chapter in this legendary event‘s history. From September 4–11, 2026, the world‘s best surfers will descend on the Sultans break to compete across three board disciplines for a USD 25,000 prize purse and a place in the SCT Hall of Fame.

Whether you‘re a dedicated surfer looking to improve your skills with Tropicsurf coaching, a luxury traveler seeking front-row access to sporting history, or simply someone who appreciates the perfect combination of world-class waves and five-star hospitality, Kuda Huraa delivers an experience unlike any other.

Book your stay today and witness surfing royalty in paradise.

Check Availability and Prices

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