Jesse Mendes Rides the 2025 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy

19 July, 2025

For professional surfers, few invitations spark as much excitement as the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. When Brazilian powerhouse Jesse Mendes received his 2025 call-up, his reaction said it all: “It’s such a dream to get the call-up!” recalling how fellow surfer Adriano de Souza once accepted immediately, joking he didn’t want Four Seasons “to change their minds”.

This September 4–11, Mendes will headline the 13th edition of “the world’s most luxurious surfing event” at Four Seasons Resorts Kuda Huraa, joining a handpicked group of six legends competing for a $25,000 prize and a permanent spot in the event’s Hall of Fame.

Why Mendes’ Participation Matters

• Elite Pedigree: A former Championship Tour contender and 2018 Triple Crown of Surfing winner, Mendes built his reputation on explosive turns and barrel mastery.

• Style Evolution: Since stepping back from full-time competition, he’s embraced twin-fin boards, prioritizing fluidity over competitive aggression—a perfect fit for this event’s focus on artistry. 

• Technical Prep: Mendes is collaborating with shaper Matt Parker (known for crafting boards for Josh Kerr and Coco Ho) to design equipment tailored for Maldives’ waves.

The Event’s Unmatched Format

Unlike standard surf contests, the Surfing Champions Trophy blends nostalgia, innovation, and luxury:

1. Board Diversity: Competitors battle across three divisions—single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster (tri-fin)—before selecting their preferred board for the Grand Final.

2. Age-Staggered Heats: A unique structure ensures fairness while celebrating surfers’ longevity.

3. Perfect Waves: Breaks like Sultans offer long, tubing right-handers—ideal for high-performance surfing and spectator viewing.

Beyond the Competition: The Kuda Huraa Experience

For guests, the event is a full-sensory immersion:

• Front-Row Access: Luxury surf vessels anchor beside the lineup, offering unobstructed views of the action.

• Surf’s Up Package: A curated experience includes Tropicsurf coaching, daily yoga, spa treatments, speedboat transfers, and gourmet dining—all from the resort’s idyllic garden island base.

• Cultural Luxury: Overwater villas, Maldivian cuisine, and the iconic Island Spa complement the surf-centric energy.

The 2025 Lineup and Legacy

Mendes joins Australian freesurfing icon Craig Anderson (confirmed earlier), with three more international stars and one Maldivian wildcard to be announced 18. They follow legends like 2024 winner Taj Burrow, who called the event “a celebration of surfing’s soul”.

How to Witness the Action

• Book the Surf’s Up Package: Combines event access with premium amenities.

  • 📞 Contact: +960 66 00 888

  • ✉️ Email: [email protected].

• Travel Window: The package is valid through December 20, 2025, ideal for extending a Maldives escape.

Final Takeaway

For Jesse Mendes, this event is both a competitive milestone and a return to surfing’s joys: “Nothing beats surfing all day, then coming back to an amazing meal with my wife in paradise”. His twin-fin flair against Maldives’ sapphire waves will define luxury surfing in 2025—a spectacle no enthusiast should miss.

Check Availability and Prices

Related stories

• The Surfer's Guide to Maldives
• Endless Maldives Surf: Ride Niyama' Private Wave 365 Days a Year
• Top Water Sports You Must Try in Maldives
• 10 Ways to Take Your Breath Away in the Maldives
• Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru vs Kuda Huraa
• Luxury Surfing Holidays at Kuda Villingili Maldives
• Top Maldives Adventure Resorts 2025: Thrills Beyond Luxury