Holiday Maldives
Many say that this is the best surfing spot in the Maldives, not to mention one of the best surfing spots in the world. Nahu was observing alongside other judges, who were enjoying the last day of the week-long event. The competition was rated at six star prime, the highest possible ranking for quality of waves at a surfing competition.
Greatest Final
At what many ASP officials deemed as the greatest final round they had ever witnessed, 19-year old Australian Owen Wright came in first place, followed by Patrick Gudauskas, a 23-year old surfer from the United States. Wright said it was the best final he holiday maldives 2012 had ever been in; his thoughts were echoed by ASP world tour head judge Perry Hatchet, who said that out of the hundreds of finals he had watched, this one placed in the top five.
Even before the memories created in the final round today, the competition had already earned a spot in surfing history. Two days ago, Gudauskas completed the first ever rodeo clown maneuver (a 540 degree summersault with the surfboard) in a competition. This past week set a strong precedence in professional surfing culture in the Maldives and abroad.
maldives holiday paradise surfing reef breaks
Out of 150 of the worlds best male surfers, 128 participated in last weeks competition, representing 20 nations. Countries that came first were the USA, Australia, and Brazil.
The Maldives has hosted this event for the past decade. According to Steve Robertson, Media Director of ASP, and part of the group who first established the series, the competition was held on Lohifushi Island Resort for the first five years before being moved to Pasta Point because of the better quality of waves.
Wild card slots were granted to four Maldivian surfers, including Ibu, in this years competition, and although none got past the first round, Nahu says that each contender improved from the previous year.
Nothing but Positives
According to Robertson, surfing is still at a fledgling stage in the Maldives but the competition is a useful way of developing the sport in the country. When they were first looking for a place to hold the series 11 years ago, he says, perceptions of the Maldives as a surfing spot were flawed.
Not a lot was known about surfing in the Maldivessome of the feedback was that the waves were small. That was the perception. Through the event the perception has changed. He chose the Maldives based on the tropical climate, good waves and the overall appeal of the area.
Since then, Robertson says that the warmest water worldwide along with great waves, fantastic food and a welcoming environment has led to nothing but positives.
ASP CEO Alex Stark says that Pasta Point provides one of the best event set ups in the world. He highlights the invaluable infrastructure of the resort.
maldives surfing season reef breaks
Near Shore Breaks Appeal to Judges
A bar and a patio for spectators face eagle ray Pasta Point. Upstairs a room with a glass wall overlooks the beach, providing a convenient space for setting up cameras, computers, and judges. Robertson says you just dont get the perfect peeling waves with the infrastructure of an island resort set up. We have no infrastructure cost. You dont get that anywhere else.
Judges particularly like the set up because they are very close to the surfers. Tour head judge Hatchett explains that, In other places surfers are a couple of a hundred meters off shore. Here it is easier to judge because they are right on your doorstep it is the best place in the world to judge.
Nahu, who has also judged in competitions in Japan, agrees that the Maldivian beaches are three times closer than most beaches. The intimate setting allows fans enthusiastic cheers to reach the ears of surfers as they finish waves and head back out to finish their heat.
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