The Soneva Surf Pro 2019 competition headed to Noonu atoll this month, providing a chance for local surfers to show off their tricks and compete for top prizes including a 5-night holiday on a luxury surf safari boat.
The annual competition was held in Baa atoll in October. The Noonu leg finished this week.
Part of the ‘Soneva Namoona’ initiative, which aims to foster a love for the ocean, the Soneva Surf Pro competition helps local surfers improve their skills, and introduces new surfers to the broader surf community.
Some 35 competitors, from the islands of Lhohi, Kudafari, and Manadhoo, took part in the contest, with participants’ ages ranging from 10-26 years.
The Noonu atoll winners were:
Under 18 Shortboard Champion: Ahmed Shaheedh, Lhohi, age 16
Over 18 Shortboard Champion: Mohamed Shuhad, Lhohi, age 20
Bodyboard category: Hassan Nadheeh, Lhohi, age11
Most promising shortboard surfer: Yoosuf Rahaau, Kudafari, age 11
Most promising bodyboarder: Mohamed Saadhin, Lhohi, age 13
Local women and girls, who are beginner surfers, were also encouraged to take part, and were provided one-on-one guided surf lessons with Soneva’s surf experience manager, Azhoora Ahmed, and competition judge Kuda Naanu.
Prizes included: 5 nights on a luxury surf safari boat; brand new surfboards and bodyboards; a dinner at Soneva Jani with a plus one; and surfing accessories such as fins, leashes, leg ropes, and board wax.
Soneva is a pioneering family of hospitality properties and products, offering holistic encounters in luxurious and inspiring environments, from world class hotels to outstanding natural locations. Combining luxury with a conscientious approach to sustainability and the environment, and proactively changing the nature of hospitality, it delivers intuitive service and meaningful experiences to the guests.
Soneva currently owns and operates Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand.