Surfing and luxury aren’t two words that traditionally go hand in hand - until this summer. With the launch of “the world’s most luxurious surfing contest” in the Maldives, exclusive lessons from Hawaiian legend Dave Kalama in Maui, and a total of seven board-loving resorts, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is raising the stakes for water lovers and adrenalin junkies the world over.
Master vs. Master

It’s a showdown of greats, a never-before assembled field: Layne Bleachley vs. Mark Richards vs. four additional surf legends tackling some of the world’s most impressive, consistent and warmest swells.

Taking place August 29 to September 5, 2011, Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is a partnership between luxury surf pioneers Tropicsurf and the Maldives’ leading surfing resort, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Competitors will vie for USD 25,000.00 in prize money across three disciplines that showcase the evolution of modern surfing: Single Fin (1970s), Twin Fin (70s and 80s) and Thruster (80s onwards).

Spectators can follow the action through the Resort’s four- or seven-night Champions Trophy packages that promise an up-close view of every run from the decks of the country’s premier surf vessel, Four Seasons Explorer. The all-inclusive package also features three half-day surfing passes with the Resort’s on-site Surf School, also run by the experts from Tropicsurf, as well as the opportunity to rub shoulders with the contest judges, participants and supporters back at Kuda Huraa, the competition’s home base.

Learn from a Legend

In a destination where surfing is a way of life, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is connecting guests with an exclusive chance to learn from Hawai’i’s legendary waterman Dave Kalama. Dave is best known as a renowned big wave surfer who co-developed tow-in surfing. He has also been featured in several films, including the surf documentary Riding Giants.

Part of the Resort’s new collection of Unforgettable Events, the multi-day Maui Surf Camp will take place in December and feature intimate classes that introduce beginners and aficionados alike to the basics, and finer points, of hanging-ten.

Novices Welcome; Experts Challenged

With properties located in top surfing spots around the globe, Four Seasons resorts offer effortless access to the best breaks, instructors and once-in-a-lifetime surfing experiences from the Maldives to Mexico, Bali to Costa Rica, and Seychelles to Lana’i, Hawaii.

Newbies staying at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo can venture to Tamarindo, a beach break area perfect for beginners, with partner Secret Spot Surfing School. More advanced students can book a trip to the world famous breaks of Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point, each a short boat ride away.

In addition to classes for beginners, intermediates can hone their skills with a range of improvement clinics run by Tropicsurf at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. Master jump-up, tube-riding, and much more under accredited teachers, and take guided excursions to the regions’ top breaks, including many uncrowded secret spots.

Surf lessons also offer a cultural component at Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay in Hawai’i. Guests seeking to learn the sport of Hawaiian kings can book an exclusive half-day session with champion surfer (and Lana’i resident). Palumbo teaches beginners how to ride longboards while sharing his knowledge on the history of surfing, Lana’i and Hawaiian culture. Shortboard sessions for advanced riders are also available.

Finally, nothing perfects a skill set like practice. Surrounded by several renowned Mexican surf spots including El Anclote, El Faro and La Lancha, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico offers guests the chance to surf every day of their vacation. The Resort’s new Surf and Turf package comes with a choice: a three-hour surf session each day or – for those in need of a break from the breaks – unlimited time on the golf course.

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