Finalists Decided at the SriLankan Airlines Pro in the Maldives

An exciting day of surfing in the Maldives at the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) PRIME Six Star rated World Qualifying Series (WQS) Sri Lankan Airlines Pro sees just eight surfing remaining in the event which will finish tomorrow in great conditions at Pasta Point.

Pat Gudauskas (USA/Cal) continued his huge run in this event by defeating ASP veteran Cory Lopez in the opening heat of the day.

"I had to forget the excitement of yesterdays heat win and focus on the job ahead and that's to try and win this event" said Gudauskas who created history in his previous heat when he executed what is believed to be the first ever rodeo clown manoeuvre in competitive surfing.

"I'm excited to be through to the final eight surfers and I'm hungry for the win as I'm sure all the other seven surfers are!" added Gudauskas.

Romain Cloitre (France/Reunion Island) continues to be the quiet achiever here in the Maldives and today he was very impressive taking a tightly contested heat over Shaun Gossman (Australia).

The smooth styled 20 year old who bases himself equally between Reunion Island and Hossegor in France has already achieved his best ever performance here in a Prime rated ASP WQS event.

"Last year I was eliminated in my very first heat here so I'm just really pleased to keep progressing through my heats this year" said Cloitre.

"I feel well suited to this wave and I'm looking forward to tomorrow's final day."

While both ASP tour veterans in Cory Lopez and Travis Logie (South Africa) were eliminated today, exciting youngsters Jadson Andre (Brazil) and Owen Wright (Australia) advanced to the quarter finals.

Andre's heat win over Travis Logie was the tightest heat of the day. The 19 year old Brazilian trailed throughout the heat and looked rattled when he uncharacteristically fell on a huge aerial move mid heat.

"That was the strangest thing that has ever happened to me in a contest" said Andre.

I had completed the aerial, landed well and was looking to ride it out but my leash actually got caught on my ring on my finger and that has dragged me off my board, I felt it rip at my finger and it has actually ripped into my skin, unbelievable."

Despite that mistake, Andre showed his professionalism by taking a wave in the final minute, nailing an opening major air reverse and scoring the required 6.33 to take the win.

The final two heats of the day saw the conditions clean up and the swells pulse and the days highest heat and wave scores were registered by Leigh Sedley (Australia) and Austin Ware (USA).

Sedley's 14.5 heat score was the day's highest and he goes into tomorrow's final day with confidence.

"I'm feeling great here, loving the waves and my surfing and boards feel really good so I'm going into tomorrow focused on winning - I believe I can" said Sedley.

Sedley will face Austin Ware (USA) in the fourth quarter final tomorrow. Ware scored the days highest wave score of an 8.5 on his way to defeating Drew Courtney.

Tomorrow will be the final day and is expected to deliver the best waves of the event so far.
Follow this event live at http://www.srilankanairlinespro.com/

Quarter Final Heat Draw:

Heat 1: Pat Gudauskas (USA), Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)
Heat 2: Romaine Cloitre (FRA), Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 4: Leigh Sedley (AUS), Austin Ware (USA)

SriLankan Airlines Pro 2009 is made possible thanks to the following sponsors: SriLankan Airlines, John Keells Group, Chaaya Island - Dhonveli, Atoll Travel, Atoll Adventures, Ocean & Earth International, Dhiraagu, Maldives Tourism & Promotions Board, ASP Australasia.

ASP Australasia as the event managers will deliver a quality live Webcast along with Television News Feeds, complimentary Digital Images for newspapers and websites, Web highlight packages and a dedicated 30 minute international television program.

Source: surfline.com

Online Pro Surfing Games linked to SriLankan Airlines Pro Maldives

With less than one week until the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) PRIME 6 star rated World Qualifying Series (WQS) 2009 SriLankan Airlines Pro begins in the magnificent Maldives Islands it's time online surf enthusiasts checked out and registered with the two online game linked to this event.

Go to the events official website at http://www.srilankanairlinespro.com and follow the links to www.fantasyprosurfing.com and www.youriding.com to access these two online games.

Both games have detailed easy to follow instructions on how to play.

Like many sporting games, fantasyprosurfer.com engages participants by choosing a team of surfers with points awarded according to performance while youriding.com tackles the SriLankan Airlines Pro from an interactive wave riding perspective.

Play either or both and you'll at least feel a little bit like you are in paradise; picture and dream of the perfect peeling points, unbelievable 30 degree Celsius water temperatures, tropical climate where the temperature varies by barely a degree either side of 30 degrees and all set on the luxury Chaaya Island - Dhonveli.

Almost as good as being there in person, maybe!

An awesome field of 128 quality surfers from no less than 20 nations are now heading for the Maldives and expectations will be high that this year's event can begin where last years left off in perfect 2m surf at the famous Pasta Point.

Surfers will "warm-up" at Pasta Point on Dhonveli Island and they'll also sample the nearby perfection on offer at breaks like Sultans, Honkies, Lohefushi, Cokes and Chickens.

It's no wonder this event is a favourite with surfers on the ASP World Qualifying Tour as this is their equivalent of the Dream Tour.

SriLankan Airlines Pro 2009 is made possible thanks to the following sponsors: SriLankan Airlines, John Keells Group, Chaaya Island - Dhonveli, Atoll Travel, Atoll Adventures, Ocean & Earth International, Dhiraagu , Maldives Tourism & Promotions Board, ASP Australasia .

ASP Australasia as the event managers will deliver a quality live Webcast along with Television News Feeds, complimentary Digital Images for newspapers and websites, Web highlight packages and a dedicated 30 minute international television program.

Source: surfline.com

WQSers to get goods at SriLankan Airlines Pro, Maldives

ASP Australasia Office Casuarina NSW; Immediate Release: Widely regarded as the most striking event on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS), the SriLankan Airlines Pro in the Maldives has again drawn a brilliant field of 128 international surfers from 20 nations around the surfing world.

Current ASP World Tour surfer and 2007 SriLankan Airlines Pro Champion Heitor Alves (Brazil) heads the field as the events number one seed with a long list of magnificent surfers in the line up that includes Phil Macdonald (Australia), Sunny Garcia (Hawaii/ASP 2000 World Champion), Aritz Aranburu (Spain), Pat Gudauskas (USA), Masotoshi Ohno (Japan), Travis Logie (South Africa) and current number one rated ASP World Qualifying Series surfer Adam Melling (Australia).

This year’s event also welcomes esteemed international surf brand Ocean and Earth as a supporting sponsor. “We have seen the amazing perfection that the Maldives event has delivered to world surfing over the past five years through the webcast, images and vision and Ocean and Earth are excited to be involved” said Ocean and Earth International Chief Executive Officer, Paul Munten.

“I understand it’s the warmest waters of any ASP tour event in the world and with most surfing nations either just out of winter season or heading into winter it has to be the perfect place to be “ added Munten. Perfection off the reeling Pasta Point reef, set on the glorious Chaaya Island – Dhonveli is what this event has become famous for.

The event runs from the luxurious Sunset Beach Deck Bar and Restaurant, a location that delivers highest quality surfing at close range to the judges, spectators and media making for one of competitive surfing’s truly unique quality experiences.

Sunny Garcia, one of ASP’s most experienced and venerated competitive surfers ever, summed up his first experience in the Maldives last year saying; “This place is amazing with fantastic waves, crystal clear warm waters in a setting that is so perfect for a high level event – I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get here and I’ll certainly be back.”

A quarter finalist last year, Sunny is back in the field for 2009 and in such quality waves will be a certain contender. As an ASP World Qualifying Series Prime Six Star rated location the SriLankan Airlines Pro offers maximum points and prize money and the event is vital to the chances of all competitors surfing not only to win this event but also to qualify for the elite 2010 ASP World Tour.

It’s the perfect midyear venue to the ASP World Qualifying Series season and whoever wins this year’s 2009 SriLankan Airlines Pro will be ideally set up for the years tour.

ASP Australasia as the event managers will ensure a quality live Webcast along with Television News Feeds, class complimentary Digital Images for newspapers and websites, Web highlight packages and a dedicated 30 minute international television program.

SriLankan Airlines Pro 2009 is made possible thanks to the following sponsors: SriLankan Airlines, John Keells Group, Chaaya Island – Dhonveli, Atoll Travel, Atoll Adventures, Ocean & Earth International, Dhiraagu, Maldives Tourism & Promotions Board, ASP Australasia

Source: globalsurfnews.com

Dhiraagu Signs On for 2009 SriLankan Airlines Pro

The Association of Surfing Professionals Australasia (ASP) and SriLankan Airlines are proud to announce that Dhiraagu, the number one telecom service provider in Maldives, has signed on as an official partner for the 2009 SriLankan Airlines Pro - Maldives.

"We are excited to once again partner with the premier telecom provider in the Maldives and the support provided by Dhiraagu is vital to the success of the SriLankan Airlines Pro - Maldives and ensures that people all around the world will be able to access up-to-date information and watch the event live," said ASP Australasia Tour Manager Dane Jordan.

Dhiraagu will provide all International roaming capabilities for the event along with vital internet connections to allow daily press and the live video webcast to be broadcast to the world.

"We are proud to be associated with such a magnificent sporting event and the live webcast showcases Dhiraagu's advanced telecommunication networks" said Mr John Murray, Head of Marketing for Dhiraagu.

"Not only does this high quality live webcast highlight the great surf in the Maldives it also presents the magnificent tropical location to hundreds of thousands of people around the world and promotes our island paradise to the world."

The SriLankan Airlines Pro is a 6 Star PRIME World Qualifying Series event and will run from 8th - 14th June, on Chaaya Island Dhonveli home to the world famous wave of Pasta Point.

The event will attract over 100 of the worlds best surfers including numerous former World Champions and current ASP World Junior Champion Kai Barger (HAW). Competitors will come from 5 different continents and over 15 different countries.

The 2009 SriLankan Airlines Pro is proudly sponsored by SriLankan Airlines, Maldives Tourism and Promotions, Atoll Travel, Dhiraagu, Atoll Adventures and ASP Australasia.

Source: surfline.com

C4 Watermen spread stand up paddle skills in Maldives

On a recent boat trip to a secluded corner of the Maldives world-renowned watermen Brian Keaulana and Todd Bradley teamed up with Tropicsurf ‘s Ross Phillips to experiment with the latest developments in ocean technology. Their goal was to brainstorm future plans for a series of waterman courses in Australia in 2008.

The Waterman Experience Weeks will be the very first of their kind open to the public and will commence early next year in Noosa, with the Maldives and Hawaii on the itinerary for late 2008. Designed for the regular surfer, the courses will focus on developing waterman skills and increasing overall ocean confidence so participants will not just be able to ride a wave, but really understand it.

The program will be action packed with stand up paddle, tow-in, jet ski rescue, hydrofoil, underwater relaxation techniques, ocean swimming in challenging conditions and more.

With a Diploma of Teaching in Physical Education, a Graduate Diploma in Outdoor Education and twenty years experience as a surf educator Ross Phillips has earned himself a solid reputation in the industry. Coupled with Brian Keaulana who was once described by surf journalist Dave Parmenter as ”without a doubt the greatest all-around waterman alive”, they make a formidable team.

On their recent Maldives trip they road tested a variety of equipment from the latest hydrofoil fins to stand up paddleboards ranging from 9’6 to 11’0. Body surfing, breath holding, jet ski driving training, towing and rescue techniques were also a major focus.

“Professional water safety is an important service that Tropicsurf offers to our guests. So it’s been awesome to have Brian here with us fine-tuning our risk management processes. He’s undoubtedly the best in the business and his wealth of real life experience has proven invaluable in polishing our systems and training our guides” Ross Phillips, Tropicsurf CEO.

Brian Keaulana and Todd Bradley from C4 Waterman were in the Maldives to film a stand up paddle instructional video but they got a lot more than they bargained for with solid 6 to 8 foot surf and not another single surfer for the entire trip. Brain Keaulana said, “This was probably the best surfing trip I have ever taken in my whole life. And I’ve been everywhere.

It was not just the surf; it was the whole ambience, the culture the customer service. We’ve been treated way beyond what I’d expected like we were part of the family.”

This is what Tropicsurf does best and this service will be a major focus of the Waterman Experience Weeks. And for those with outstanding talent and enthusiasm the courses will also be part of a Tropicsurf recruiting drive – with Ross and his team keen to add coaches who will become part of this exciting new venture with the opportunity to travel the world.

Established in 2002 Tropicsurf provides guided luxury surfing holidays for all abilities. Tropicsurf pioneered surf travel in the outer atolls of the Maldives, with Ross the first to surf many of its breaks and constantly discovering new and remote locations.

Source: Global Surf News

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

Used to be, the WQS tour was a complete slog, with four-man heats in crappy beachbreak after crappy beachbreak. Being able to grovel with the best of 'em while keeping an eye on the Dream Tour prize kept many surfers motivated, but things are changing.

The Sri Lanka Airlines Pro in the Maldives, now in its sixth year, is a prime example of the Dream Tour coming to the WQS. And while there was no Teahupoo-like barrels on offer this year, consistent shoulder to head-high swell graced Pasta Point for the week of the contest, allowing the world's best young surfers to cut loose over the rippable reefbreak.

Brazilian Heitor Alves took the win from Aussie Jarrad Howse in the last three minutes of the final with a solid 8.93, which comboed the Aussie.
"I'm so happy to win such a magnificent event here in the Maldives," Alves said. "All week we have surfed really good waves and today was perfect for me. I feel like Pasta Point really suits my style and after each heat I was very confident I could get a really good result here. It's great that a Brazilian finally wins here as well!"

This was Jarrad Howse's second finals performance in the past month and the South Australian born surfer who now resides in Sydney is well on track to requalify for the elite World Championship Tour in 2008.

"It's been another fantastic event here. Obviously I would have like to have won but in the final I never quite found the waves needed to score really big on. No excuses though, the winner has been the form surfer here and he will always be hard to beat in these type of conditions."

Equal third today went to Hawaiian surfer Dustin Barca and Brazil's Pablo Paulino, while South African surfer Jordy Smith's fifth placing puts him in first place on the ASP World Qualifying Series Ratings.

Source: Surfline

Europeans mounting force as tour heads into summer

It seems like our european crew remains fit and highly motivated once again! The Maldives 5 Star prime WQS event that ended today seems to be another step towards the emergance of european surfing.

It’s no big surprise as this new phenomenon started years ago, at the time when the Dream Tour was only a.... dream. Power surfer Russell Winter (Gbr) was the first to draw up the path in the late 90’s, spending several years amongst the elite, when Kelly Slater was opening the era of his domination.

The second stone was posted by Eric Rebière (Fra) when he qualified through the World Qualifying Series to spend a year with the top 44. Two years later in 2006, Miky Picon (Fra) was the thrid man to achieve this ultimate goal and confirm to the rising generation Europe was definitely ready to rumble.

And even if the surfer from Capbreton, France, couldn’t remain on the Foster’s ASP World Tour despite showing some potential, a new current had rose and you could feel that the limits were to disappear.

Europe’s wonderkid and most promissing surfer of the last decade Jérémy Flores (Fra), finished 2007 achieving what no europeans had ever done, becoming WQS champion, at eighteen years old only; becoming the youngest surfer ever to enter the famous Dream Tour, Jérémy’s exceptional path seemed to give the rest of the Euroforce the confidence that was missing in the group.

Since the beginning of the year, a whole bunch of europeans have contributed to the rising building, and as we are moving towards the crucial mid-year turning point, it seems like what could be seen as an illusion is definitely reality. Twenty-seven europeans made the trip to the Maldives present Sri Lankan Airlines Pro 5 Star Prime WQS event.

Amongst them, upcoming young guns Joan Duru (Fra) or Marc Lacomare (Fra) starting the WQS tour this year, more experienced surfers Hugo Savalli (Reu), Alain Riou (Pyf), Hodei Collazo (Euk), and eventually the ones who are ready to qualify and remain in the current top 25 Tiago Pires (Prt), Miky Picon (Fra), Aritz Aranburu (Euk), Tim Boal (Fra), Eneko Acero (Euk), Michel Bourez (Pyf)...

Former WCT surfer Miky Picon ended in the quarterfinals, securing the best result of the contingent but confirming as well his rise event after event, eliminating on his way O’Neill Highland Open winner Nathan Hedge (Aus). Targetting a requalification on the Dream Tour, Picon is taking advantage of his 7-year experience on the World Qualifying Series and will be one of the leaders of the euro-pack this summer at home.

With an increasing number of major events around the world, and a level that has never been so high on the international field, the race to the 2008 Foster’s ASP World Tour is going to be super tight until the last events in Hawaii. However, with one 5 Star, three 6 Star, one Super Series, and two 4 Star WQS events, Europe will host between August and October the best action pack ever, and hopes the Euroforce crew keeps holding high the colours of the Union.

Source: GSN

Robertson eliminated in Maldives

CAPE Bridgewater surfer Adam Robertson was eliminated from the SriLankan Airlines Pro in the Maldives yesterday, going down narrowly in his round three heat.

Robertson, 24, was well positioned mid-heat with a strong 6.8 opening ride but was unable to back it up with a reasonable second scoring ride and was eliminated from the event by Brazil's Ordelie Couthino.

Robertson had been in good form, defeating another Brazilian in highly-decorated veteran Fabio Gouveia to advance to round three.

``This is an amazing event,'' Robertson said.

``We score great waves every year here and it's a lot of fun to surf.''

The Maldives is regarded as having some of the warmest surfing waters in the world at about 29 degrees and produces excellent reef breaks.

It is a five-star prime rating ASP World Qualifying Tour event with $US100,000 prizemoney, attracting about 200 of the world's top surfers .

Source: The Standard

DeSouza out of race at Maldives SriLankan Airlines Pro

Young Brazilian surfer Adriano De Souza, the events number one seed, was a shock elimination on day five at the SriLankan Airlines Pro in the Maldives today. In the round of 24 surfers where three man heats are introduced with 1st and 2nd progressing while 3rd is eliminated, twenty year old De Souza only required a three point ride to progress.

The big problem for De Souza was a snapped fin on his board mid heat which restricted his performance severely. He was forced to waste time changing boards and was unable to get a wave on his new board before the heat finished. De Souza fell to Eneko Acero (Spain) and Jordy Smith (Zaf).

Angry after the heat De Souza said “It’s really disappointing when the equipment fails. It happened in my first heat here and then again today. I’ll be talking seriously with my board people to fix this because it’s a serious problem and I’m not happy at all.”

It wasn’t all bad for the strong Brazilian contingent here with Leonardo Neves and Heitor Alves both very impressive round five heat winners today. Alves likened the wave to his home breaks in Brazil and the super fast small framed goofy footer put in an awesome display to score the events highest single scoring ride with a 9.67 and the events highest heat tally of 18.17.

Surrounded by the happy Brazilian contingent after his heat Alves said, “Great heat for me, the winds picked up and I knew I could pull some good aerial moves if I focused on them and that’s exactly how it worked for me. I love the waves here and I really feel good at this stage of the event and will enjoy my next heats.”

One surfer surprising many here is Anthony Walsh (Australia/Lennox Head). Walsh recently made world headlines in surfing following exceptional performances in the worlds scariest wave in Tahiti and here in the Maldives, in probably some of the most fun waves in the world, Walsh is again winning and is through to the final 16 surfers.

“It’s nothing like Teahupoo but it’s such a rippable wave you have to surf well here. The hardest part here is the water temperature. It’s probably the warmest I’ve felt, around 30 degrees and that’s awesome for free surfing but tough when we compete!”

Other big performers today included Mikey Picon (France), Michel Bourez (Tahiti), Jarrod Howse (Aus), Dustin Barca (Haw), Kekoa Bacalso (Haw), Troy Brooks (Aus), Adrian Buchan (Aus) and Tiago Pires(Portugal), all through to the final 16 surfers. The great waves simply continue to roll through at Pasta Point and with predicted favorable winds tomorrow everyone is keen for an epic finish.

Source: GSN

Waves pump at Maldives Sri Lankan Airlines Pro Day 2

Life simply doesn’t get any better for the ASP World Qualifying Series with the Maldives producing a memorable day of great waves at Pasta Point. The surfers responded to the waves by throwing caution to the wind with big moves a plenty to entertain the spectators relaxing on deck chairs, sipping cocktails and simply enjoying the sport of surfing in this incredible environment.

Hawaiian Dustin Barca was the days standout. The confident Kauai surfer showed no signs of nerves as he lined up in the days heavyweight clash against Dane Reynolds (USA) and Hank Gaskell (Haw).

While Reynolds has been this years outstanding performer an the ASP Qualifying circuit with his new wave aerial attack it was Barca who took to the skies with a series of outstanding aerial moves combined with his committed powerful backhand attack to take the heat with the highest event wave score (9.0 out of 10) and highest wave tally of 17.86.

Fellow Hawaiian Hank Gaskell was also busy pulling big aerials in this heat and finished second to progress with Reynolds the big shock elimination. Reynolds was far from disgraced today, he also pulled some great aerial moves and scored well but didn't quite find the quality waves like Barca and Gaskell.

A focused Barca had little to say after the heat other than, “I don’t think about my competitors at all I simply go out to surf my best. No game plan before the heat, just surf the best waves the best I can.”

Australia’s Matt Wilkinson was another young emerging surfer eliminated today going down to Frederick Robin (France) and Antonio Borteletto (South Africa). Wilkinson was advancing for most of the heat and also scored well with some strong aerial moves couldn’t match the consistency of his competitors.

Adam Robertson signaled the strong Australian presence at this event with a convincing heat win as the waves peaked around mid day. Robertson defeated highly decorated veteran Fabio Gouveia (Bra) to advance to round three.

“ This is an amazing event, we score great waves every year here and it’s a lot of fun to surf – you need to pinch yourself that it’s not a holiday and stay focused on the task of winning heats - there’s a long way to go to get an acceptable result here for me.”

Other great performances today included Hodie Collazo from Spain who easily won his heat thanks to a decisive excellent 8.2 ride to defeat Parish Byrne from Australia. Fellow Spanish surfer Aritz Aranburu also posted an impressive win while Pablo Gutierrez completed a great day for Spain by progressing through his heat by stealing 2nd place on his final ride in the heat.

Conditions look likely to remain excellent for the entire event and round three top seeds will enter the water tomorrow including the super exciting talents of Jordy Smith (Zaf), Adriano De Souza (Bra) and Shaun Cansdell (Aus).

Source: Global Surfer News

Maldives ready to rumble with the SriLankan Airlines Pro

Two hundred of the World’s best surfers have arrived in the Maldives for the ASP 5 Star Prime Rated SriLankan Airlines Pro. Warming up is an understatement here today in waters around 28 degrees and with perfect 1.5m surf reeling off the amazing Pasta Point where the event is based.

The action today was extremely hot with surfers like Dane Reynolds (USA), Nathan Hedge (Aus), Simao Romao (Bra) and many pushing their surfing to the limits as they familiarized themselves to the wave. Hedge, fresh off a big win in Scotland is clearly focused on this event having arrived 5 days ago to fully prepare.

“ It was great to win in Scotland but that’s in the past, I’m here to win this event now – It’s a great place and the waves are super fun and I’m ready to go!” Go will be tomorrow with swells pumping through the Indian Ocean and an awesome forecast of surf ahead. Stand by for an explosive start to the Maldives presents SriLankan Airlines Pro tomorrow Sunday 3rd of June.

Watch it online via the link at www.aspworldtour.com The Maldives presents SriLankan Airlines Pro is made possible by SriLankan Airlines, Maldives Tourism, Dhonveli Beach & Spa Resort, Dhiraggu Internet and Atoll Travel

Source: Global Surf News

Big swells, perfect surf on tap for SriLankan Airlines Pro

The Indian Ocean is alive with a thumping swell about to fill the entire ocean with amazing surf and the big winner will be the SriLankan Airlines Pro in the Maldives.

Every year since the inaugural event began in 2001 the Maldives has delivered outstanding waves to the best of the ASP World Qualifying Series competitors but this years signs indicate we’re in for something really special with the event set to go on Sunday.

How special? Try 17 second period swells at 3 meters predicted for Pasta Point and some Indian Ocean perfection! ASP Australasian Tour Manager Glenn Best has seen every event in the Maldives and had this to say about the forecast -

“We are ready for something really amazing this year. Every year we’ve seen perfect waves up to 6 feet but this year looks like we’re going to top that in a big way” commented Best from Pasta Point at the beautiful Dhonveli Resort today.

“It’s perfect for us with a full scale live webcast now in preparation to go from day one! Vision, audio, live scores from paradise. The web team will be perfectly set up on the bar deck at Dhonveli Beach and Spa Resort overlooking Pasta Point. Viewers will feel like they are right there on the deck!”

Of the forecast Best added “Of course it’s just a forecast at this minute but we know how accurate wave forecasting science has become in the past few years, especially for open ocean island locations like the Maldives – Let’s bring on the biggest waves yet for this event!”

The Maldivian community has embraced their biggest sporting event and today the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahamood Shougee said “ASP WQS 5 star prime rating surfing is a seal of approval by surfing professionals that the Maldives is a Quality surf Destination”.

In the next few days ASP Australasia will assist the rapidly developing Maldives Surfing Association (MSA) in the running of their coveted trials event which will award four surfers positions into the main WQS event field.

16 local Maldivian surfers will contest the MSA Trials in Male, the beautiful capital of the Maldives, the local beach provides a thumping hollow beach break with multiple ‘A’ frame peaks and the local guys such as Hussein Areef, Mohamed Azly, Mohammed Areef, Ismail Miglal and Moahmed ‘Pele’ Fayaz will all be looking to cement a spot in the WQS event.

The growth of the sport has been amazing in the Maldives since the event began with the locals surfing ability escalating largely due to their involvement with this event since it’s inception and in years to come expect to see some Maldivians competing full time on the WQS!

Stand by for an explosive start to the Maldives presents SriLankan Airlines Pro on Sunday 3rd of June. The Maldives presents SriLankan Airlines Pro is made possible by SriLankan Airlines, Maldives Tourism, Dhonveli Beach & Spa Resort, Dhiraggu Internet and Atoll Travel. The event begins on June 3rd and runs through to June 9.

Source: Global Surf News

Aspen's Chris Klug surfs the Maldives

Twelve-hundred minute islands and vast reefs straddling the equator dot the azure waters off the southwest tip of India.

Here, heads of coral - some as big as the hood of a car and resembling an umbrella - lurk under the crystal blue surf. Here, dolphins and sea turtles poke their heads above the surface to gaze curiously at surfers and vessels floating by. Here, white sand beaches fade into the warm ocean.

The Maldives, which rest in the Indian Ocean, offers the starkest of contrasts with the mountains - no point in the island country (the world's flattest, according to multiple sources) rises more than 7.8 feet above sea level. After another year toiling on the competitive snowboard circuit and traveling clear across the globe, such a place provided the perfect escape for surfing enthusiast Chris Klug.

"It's a nice balance after being in cold temperatures all winter and suffering all that impact from snowboarding," said the 2002 bronze medalist from Aspen. "It's a nice change of scenery. I'm always in dry climates at high elevation, so it's nice to go to sea level to mix it up.

"It's become a kind of tradition."

Klug's love of both the surfboard and snowboard were cultivated during his years growing up in Oregon. And when the 2007 U.S. parallel slalom and parallel giant slalom champion isn't competing, he travels the globe - from Costa Rica to Sumatra and Bali - in search of the perfect wave. [Read More on The Aspen Times]

Source: The Aspen Times

Taste of the Dream ToTaste of the Dream Tour for World Qualifying Series Comes to the Maldivesur for World Qualifying Series Comes to the Maldives

Two Hundred of the worlds best surfers making up the ASP World Qualifying Series will next week experience the Qualifying Series version of the much acclaimed dream tour of surfing as they head to the truly exotic and wave rich location of The Maldives for the Five Star Prime Rated SriLankan Airlines Pro.

With the event set to begin on June 3rd and running through to June 9th many competitors, media and officials are already planning their arrival to Dhonveli Beach to take advantage of possibly the most fun high quality surf breaks in the world.

The Maldives Islands are set in the Tropical North region of the Indian Ocean just to the south west of Sri Lanka. The event is based on the Dhonveli Beach & Spa Resort Island with a perfect peeling lefthand point break known as Pasta Point running off one corner of the island.

Within 20 minutes either side of Pasta Point lies numerous quality reef breaks which include Jails, Sultans, Honky's, Lohufushi, Ninja's, Coke's and Chicken's. All these breaks offer great waves to all the surfers at the event providing ideal preperation surf opportunities in what many regard as the warmest surfing waters in the world!

Throw in the hospitality and food surrounding the event and professional surfing life simply does not get much better than this.

With $US100 000 dollars up for grabs along with essential points as a highly rated prime rated event this years super quality field promises to be the best yet. The list of competitors includes excellent surfers from every surfing nation across the globe.

Two outstanding young surfers who have burst onto this years world scene , South Africa's Jordy Smith and USA surfer Dane Reynolds. These two super talents are the legitimate YOUNG GUNS of World Surfing and they can almost assure their pathway into next years ASP Foster's World Tour with a winning performance in the Maldives. Both will enter the event full of confidence following multiple high scoring performances during the first half of the season

Former World Tour surfer Nathan Hedge (Australia) recently returned to form with a big victory in Scotland and will be looking to continue his run at this event.

Masotoshi Ohno from Japan heads up the strong Japanese contingent emerging through the Qualifying Series.

Numerous Foster's World Tour surfers will also compete including the defending event champion Luke Munro (Aus) and Brazilian Adriano De Souza.

SriLankan Airlines Promotions Manager Mr Saminda Perera commented about the event saying, "SriLankan Airlines are extremely happy to be involved in this super event along with our key partners, ASP and the 'Maldives Tourism & Promotions Board'. The Maldives is a significant destination for SriLankan Airlines, and we welcome the opportunity to bring the world's best surfers from across the globe to the Maldivian atolls for what is the largest international sporting event held in the Maldives."

Contest Director and co ordinator Glenn Best (Tour Manager ASP Australasia) commented on the quality field by saying " This years event is sensational. With the event ideally positioned right in the middle of the contest season many of these surfers can virtually secure their position inside the top ten on the ASP World Qualifying Series Ratings with a finals performance. It's an event that everyone looks forward to and it really is the dream event on the ASP Qualifying Tour. "

It's Monsoon season in the Maldives and every year these Monsoonal winds have delivered excellent waves to this event and expectations are again high for another great event.

This year a huge media contingent will attend to supply news feeds, digital images, daily press and a live webcast which includes video and audio to the massive audience now locked into ASP webcasts.

Join the event in paradise via www.aspworldtour.com

Source: Surfline

Maldives Presents SriLankan Airlines Pro: - Count Down begins to one of Surfings Jewell Events

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 28 April, 2007 : - - Once again the exotic and magnificent Maldives Island’s will host one of the worlds best and most anticipated surf events – the ASP 5 Star Prime rated Maldives presents SriLankan Airlines Pro, running from June 3 through to June 9.

Renowned world wide and attracting the very best surfers from right across the globe, The Sri Lankan Airlines Pro delivers the true essence of the sport to the world with perfect surf, amazing weather and possibly the warmest surfing waters in the world - All this on a paradise island setting where the problems of the world disappear and the sport of surfing takes over!

Elite World Qualifying Series competitor Hira Terinatoofa (Tahiti) commented on the SriLankan Airlines Pro saying “Simply awesome! It’s my favorite event on the world tour. Everybody has fun enjoying fantastic surf and it’s just a wonderful experience. It’s just like my home in Tahiti - surf, sun and fun. A great event for surfing!”

The Maldives Islands is open to the entire Indian Ocean swell window and while great surf is consistent throughout the year, the monsoonal June winds have regularly delivered powerful and excellent surf to this event. Last year’s event saw Pasta Point on the Dhonveli Beach & Spa Resort Island add even more quality to the options of excellent surf available and Pasta Point will again be the events base with options to surf other quality surf breaks like Lohifushi, Cokes and Jails! [Read More on Global Surfer News]

Source: Global Surfer News

Dave McClymont of Jupiter rides a big one during the recent 14-day surf trip to the Maldives.

Dave McClymont of Jupiter rides a big one during the recent 14-day surf trip to the Maldives, a cluster of volcanic atolls located off the coast of India.


North Palm Beach County surfers return from Maldives

Fifteen local surfers returned this week from a 14-day surf trip to the Maldives, a cluster of volcanic atolls located off of the coast of India.

Gone are the days of "Jeff Spicoli" and "Mr. Hand" dominating the surfing industry and defining the standard surfer stereotype. Many things have changed in surfing since the early 1980s cult classic film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."

Fifteen local surfers returned this week from a 14-day surf trip to the Maldives, a cluster of volcanic atolls located off of the coast of India.

Gone are the days of "Jeff Spicoli" and "Mr. Hand" dominating the surfing industry and defining the standard surfer stereotype. Many things have changed in surfing since the early 1980s cult classic film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."

[Read More]
Source:

New Tropical Maldives surf resort on the island of Gan

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 16 March, 2007 : - - This is an amazing surf resort located in the southern atolls away from the surf crowds of the northern atoll breaks. Forget everything you have ever heard about the Maldives – The island of Gan is completely different. With its 5 km length and 3 km width it is the largest island in the Addu Atoll which is situated at the very southern end of the Maldives - south of the Equator.

The transfer to Equator Village will be by air from Male international airport in an unforgettable flight over the atolls and islands, with surf spots opening up before your eyes. Landing on the island of Gan will give you a real surprise. Extraordinary vegetation awaits you; palm trees, bushes, flowers, lush green fields. By the way - most of the bananas served in Maldives are grown in this area.

Addu Atoll is a string of islands linked by road, making overland excursions possible, unlike islands in the northern atolls that are traversed by sea. The atoll is renowned for virgin surf reefs, varied and richly colourful sea life and is truly a wonderful surfing destination.

The Island resort is connected to other local villages by unique causeways so you can freely move to see the local culture and way of life of the Maldivian people. Equator Village- offers bicycle for those who wish to ride and explore the islands on their own. There is a long white sandy beach just 100 meters from the resort for the guest to enjoy the coral and other marine life is ideal for snorkelling.

Surfers will enjoy pre-booking a private surf pass and surf guide “daily” to transfer them to the awesome surf spots located nearby, we are the only surf travel company to feature this new and exciting destination and it offers a true chance to escape the crowds found on the northern atoll islands.

The bungalows of Equator Village total 78 rooms and are located in wonderful garden setting with a profusion of flowers, bushes and trees. All rooms are spacious and equipped with air-conditioning, refrigerator, shower (hot & cold water) sitting area and a veranda.

The accommodation is All Inclusive, which means the following is inclusive: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Alcohol (local brands only), Soft Drinks, Cocktail of the day, and table wine by the glass, Evening Snacks, Tea and Coffee between 1600 to 1800 hours. Use of Bicycles, one night fishing, one island hopping with BBQ lunch during the stay and 2 trips daily snorkelling.

Resort Facilities & Recreational Facilities:
- PADI certificate Diving
- Swimming Pool
- Coffee shop
- Discotheque
- Table Tennis
- Volley Ball
- Squash
- Tennis court
- Badminton
- Darts
- Cycling
- Water sports centre
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Night Fishing
- Sunset Fishing

Source: Global Surfing News