Single Fins Shine at the World’s Bougiest Surf Contest
Photo: Jon Frank
Jadson Andre has never ridden a single fin. Ever.
That is, until the mouthful of a name, yet perennially epic, Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, event. Jadddy broke his single fin cherry.
“Who would say I would win the single fin?” he told SURFER on the boat ride back to the island after the event. “I’ve never rode a single fin before. First time was here. I was telling everyone before the comp, ‘I’m in love with single fins.’ So, it worked out.”
Photo: Jon Frank
As is the case with this event, day one was absolutely cranking. The boat was a nonstop symphony of cheers. Taj Burrow’s wife was screeching every time her hubby took off. Mikey February’s wife was doing the same between baby duty. It truly is: the most world's luxurious surf contest (and that’s besides the frankly absurd – but I ain't complaining – accommodations; my room has a private pool, secluded personal access to the ocean, a clawfoot tub overlooking the sea, trampoline ocean viewing decks, which I’ve already seen sharks and stingrays from…just to name a few).
Back to the waves.
Related: Carissa Moore Returns, Will Compete in 'World’s Most Luxurious Surfing Event'
As mentioned before, the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy has an interesting format. Day one was only single fins; day two will be twinnies; day three thrusters.
Back to the comp action.
Photo: Jon Frank
Taj Burrow, who came in second for the day and, fun fact, is a brand-new farmer – (“We got some sheep and guinea pigs; I’m still learning the ways”) – he told SURFER:
“Have you seen the waves? Oh my god. That was like the funnest conditions you could possibly surf. Luckily, I snuck a few nice ones in the second half of the heat.”
Related: That One Time in the Maldives With Tom Curren
Taj continued about the final against Jaddy:
“The final was a bit of a blur to be honest. Jadson was a competitive machine, cutting laps and getting sick ones. I had a chance to beat him at the end; paddled into one super late, had to knife the take-off and start pumping, and there was no way I was doing it on that board. My fin slid out on the first pump and I fell in the tube looking out at where I wanted to be. Single fins are challenging, but that makes it more rewarding when you get a good one. I’m so happy for Jadson though, he was ripping and that was the best second place I’ve ever had. I’m thrilled.”
As for Jaddy? Of course he’s elated. He’s one of the hardest working surfers in the world and it pays off, whether he’s hunting the tour, or surfing a specialty event:
Photo: Jon Frank
“It’s hard to explain how I’m feeling right now! I got to surf a heat with Carissa Moore, five-time world champion and gold medallist, she’s the best. After that, Mikey February is as good as it gets on a single fin and we had a great heat together. Then a final against Taj Burrow? Come on! We surfed so many heats on tour together, but when he retired eight years ago I never thought this would happen again. Today was a special day.”
Related: Why Aren’t the Maldives Being Claimed by Rising Seas?
After the comp, at the restaurant, while I was Steven Glansberg-ing at dinner, Jaddy and his family invited me over to join them. It was very kind. And now, the question is: How does Jaddy feel about the twin fin division? I’m so f*cking ready bro,” he told me. “The waves are so good, and it feels that much better when you win."
He's got some wagyu beef in his belly for that extra strength.
Results:
Single Fin Division Results
1. Jadson Andre (BRA)
2. Taj Burrow (AUS)
3. Mikey February (ZAF) equal with Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil (MDV)
5. Carissa Moore (HAW) equal with Jeremy Flores (FRA)
2024 FS Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Leaderboard1.
Jadson Andre (BRA) 1000pts2.
Taj Burrow (AUS) 900pts3.
Mikey February (ZAF) 800pts3.
Ahmed “Ammaday” Agil (MDV) 800pts5.
Carissa Moore (HAW) 700pts5. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 700pts
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