Eighteen-year-old Australian surfer Sierra Kerr will make history as the youngest competitor at the 2025 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, set to take place from September 4 to 11 at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Kerr, a natural footer and the 2023 World Junior Champion, aims to become the first female champion of the prestigious event, now in its 13th year. Growing up between Australia’s Gold Coast and California, she fondly recalls watching her father, Josh Kerr, win the competition in 2018 and 2019 from the channel at Sultans when she was just 12. Those memories inspired her to dream of one day earning an invitation to the event, a goal she has now achieved.
The unique format of the Surfing Champions Trophy will test Kerr’s versatility across three board types: single fin, twin fin, and thruster. While she has competed on twin fins before, the single fin will be a new challenge. Kerr is enthusiastic about the opportunity, noting that her thrusters are crafted by JS Industries, while her father’s new brand, Draft, will provide her twin fin and single fin boards. Her adaptability extends beyond surfing; she excels in skateboarding and maintains an impressive golf handicap of 8. Yet, her primary focus is on etching her name into the event’s record books, inspired by her father’s victories and motivated to break the male-dominated streak of champions.
Kerr’s return to Kuda Huraa holds special significance, as she cherishes the resort’s exceptional hospitality, fun activities, and attentive staff. She joins fellow Australian surfers Craig Anderson and Jesse Mendes in the 2025 lineup, with three more competitors, including a Maldivian wildcard, to be announced soon. Guests at the resort during the event will have the chance to watch the daily heats from luxury boats and mingle with athletes at casual beachfront gatherings where heat winners are revealed. For those eager to hit the waves themselves, the resort’s Surf’s Up package offers an immersive experience, including round-trip speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport, welcome refreshments, daily breakfast at Café Huraa, and four days of tailored surf coaching. The package also provides complimentary surfboards and stand-up paddleboards, daily group yoga, and a 60-minute massage for two to soothe tired muscles. Suitable for all skill levels, the surf coaching ranges from beginner lessons in the lagoon to advanced clinics chasing the perfect wave. Reservations for the Surf’s Up package can be made online or by contacting the Central Reservations department at +960 66 00 888 or reservations.mal@fourseasons.com.