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.

Thirty-five people, from Noonu Lhohi, Kudafari, and Manadhoo, took part in the competition, with participants ages ranging from 10-26 years.

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.

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, age: 11;

- Most promising shortboard surfer: Yoosuf Rahaau, Kudafari, age 11;

- Most promising bodyboader: 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 Sonevas surf experience manager, Azhoora Ahmed, and competition judge Kuda Naanu.