- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz

Anticipation is growing as the start of the 2015 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy approaches. The famed breaks surrounding Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa have been receiving their fair share of dry-season swell already and it looks to stay consistent for the contest, now in its fifth year, which will run from August 3 - 9.

Sofia Mulanovich Mulanovich won the World Title in 2004 with maneuvers like this. - WSL

Hosted aboard the 39-meter Four Seasons Explorer catamaran and at the multi-award-winning Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the champions-only event pits the world's finest surfers across three thrilling divisions in a unique showcase of skill and camaraderie. The World Surf League (WSL) sanctioned specialty event is a spotlight occasion for the wave-rich country of the Maldives, and a sought after invite for surfing's royalty each year.

One competitor who is especially excited about their first time in the Champions Trophy and Maldives is 2004 Women's World Champion, Sofia Mulanovich (PER).

"To get invited to the 2015 Four Seasons Champions Trophy in the Maldives is an honour for me," Mulanovich said. "The Maldives looks like paradise and surfing with Tom Curren, Shane Dorian, Dave Rastovich, Harley Ingleby and Neco Padaratz will be a dream come true. I am really looking forward to surf good waves in warm water and be able to watch everyone rip and have a good time."

Surfing in three different board divisions (single fin, twin fin and thruster) will be a true test of each of the competitors' skills, even for past World Champions.

"I haven't had much practice with these shapes but it will be a really good challenge that I know I will enjoy a lot. I feel I will probably be more comfortable surfing my thruster but I am super excited to try the single and twin fin."

Regardless of the contest's relaxed format, and the years since Mulanovich's time on the World Tour, she is ready to take on some of her heroes and go for the win.

"It is going to be great to be back in contest mode and surf with all my heroes. The line up for the contest is insane. Tom Curren is the biggest legend ever and Shane Dorian has always been one of my idols, and he always seems like a great guy. Harley is extremely talented and he knows how to ride any board. Neco is a super amazing surfer and I have always loved his passion and his aggressive, powerful surfing. Rasta is just incredible. He is so in touch with the ocean and his surfing is flawless. It's such a great group of surfers."

Don't be fooled by Mulanovich's relaxed attitude: She's a proven competitor and will push her fellow competitors to their limits.

"I am fired up and excited about the amazing opportunity to share incredible waves with my heroes in paradise," she added.

For more information visit: www.surfingchampionstrophy.com

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