The 2025 Burunu Shikaaru Bodyboarding Challenge, one of the Maldives’ longest-running bodyboarding competitions, officially commenced today at Surf Point.

The tournament marks the beginning of this year’s national bodyboarding league and features 23 athletes competing in three categories: Men’s Open, Junior, and Dropknee.

Now in its seventh edition, the event traces its origins back to 2013, coinciding with the formation of the Bodyboarding Association of Maldives. Known for being held during optimal wave conditions in the region, the tournament is named in reference to Burunu Nakaiy.

Competition began this morning with the first round heats of the Men’s Open category. Participants were seeded based on current rankings, with the top eight ranked athletes automatically advancing to the second round. Nine athletes are competing in both the Junior and Dropknee divisions, which are scheduled to continue over the coming days depending on wave conditions.

The Burunu Shikaaru is one of three tournaments contributing points to the national bodyboarding league. Final standings from all three events will determine overall champions for the year. During the last edition, Ali Khushruvaan Ahmed, known locally as Kuda Ayya, secured titles in both the Men’s Open and Dropknee categories, while Mohamed Azaan Ahmed  claimed the Junior title.