Vice Chair of the Maldives Coral Institute, Rahil "Aya" Naseem has brought home the championship of the first ever national women’s surf tournament in the Maldives.

Aya made history by winning the first ever women’s national surf championship with a total score of 8.17 against Shaziya Saeed, during the Sea Sports Rannamaari Challenge 1443 – National Surfing Championship 2021, on Wednesday.

The competitive Women’s Open Shortboard heat saw Shaziya falling short with a score of 5.70.

Both athletes, the “Surf Girls” are celebrated for their efforts in encouraging and motivating women to ride the waves.

Naha Nasrulla won bronze medal in the women’s open tournament. Naha and Rishtha Shuja competed in the Women’s Open – Bronze Medal Heat.

Speaking to news outlet ‘Mihaaru’ after her historic success, an ecstatic Aya, who is also a Marine Biologist who works on the frontlines of efforts to save coral reefs from going extinct in the face of climate change after beginning diving at 12, revealed claiming the champion title was a major honor.

Aya’s achievement is being celebrated all over social media, with users showering her with congratulations, some of whom included Maldives Former President and Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed and High Commissioner of Maldives to UK Farahanaz Faizal. This proud achievement proves to be inspirational to all women as well as the next generation of surfers. Alongside breaking barriers, Aya's historic win paves the path for women to be involved in national competitions.

Driven by the love for the addictive ocean, Aya was a part of the Raalhuedhuru program where she taught kids from around the Maldives to surf and is an advocate for the development of women’s surfing.

Some of her previous work includes environmental consultancy, reef surveying and monitoring as well as coral propagation projects. She also works with the MCI to bring together scientists and researchers in order to find solutions for coral resilience and protection of our reefs

The first women’s champion in surf claimed MVR 15,000 as a prize, with runner-up Shaziya winning MVR 10,000 and bronze winner claiming MVR 7,000.

The championship saw 58 athletes spanning 23 islands traveling to Malé and it was a first time for a women’s open division in the country. Further, long-board and stand up paddle-boarding were included among the newly-introduced divisions, in a total of six.

The title and main sponsor of this year’s Rannamaari challenge is Sea Sports, with State Trading Organization and Euro Store signing on as co-sponsors, alongside Atoll Adventures Private Limited and Maldives Surf Guide Association.

Ooredoo signed on as digital partner for the event, with Event Maldives joining as setup partner and Public Service Media allocated broadcasting partner.

Online news outlet mihaaru is the media partner of the event.