What Is It Like On A Maldives Surf Charter Right Now?
Fresh from a successful charter, The Perfect Wave Maldives General Manager, Liuttey shares with us some of the stoke from the surf season reopening. All photos from surf guiding legend, Martey
So Liuttey – In a year like no other, what is it like on charter now?
It was exciting to restart surf charter operation, feels like we were reborn. Maldives has never closed off its borders in the history of Maldives. After staying at home for more than 6 months, It feels so good to be back in the ocean and experience the nature again, the crew onboard were just as happy as the guests. We were all super stoked to be back to doing what we love and we shared that stoke with the surfers on board.
Tell us, did you score? What were the highlights?
We scored some epic waves, and had a good run of swell during the whole trip. Highlights were definitely getting to surf pumping Cokes and Chickens – all by ourselves, not another boat in sight!! We had lots of fresh fish, courtesy of the captain and crew fishing all day. We definitely had some fun nights with dancing and music, snorkelling around the lagoons and reefs at night were the moments to remember.
Tell us about the charter group, where did they come from? How did they get there?
We got two families from the Canary Islands, one family was with a baby under 2 years old. It was the first time we had toddler on board at a surf trip. Clients flew Emirates Airways via Dubai. There was a little bit of paperwork at Male International Airport, just a health declaration form. The Airport and Immigration staff were great, fully prepared to welcome tourists back to the Maldives. We had smooth transition going from the airport to the boat, since the charter was parked right inside the airport lagoon. Our guests were so happy to get on board!
Was there many other surfers around? Where were they from?
2 other boats started operating in North Male‘ after 4-5 days into our trip. We started to just see few other surfers around, mostly of them were from Europe. namely Spain, Portugal and few Brazilians as well.
What is the vibe like in the water?
It felt so good to be back in the water after ages, the vibe was amazing, everyone was so thrilled to be surfing and to be in the water especially during this time where most people are stuck at home.
How are the locals coping?
Locals are waiting to welcome guests since most of their income depends on tourism. The local surfers who lived in Islands such as Cokes, Jails were the lucky ones, they had empty line ups with perfect surf for last few months. But now everyone is eager to share these beautiful world class setups with travellers.
What’s the procedure? How can Maldives Surf Charters work when most of the rest of the world is closed?
We have seen a steady increase of flight and tourist arrival over the last month. Airlines such as Qatar, Emirates and Sri Lankan are committing for more scheduled flights in to Male, connecting Western and Eastern countries to Maldives. Maldives has already built up its PCR testing capacity across the nation, soon all popular travel destinations and airlines will make PCR testing mandatory. There’s strict laws and guidelines by Maldives tourism ministry regarding boat and resort operations to ensure the safety of the visitors and the local population. The temperature checks and screening measures are carried out at the first point of entry for tourists. Airport transfer are only allowed through pick up by pre-booked tourist facilities and the boats are also distance from one another making it safe for travellers. All these measures will give surfers more confidence to visit Maldives again.
What’s the feedback like at the end of the charter? What do the surfers think?
The guests loved the trip, they were so happy being able to travel and enjoy some time away from the the busy life they had and enjoy the nature. Good surf and great weather made extra special for the guests. Having had an awesome trip, everyone went back home with a big smile and promised to come back again.
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