The Perfect Wave teamed up recently with Carve Mag, the UK’s premier surf publication to send a lucky web surfer off to cruise the world-class breaks around the Maldives’ famous Male atolls aboard the Surf Sojourn. Well, as luck would have it, our happy contest winner’s trip coincided with an awesome, overhead swell and glassy conditions. He was so stoked on his experience when he got back he sent us a great recap of everything that happened while onboard and photographic proof that he’d had a trip of a lifetime.

Here’s how it all unfolded in his own words:

My name is Chris King. I’m 39 years old, born and raised in South Australia. I started bodyboarding when I was about age 9. I’ve been living in Norway for around 10 years now working for an aviation company. Although Norway has some good spots, they are very fickle. The best months for waves, October to February are also the coldest. With temperatures down to -15°C even the most committed surfers think twice, but most of the surfing is done in 0° to -5°C. A 5/4 taped and sealed wetsuit is mandatory or a 6/5 if you’ve got one. So, it’s not the best place to live from a surfing standpoint. When conditions aren’t right, I try to keep busy fishing, drawing and doing a little photography. I hope you enjoy the photos of the trip, by the way!

So, I was lucky enough to win the Carve Magazine competition with The Perfect Wave for an 8-night charter on the Surf Sojourn. I’d seen a lot of photos and clips from the Maldives, but didn’t really know what to expect. My mind was blown after the first few days.

The surf didn’t get below 3 feet all week, offshore every day and the waves were epic. We surfed every spot from Jails to Chickens. My favourite wave would have to be Sultans with the real bowling inside, which was perfect for the bodyboard. Honkeys was really good too for the long rides and that end section.

The last day we surfed Sultans absolutely pumping. We’d had a bit of a late one the night before on the Tiger beers, but it was probably the best surf of the trip, 4-6 feet and oil glass.

We had an amazing bunch of people on the boat: Xavier De Le Rue a world champion freeride snowboarder and his girl Beanie, Damien and his daughter Bella who is a pro junior in Australia, Ron and his son Beau, Glen from TPW New Zealand and his mate Sean who had everyone in tears of laughter every day.

The crew working on the boat was great too. They dropped you off in the line-up and picked you up in the channel after the surf. Anything you needed the boys could help out. And there was definitely no shortage of food, which was next level with something different every day, from curries and rice dishes to the big wahoo the boys caught while fishing. The Surf Sojourn is a smaller boat, but there is more than enough room on board.

I’d also like to give a special thanks to Mishu our surf guide. Firstly, for taking me to the health clinic after an incident on the first day receiving a foot the face. And secondly, for taking me to surf at Towns after he’d finished on the boat, hooking me up with the locals and letting me take a shower at his place. He’s a great guy with a vast knowledge of where would be best on the day, and went above and beyond with the hospitality.

Glad you enjoyed your cruise, Chris. Hope to see you back on another boat trip in the Maldives with The Perfect Wave soon!

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Perfect Wave

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