Maldivian Perspective

Words and 📷 by Mark Cooper (Coops) – Avid traveller, Photographer, Intermediate Surfer.

Maldivian Colors – nowhere else like it..

The Maldivian surf trip experience is an adventure deep into the Indian Ocean where the turquoise colors, water clarity, and incredible surfing setups enliven the senses.

Having been fortunate to explore around the Northern and Southern Male Atolls and Central Atolls for numerous surf adventures, Jamie, CEO of the Perfect Wave Travel Group, asked me to put pen to paper, as such, and share some tips and knowledge relating to surf travel around the Maldives.

Surf in the Maldives

There are roughly 3 main areas to chase waves: The North and South Male area, Central Atolls, and the Southern Atolls. Crowd-wise, they could also be listed in that same order from most crowded to least crowded.

North and South Male are home to some exclusive wave resorts: Pasta, Lohis and Kandooma. You’ll pay a premium to stay there and enjoy an exclusive wave with limited numbers of surfers. So many times I have seen these exclusive waves empty with all the guests off the island surfing other waves, which is bizarre – who would leave guaranteed uncrowded waves!

You can stay on Resorts, Home Stays, and also explore this area on Charter Boats. The North Male crowds can be hectic because of this, but you can still score uncrowded surf.

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Incredible setup with the most postcard-perfect Beach. 

Central Atolls are the middle set of Atolls, and the waves are spread quite far, about in groups of 3 or 4 setups. The best way to explore this area is on a charter boat; there are numerous homestay land camps opening everywhere if you are on a budget (but you’ll need to fly down on an internal flight once you land in the Maldives if you’re choosing this option). There are also some exclusive surf resorts down that way.

Southern Atolls are at the bottom of the island chain; you will need to take an internal flight down from Male International Airport. Homestay land camps and charter boats are your only options down there. Less crowds and relatively seasonal. Early March/April and Late September/October are the prime time for these atolls.

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Respect

Goes without saying when traveling around the world, respect the local culture and people.

Being a mostly Muslim culture, the Maldivian people abide by their religious beliefs and laws.

Stay off the drugs, be respectful when visiting the islands, and remember alcohol is banned on islands, unless it’s on a resort island. You could find yourself on a beautiful island with a nice view of concrete walls for the rest of your life if you choose to ignore their customs and laws.

BUT – You can definitely drink your favorite beers and spirits on the charter boats and resorts. Also, remember homestay land camps are not categorized as a resort. They are on islands where local people live – so no grog.

AND. Please be respectful to the local surfers. They are so friendly, always happy to have a chat, and are great people who happily share the waves with you.

The price of progress?

It’s pretty amazing traveling to a place where your main mode of transport is a boat. The moment you land in Male, clear immigration, the first ride you will probably get is on a dhoni or speedboat.

The rate of progress and rapid growth is crazy. Don’t think anyone ever told the Maldivians global warming is happening and the water levels are rising. The islands are constantly evolving and growing; new infrastructure is abundant.

I shake my head every time that you can pretty much stream an AFL match onto a charter boat without an island in sight better than the coverage at home. The phone coverage is amazing in the Maldives.

The rapid expansion of all the islands is making the Maldivian experience more affordable to many people with the homestay land camps but in turn has also increased crowds.

Keana – amazing craft setup for exploring.

Sail the high seas

Purely my own point of view, organize a charter boat for your trip with a bunch of mates if you want to maximize opportunities for uncrowded waves and the ability to see more on your trip.

So many beautiful setups are at your disposal, if your Captain and Guide are well-versed in the intricacies of understanding Maldivian weather and forecasting.

Take the time to visit some local islands and have a look around.

Go with Experience

Experience is the key on a surf charter;

My overall endorsement to Jamie and Rhonda from Perfect Travel Company is a testament to the wonderful attention they pay to detail in their operation. They are always contactable and always willing to go above and beyond to make sure your trip is as good as it possibly can be. There is always the potential for issues to arise whenever you travel, but be confident when dramas occur they will be in your corner.

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Lined up and ready for your attention

Do (if on a charter)

• Have fun!
• Live in the day of what is presented weather-wise – remember you’re in the Maldives; it’s 30 degrees outside and 30 degrees in the water. The Maldives is not always postcard material. It does rain, and storms are frequent.
• Take extra snacks.
• Take 2 Boards – Standard Shorty and Easy paddler.
• Take your fishing rod if you’re on a boat trip.
• Get yourself a SIM card at the airport if you need to be connected.
• Be respectful in the lineups.
• Tip your crew at the end of the trip! This includes the guide as well! Factor this into your spending money.
• Get a Dhoni for your surf trip – If it’s not included – Pay extra and secure one – they are worth their weight in gold for checking surf and fishing when the main vessel is anchored.
• Remember to take US Dollars. There are limited options to get cash out when you’re cruising the islands.
• Have fun!!!

Maldivian surf guide Madey – Always on the pulse, and always willing to help. Board recovery for one of our lads whose leg rope came loose.

Don’t (if on a charter)

• Ask your guide 10 times a day if it would be better somewhere else. Trust them. The weather changes so much in the Maldives, and it’s hard to predict at the best of times.
• Get a SIM card from the airport if you want to switch off!
• Paddle out in a big group if there’s a crew out already.
• Snake everyone in your own group. Otherwise, it’s beers on you.
• Take too much stuff (Boardies, Boards, Basic stuff is all you need…)
• Complain – you’re in the Maldives.

Cheers,

Mark Cooper (Coops) – Avid traveller, Photographer, Intermediate Surfer.

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