Maldives Surf Forecast – early May 2021

Male Atolls

Those that are due to travel in the next couple of weeks in the first half of May have plenty to look forward to. The winds will remain light out of the western quarter for the entire period – which means that all the East facing breaks of the Male Atolls will be groomed to perfection. Currently there is a mix of South-South West groundswell and smaller South East Trade swells. The south facing breaks like Cokes are making he most of the acute South swell direction and will be good in the 3’-4’+ range between now and easing from Sunday 2 May to around 3’.

From 1 – 5 May 2021, east facing breaks like Kandooma will be missing the South swell but still have background SE Trade Swell around 2’. However, we expect a solid pulse of 4’+ around Wed 5 May, holding for the next week or two!! The SE short period swell is being generated by a broad fetch of E-SE trade winds across mid latitudes of the Southern Indian Ocean, beginning of the coast of Western Australia. These swells should start at 160 degrees SSE and 12 seconds on 5 May and slowly shift ESE 140 degrees and 10 seconds. The good news is that as the swell eases the trend to a more Easterly direction, it will ensure waves at Kandooma and East facing breaks remain in the fun 3 foot range until at least mid May. Strengthening westerly winds from 10 May are offshore at most breaks but some more exposed may become a little ruffled with cross chop.

South groundswells give way to a pulse from the South East

I have marked up the Surfline Forecast so you can see how it should play out! Green line is SE swell – good for Kandooma and all Male Atolls breaks. Yellow Line is SSW swell Cokes, good for Cokes/Chickens.

SE trade swells continue, westerly winds increasing

South and Central Atolls

The Southern Atolls of Gaaf Dhaalu have enjoyed an extended run of SW groundswell with light and variable winds. The Perfect Wave’s Hamathi was on the spot, guided by Martey. Obviously enjoying the solid conditions at Tiger Stripes this week.

Martey at Tiger Stripes

Over the first half of May 2021 in the South and Central Atolls where most breaks face South to West, surfers will be have light side onshore winds so looking for periods of lighter winds on the lefts like Vodi and when the wind is more North at rights like Mauroofs.

Strong SW ground swell will ease from 1-3 May while constant SSE trade swells pulse from 5 May and on in to Mid May. Strengthening Westerly winds from 9 May will affect west facing breaks however east facing breaks such as Machines could be pumping.

Yewww, 2021 Maldives Surf Season is on!

Martey at Tiger Stripes