We Discuss Life & Lenswork With The Maldives Surf Photographer
There is no question the world we now live in is way different to the place we all traversed freely just 6 months back, but that being said, slowly but surely many countries are attempting to return to some sort of normality post Corona shutdown.
The sheer extent of the pandemic has definitely stalled our plans in the never ending pursuit of perfect waves at our fave tropical destinations, however, after you stall you usually get barrelled right?
So expanding on that analogy, compared to most countries Australia due to our relative geographical isolation appears to have weathered the worst of the coronavirus wave.
In the midst of this crazy pandemic we have kinda been living vicariously through all the mouthwatering images and clips we have been receiving from many of our global operators and photographic contributors.
This thing appears to be slowly coming to an end – so the question can now legitimately be asked: Where are you planning to visit post pandemic? What is your favourite place to visit?
Hopping on a flight to the Maldives as soon as your federal government allows you to fly to the veritable reef riding playground that it is sounds pretty idyllic right about now.
Wanderlust is one hell of a powerful emotion. Which is exactly why we hooked up with Maldives Surf Photographer Hupa Ibrahim – a local Maldivian surf photographer and videographer who has been catching the eye of intrepid travelling surfers for some time, to talk us through what life in lockdown has been like, and also to turn up the FOMO factor as we rapidly approach the time to return to paradise.
Hupa knows where it’s at, knows where to score, and is always on the spot at his base at Cokes. Hupa was stoked to share his inner knowledge of every swell that hits the Atolls. Hope you enjoy Hupa’s insights, and a sample of some of his incredible imagery to get you psyched for your return to paradise.
Hupa Ibrahim is one of Maldives’ renowned photographers, specialising in underwater, drone and lifestyle surf photography. He has 7 years experience as a Maldives surf guide, on liveaboards, resorts and local islands. Hupa is based at Thulusdhoo Island Maldives. When he’s not shooting, he can be found surfing the pristine breaks of Thulusdhoo, or exploring the globe on a travel adventure.
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Ben Horvath – How long have you been interested in surf photography and videography Hupa?
Hupa Ibrahim (Hupa) – I got my first DLSR in 2016. At the time I’d been a surf guide on safari boats in Maldives for around 3 years. I was tiring of boat life and the sea sickness that came with it ha ha, so I knew I needed a change. I saw a gap in the market for surf photography as there weren’t many others doing it here in Maldives then. I’m also a bit of a creative (musically) and I had an interest in reading surf mags as a grom. I thought picking up a camera could become a fun new hobby and way to try make some coin freelancing on the side.
Looks to me like you are the best at your game in the Maldives… who are your inspirations professionally?
Hupa – Starting out, YouTube and Google were great teachers for me. I’d spend hours watching vids and then go play around in the water with different lighting and settings. My favourite all time surf photographer is Chris Burkard. I just love the way he combines surfing with incredible raw landscapes and natural scenery, like surfing in the northern lights in Norway…that’s just mind blowing. Sean Scott is another huge inspiration. Travel is big part of both their lifestyles and that’s something that really drives and inspires me as a surf photographer.
Did you surf or bodyboard before getting into photography? Do you still surf and how do you manage both?
Hupa – So I grew up in Malé City, the mainland in Maldives and I was a bit of a late comer to the surf scene. I swapped my cricket bat for a bodyboard at age 20. I was previously in the Maldives national cricket team since the age of 14 and was travelling internationally, so surfing wasn’t really my thing until later when I was about 24. Once I started surfing I never looked back! I quickly became addicted.
Nowadays living at Thulusdhoo, I struggle juggling surfing and shooting, especially when the waves are pumping, but it’s a good excuse not to surf when it’s too big for me ha ha. I love being behind the camera capturing people’s dream moments, especially when people say it’s the best waves of their life. That’s pretty special and it drives me to improve.
Where do you enjoy shooting the most?
Hupa – I’d have to say hands down Cokes (at Thulusdhoo) for sure. I’m addicted to the challenge of Cokes and perfect shape it presents time and time again.
Who do you enjoy shooting the most?
Hupa – One of my best mates Ammadey. He’s a Thulusdhoo local and one of the best surfers in the country. He’s the best poser / model inside a barrel! He can give me the shot I’m trying for. I see so many people surf Cokes, but for me there’s still no one that surfs it like Ammadey (maybe old mate Kelly Slater is up for the challenge though?). His connection to Cokes is like no other and in the Quarantine swell we had in April it was so incredible to be out there alone with him cheering him into huge empty barrels. We were on such a high! I feel like shooting Ammadey has been the catalyst for my photography progressing quickly.
The future for surf photographers/videographers in the Maldives looks bright…. I think you are well positioned to grow your business and reputation.
Hupa – The industry and demand in Maldives is definitely growing as the surf tourism is and it’s nice to connect with surfers that return here annually. I’ve mainly shared my photos and videos on Instagram and Facebook the past few years. Being in Quarantine has been the push I needed to take a break from the surf & finally create a website. I’d like to see my work in print in surf magazines… for me that would be a dream. I’m also looking at the prospect of selling my own prints sometime in the near future. That would be cool seeing my work on the walls of people’s homes.
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How’s life been in the Maldives since Covid lockdown?
Hupa – So great, do you know how much rice I’ve eaten? Ha ha. To be honest it’s been a little surreal on our island. It’s usually bustling with surfers from all over the world at this time of year and at the moment there’s only locals, my girlfriend, a handful of expats and about 2 other tourists stranded here. So things are pretty quiet.
Looks surreal with no one around etc?
Hupa – Yeah it’s been a dream. I never thought I’d see the day where Cokes is empty and we can say no to a crappy wave. In the season the place is thriving so being able to choose your waves with only friends out is something I’ll forever remember. It’s definitely been the silver lining of all this COVID business.
Who has been surfing?
Hupa – There’s been 12 of us local guys, 5 expats and 2 tourists who got stuck (the lucky bastards). I think the most has been 6 of us in the water together at the one time. My watch told me the other day I’d had 19 waves in an hour, that’s about 3 times the average amount in the season!
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When do you think foreign surfers will be allowed to return to surf?
Hupa – We were all hoping for July, but now that’s just around the corner and things in Maldives aren’t great. There is talk of tourism re-commencing in August for resorts and possibly October for local islands. It’s all still a little up in the air, but the country heavily depends on tourism (200+ resorts) so it’s hit us pretty hard.
Has there been many Covid cases in the Maldives?
Hupa – Originally we thought Maldives was safe from COVID-19. It didn’t really hit Maldives until mid April, 3 weeks after our boarders were closed. The main outbreak has been in Malé City. With 140,000 people on an island 5km2, it’s been super hard to keep a lid on it even with people in strict home isolation for 2 months. We’ve had just over 1,000 cases in Maldives and only 4 deaths. There were a couple of cases at Thulusdhoo so our island went into full lock down mode for 3 weeks – no surfing permitted, but things are starting to ease at Thulusdhoo again now.
What does a general day in the Maldives for you look like?
Hupa – I usually wake up early. I’ll check the surf, grab a coffee and work out whether it’s going to be a surfing or shooting day. If I shoot, I work around the clients on the island and where they want to surf. Usually it’s Cokes or Chickens, but sometimes I’ll organise speedboats to Jails or Sultans. In the evening I always go for a sunset motorbike ride out to the sunset sandbank on the island. I’ll spend the evening editing the pics from the day and after dinner I’ll go meet up with the clients to deliver their pics from an epic day of surfing.
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