Maldives has a bright underwater world and ideal conditions for surfing, which create here high waves and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Here come both experienced athletes, and those who only learn this.
Features of surfing in the Maldives
The most popular places for surfing are located on the atoll Male . The season starts in the middle of February and lasts until early November. At this time, winds blow, which create the highest wave size. From June to August they can reach 2.5 m.
In summer, the rainy season begins in the Maldives, when a strong wind and thunderstorms provoke a tropical storm, from the epicenter of which high waves come. The water temperature in the ocean does not fall below + 26 ° C throughout the year.
Where to surf in the Maldives?
The best places for surfing are on the eastern reef of Male. Atoll is divided into 2 parts: Southern and Northern (the latter is more in demand by athletes). Here are concentrated such popular places for catching waves, like:
- Chickens - is located near the uninhabited island of Kuda Villingili. It is an ideal place for those who like speed. Surf has thin splitting waves. The name came from a poultry farm working here.
- Cokes - is located on the island of Male. The resort is suitable for racing. Here, large waves form in the form of a tube. Skating is best done in the middle of the tide, when the south or north-west wind is blowing.
- Lhohi - is located on the island hotel-Lohifushi Island Resort. For surfing requires a high tide and large waves moving from the southeast.
- Honkey's - is located on the uninhabited island of Tamburudu and belongs to the eastern reef of the North Male atoll. There are waves here at any time of the year, so the resort is very popular with surfers.
- Ninja - is located on the island of the hotel Kanifinolhu. This place is ideal for surfing in the Maldives, especially for beginners. The waves reach only 1.5 m in height, but here it is very hard to stop.
- Sultans - is located in the resort of Kanu Huraa and is divided into 2 sections. One of them provides a rapid takeoff and a pleasant descent, and the second - fast waves with outlets in shallow water. You can surf here from February to April with the north wind.
- Tomb Stones on the uninhabited island of Thamburudhoo. This place is famous for legendary waves, having a height of up to 2 m and rising by 90 °. The crests are characterized by long aisles. It is best to surf during low tide with the north and east wind directions.
- Gurus - is located on the southern tip of the North Male atoll. This is a popular place for skiing among the locals. The reef here is formed from a huge number of swells. You can get here from the coast.
- Quarters - is located on the island of Gulhigaathuhuraa and belongs to the eastern reef of the atoll of South Male. The waves in the resort are small, but fast. You can skate here with the north-west wind.
- Riptides - is located on the island of Guraydo . It is a small reef with fast and high waves. There is a strong undercurrent.
Cruises for surfers
If you want to simultaneously ride on the delicious waves of the Indian Ocean and make an exotic journey, then go on a cruise in the Maldives (Go Surf). So you can arrange a real hunt for the best crests of the country.
To do this, choose an experienced guide who should know not only popular places for skiing, but also safe areas, avoiding those where sharks live. Also ask the guide what conditions will be provided on the ship and at the resorts visited.
During the trip, the yacht will take the athletes to places inaccessible to other surfers. You will not depend on the weather conditions, because you can always pick up the anchor and go looking for the best waves. In the evening, cultural programs are arranged on the ship, and those who do not like noisy parties are offered fishing , diving or snorkeling.
The price of the trip, which lasts not less than a week, starts from $ 850 for one person. You can spend the night both on the deck and in the hotels on the coast. The price includes 3 meals a day, excursions and organized leisure.
Surfing equipment in Maldives
The size of the board for catching waves is selected individually for each athlete. In the Maldives it will be enough to have 2 surfboards:
- Short (Thruster) - suitable for most waves. The board has a sharp nose and several fins. Its size ranges from 1.7 to 2.1 m.
- Long (Malibu) - will be useful for sledging (massive waves moving from the side of the storm). The board has a rounded nose and 1 fin. Its size starts from 2.2 m and reaches 2.8 m.
Professional surfers usually order themselves exclusive boards. Beginners will be approached by strong boards that have protective edges and fin, for example, Malibu. It is more stable on water, therefore less traumatic.
In warm waters of the Indian Ocean, a wetsuit is not necessary to purchase. In order to protect the skin from sunlight, you will need clothes that will cover your hands. It should be neutral colors, so as not to attract the attention of marine predators.
The equipment for surfers also includes:
- Special footwear that protects against injuries;
- extra - designed to attach the board to the foot of the athlete;
- wax or special stickers - necessary for processing the top of the board for better slip;
- Case - useful for storing equipment.
Maldives are surrounded by a chain of 21 atolls and occupy an area of about 100 thousand square meters. km, with more than 95% of the territory covered with water. This factor makes the state one of the best in the world for surfing.