Surfing

During the last few years, surfing at the Maldives is attracting many surfers from all over the world, Australians included. There are two main surfing areas:
1. The North and South Male' atoll, during the South-West monsoon season, from May to November. From May to August waves are stronger, but places are very crowded. Therefore it is better to choose the beginning and the end of the season, when there are however regular waves.

2. Distant atolls in the South from February to April and from September to November. The most famous breaks are in North Male’ atoll. These points offer rights and lefts whether for beginners and for professional surfers, with waves from 1 to 3 meters with long break points.

 

Surf spots can be accessed in two ways: by safari boats rented by groups of surfers, and by a dhoni transferring people from the resorts. Of course not all the spots can be accessed from the resorts. Usually surfers prefer the cruise vessels to reach the different points in North and South Male’ atolls, as they have no constraints and can choose among the most famous breaks. There are atolls, about 5000 km South, with at least a dozen of high level reef breaks, but where surf is not often practiced due to rare winds (only from February to April and from September to November) and due to the difficulty in reaching these atolls. Only seaplanes can reach them and the vacation becomes therefore more expensive. The tides and the currents play a very important role in defining the surfing conditions at the Maldives. All the breaks occur near the tight channels of the atolls. The currents through these channels can become very strong. During the South-West monsoon, currents go towards the external reef of the atolls, creating the best conditions for surfing. The swelling lines are usually perfect and the weaves keep the same shape with all the tides. Chickens: A fast and long left-hander with two sections depending on the high tide and on the big swell from South-East. Sea conditions must be perfect, otherwise it is not markable. The name comes from a poultry farm on the island. Cokes: Advanced and difficult spot. A short but intense ride, a big wave tube spot. A steep takeoff, then a very shallow inside section that opens up more than the takeoff. It is better to surf on the mid-high tide, but it is possible to surf also on low tide if the swell is big enough. It is ideal on a South swell and with North-West winds. The name comes from the Coca-Cola Company on the near Thulusdhoo Island.

Chickens

A fast and long left-hander with two sections depending on the high tide and on the big swell from South-East. Sea conditions must be perfect, otherwise it is not markable. The name comes from a poultry farm on the island.

Cokes

Advanced and difficult spot. A short but intense ride, a big wave tube spot. A steep takeoff, then a very shallow inside section that opens up more than the takeoff. It is better to surf on the mid-high tide, but it is possible to surf also on low tide if the swell is big enough. It is ideal on a South swell and with North-West winds. The name comes from the Coca-Cola Company on the near Thulusdhoo Island.

Lohis

A few kilometers south from Coke, in front of the Lohifushi Resort. Average difficult spot, excellent left-hander, steep with two sections. Perfect with North –West and North-East winds. Best conditions are on South-East swell and with North-West winds.

Ninjas

Advanced spot that can be reached by swimming from Lohifushi. Slow right-hander for beginners and for long-boarders. It is better with West/North-West winds and on a moderate swell from the South. Tides higher than 4 feet spoil it.

Pasta Point

This long and perfect left-hander is the most consistent at the Maldives and is the less affected by the wind. The takeoff section leads to a tube-section, called “Macaroni Bowl”. Best conditions are with North winds, but it can also be surfed with North-East and North-West winds. The best months are February, March and April. This point can be easily reached from the Dhonveli resort.

Sultans

Easy spot located on the Thumuroodhoo atoll. Excellent and long right-hander that can become very walled and long but only with big swells from the South. One of the most consistent waves of the Male’ atoll that never closes out, even on large swells. It is better to surf on high tide and with West to North winds.

Honky

Average-difficult spot near the Thumuroodhoo atoll. Long left-hander, initially small but growing in size and intensity as it goes over the reef. A weave called Fred’s Ledge, which is 6 ft. at the takeoff, ends up at least 8 ft. in the final section. Long rides and tubes through all the sections. Best conditions are with South swell and East, North-East and North winds. Best months for this weave are February, March and April. During the South-West monsoon from May to October it is affected by strong currents.

Tomb Stones

In front of the Full Moon resort. Long excellent right-hander, with South West winds. In 1987, when many islands were submerged, there were 6-8 feet weaves.

Male Island Point

A pair of points breaks known by the Maldivian people that can be surfed with surfboards and boogie boards. The reef causes a big swell. Best with winds from the West.

Guru Lefts

Miyaru Faru, near the desert island of Gulhi. It can have a good final section with a big swell from the South. It is better with North winds and on high tide.

Guru Lefts

Miyaru Faru, near the desert island of Gulhi. It can have a good final section with a big swell from the South. It is better with North winds and on high tide.

Twin Peaks

It is a spot which seems to attract swells. The waves, shattering against the reef, create sometimes a slow but interesting ride.

Quarters

Very nice, rapid and small right-hander which causes less swells than many other places. It is better with West to North-West winds.

Kate's

Advanced spot that can be also reached by swimming from Lohifushi. Slow right-hander, perfect for beginners and for long-boarders. It is better with West-North West winds and with a moderate swell from the South. Tides higher than 4 feet spoil it.

Natives

A short right that needs a big swell. Best conditions are with South-West winds

Riptides

Small reef in the middle of a channel in the south of the island. Fast right-hander, one of the best waves of the area. The area is subject to strong currents. Best conditions are with West to South-West winds.

Foxys

Lonuziyaarai Kolhu

Himmafushi