Surfing in
Maldives
Surf Sites in Male' atoll »::Tips for Surfers»:: Surfing in Huvadoo atoll »
Maldive Islands is well known for
it's marvelous reefs and marine life. During the past, when Maldives started
growing as the second to none tropical tourist destination, only a few
took interest in surfing holidays in this archipelago. During the last
few years, the travelers to these islands have discovered the art of surfing,
for the energetic Holiday makers.
Due to the islands geographical distribution,
only a few, mainly 7, surf breaks is commonly sited near to the airport.
There are other surfing spots through out the country, but due to the geographical
distribution of the islands and for the reason that most of the resort
island have been developed near the airport and capital, Male' has left
the other, more further away surf points, untouched in Southern atolls.
The resorts Lohifushi and Club Med Kani are
the most well known resorts among the surfers. These three resort islands
offer boat rides to the surf breaks in the morning and afternoon. The surf
points, as seen from the surf map, can
be reached within 10 to 30 minutes by boat.
You will need to take everything you
require. Surfboards are not usually available for rent at the resorts. Although
it may be difficult to transport, ideally it is best to be equipped with an
assortment to suit various conditions. An all-round fun board as well as a
longer 6’10” - 7’4” would be the best combination. The water is warm at
around 27 degrees C (80 degrees F) through out the year. For protection from the
sun, it is advisable to wear a long-sleeve rash guard or vest.
The
best season for Surfing is determined
to a large extent by the monsoon circulation. Each year there are two monsoons
seasons, the north-east monsoon, ( local term, "Iruvai" ) from December to April and the south west monsoon,
( local term, "Hulhangu" ) from May
to October. The prevailing winds which can become quite strong, are
from the SW-W-WN during the south-west monsoon, Hulhangu and N-NE-E during the north-east
monsoon.
December -
April / NE Monsoon, Iruvai - Good weather for
tourists
April Transition
Period
May - November /
SW Monsoon, Hulhangu - Good for surfers
November Transition
Period
Due to location of the dive sites
it is not viable to surf all the spots staying in one island
resort. Surfers now make use of live-aboards to surf the different
spots found on North and South Male' atoll. This will be new
experience for the surfers and have the chance of surfing as many
spots as one likes.
The vessels used a usually smaller vessels of upto 8 or 10 pax.
The vessels are available on charter and fullboard meal plan,
mineral water. During the evenings the surfers can come down to a
resort to have a drink or have game of snooker. This option is
less costly if you are coming with a group.
|
