Maldives Surfing trip FAQ
Maldives Surfing trip FAQ
What should I bring? ?
You won’t find any spare surfing gear in the Maldives, so bring all the boards you might need. However, a two board quiver is sufficient, with a short board and a semi-gun (6’8” to 7’2”) for bigger days. It is very rare that the surf exceeds 8 feet. Bring your booties to protect yourself from the reef cuts, even if most people surf without them. Indeed, the take off zone is usually deep enough and the reef flat and dead. Wearing a helmet is recommended for bigger days. A wetsuit or a shorty is not necessary in this warm and crystal-clear water. A rash guard or long sleeve T-shirt is highly recommended for sun protection. Bring along plenty of solar cream with high SPF because you are on the equator. Bring also a few dollars in cash for the drinks you’ll consume on board. A credit card is also useful for emergencies. There is an ATM located just at the airport but don’t count on it too much as it might be empty. In addition you may take sport shoes if you wish to play soccer with locals or reef walks, Films DVD, Books. I-Pod + small speakers, guitar, group games, massage oil. Boat plugs have adaptors (both 110 and 220 V). Bring additional food if you’re afraid to be hungry despite 3 meals a day: cereals, candy bars, chocolate, dairy products sometimes available from villages.
How is a typical day on board?
It depends on how good is the surf and so on how much the boat needs to cruise. Start your day by waking up just a few meters away from the line up. The boat will be anchored where the conditions are optimal. After the first session of the morning, a huge breakfast will be served by the crew. You can then chill in the shade and check how the surf is going. Whenever you want, you can ask the crew to bring you by dingy to the lineup for another session. If you feel surfed out, you have the opportunity to explore the surrounding islands, snorkel with the local manta rays or catch a big fish for dinner. After your last session at sunset, fresh beers and music will help you to recover from your emotions of the day. The dinner is served around 7.30 PM, after it you can watch surf movies or read a bit but not too late as you have to rest for the next day!
What can I do when I am not surfing?
There are lots of options like snorkeling, diving, playing cards, board games, reading, watching movies, stretching and yoga, fishing, relaxing and more. The crew is at your disposal to bring you to the local islands but priority will be given to the surfers.
Is it possible to organize a dive session?
Yes, we can arrange it. Please let us know in advance and bring your diving certificate. If you are alone, we will organize it from a resort; alternatively if you are a group, we can organize it directly from the boat: a dhoni (local boat) will come with the all necessary equipment.
Is there any phone network & Internet connection on board?
Yes, we offer Internet wireless so you can use Skype or any other virtual communication directly from the boat. You may buy local sim and recharge vouchers directly from the airport upon arrival at the local operator counter of Wataniya or Dhiraagu. Also, the local network is well covered so you will be able to use your cell phone onboard.
How does the surf season work in the Maldives? ?
The best period for surfing in the Maldives is the Southern Hemisphere winter, which lasts from March ’til October. The peak of the swell is in August. During the North-East monsoon (from March ’til April), conditions are optimal in the “Southern Atolls“. From May to October, during the South-West monsoon, the best surfing area is in the “North Atoll Male” or the “Central atolls”.
Is it a dangerous destination for surfing?
This paradise is exposed to the same swells as Indonesia is, except that its higher latitude and its South-East exposure offers cooler and less hardcore surfing. The waves break on mostly dead reef, and very rarely will you come in contact with it unless you are surfing on a very low tide. So it makes an ideal destination for intermediate surfers. Waves can be really shallow so you really need to know how to handle the reef properly (don’t dive head first, always land flat on wipe-outs, avoid stepping on the reef). Most of the injuries are minor reef cuts. Bring Betadine + dry wound dressing (Compeed).
What surfing level should I have?
An intermediate surfing level is recommended to enjoy the surf in the Maldives. If you want to surf the Southern Atolls, the waves can be quite powerful and therefore a good level is required. Also note that if you come with a group and have never surfed, there will be some suitable sessions for you.
Are there more lefts or rights?
The Maldives have in general more rights than lefts (60% – 40%) and the most consistent wind is off shore for the rights and cross shore for the lefts; it means that you probably will surf more rights than lefts. However it is possible to surf some incredible world class lefthanders.
How are the waves in Maldives?
The waves are all reef breaks; the average size is from 2 to 6 foot with long runs and some barrels sessions. The waves are crystal clear, the water is hot and you’re surfing in front of paradisiacal islands. The Maldives have dozens of world class waves.
What kind of boards should I bring and how many?
A two board quiver is sufficient, with a short board and a semi-gun (6’8” to 7’2”) for bigger days.
Is it a long way between surf spots and atolls?
No, the waves are close to each other from 15 to 30 minutes distance and there are at least 2 good surf spots in each corner. The distance between atolls is around 5 to 8 hours cruising depending on the weather.
What about holiday Insurance?
You should always take travel and holiday insurance policy for your trip and make sure that it covers for any sports you will be undertaking such as surfing or scuba diving. Surfing is a dangerous sport sometimes may break your board, hit fellow surfers, we should not be held responsible for any injury, loss or damage during your stay with us.
What happens if there is an accident?
If something happens, you will be brought to the nearest resort as each one of them has its own doctor. If the case is serious, you will be brought to the main hospital in Male. Note that a first aid kit box is available on board.
