MALDIVES – NORTH MALE ATOLL

The Country - Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the gem like islands of the Maldives depict the rare vision of a tropical paradise. Palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm water and coral reefs teeming with abundant varieties of marine flora and fauna and hosting a variety of world class waves that are now accessible to the travelling surfer. Measuring 820 km's north to south and 120 km's east to west, the closest neighbors are India and Sri Lanka. There are over 1,192 islands in the Maldives Republic. People who have never been to the Maldives often have trouble comprehending that there is almost NO land. It is sea with little pockets of coral dotted on top of an old volcanic mountain range. Only 202 of the islands are inhabited; there are no hills or rivers: the highest point above sea level is less than 10 feet.

The Climate - of the Maldives is warm year round, determined by the monsoons. The air temperature varies little with an average daily maximum of 90F and the minimum at 79F. There are two monsoon seasons: the northeast from November to April (February is the driest month), and the Southwest from the end of May to October. Water temperatures remain about 80F year-round.


SURFING MALDIVES (logistics):

There are principally 2 major surfing areas in the Maldives: The North Male Atoll (season: April-October), and the Outer Atolls (season: Feb-Apr).

The North Male Atoll contains the more well known (and surfed) breaks such as Lohis, Cokes, Chickens, Sultans, Jailbreaks, Honkys and Ninjas. These breaks offer a mix of rights and lefts for both the recreational and the high performance surfer, averaging 3-8ft and featuring some long point breaks as well as some hollower reefs. The North Male breaks can be accessed one of 2 means: surf charter boat, or from the 4-star Lohifushi Island Resort.



THE SURF:
The Maldives experiences a similar surf season to Indonesia. The best waves can be had from April to October, with the biggest swells likely to occur in June-September. During these months the conditions are predominantly off-shore all day due to the monsoonal winds from the Indian Subcontinent and the swell generated from the south. The surf generally ranges in size from 3-8 feet, however bigger days have been experienced. A great variety of reef breaks exist ranging in intensity from quite mellow shreddable walls to gnarlier hollow pits. There is something for everyone.
More info on the surf.

EQUIPMENT:
You'll need to take everything. Nothing is available in the Maldives. Board size is a personal thing, but it would be wise to bring an assortment for various conditions. Recommended quiver is 2 boards: A normal shortboard and a mid-range gun (6-8 to 7-0). It rarely gets over 8ft. The warm crystal blue waters make it possible to swim without a wetsuit, but a vest or long-sleeved rashguard is advised for protection from the sun. Booties are a necessity due to the sharp coral found all over the atolls. A helmet is also recommended. Be sure to bring plenty of waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.