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Surf Across The Maldives - Part Two

This is the second in a two-part miniseries featuring sixteen surf locations across the Maldives' archipelago, as endorsed by local pros.

Farah Ahmed and Rae Munavvar
29 May 2018, MVT 10:41
The raw power of Mother Nature. PHOTO: SAA HALEEM
Farah Ahmed and Rae Munavvar
29 May 2018, MVT 10:41

A selection of dreamy swells and waves from the Maldives as recommended by local pros

Continued from Part One published on May 26, 2018.

Machines / Maabaidhoo / Laamu Atoll

Beautiful waves at Machines. PHOTO: MICKEY NATTS

The aptly named “machines” produces identical, fast and hollow perfectly peeling right-handers and is a fairly consistent break.

It produces waves of 2 ft to 6 ft +, although the waves can sometimes get bigger, along the South East swells and winds heading from the South.

The break has a rocky, shallow sea bed and is recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Quote by local surfer Reehan. PHOTO: UNKNOWN/REEHAN. IMAGE: SAFFU/EDITION

Ying Yang / Hithadhoo / Laamu Atoll

Surfer enjoys the break at Ying Yang. PHOTO: MICKEY NATTS

This spot is a swell magnet with consistent barrels. It has two waves - Ying and Yang - and they are amongst the biggest waves in Laamu atoll.

It produces waves ranging from 2 ft to over 8 ft with South East, South to South Westerly swells and winds heading from the South West.

The sea bed is average and not so rocky, and it is recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Quote by local surfer Shadow. PHOTO: UNKNOWN/SHADOW. IMAGE: SAFFU/EDITION

Tiger Stripes / G. Dh. Gahdhoo / Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

Crazy turns at Tiger Stripes. PHOTO: MICKEY NATTS

This is a left-hander in the Maldives’ South which is fairly consistent during the season, with waves that range from 2 ft to over 6ft + and South East swells and winds heading from the North.

The sea bed is average and it provides a beginner-friendly break that even advanced surfers can enjoy.

Quote by local surfer Hoobx. PHOTO: UNKNOWN/HOOBX. IMAGE: SAFFU/EDITION

Blue Bowls / Vaadhoo / Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

Passing dolphins join in at Blue Bowls for a little friendly surf competition. PHOTO: MICKEY NATTS

The swell direction is from South to South East with South Westerly winds. The sea bed here is shallow on the inside and gets a little rocky as it heads outwards.

It is recommended for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Quote by local surfer Hoobx. PHOTO: UNKNOWN / HOOBX. IMAGE: SAFFU / THE EDITION.

Eleyi / Fuvah Mulak / Gnaviyani Atoll

Local favorite down south, Eleyi's. PHOTO: ZAFAR ALI

The wave is very consistent at the beginning of the year around March and April, and then again from June till August, with waves ranging from 2 ft to over 4 ft.

The famous Fuvahmulah break receives swells from the south and winds heading from the South West. The sea bed is not so rocky and it is a beginner friendly break.

Quote by one of the most prominent female surfers in the Maldives, Saaxu Saeed. PHOTO: MARIYAM NIUMA / SOMEWHERE SALTY. IMAGE: SAFFU / THE EDITION.

Shangrila Right / Villingili / Addu Atoll

Amazing times at Shangri La Right. PHOTO: MICKEY NATTS

While this is one of the few spots in this area suitable for surfing, it is not a very well known location as it is not too easily accessible - although that means there are often no crowds at all. It is situated at Shangrila Resort, but it is not an exclusive break.

It is also the most consistent break in Addu atoll, although it needs a very specific swell and wind direction. Typically, the swell direction is from the South East with winds gushing from the South West with wave heights of 2 ft to 4 ft +.

The furthest spot away from the Male breaks, it has a very rocky sea bed and it is recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Quote given by local surf guide and surfing tour operator Mickey Natts. PHOTO: CRISTIANO MINICHIELLO. IMAGE : SAFFU / EDITION

Kakuni (Marco Polo) / Maakoa / Lhaviyani Atoll

Conquering the waves at Kakuni. PHOTO: JOHN CALLAHAN / TROPICAL PIX

This spot may not be very consistent, but when the conditions are right, it throws out perfect right-handers with barrel sections.

The waves range from 2ft to over 6ft with swells from South to South East and West to North Westerly winds. The sea bed is flat, reed and shallow on the inside section. It is recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Quote given by local surf hero and international surfing champion, Iboo Areef. PHOTO: AHMED AZNIL/AZNIL PHOTOGRAPHY. IMAGE : SAFFU / EDITION

Suja’s Spot / Rasmaadhoo / Raa Atoll

Named after prominent local surfer, the Late Hussain Suja, and the location for 'Suja Memorial Surf Competition'. PHOTO: SUJA SURF POINT PAGE / FACEBOOK

Named after a beloved local surfer that passed away all too soon, this spot is a playful right-hander famous amongst young Raa atoll surfers. The wave isn’t very consistent, it is sectioney and requires bigger swell conditions for ideal waves.

The wave height ranges from 2 ft to 4 ft + with swells from the East and Westerly winds. The sea bed is shallow and it is recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Quote given by local surf hero and international surfing champion, Iboo Areef. PHOTO: AHMED AZNIL / AZNIL PHOTOGRAPHY. IMAGE : SAFFU / EDITION

The Edition would like to thank all the amazing surfers who helped verify and collect this information; and for the all the wonderful awards and accolades these athletes continuously win for their country. Special appreciation to 'Surf In Maldives' and Saa Haleem for providing us with stunning photographs and valuable information.

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