The history of surfing in the Maldives has a fairy tale quality. Sydney surf travelers Tony Hussein-Hinde and Mark Scanlon were shipwrecked here in the '70s on their way to somewhere else; while they were salvaging the boat, they'd cruise past all the reefs north of Male, and as Hussein-Hinde remarked, "we reckoned those reefs would be perfect once the wind switched."
The Maldives has to be one of the worlds best spots for a surfing vacation. It offers experiences similar to that of the more remote areas of Indonesia but with safer conditions and wonderful tourist facilities.
A great variety of reef breaks exist ranging in intensity from quite relaxing glass walls to powerful hollow tubes. There is something for everyone in the Maldives and it's a perfect location.
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Surfing Season
The Surf Season runs from mid February to November when swells are produced by winter low pressure systems in the southern Indian Ocean.
The best waves can be experienced from March to October, with the biggest swells likely to occur in June/July/August.
The early part of the season has the most stable weather, with light, favourable winds. Swell consistency and size improve from February, with March, April and May having very clean conditions.
June to August have the most potential for big swells (the WQS contest is held in June every year), although tropical storms can be more common in these months.
September and October are also very consistent months for swell, with variable winds and tropical storms becoming less frequent.
November is still quite consistent for small to medium size waves and the weather is usually perfect.
During all these months the conditions are off-shore all day and the swell direction is mainly South South East.
The surf generally ranges in size from 3-6 feet.
Surfing Equipment
Bring everything you need because surfing equipment is virtually unavailable in Maldivian resorts.
Most surfers will find a short fun board suitable for most conditions in the Maldives, but bring a longer board for bigger swells.
A wetsuit or a shorty is not necessary in this warm and crystal-clear water. A rash guard or long sleeved T-shirt is highly recommended for protection from the sun and from the coral.
Take 2 or 3 boards suited for 3-8ft hollow but not super powerful waves, better bring a fish than a gun, especially in summer season (march-April). A two board quiver is sufficient, with a short board and a semi-gun (6'8'' to 7'2'') for bigger days. Plan to share bards with your friends. Beginner boards and bodyboards can be fine. Longboard is ok but not that convenient for hollow sucky waves and longboard wavehogs can alter wave-sharing. Don't forget your leashes (2 short 6ft and 1 midsize 8ft).
It is very rare that the surf exceeds 8 feet.
Bring 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.
Bring along plenty of sun cream with high SPF, this is highlly recommended as you are on the equator.