I’ve ben lucky enough, to land 10 days in the Maldives next month, surfing. Have any of you surfed the breaks out there?? I’ve checked out a number of sites, and it looks awesome. However, I’m just a little nervous as I’ve never surfed a full on reef before. I was going to take my 7’6 Fatboy Flyer out with me (and my bash hat)!! Its not a semi gun by any means, but its got a nice pulled out shape to it. Does anybody have any thoughts?? Thanks in advance Peaman
i think that would be a good choice.a friend, who happens to be a pro surfer, borrowed my 7’2" PG stubbie(pic in archives)on a trip he took there.he said the board worked inall the waves they surfed and commented that i would have a blast there surfing the type of boards i do.
Never surfed Maldives but I’ve been surfing reefs for an awful long time…they aren’t too much different than good quality, hollow beach break except when you fall…coral can cut you up pretty good. If you are really nervous once you get there, just start in the channel or inside and work your way up to the peak. Your first couple of rides should be middle-of-the-road, down-the-line, make-it-at-all-costs until you get a feel for the set up. Unless you know what you’re doing, the worse thing you can do is head for the deepest line-up and try for a barrel on your first wave. One last piece of advise; If you have one, take a surf mat and try a few…everyone else will be noodled out and you will be having the time of your life.
just be aware that the maldives are marketed as being a soft wave location. i was surprised when i got there that it is a bit heavier than it looks in the pictures. i wasnt complaining. i saw 3 boards broken when the swell was 4-6 foot. i think it was the angle of the swell, rather than wrapping around the reefs it was coming in straight onto them. take a board that can handle a bit of juice as well.
Sounds fantastic guys!! Thanks for all your help on that one. I think I’ll take it easy on the outside and then build up slowly, and fingers crossed should get some some great rides - without a mouthful of coral!! Do people generally ride guns and semi- guns out there? Is the advantage of a gun shape purely in the board sitting in the hollow of the wave? or are they just generally faster down the line. I’ve never dealt with guns, so I’m just curious. Thanx Peaman
how did you score a trip to the maldives anyway jon? can you fit me in your board bag!?
i wouldnt take too big a gun, probably no bigger than a 6’8. the maldives doesnt get really big swells, the water is fairly deep and i didnt wear boots at most of the spots. a gun will come in handy if the waves are barrelling which is what those boards are suited for, but if the waves are just peeling walls your other funshape should be ok.
hey Peaman- you wouldn’t be from England would ya?I ask, cause next month a friend is going with his bro. in law, and some of his blokes who are from England-possibly same crew???
Hi Matt Yeah, I’m from England, but I’m just taking the missus with me. You know it was the compromise - I surf and she gets to catch a few rays and chill out. I’m heading out there next week, where are your friends gonna be staying? Are they on a boat or staying at a resort? I shall keep me mince pies (eyes) peeled for them. Cannot wait to ditch the 5mm suit and booties!!! Laters Peaman
I believe they are doing a boat thing, with a day or two at the main surf resort.Rob and Chris are the only two I know…
i was there on a yacht. you have the advantage of being able to surf in between the lohi’s boats arrival times. they come out about 9am so you can surf early, then they go back for lunch. and come back later in the afternoon. when those resort boats arrive you perfect surf will turn into madness within seconds as 20 surfers jump into the water and take over. beware the portugese, brazil nut combo. as soon as you hear thier accents may as well get out of the water. i dont know what it is with those guys but even if there is only 4 people out they will want to show you how good they can surf, which is why they will want to catch each set wave.