Maldives
Chapter I
The Maldives are part of a submarine plateau sitting 20-30m below the surface of the ocean. The islands didn’t exist until coral formations built up on top of each other, eventually creating an archipelago of tiny islands scattered over a huge area.
Typically the reefs passes are deeper than in Indonesia and the South Pacific with classic set-ups abounding. Swells travelling south-west across to Indonesia bestow part of their energy on this chain before continuing their journey. Separated into the North Atolls and South Atolls (the south has the most spots) the region boasts year-round swell with high period being March to April. Two monsoon seasons, the north-east monsoon from December to April and the south west monsoon, from May to October breaks up the surfing season shifting the focus from north to south accordingly.
Predominantly reef-passes, waves like Sultans and Tiger Stripes have developed deserved reputations for epic barrels and raw Indian Ocean power. Modern surfing was introduced to the Maldives in the late in 1973 by Tony Hinde
Jailbreaks – Himmafushi. North Male Atolls.
First up is Jailbreaks, a right that becomes everyone’s favourite for it’s length and soft-breaking sections. The Jail is gone now, but those staying at Himmafushi guest-house should remember that the area facing the wave is off-limits because of the Drug Rehabilitation Centre.