Excerpts from : Hello Maldives 16th Edition Sept 2002

SURFING

Surrounded by a world of sea, the lovely islands of the Maldives makes every water sport enthusiast with its vast array of opportunities. With no limits to the foamy surf, surfing comes naturally to these wind blown islands, adding a sensational bonus to your holiday experience.

The Maldives has several sufari operators who not only offer their safari boats that takes you on your itinerary but expertise, local knowledge, and professionalism go into providing you with a great service all time round.

For real adventure surfers always on the lookout for a new, different and challenging experience the Outer Atolls of the Maldives with its still mostly unsurfed waves would be the ideal choice. Laamu .and Huvadhoo Atolls are separated by the 11/2 Degree channel way south, and with the Roaring Forties hitting these atolls with great vigour, creates arguably the waves in the whole of the Maldives . While march/April and August to November would be the best time to visit this region with some great waves around Meemu Atoll, Huvadhoo's waters are best surfed during the north east monsoons from December to March, with its incredible surf Fiyori, the heavest wave in the country and compared by many sufers to those found in the south pacific.

The eastern side of North Male' Atoll lets you in on some popular breaks with visiting surfers. The Jalibreak wave at Himafushi island; Thamburudhooos left and right ;the goofy -footers dream wave kuda Villingilli )chickens) the best left hander in Male' Atoll and the atolls heaviest wave , colas at Thulusdhoo point gives plenty of opportunity for good jumping and wave riding between April and October . Three good swells come each month lasting a couple of days.

Surfing safri operators have highly dedicated staff who would willingly assist you to ensure the best possible holiday experience . But despite the pleasantries, all surfers must understand that they have to be responsible for their own safety. Callow moves may end up in injuries or accidents . For the not so surfy savvy, stick to the golden rule. Head for a point where the prevailing breeze is offshore. Blowing into the waves , the winds will make them stand up nicely given hallow tubes to cut through . For onshore winds ., get an early start.