Soon it will be time to go back to Waterworld.
In Nosara, Costa Rica where Pureline Surf is based, we are lucky enough to have a very long surf season that stretches from November right through to August. But sadly, September and October are a bit of a write off. The swell is still there, but endless days of rain and onshore winds make it pretty unappealing. And there's also the little problem of flooded rivers, muddy roads, and lack of supplies to our little coastal town. By all accounts it is not somewhere you want to be unless you are a duck! So rather than sit around in the rain and moan, we are headed back to the Maldives in mid-August for more tropical sunshine (just can't get enough of it!) and some great reef break waves.
This will be my third season in the Maldives and I truly love the place. It is the most picture postcard perfect place I have ever been! With crystal clear water, beautiful marine life and palm fringed islands, what's not to like? When you factor in uncrowded (or usually completely empty!) world-class waves it's an easy choice when looking for an escape from the rain!
We work with a fantastic company out there called Tropicsurf, which is hands down the best surf travel company I have ever worked with (trust me I have done the rounds). The brain child of Ross Phillips, a fantastic surfer, coach and surf pioneer, Tropicsurf provides luxury surf adventures for all ages and abilities in a style that cannot be matched. They are industry leaders in coaching and luxury travel and run trips in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Morocco, Fiji and more!
Three years ago, I took my maiden voyage in the Maldives on the Four Seasons Explorer (a 150ft luxury catamaran) as a Tropicsurf surf guide and it's an experience I will never forget. Pairing the best guides and coaches in the world with a luxury catamaran in the most exotic place on earth is match made in heaven. The thing that has always impressed me most about Tropicsurf is their insatiable drive to get quality waves whatever it takes. Twelve-hour overnight trips and chartering seaplanes is pretty standard with these guys. And all the while their guests are blissfully enjoying their fresh sashimi and lobster while sitting in the hot tub! Truly living the dream.
Tropicsurf is also stationed on land at two luxury resorts in the Maldives, The Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Anantara Resort and Spa, I'm happy to say that I've had the pleasure of managing both of them. This year we will return (for the third time) to our favorite spot in the South Male Atoll, Anantara Resort and Spa. This fantastic 5 (and 6) star resort is spread across 5 small islands and just happens to be right next to some of the best surf in the Maldives that is suitable for all levels (even beginners). With a beautiful 50 foot surf boat at our disposal, we will be taking our lucky guests to the best surf in the south for a truly unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime-experience.
And after a few months in the Maldives, we will be back in Costa Rica in November to take advantage of the dry season and the amazing waves here. Consider yourselves updated.
Only guy in there!
South Male Atoll Surf Spots
Nonya's
A super fun right had reef break that is fun for all levels, Nonyas has two very distinct sections, a super mellow outside sections suitable for beginners that can link up with a super long rippable wall on the inside with the occasional tube. A longboarders dream wave, but still fun on a chunky shortboard.
Jacks
A bit of a secret spot off the corner of one of the islands, a short, shallow tubing left that is super fun once you get over the "shallow and sharp" part.
Henry Reef
A fickle left across the channel from the resort, it has a long playful wall that accelerates as it goes down the line.
Twin Peaks
Picks up the most swell in the South Male Atoll, a bit of a funky wave but always surfable. Offers fun rights that grow in size along the reef.
Boatyards
Named boatyards as it's across the channel from a local boatyard (clever hey), but over the last few years the reef has shipwrecked a fair few vessels that got to close. This is probably one of the best lefts in the Maldives, on it's day it's a world class left that drains down the reef for a really long way.
Kandooma Right
I think this is the best wave in the Maldives, when it is on it's full stand up barrel perfection....need I say more?
Riptides
So ripable, it should be called skateparks, when small it's great for all levels, when it's big...it just gets better! There is a very defined channel so you can get out of harms way easily here at any size. If you are lucky there could be some large Mantas feeding in the channel while you surf. Great spot for a surf & snorkel trip.
Hospitals
Looks perfect...bites
