Ryan Thoyyib is the Hudhuranfushi Resort Surf Operations Manager in the Maldives and the man behind the surf program at Lohis. We caught up with Ryan to find out how 2021 has been over in paradise.
WS: How long have you been working in surf tourism and how did you get into the industry?
R: I started surfing in 2009 at Male’. After boarding school in Malaysia I went to Plymouth University, UK to complete my BSc (Hons) degree in Surf Science & Technology and graduated in 2014. During this course I did a 20 day surf guiding trip as an intern during my holidays in Maldives and that is where I got into the industry. After university I worked in an environmental consultancy company in Male’ for a year. I was a surf guide for Atoll Adventures at Pasta Point for 5 years. And now here I am at Lohis as the surf operations manager starting the surf season of 2021 at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi.
WS: How have the last 12 months been and what are you looking forward to in 2022?
R: With the pandemic we all have suffered within the last year or so. However, it was lucky enough for us that Maldives opened its borders in July 2020 bringing tourism back into the country. I was shocked to see how well Maldives’ tourism industry came back to its feet. We were quite busy here at Lohis with a lot of guests, and have had a really good surf season. I am looking forward to being even more busier next year with the opening of Australian borders.
WS: What have your standout sessions/swells been during this year’s surf season?
R: I think September 2021 has been the standout month of this season. It has been a while since I have seen a swell like that. We had waves easily over 12ft.
WS: What has the energy/vibe been like at the resort this season?
R: The vibe at Lohis has been amazing. Great surf. Cold beers. And always good times with everyone smiling on the Lohis deck every evening during sunset. There is a reason why we have that many repeaters coming here. We have had few clients who came two or three times within this year. That definitely does say something about this place and the vibe we have going on here.
WS: What is your favourite wave in the Maldives?
R: My favourite wave is Sultans. I am a regular footer and I love going right even though I have been working at amazing left handers for the last 6 years. I understand Sultans very well and when its over 6ft and it is lining up from top to bottom, I just cannot get enough of that wave. The name itself defines that it is a wave for the sultans. Nice and easy take off, big bottom turn, big carve and then set up for the racy inside section with amazing barrels!
Thanks Ryan!
We’ll see you soon!
Photo’s courtesy of @buddy_photos / @saltyblueme / @lohismaldives