You know, there's nothing quite like waking up in a remote corner of paradise, walking a few short steps down to a world renowned point and watching a few empty drainers slip and peel over a reef. Perhaps that is one of the more perfect moments in surfing? Or maybe, should time and tide suit you, you'll hop on a boat, skip out to some lesser-known, but equally as alluring, surf spots.
It's this kind of scenario that makes the Maldives a damn fine prospect for a getaway, and then, of course, theres the well-tapped metaphor of those atolls being an aquatic playground. And sure, there may be crowds, but locales like Hudhuranfushi Resort, which is just a short walk from the Maldives best left-hander at Lohis, is working to limiting that factor by only allowing just 45 surfers to stay at any one time...
If Lohis isn't really your thing, (if you're a regular foot looking for a right) then feel free to gear up a boat (and skipper) for an expedition with a few buddies. Sound good? Well, for those unattuned with the pace of life at the Maldives, or are on the fence with pulling the trigger on a trip, here's a little slice of what to expect...
First light, wake up, fresh coffee and head to the deck at Lohis, only a short walk from the Hudhuranfushi Resort, widely regarded as one of the best lefts in the Maldives and the resort is just 30 minutes boat ride from Male airport. From here, you can watch countless waves go unridden, waiting for the sun to peep its head out from the horizon just enough so you can paddle out.
Before that though, it's probably worth checking with resident surf guide team of Jai, Ali and Smiley – and they'll always ask: “where will you be surfing this morning?” You want a point? Fine. If swell coincides, maybe you want to push yourself a bit more over your limit - that's fine too. Or perhaps something a little more casual? These guides know where to take you.
Your options; do you A) Leave Lohis as wave after wave goes unridden down a 200m+ reef or B) Stay, and score uncrowded perfection like you've seen from Google, a postcard etc. The choice is tough, world-class left or exploration, but if that's the most stressful thing you have to decide, then so be it.
But that first wave at Lohis? Oh, it is something else. Sure, you can hammer it – if you want to. Or you can take a bit of time with it, learn its nuance, its push and pull, then really go to town. A wave like this needs sussing out. Needs expert eyes to guide you into the best of a set. Luckily, that's all on hand.
That's your first surf down. Jet-legged after flying from who-knows-where, why not spend some time in the day spa? And how about a 45-minute surfer massage? That should be enough to get you ready for surfs two and three later that day.
Time to refuel. Move to the lunch buffet with a choice of more than 10 international cuisines and something to suit even the strongest vegan enthusiasts. Because surf trips don't have to be an unhealthy endeavour, not at all.
It may sound all a bit twee – but the beauty of Lohis is that Richard and Amy Kotch who along with World Surfaris created a surf program over a long period of time that is designed to maximise your wave count while maintaining that balance of relaxation and chill time to keep you fresh and energised throughout your holiday.
Surfed out? Need some inspo for that sun down session? A live broadcast of Lohis is streamed to your room. Yes, you read correctly! Channel 28 of your in-room entertainment is streamed live from the deck of Lohis giving you an accurate surf check 24/7. So if you’re feeling a little unmotivated to get out of bed when the surf is pumping, watching a few head high sets go unridden should have you waxing up your board, packing on the sunscreen and heading back out for another session to remember.
How do I show all my friends how much fun I'm having back home? Well, the professional photography service should do the trick. Capable of covering multiple angles – Richard and his team will present you with your best shots of the trip from the water, (yeah, they'll swim), in the air and from the deck...
Let's just back up a little. Getting to the Maldives, depending on where you are, sometimes ain't cheap for the average surfer. At Hudhuranfushi Resort, there's a choice of more than 50 boards for you to choose from, if you want to leave your prized whip at home and not at the mercy of overzealous baggage handlers.
Also, maybe you want a destination with non-surfers in mind too? Well, if you're coming for the trip and don't surf, you'll get $50 credit a day to use on things in the resort, including scuba diving, spa treatments, snorkel tours and of course, yoga. Maybe you're one half of a surfing couple? You can go and surf while your other half can relax in paradise. When you've squared away the day, there's a few ice cold chillers waiting for you.
The waves here are world class and, over the years, the Maldives has become more and more accessible. It's why Lohis is one of the best value surf trips in the Indian Ocean that has hundreds of guests returning each year. Sounds perfect right?
If you would like more information of a surf trip to the amazing Hudhuranfushi Surf Resort, talk to World Surfaris!
