You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Ofer carving at Cokes<br />
morning and afternoon sessions, providing the strong current running<br />
briefly each day wasn’t making it impossible to sit on the take off. These<br />
waves were shared with local kids, surf camp residents and visiting surf<br />
safari boats.<br />
Two weeks in, a powerful southerly swell made its way up from South<br />
Africa and turned it on. Pumping through 6-8 foot sets with fast, powerful<br />
waves, solid stand up barrels and near vertical take-offs, the crowds were<br />
quickly reduced. We quickly discovered this also set a test of judgement.<br />
Time it well, and we were out the back in minutes and looking back onto a<br />
palm tree spotted tropical island. Time it badly and our paddle out quickly<br />
trebled in length, as we were washed down the reef on the inside, coping<br />
set after set on the head.<br />
Given the surf conditions we were experiencing and budget we were<br />
living on, we quickly concluded the Maldives is set to experience a<br />
surge in independent surfers seeking longer periods of stay. A number of<br />
considerations will influence those travelling there though. The first is that<br />
alcohol is strictly not permitted on any non-resort islands due to Islamic<br />
law. This limits the appeal to the surfing contingent demanding post-surf<br />
partying on their trip. Added to this is the modesty of dress Islamic law<br />
encourages. So nude or topless sun baking is prohibited everywhere in<br />
the Maldives. Likewise, homosexuality is against the law and if you’re<br />
convicted, you may face lengthy prison sentences, fines, deportation or - if<br />
you’re a born-again same-sex naturist couple - all three. In addition, few<br />
local residents eat in the local restaurants on the islands. This makes food<br />
options limited and repetitive.<br />
Admittedly it was only having three options for dinner every night - fried<br />
rice, fried noodles, or the same curry and rice - that encouraged my<br />
departure.<br />
So after two months, it was time for myself and Chris to leave the<br />
Maldives in search of new food and a cold beer. The Maldives had<br />
delivered far more than we ever expected – amazing surf that lived up to<br />
its reputation, easily affordable travel options, and a new adventure. It’s<br />
likely to experience changes over the next few years as word filters out,<br />
but so many local islands remain unspoilt by mainstream tourism that<br />
there are likely to be many more to explore for quality waves.<br />
Some things just<br />
shouldn’t get wet.<br />
WASP Bags are completely water<br />
and sand proof. Noticed how if<br />
you get the tiniest bit of sand<br />
or water in your phone, iPod<br />
or camera they are never quite<br />
the same again? Thanks to their<br />
unique seal, WASP Bags ensure<br />
that the things that should stay<br />
dry, stay dry.<br />
Buy online or ask your friendly surf shop...<br />
waspbags.com.au<br />
PLEASE NOTE: You can’t just rock up the Maldives with no plan, as their tourist<br />
industry is well regulated. Accommodation that Jules and friends stayed in were<br />
all official resorts and homestays, and they had appropriate permissions to visit the<br />
places they did. In certain areas in the Maldives, interaction between locals and<br />
tourists is frowned upon, so make sure you do your homework, or simply talk to one<br />
of the travel companies servicing the area to make sure you stay out of trouble.<br />
jul/aug 20<strong>12</strong><br />
87
Change language