WHAT LEVEL SURFER AM I & WHICH TRIP IS BEST FOR ME?

 

Unlike golf, tennis, or football, average surfers are not typically competing. This makes it incredibly difficult to put a metric on your surfing ability.

If you’ve ever seen a video of yourself surfing, you’re probably acutely aware that how it felt, and how it looked can be worlds apart. The ‘buckets of spray’ you thought your turns were throwing were more like a light drizzle. Those well-overhead waves were in-fact shoulder high… We’ve all been there.

The terms intermediate surfer and advanced surfer are incredibly vague. For example, it’s really common for a surfer to be ‘advanced’ in one area of their surfing, yet very ‘intermediate’ in another. You may have pulled off a semi-decent rebound off the whitewater one time, but does that really mean you have roundhouse cutbacks on lock?

This is something we have been grappling with since our inception. And something we have put a lot of thought and time into. We want all of our guests to feel comfortable on our trips, but feel they are in a safe environment to push themselves when the opportunity presents itself. We don’t want anybody to feel completely out of their depth. Nor that they are stuck surfing waves below their pay-grade. With this in mind, we created our Path to Progression. We have also divided all of our coaching trips for 2024 into Level 2/3 or Level 3/4.

 

Mathilde from Norway enjoying some playful level 2/3 goodness this August

 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LEVEL 2/3 AND 3/4 TRIPS?

Understandably, this is a question we get asked a lot. The most important thing to note is that the quality and thoroughness of the coaching is identical on both trips. You’ll still be benefitting from in-water guidance, a filmed session each day, 1-1 AND group video analysis, and daily workshops on surfing.

The only differences are what we’re learning and the types of waves we’re looking for . For example, on level 2/3 trips, we will be covering everything from positioning, horizontal manoeuvres to surfboard design. Whilst on a level 3/4 trip we may cover topics such as manoeuvre choice, tube-riding and contest criteria.

As for the types of waves we will be looking for… On a level 2/3 trip we’ll be searching for the most progression-friendly waves for you to link turns. Typically, this will be surf in the head high and under range. If a solid swell comes through we would usually opt for a more sheltered spot which offers these conditions.

On a 3/4 trip we’ll simply be hunting the best waves that we can find on any given day. This doesn’t always mean we will be surfing big or heavy waves. However, if a solid swell does come through, then we would be looking to score at some of the premier waves in the region and hope everyone on board is keen to give it a crack!

 

Level 2/3 perfection. Shoulder high. Sheet glass. Inconsequential.

 

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE EXCEPTIONS…

A key thing to note is that even with the guidelines mentioned above, there will always be exceptions. For example, you may be a level 3/4 surfer who technically surfs well, but you’re terrified of bigger surf. In this case, a level 2/3 trip might be better for you. On the other hand, if you’re a level 2/3 surfer, but you grew up surfing heavy waves and are super comfortable in larger surf, then a level 3/4 trip might be more suitable.

Safety will always be our number one priority and we will always tell someone if we think the waves are above their current skill set. Equally, if we know somebody has the ability to push their limits and can level-up their surfing, then we will gently encourage this too.

 

Pumping conditions on a Level 3/4 trip.

 

I’M A LEVEL 3 SURFER… WHICH TRIP SHOULD I GO FOR?

This follows on nicely from the above point about the waves we’ll be searching for. Ask yourself, if a roaring SE swell comes through and we rock up to a lineup that looks like the ones above or below, will you be absolutely frothing to get out there and push your limits? Or would you rather be surfing the sheltered reef pass around the corner?

Another key point to consider is the level of other surfers on board. If you’re an early level 3 surfer, are you someone who would be intimidated at the thought of sharing the lineup with better surfers, or inspired and motivated? It’s important to take ego out of the equation here. Go for the trip that will give you the most enjoyment and progression.

 

Coach Pepijn, cranking off the bottom on a solid day somewhere in the Central Atolls…

 

STILL WONDERING WHAT LEVEL SURFER YOU ARE?

Be sure to check out our ‘What Level Surfer Am I’ page on our website. Here you’ll find video examples of each level and should be able to place yourself within one of them. If you’re wondering when to surf The Maldives, check out our Maldives Surf Seasons blog post.

If you’re still unsure, please get in touch using the form below and we’ll be happy to help.

 

10 REASONS WHY THE MALDIVES SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT SURF TRIP

 

WHY THE MALDIVES?

The Maldives have been on surfers’ bucket-lists ever since Tony Hussain accidentally discovered waves there, when his boat washed ashore nearly 50 years ago, and for good reason. This collection of over 1200 islands is widely regarded as one of the best places to surf in the world. Think tropical palm-fringed lineups, abundant sea life, and super-consistent waves with something for every level of surfer.

Read on for our top 10 reasons why we believe The Maldives should be your next surf trip…

 

Coach Mark Boyd with off-the-top number 1384 of the trip

 

1. ONE OF THE MOST CONSISTENT SURF DESTINATIONS ON THE PLANET

Ever been on a surf trip and been left disappointed by a lack of swell? We know the feeling. Fortunately, being positioned in the middle of the Indian Ocean means The Maldives is one of the most consistent surf zones in the world.

As with all Indian Ocean destinations, SW swells regularly light up the region between April and October. These powerful, long-period swells wrap into south facing shores in far-flung atolls – often with nobody around.

However, it’s the lesser known SE swells that really make the Maldives so consistent and unique. These swells are created by the SE trade winds that blow across much of Indonesia between April and October. If you’ve ever been in Indo at this time, you will know these winds blow every single day. This means there is a constant stream of SE swell being sent towards the Maldives, ready to be groomed by westerly trade-winds on arrival.

We’ve even scored pumping waves at unknown reef passes during rare west swells!

This exposure to swell is a key reason why The Maldives is one of the best places to surf in the world. Magicseaweed data (R.I.P) shows that the Maldives has a swell consistency of between 95 and 99% between April and October – quite incredible! Make the most of these swells and join one of our signature coaching trips where we scour the whole of the Atolls looking for the most suitable conditions.

 

 

2. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LINEUPS ON EARTH

Picture yourself pulling up to an uninhabited tropical island. Densely packed with lush, green palm trees. Bath-warm, gin-clear water laps against the coral and an approaching set sounds like tearing paper as it peels, unadulterated, down the barrier reef beyond the lagoon. The sheer beauty of some of the breaks needs to be seen to be believed.

The beauty isn’t just above the surface… You’ll be sharing some of the clearest water on the planet with resident dolphins, turtles, manta rays, tropical fish and reef sharks. There’s more to a dream Maldives session than the perfect waves.

 

3. ACCESSIBLE, EASY TRAVEL

Compared to many tropical surf destinations, travelling to the Maldives is a breeze – especially for us Europeans. There are direct flights from major European hubs, although most will have a short transit through the Middle East. It’s about the same for those coming from Australasia, only with Kuala Lumpur and Singapore serving as the most common stopovers. 

Those coming from the U.S. have a longer journey ahead, but it’s still relatively straightforward and often doable with just one layover.

The convenience continues once you land in The Maldives. Male International airport (Velana) is situated right next to the ocean, meaning no lengthy transfer in a cramped van with broken AC. Simply stroll 30 meters outside the arrivals hall, meet your guide, and jump on your floating home. In some cases, you can be surfing within 2 hours of touching down. Most arrivals land in the morning, meaning we can usually get a quick session in before lunch is even served – something that’s almost impossible to do in other destinations.

Last but not least, no visa is required for tourism in The Maldives. You are granted 30-days on arrival which can be extended for another 30-days with relative ease. Hassle-free surf trips are the best surf trips.

 

Was this the best surf we scored all year? No. Did the adventure and novelty of surfing an unknown wave alone make it one of the most special sessions? Absolutely.

 

4. EMPTY LINEUPS STILL POSSIBLE

A quick flick through of our Instagram and you may think our captions are false. The number of times we surfed alone in 2022 feels almost unfair. Particularly in a world where lineups are becoming more and more crowded. We scored a load of empty sessions on our Advanced Coaching Trip back in April of this year, too.

The Maldives aren’t empty, however. Far from it. But we are willing to go the extra mile (or hundred) to ensure the best chance of surfing with minimal crowds. It’s not always possible, but we estimate that 50% of sessions last season were solo. There are a huge number of waves in The Maldives and the distance from the well-known waves of Male to the far south of the Central Atolls is vast – almost a 24hr cruise. Unlike some other charters who have a fixed route, our itineraries are solely based around the conditions and crowds.

Running coaching trips demands that we are surfing relatively quiet waves. So if spot A is a 9/10 but busy, and spot B is a 7/10 but empty, we’ll be heading to spot B. Especially when a 7/10 day in the ‘dives equates to an 11/10 at your local.

We’re highly experienced when it comes to searching for surf in The Maldives. In August 2022, whilst 5 boats battled it out in pumping surf at Spot X, we spotted a rare Westerly swell and nipped a few hours south. We scored the wave above without another soul for miles, before nipping across the channel and scoring the cranking right on the other side. Surfing nirvana.

 

 

5. THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A BOAT TRIP

With the Maldives being 95% ocean, it stands to reason that the best way to get around is by boat. If you’re lucky enough to have been on a surf charter before you’ll know just how special they are. With a good guide in charge you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular scenery as we take you from perfect surf spot to perfect surf spot. When surfing the best waves possible is the priority, a boat trip cannot be beaten. You can read an extended blog post on why we think so here.

With that said, in our opinion The Maldives is the best place in the world for a surf charter. Most of the waves here break off uninhabited or sparsely populated islands and often a few hundred metres offshore. This means that even if you put all your eggs in one basket and stayed on one of these islands – crossing everything that the conditions aligned for that particular wave – accessing it can be a bit of a mission.

On the contrary, entering the lineup from a surf charter couldn’t be easier. Simply jump in the dhingy at the back of the boat and get dropped off a stones-throw from the peak; no duck dives or scrambles over the sharp reef. When you’re done, wave your board in the air and the dhingy captain will collect you from the channel. It almost sounds too good to be true!

 

 

6. USER FRIENDLY LINEUPS

We hate to break it to you, but those perfect tubes in every Mentawai edit are probably beyond your pay grade. Whilst it looks like absolute perfection on your 5″ iphone screen , the reality of a double overhead wave throwing top to bottom is very consequential. Dry inside-sections, impossible walk-outs over the reef, and hungry packs of Aussie and Brazilian pros makes the whole experience quite intense, to say the least.

Enter, The Maldives. Don’t get us wrong, the Maldives does have it’s share of heavier, barreling waves. From Cokes in the north, to Finnamas in the Central Atolls, all the way to the Beacons in the far South. Fortunately, for us average Joe’s there are plenty of user-friendly waves in-between. Most of these break into deeper water rather than shutting down on a shallow end section. Think ‘4-5 turns then kick out into the channel’, not ‘hold-on-for-your-life before an inevitable scraping across the reef’.

 

 

7. NO MOSQUITOS OR DANGEROUS WILDLIFE

After some of the points above this one seems almost a little trivial. Can a lack of mosquitos really have a meaningful impact on the Maldives being the best surf destination on earth? Yes. Yes it can. 

If you’ve ever spent time at land camps in any tropical destination you’ll know just how much of a negative impact the mozzies, scorpions, and other tropical nasties can have – from mild itching to severe bites and insomnia.

Fortunately, being at sea means we’re typically away from all of these annoyances.

There’s not much to worry about from below either. You’ll occasionally see reef sharks zig-zagging their way across the reef, but these guys don’t pose any threat to surfers and are an incredible sight to see. On some trips we’re even lucky enough to snorkel wit Nurse Sharks – always an unforgettable experience!

 

 

8. LONG SEASON WITH VARYING CONDITIONS

The surf season in The Maldives is generally considered to be from April-October. That said, differing wind patterns in the Southern Atolls means that you can score perfect waves all year round.

As a brief summary, here’s our suggestion:

Off season (late October to early March) – head to the Southern Atolls, for clean, empty lineups and powerful waves.

Shoulder season (March/April & September/October) – light winds and consistent swells in the Central Atolls

Peak season (May – September) – consistent, solid SE swells and WSW trade winds make the Malé Atolls or east facing Central Atolls light up

See our full breakdown of the Maldives Surf Season and regions here.

 

 

9. TROPICAL CLIMATE

Unsurprisingly, given its proximity to the equator, predicting the temperature during your stay in The Maldives won’t be hard. It hovers consistently between 27-31c. 

You can leave your wetsuit at home too, with water temperatures never dropping below 27c. We recommend bringing a long-sleeve surf top and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Those of you who are particularly sun sensitive should look into a pair of lycra bottoms or ‘surf-tights’ too. 27-31c doesn’t sound THAT hot- but it feels way hotter than this in reality and the sun can be brutally strong.

 

10. 3 DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT AND WAVE-RICH REGIONS

As mentioned above, The Maldives caters for every level of surfer. It’s one of the few destinations where a ‘just surfing green waves’ intermediate can have just as fun as a ‘been surfing all my life’ tube pig. This is down to the variety of the surf spots and the variation across the different regions.

In the north are the Malé Atolls, with Male Airport sitting right inbetween the waves North and South Malé Atoll. Malé Atolls are home to the most well-known Maldivian waves and some of the best waves in the country. However, it’s consistency, quality and proximity to the airport means they’re often crowded.

Keep cruising 8-24hrs south and you’ll reach Meemu, Dhaalu, Thaa and Laamu Atolls – collectively part of the Central Atolls. This is where the majority of our coaching trips take place due it’s ability to deal with all swell and wind directions, and thin crowd factor.

Another long sail (or short flight) south, and you’ll reach the Southern Atolls. They’re widely considered one of surfing’s last frontiers thanks to their isolation and remoteness. It’s home to a number of epic set-ups, including some of the heaviest and hollowest waves in the country. We usually begin our season here in March.

OUR 5 MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF THE 2022 SEASON

 

With the 2022 season drawing to a close, we felt it was the perfect time to reminisce about the warmer times earlier in the year.  Without the worry of travel restrictions, lockdowns and quarantines, we were able to finally get back to doing what we do best; providing elite-level surf coaching in secluded lineups.

Read below for our 5 most memorable moments from this year…

5. BOMBIE / SECRET SLAB IN MEEMU ATOLL

Despite sailing past this wave hundreds of times in previous years, we’d never truly seen what she’s capable of until 2022. We’d heard from locals in the area about a slab nearby, but whenever we had checked it in the past, it had always looked like a jumbled mess of burgery walls. Then, through pure chance we ended up sheltering from a particularly strong storm here back in July. As the storm passed and everyone started itching to get back in the water, we started seeing the slab turn on and spit and grind it’s way down the reef. Some sick barrels were had and some skin left on the reef, but it was epic to finally see the myth come to life.

Coach @pepijntigges draws a long bottom turn on one of the smaller waves that came through

Then in August, the break showed us a totally different side as it turned into an outer bombie, holding whatever size the Indian Ocean could throw at it. The crew had a good crack at some seriously chunky walls, with Dale breaking his favourite board in the process. That didn’t stop the lasting grin afterwards, though!

4. 6-FOOT AND EMPTY AT THE MALDIVES’ BEST LEFT

Being one of the most fickle waves in The Maldives makes it even sweeter to score when it finally turns on.

Repeat guest Ste Roberts picking off one of the smaller freight trains.

We pulled up to this wave on a bit of a gamble late one afternoon only to find it as good as we’ve seen it and with nobody around! This wave is one of the fastest, heaviest and shallowest waves in the Maldives, but a good one here can be serious ‘best wave of my life’ territory.

3. SURFING WITH 3X WORLD CHAMP, MICK FANNING.

It’s always an exciting experience sharing a line-up with one of the world’s best, but to share it with only them and our boat was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Welsh ripper Rhys during yet another session with ‘Mickey boy’

Mick was filming for STAB’s Electric Acid Surfboard Test back in July and we seemed to be on the same schedule as him, often rocking up to a new wave with just him in the water.

The first time he paddled out into our group, there was a certain awkwardness that comes when everyone knows there’s an elite surfer in the lineup. This feeling quickly dissipated when one of the boys, Tom, paddled over shouting ‘Mickey Boyyyyy!! How’s it going mate!?’ at the top of his lungs in his thick Welsh accent.
Everyone cracked up and Mick had a good chat with the boys before paddling off and pioneering ‘Mickey’s peak’ – a wave now firmly on our radar.

The pair were reacquainted a few days later when Mick was first to check if Tom was ok after a head first encounter with the reef. Unforgettable sessions!

2. EARLY SEASON GLASS

Whilst the Maldives ‘peak’ season is widely considered to be June – September, you can score quality waves throughout the year. The first trips of our season back in March were testament to this, when non-stop mid-sized swells were met with absolutely zero wind.

Maldivian surf legend Iboo showing off his seriously stylish backhand

Our intermediate coaching trip and a Dutch private group relished these conditions, clocking up some serious water time from dawn-til-dusk.

1. ADDING A NEW WAVE TO OUR ‘BLACK BOOK’

Every surfer dreams of discovering a wave, somewhere far from the beaten track. Even though we regularly surf alone at some of the well known waves in The Maldives, we’re always on the lookout for new spots – it’s in our DNA. With over 1200 islands making up the Maldives, there truly is enormous potential.

Were they the best waves we scored all year? No. It was the pure adventure and novelty that made this session so special.

On a private coaching trip during August, we were lucky enough to experience this. Whilst en-route to another spot in Thaa atoll, conditions looked ideal to take a short detour to check a reef-pass that had been on our radar for a while. The rare swell direction meant what was normally more of a picturesque snorkeling spot had turned into a perfect left/right combo, without a single soul for miles.

 

Wanting to create your own memories like this in 2023? We only have a few spots left on our scheduled trips – check full trip availability here!

Got a crew of 4 or more keen to go? Get in touch to inquire about a Private Trip here.

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE – BEST GIFTS FOR SURFERS

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Surfers – we’re a strange bunch. We spend most of our time obsessing over repeatedly floating towards shore on a block of foam for no other reason than the fact it feels good.

To that end, shopping for surfers is notoriously difficult. Without specific instructions it’s all to easy to end up with a pack of Sexwax air fresheners, neoprene socks and a set of quad fins for your other half who surfs a thruster.

With Christmas just around the corner, read on for our pick of some of the best gifts for surfers…

For the surfer looking to spice up their ride…

 

MR 2+1 Fins

You don’t always need a new surfboard for that ‘new board feeling’. Fins can really chage how your board feels and are one of the best gifts for surfers. Most surfers will have a thruster or 5 fin set-up on their board (look for 3 or 5 fin slots), and whilst these work for the most people in the majority of conditions, throwing in a new set is a great way of giving a new lease of life to an old board.

Having recently bought a set of 2+1 Mark Richard fins, I’ve since trialled them in a variety of conditions and love them! They have given an old board a completely new feeling; loose and skatey, with the small centre fin providing hold and drive when you need it. For average conditions when you need to generate your own speed, these fins are fantastic.

Bare in mind, these fins work best on groveller style boards – not your conventional performance shortboard. Also, ensure the board they’re going into has FCS2 fin plugs! 

Available online at Boardshop, or your local surfshop.

For the cold water surfer..

 

Surf Ears 3.0

I used to think surfers ear was something that only happened to those hardy surfers ‘up north’.

That was until I met a friend of a friend in the surf one day… We acknowledged each other before she joked “I’ve heard a lot about you – mainly bad things!”
 It turns out my left ear was barely functioning and there was a howling offshore into my right, so I did the classic ‘laugh, nod and say “Yes” combo.  Unfortunately, this suggested that I do in fact do bad things and left her both confused and concerned.

The moral of this story is that it’s worth looking after your ears.

Surf Ears 3.0 come with 3 different sizes of in-ear pieces, and 3 sizes of ‘support wings’ to hold them neatly in place.

Available direct from SurfEars, and in most surf shops.

*For custom moulded plugs, ensuring next level fit and comfort, check out Surf Mould Pro here.*

For the surfer who’s always ‘borrowing’ wax..

 

Fu-Wax

Just be sure to ‘borrow’ some off them next time you surf together…

Wax is one of the best gifts for surfers – like socks for non-surfers – inexpensive and always handy.

Fu-Wax is the new kid on the block (pardon the pun) but has quickly been adopted by most of the world’s elite. It’s the choice of the professionals and having tried them all we can confidently say Fu-Wax is worth the extra money.

Once they’ve received it, ensure they check out our How to Wax guide to get perfect bumps everytime.. 

Pick it up from Boardshop here.

For the surfer still using a towel…

 

RENEGADE Changing Robe

Changing with a towel on cold, windy beach isn’t fun. Our microfiber changing robes take the hassle out of changing and keep you warm and covered at all times.

Available in thick microfiber for winters at home or as a lighter, more compact travel version too. Both designs are hooded, have a pocket and even a key-loop to tie your keys to. The travel version folds down to the size of a hoodie, making it one of the best gifts for surfers who like to travel light and they’re both generously sized to ensure one-size-fits-all. 

Available on Amazon with Prime delivery here.

For surfers when the surf is flat…

 

Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan

 

Our favourite book and a must read for any adventurous surfer.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Sports Book of the Year, Barbarian Days follows the life of Finnegan growing up in Hawaii, before travelling on multiple surf adventures overseas. Finnegan explores every aspect of surfing in a way that with life lessons that transcend sport and adventure.

 

Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard

You’ve heard of Patagonia, but do you know the inspirational story behind it?

Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman is an inspiring read and coffee table centrepiece. Chouinard shares the philosophies underlying one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on the planet.

Available at any good book stores.

 

And if they still need more…

Wavelength Magazine Subscription

There’s something nostalgic about opening up a surf mag..

Whilst surf mags have had a rough time over the past decade, you still can’t beat them for some light bed-time reading or on a long flight.

Our favourite is Wavelength which started in 1981. This UK mag has morphed from a monthly to a more premium, bi-annual edition, released each summer and winter respectively. Each copy is beautifully put together and filled with quality content from established surf journalists.

Their website has a few subscription offers, each offering a different gift when an annual subscription is bought for £20 – bargain!

Check out the options here.

For the budding surf vlogger…

 

GoPro Hero 9 Black

Say what you will about surfers with GoPro’s, but the bottom line is the quality of footage you can get for the price is simply astonishing. We’re not sure how GoPro keep upping their game, but the new Hero 9 black boasts 5k video recording and 14.7MP frame grabs. More than enough for even the clumsiest of surfers to get Instagram-worthy shots. If your loved one has a creative (or narcassistic) streak, this is one of the best gifts for surfers.

Other features include 20MP photos, a new front screen, and ‘HyperSmooth 3.0’ stabilisation.

Grab one direct from GoPro here.

For the surfer heading overseas in 2021…

 

Ocean and Earth Travel Bags

Giving your boards the best possible chance to travel unscathed…

As soon as you drop your boards at the oversized baggage counter, their fate is out of your hands. *Touch wood* We’ve been pretty lucky to get away with the odd minor ding but others aren’t so lucky – check out what American Airlines did to Alex Gray’s boards here!

To give your boards the best chance, we highly recommend Ocean and Earth’s range of surfboard travel bags.They offer a range of different shapes and sizes, and loads of extra protection and storage features. They’re built to last and help your boards last too so they’re a worthwhile investment.

We love the 6’6 triple compact which allows a few inches of space either side of our boards, plus 10mm of waterproof padding on the outside, 20mm padding on the nose and tail, rubberised rail bumpers, compression straps and internal dividers.

If your loved one is a frequent flyer with boards in tow, this is the perfect gift.

Grab one direct from Ocean and Earth here.

For the surfer heading to the tropics…

 

Patagonia Stretch HydroPeak Boardshorts

You’ll be hard-pushed to find a comfier pair of boardies..

The boardshort market is heavily saturated with every brand offering every colour and pattern under the sun.

The perfect boardshorts are the ones you don’t notice when you’re in the water, and these fit the bill. Stretchy, light and with a handy zip-pocket on the back, they come in a simple range of colours that aren’t too obnoxious. As you’d expect with Patagonia, they’re 87% recycled and FairTrade certified too.

A Renegade favourite.

 

Available direct from Patagonia here.

 

Palm and Pine Vegan SPF 50+ Surf Zinc

It’s skin colour, too. None of that nasty white zinc!

Palm and Pine Skincare use sustainable candelilla wax opposed to the normal beeswax to create Europe’s first vegan zinc. The whole group used this stuff on our last Maldives trip and the common reaction was “where can I buy some?”

It’s SPF 50+, stays on for hours, has plastic-free packaging, and is reef friendly. What’s not to love!?

They’re currently offering 10% off all first orders. Find it at palmpineskincare.com.

 

For the surfer looking to progress…

 

Renegade Surf Coaching Trip

The ultimate gift for your loved one or even to yourself (you deserve it!)

It’s safe to say that most surfers haven’t had their travel fix in 2020 but thankfully there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Besides the speculation of a vaccine by spring, The Maldives is currently one of the few tropical surf-rich countries open to tourists and surfers alike with minimal restrictions.

Our all-inclusive surf coaching trips are carefully designed to help surfers reach the next level whilst on the ultimate surf trip.

Accommodation is onboard the beautiful 27m Sea Farer (above), with 3 nutritious meals a day, multiple chill-out areas and 6 en-suite cabins.

With the aid of a knowledgable surf guide, we will be hunting down perfect waves every day and providing daily technical surf coaching and video analysis.

Want to join the trip too? We offer shared room rates for couples/friends in double or twin cabins.

Check out the full trip details here, get in touch by filling out the form here. and check out the waves we scored on our last trip here.

Not the best gifts for surfers…

It might seems obvious that a new surfboard is one of the best gifts for surfers, but please think twice before buying your loved one a surfboard – except in the very specific circumstances outlined below…

The perfect gift? Think again…

Surfboards are hand-crafted, highly-tuned and highly-specific crafts. Whilst it might seem like the perfect gift, going into a surf shop and picking a board off the rack WILL end in tears.

Imagine, your other half mentions they’d ‘love a 6’1 JS Monstabox’… Sounds specific enough, right!? You head to your local store, pick up said 6’1 ad leave with a satisfied smile on your face – they’re gonna love it. The 25th comes around and unwrap the inconspicuous shaped gift under the tree, wondering how you knew they wanted the 6’1 x 20 x 2 9/16 with futures fin boxes and in Hyfi construction to support their extra winter bulk. But wait… You got the 6’1 x 19 3/4 x 2 ½ with FCS 2 boxes in PU… Ah well, close enough.

Of course, they’ll say they love it. But each time they miss a wave or bog a rail with that lack of volume, they’ll be wishing they had the board they really wanted.

Exceptions…

If the person says specifically ‘I want THIS board’ whilst looking you in the eye and touching it with their bare hands, you can safely say that it’s a great choice for a gift.

Also, if you’re lucky enough to be a surfer in a relationship with another surfer and you know the exact model and dims the stick they’re after, then by all means go for it!

Lastly, disregard this rule if you’re buying a grom’s first board. As long as it floats, catches waves easily, and looks great you can be sure they’re gonna love it.

Check out our ‘7 tips for choosing the right surfboard‘ blog post for some inspiration.

That’s it for our 2020 Gift Guide!

Merry Christmas from the Renegade Crew.