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.