Daily updates from Maldives trip with The Perfect Wave and saltmotion photography

Daily updates from the surf trip onboard Cobia in Maldives.

Day 1...

Maldives, day one… The first day of a surf trip is always something to look forward too. Last night a bunch of guys (and one girl) boarded a boat and settled in to our floating home for the next week or so. An early start in the morning and we were the first ones to reach a spot called Saltans. This is right in the heart of the Maldives surf scene and, although we were the first boat there and managed a good few waves to ourselves, it was not long before several others showed up. With plans to head a lot further afield this trip, we are just biding some  time and waiting for a weather pattern to shift opening up a few more options for us. Having said that, we surfed all day, sure there were a few other folk to share the waves with but sets were in the head high range, the sun was out, the water is like a tropical bath and everyone got more waves than they could have hoped for, the photos tell the story…

Australia from the plane

Pretty good for day one!...

S.M. - Loving Life

BYO Cheering squad

TBS joined the crew...

The first day ends...

Day 2...

Waking up on our boat in the Maldives is hardly what you would call ‘roughing it.’  Eager as can be, we were all up well before the sun and heading out for our first surf. Our crew was the first out on a pretty decent right hand reef break and everyone enjoyed some fun waves before breakfast. We are lucky enough on this trip to be accompanied by one of the best surf guides in the business. While filling our bodies with food he checked all the charts and decided to head a little further afield. His knowledge of the area proving to be spot on when he delivered us to a fast, hollow left with no one else around… What was meant to be a lunchtime surf turned into an all afternoon marathon session with the crew on the boat bring us a soft drink in the line-up! As I said, surfing here is hardly what you would call ‘roughing it…’

J.H. - getting his fill

Daffy in the duck tunnel

catching everyone out...

Chris chalking up another...

Plenty of empty ones...

morning reef view...

Day 3...

Floating around on a surf charter in the Indian Ocean paradise of the Maldives is a damn good place to be. With the swell a little smaller today, we hit up a very exposed reef and scored a load of fun waves. The crew all surfed until their arms ached and the sun forced them back to the boat. With plenty of waves for all to share, a few new friends were made in the lineup and things are getting pretty social on the back deck this evening. With a good few beverages going down, I have a feeling a number of the crew might be missing from the early session in the morning!…

 

Retirement plan...

Maldives colours

Tropical cylinders

Refreshing

Amazing reefs

Day 4...

This crew just want to keep surfing! Everyone is in the water all day, only coming in to eat and slap on some more sunscreen before getting out there for more waves!.. Navigating the reefs here is too dangerous to allow the charter boats to move at night, so normally we are coming in just before sunset to get to a safe anchorage for the evening. Last night was a little different. With a wave just on the other side of the lagoon where the boat is sitting we were able to surf until dark. We figured it was good opportunity to try a little night surfing… The thing about photographing at night is, it’s dark, tricky and was made more difficult by a bit of wind messing up the waves. Still we gave it a go, had a good laugh and I figured I’d share the results for something different…

lighting up a bumpy one

Attempting the impossible

Our french connection

Night time shapes

Mark carving in the dark

Big smiles in the flash

surf stoked crew, heading home...

backscatter...

Day 5...

What an amazing day… four of us started off with a dawn session and surfed until hunger pains sent us back to the boat. The crew split up for the rest of the day, surfing in shifts, some at a hollow right-hander and others at a more mellow but bigger reef. We surfed some of the best waves we have had so far on this trip and everyone is damn happy with how this trip is going. While I write this the rest of the group are sitting on the back deck of the boat, feasting on the chef’s carbo-loaded super meals, which will no doubt put everyone to sleep pretty soon! Can’t wait to do it again tomorrow. With a little luck the Maldives will turn on another special day…

TBS - Text Book

what we came for

Miss Vanessa...

Inside blues

M.R. in the slot

splashy one...

Dr. Daff and the fish...

Day 6...

We woke this morning and took a look at the reef across the lagoon only to see ripples barley breaking. “Relax guys, we’re going to motor north a little this morning, I’ll find you waves…” The reassuring words of a surf guide that cut his milk teeth surfing these breaks. Sure enough a few hours later (and some very random forms of entertainment) we arrived to another perfect tropical reef break. Sets were still coming through in the head high range, the water was crystal blue and the sun was out, perfect!.. The small island in front of the reef provided a great vantage point to photograph from, with thousands of hermit crabs crawling around the rocks to entertain me between sets. Late in the day a large tropical squall pounded us and forced the boat to take shelter in a protected lagoon, it’s amazing how quickly it can go from sunshine and blue to driving rain with howling winds, then back to complete calm again. Bring on tomorrow, we still have more breaks to explore…

J.H. - stylin...

clear, blue, perfect

T.L. - eyeing sections

Maldivian blues...

no distractions

tropical distractions...

Stephan with the war paint on...

Dr. Daff - chillin..

Surf report from Mark at Kandooma Resort, Maldives

Vacationers to Kandooma Resort Maldives were able to enjoy a great session at Tucky Joes (Lucky Joes) on Sunday the 19th of June, 2011. This was no rest day for the surfers. Breaking over reef, with a nice left and holding there size, surfers enjoyed an unexpected barrel session.

Experience Surfing in Fiji

G'day friends,

for your weekend read, we thought we'd share some of our knowledge of Fiji - surf breaks, seasons, recommended resorts for your stay and post some pictures and video.

Fiji is a great choice, whether you are on honeymoon, backpacking or with your family - unlike some real hardcore surfing destinations where a non-surfer would not have too much to do, Fiji offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your holiday and wishing you had stayed for longer. Be it fishing, diving, trekking, ocean rafting, exploring local villages or drinking Kava, this little island country will satisfy even the most active traveller.

When to travel there: The top season is from April to October with larger swell and predominately off-shore winds. The surf is generally outer coral reef and overhead high, can be challenging for inexperienced surfers. The rest of the year is a shoulder season with smaller and less consistent waves - good if you are beginner or lower intermediate, or if you prefer uncrowded waters.

What to bring: The water is warm all-year-round so you won't need too much rubber. You might want to consider a spring suit for some eastern islands in July-September, but just bring your board shorts for the rest of the year. Reommended surfboard would be a ‘hotdog’ short board and a larger semi-gun for the bigger days. Reef booties, tropical wax and sunscreen will also come very handy.

Where to stay: Countless options: we have hand-picked the best that is available. All resorts have either direct access to surf, or have organized surf transfers so you don't need to worry about anything once you arrive. Please see below the recommended places to stay for a family holiday, honeymoon or just a budget trip.

Surf breaks: In July 2010, the Fijian government officially deregulated the surf breaks, which means that the waves are no longer exclusive to local landowners, resorts etc. The main surfing areas are at the south and west coast of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji: Mamanuca Islands (Cloudbreak, Restaurants), Viti Levu (Hideaways, Frigates) and Naninya Island (The Bombi, King Kong Left and Right). 

Family Holiday:

Beqa Lagoon Resort - a short distance from world class surf break Frigates Pass; Offers quality accommodation in 25 deluxe, private air-conditioned bures spread out beneath the lush tropical landscape. They have a great restaurant and it is also one of the best diving resorts in the world - Beqa Lagoon is one of the worlds largest barrier reefs. Fishing is equally awesome.

Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa - winner of several awards for the best resort in the area. Out the front, the have a right-hand reef break, only a short paddle in front of Hideaway Resort - Hideaways. It’s a hollow, fast, ledgey barrel, but only good around high tide. Starts working at less than 3ft and holds up to 6ft plus. Year-round wave, although it is more consistent from May to October.  Recommended for experienced surfers only. They have a good kids club and offer accommodation in beautiful Beachfront Villas, Oceanview Bures, Frangipani Bures and 2-Bedroom Bures.

Matanivusi Surf Eco Resort - excellent family-friendly surf resort, just across the lagoon from excellent Viti Levu Breaks. It has 8 bures, designed by an award-winning Australian architect. Daily boat trips to the local breaks for surfing and snorkelling are included, longer trips to Frigates can be organized for an extra cost.

Plantation Island Resort - offering a wide variety of accommodation from Beachfront Bures to Hotel Rooms, this resort has great facilities, restaurand and kids club. It also offers daily boat transfers to more remote surf breaks like Namotu, Wilkies, Cloudbreak and Desperations.

Honeymoon or a Couple getaway:

Lomani Island Resort - a stunning adults-only property on Malolo Lailai island (in the Mamanuca group of Islands). Stay in a Beachfront Bure, or one of Deluxe or Hibiscus suites. It also offers daily boat transfers to more remote surf breaks like Namotu, Wilkies, Cloudbreak and Desperations. Lomani Beauty Spa will definitely please the ladies, they also have a 9-hole golf course and are close to dive sites.

Musket Cove Resort features beautiful bures and villas and the daily surf transfers to Namoutu, Wilkes, Desperations and even Restaurants and Cloudbreak can be organized with Small John, who is independent to the resort. You can also go hiking to secluded beaches with a picnic basket, or even charter a yacht or a motor cruiser. The resort has scuba diving for the more adventurous and resident instructors for those who want to take advantage of obtaining their certificate and dive on the renowned coral reefs.

Royal Davui Island is an exclusive adults-only island resort, situated in Fiji's spectacular Beqa Lagoon. They have 16 beautifully appointed fales (bungalows) surrounded by a lush tropical landscape. This ensures there are no more than 32 guests on the island at any one time ensuring supreme privacy and personalised service. Voted as "The Most Romantic Island Hideaway in the South Pacific, Caribbean and Atlantic" by Conde Nast, Royal Davui is the ideal location for your wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or just a beautiful luxury escape for couples.

Surf Breaks:

Mamanuca Islands Breaks

• Wilkes Passage - This fun right-hander is great for most levels of surfers & is best at mid to high tide. Like most of the breaks in the area, it works best with S - SW swell. The only access is by boat. Unfortunately, it is very exposed and prone to being blown out by the prevailing trade winds. Afternoon glass-offs, though rare, can be a truly wonderous sight as clean right hand barrels peel off mechanically into the safety of the deep channel.
• Desperations - A classic wave that doesn't really work until its 4-5ft but just keeps getting better the bigger it gets. A left and a right with length, speed and nice hollow sections.
• Namotu Left - A left that breaks all year round, best from October to April with lighter winds. When its under 6 ft, it will even suit longboards, but becomes very challenging over 6 ft. Namotu itself is a quality wave, but remember to kick off at the end of your ride - don’t fall into the trap of going for that final barrel section - no one gets out of it.
• Cloudbreak - The world famous WCT location is one of the best lefts in the world. With the new laws prohibiting the exclusivity of surf breaks, you can now surf this awesome waves any day you want. This is a serious wave though, and will definitely sort the crowds out when it gets over 6ft.
• Mini Cloudbreak  - Powerful, fast wave. The best wind direction is south-east. Best around high tide.
• Lighthouse – South of mini-cloudbreak, near the lighthouse. Unfortunately, this one rarely breaks, but when it does, it’s for pros or kamikazes only.  Hollow, fast and powerful with a right and a left.
• Restaurants – This is a good, fast left hand reef break for pros or kamikazes only. However, with the new laws prohibiting the exclusivity of surf breaks you can now surf this awesome waves any day you want.

Viti Levu Breaks

• Hideaways - Hideaways is a right hand reef break, only a short paddle in front of Hideaway Resort. It’s a hollow, fast, ledgey barrel, but only good around high tide. Starts working at less than 3ft and holds up to 6ft plus. Year-round wave, although it is more consistent from May to October.  Recommended for experienced surfers only.
• J’s – J’s is a hollow, fast wave that breaks from 2’ to 6’. It’s best around the high tide with winds from NE to W. It needs some west in the swell to run down the reef.
• Shifties – This wave has a deep water take off making the break a ‘not too threatening’ ride. This outside point of the barrier reef picks up all the swell and can be double the size of J’s and Vunaniu. It is powerful and thick. When everywhere else is flat, you can almost guarantee a 4-foot wave at Shifties. It can be surfed at all tides. Again, a wind of the north quadrant is needed.
• Vunaniu – Vananiu is a short wedging right which has a bowl section at the end, usually smaller than other breaks. This would be a good option for the kids. It does get good. It’s best at high tide
• Frigates - Definitely a world-class left that can rival Cloudbreak for power, size and consistency. Because of the gradual tapering of the reef, it can handle all swell sizes. The SE trade winds are offshore, so when the inside waves near Matanivusi are blown out, there is always the consistent Frigates. Because it’s out in the ocean, about 20 kilometres from Matanivusi, it picks up all swell. However, some west in the swell can make it a bit dicey. It definitely makes the end section stand up! Frigates is accessed by a number of resorts and can get crowded. However, once the swell gets up over 10’, there is a drop in the numbers tackling the waves. A longer board is recommended to tackle the big drops and strong offshore winds.

Naninya Island Breaks

• King Kong Left - This is a 40-metre long wave that has a take-off in deep water, reducing risk of coral scratches and is good for intermediate to advanced surfers.  The average size is 3 ft to 5 ft offshore, but it can hold up to 15 ft plus. It was named King Kong because of the famous 1935 movie which was partly filmed underneath the mountain Nabukelevuira. This mountain also has a moderating effect on the wind at the King Kong Left break so that it is still operating when other areas are blown out.
• King Kong Right - This is often 6ft plus face height. This is an exciting very fast tube for a more advanced rider. The trade winds are onshore for this break, but the summer wind (north easterly) is offshore. It is best early morning before the trade winds start, or late afternoon if the trade winds die down.
• The Bombi - 10 minutes from Naninya Island Resort by boat, can be seen from the resort deck.
• Middle Daku - Daku is the Fijian name for the beautiful sandy beach. In the middle of the beach, 60 metres from the sand, is a coral break. It breaks both right and left but the right is generally better. The trade winds are onshore/across this break but the summer wind (north-easterly) is directly offshore. It is also best early morning before the trade winds start.
• Little Daku - This break is often suitable for the less experienced surfer. This is also an excellent area to enjoy a free "getting started" surfing lesson by Naninya’s surf guide.
  

Client feedback: May - June 2011

G'day friends,

We have received some great feedback on some of our offered resorts and boats recently and we thought we'd share it! They are all recent - no more than 3 weeks old:

Coconuts Beach Club (Samoa):

"Had the best time at Coconuts Resort. Arrived at 5.30AM. Great breakfast then in the surf with Neil (Manoa tours) at 8.30AM. 4-5 feet perfect lefts mirror glass ocean Just Neil and me for as long as I could take it. The local surfers were out on the next few surfs, and they were very friendly, waves were shared and there were not always a lot to go around. (3 days good surf out of 6,other days too small) Back at mid day for lunch. The food (especially the Tuna) was world class. Mika (he runs the restaurant) is an American chef and every dish was superb (So many choices!). The local Valima beer is cold and good. My wife and kids loved the pool, the sight seeing, the people. Saturday is cultural exchange day at Coconuts and it is very genuine not just a pantomine for tourists. All the villagers are involved with the resort. No Television was suprisingly OK with my girls 8+12 years, exhausted from the daily adventures."

Kim

Chillhouse / Padang Padang Surf Camp:

"I had a very good time for someone travelling to Bali and Sumbawa for the first time. Accomodation was great and food was really great too. Indonesia is really a surfing heaven, and is easy going in most parts too. I would be keen to go back as its so cheap over there! Perfect wave had everything organised for me so all transfers were taken care of, all I had to do was work on surfing better!"

Tom

KM D'Bora (Mentawai Islands surf charter boat):

"It was all good and we are planning next years trip already after only being back for five days... both last years and this years trip on the D'Bora were perfect and the waves outstanding! There may be other good vessels and resorts out there but we were lucky to strike the D'Bora first up. Legend boat, crew and shore staff! The fact that there are added benifets on this vessel by meeting and helping the local Mentawai people setting up fresh water filtration units only adds to the experience of surfing the best waves in the world. One very stoked fella as I know the rest of the team are!! The Perfect Wave have been great as well! Totally professional and friendly service! We will be booking for next year real soon!"

Rick

Huey 1 (Mentawai Islands surf charter boat):

"Rhonda at Perfect Wave travel organised everything from start to finish and the whole trip ran like clockwork. Huey Surf Charters were unreal. The captain Steve Sewell knew the place like the back of his hand and in particular tipped us into spots that were pumping with minimal crowds. I still cant get over how many surfs I had on my own or with only a couple of guys out. I actually surfed Maccaronis on my own for and hour and then another hour with only my son and I. Although the Huey wasnt able to travel, Sewelly organised another boat which was more than adequate, and his staff were fantastic, Karool the cook was awesome and Amon the fist hand couldnt try any harder to help anyone out and never stopped smiling. Overall an awsome experience for my first trip to the Mentawais."

Steve

Holiday Inn Kandooma (Maldives):

"G'day Jamie, Mate thanks for every thing you and Marie done for us in planning our honeymoon/surf trip. The duplex they put us in was true to your word absolutely amazing, right on the take off zone for the right. The staff at the resort are very welcoming and can't do enough for you. We managed to get three good days of surf, two out the front where Charlie and myself were the only ones out exchanging head to head and a half barrels for about 3hrs. The other days were smaller but still really fun. Mate i can't speak highly enough of Charlie as a surf guide, the resort seems to attract some very average surfers but he manages to keep them all happy and get everybody there fair share of waves. The only down fall about the trip was that we had to leave after 10 days, another 10 would of been perfect... Jamie thanks again to you and your staff and as the second trip we've booked through you we have not been disappointed yet. Speak to you soon for the next adventure."

Joel and Janelle

"Hi! We have been to Kandooma with two children (2 and 6 y/o). The Duplex villa was really nice and well located in front of the break! The food was excellent and people from the kid's club very friendly as all the staff. We travelled at the very beginning of the surf season, but the quality of the waves was pretty good, nice people in the water."

Alessandro

"The trip was great, We got waves almost every day and were in the water for around 8 hours. the resort was beautiful as well as the food and drinks, And staff are excellent Thanks a lot for helping with the organisation of everything, Its greatly appreciated. I will be telling my friends about you guys. Kind Regards"

David

Hudhuran Fushi (Maldives):

"A great surf holiday is when your wife enjoys it even more than yourself and is happy to do it again!"

Rick

Tengirri (Mentawai Islands surf charter boat):

"Hi Rhonda Would guess the other guys have probably been in touch by now but I just wanted to drop my two cents worth in regarding our trip onboard the Tengirri. Where to begin… right from the start with the pick up at the airport the guys where more than accommodating taking me into town to pick up some gear before dropping me of at the hotel . The welcome onto the boat was great the crew keen and friendly. We were made to feel comfortable and at home right off the bat . Phil and the crew dropped us straight into the surf the next day and every day for the whole 11 days. Phil ever ready to motivate us oldies into the water. Fantastic waves ,fantastic food and fantastic service I doubt that there would be more you could ask for . The food a great mix of western and Indonesian and never the same twice,quite the achievement on a boat. I can recommend Donald’s sashimi ability to any one, the tuna a delight under the beer tent. I feel that I can speak for all when I say we would highly recommend travelling through the Mentawai Islands with this Crew I would appreciate you passing my thanks to Phil, Oscar, Donald, Inn and Benny for providing such a memorable holiday."

Brett

Haira (Maldives - Male Atolls surf charter boat):

"We had an amazing experience in the Maldives! The surf was perfect the whole time and we even managed to score a few epic sessions with just our crew out. It truly is a remarkable place, the captain and crew were great and the snorkelling was fantastic too. We will definitely return! Shukuriyya :)"

Michael

"Thanks so much!! Counting down the seconds till i can get myself over there again! Would definatly use Perfect Wave (Particular thanks to Jamie!) again.. Food = Great, Waves = Amazing, Location = Beautiful and couldnt ask for more from our surf guide, Brian. (knew where and when to get the waves, easygoing, and on top of that a good, fun guy) Thankyou ALL again."

Sean

Hamathi (Maldives - Male Atolls surf charter boat):

"Hi Rhonda It was awesome! Thank you very much. My arms are still in pain from all the paddling. The crew and Marty were great. Keep us in the loop on any other interesting trips you have going"

Scott

"The trip was great, surfed until my arms couldnt move. Clearest water i have ever been in and the amount of marine life amazed me. The boat is great, plenty of room and great crew."

Aaron