Surfatoll | Maldives surf trip

Cokes

A world class right that breaks off an island housing a Coca-Cola factory, Cokes is also referred to as Colas—but strictly by Pepsi drinkers or anti-corporation activists. Soft drink loyalties aside, Cokes will quench the thirst of even the most barrel-starved. A hollow, pounding righthander, Cokes is the best big wave spot in the area, and the poster wave of the North Male Atoll.

Although shorter than the left at nearby Chickens or the right at Jailbreaks, Cokes has two really good sections that provide consistent, if brief, shelter from the heat of the Maldivian sun. The steep and heavy takeoff on the outside section guarantees quick shade time, followed by an even wider tube on the inside—compliments of the shallow reef. Although this is not the place you want to get caught on the inside, the inside section lines you up to make a shot for the channel, leading most surfers to overlook the sharp reef and charge the second section as well.

The location of the break makes Cokes consistently bigger than anywhere else, but that benefit comes with the price of being more susceptible to the southwest wind. It’s ideal during a straight south swell with northwest winds and head high to double overhead waves. Like Chickens, it is best on mid to high tide when the dreaded current is a little more forgiving, but a larger swell usually makes low tide manageable. This is one of those waves you must add to your boat trip schedule. Cokes is definitely most enjoyed during the magical Maldivian months from March to October that bring both consistency and size—peaking in July and August.

Here on the right hand side, we have beautiful pictures from Yannick de Jager (Protest rider) getting covered during an epic session at Cokes…