Central Atolls
The central atolls may not be as well-known or as frequented as the North or South Male Atolls, but Thaa and Laamu Atolls in the central region have been increasing in popularity as surfers look to escape the northern crowds. Although the central atolls don’t get the same kind of size as the Male Atolls, its breaks continue the Maldivian tradition of providing consistent surf and pristine barrels. Medium-sized waves are as abundant and perfect as you could ask for. Some of the stand-out spots at Thaa Atoll include Malik’s, Finnimas, Outside Mikado, and Inside Mikado. Laamu Atoll has a few better known spots including Ying Yang, Refugee’s Lefts, and Refugee’s Rights. Most of these waves are fast and sectiony, with the kind of speedy barrels that force you to burn down the line trying to make the section. Not for the faint of heart, the waves of the central atolls are still accessible to the more intermediate surfer.
Some of the spots need specific conditions to really light up (basically a strong southerly swell and an optimal wind direction), but when those conditions are met, there is nowhere else you would rather surf—a feeling only further accentuated by the idyllic setting and solitary surroundings. If you do plan a surf trip here it will have to be a boat trip, because surf charters are the only way to access this region’s breaks.
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