Machine
True to its name, Machine is usually the best option in the Laamu Atoll. Although locals will tell you the name is not only because the spot breaks like a machine, but also because it requires machine-like physical conditioning in order to be surfed. The lack of a channel and the high seawall the waves breaks against pretty much necessitate constant paddling—both when catching the waves, and then escaping the waves once you’ve enter the crunch zone. The coral reef only adds to the hazard, as you can dive deep, but no too deep.
Despite the amount of work it requires, Machine is probably the best righthander in the area, with the crowd to prove it, especially when it is really firing. It lights up pretty regularly in medium to larger southeast or even straight south swells—whenever there is enough water to wrap through the north of the island pass. The winding wave typically ranges from two to six feet, but stays rideable on even the smallest of swells, and in any stage of the tide. It barrels up best on an incoming tide in a westerly wind, although an incoming tide is also when the current and rips are the strongest. Machine is another spot that requires a lot of work, but always has something to surf.
You can return to the main page for the Northern, Central, or Southern Atolls by clicking the buttons on the right. Or you can navigate to any of the breaks within the Central Atoll region by clicking on the break name below. If you have any questions regarding regions and waves, what is included on the surf trip, or any other questions regarding the maldives surfing experience, please visit our FAQ page or contact us.