Maldives Wave: Riptides

Northern atolls

North Male South Male Riptides

Riptides

While most of the breaks in the Maldivian Atolls could be called “Riptides,” this speedy righthander has obtained exclusive rights to the name—and definitely earns it. The Riptides break is located near the inhabited Guraidhoo Island, the wave actually breaks off of a small reef in the middle of the channel. It breaks pretty close to the southern side of Guraidhoo, but remember the name and don’t be fooled by the close proximity. The strong currents pretty much make a dhoni transfer the only way to access the wave. Those who have attempted to paddle out to it have mostly lived to tell the tale—they just tell it from a dhoni after being rescued from the open sea.

In spite of the famously strong currents, the Riptides wave itself is another one of those long Maldivian waves that led you to Google Maldives boat trips in the first place. Since it breaks in the middle of the channel, just catching waves here is an extraordinary experience. Some of the sections do hollow out occasionally, but the break mostly provides long open waves perfect for longboarding, while also breaking fast enough to keep shortboarders more than satisfied—a good wave for all levels. It breaks best during a south swell with southwest or west winds.

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 Northern 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.

  • Right Direction
  • W - SW Direction Best Wind
  • M Medium Skill Level
  • SE Best Swell
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Breaks

Below are the different surf breaks in each Atoll regions

Break name Left / Right Best wind Ability level Best swell Five star rating  
Quarter Right SW intermediate SE

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Chickens Left NW Advanced SE

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Cokes Right SW Advanced SE

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Lohis Left NE Medium SE

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Ninjas Right SW Beginners SE

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Pasta Point Left NE Medium SE

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Sultans Right SW Medium SE

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Honky's Left NE Advanced SE

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Jailbreak Right SW Medium SE

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Towns Right W - SW Medium SE

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Gurus Left NE Medium SE

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Twin Peaks Left NE medium SE

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Natives Right W - SW Advanced SE

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Riptides Right W - SW Medium SE

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