Surfing in Maldives

Quincy Davis

Thought the Maldives was only about lagoon-flat shallows? Think again - the Indian Ocean islands have glassy-clear waters and uncrowded waves, says world-class shortboarder Quincy Davis

'I grew up in Montauk, New York, so I'd spend every day at the beach with my family, who are all surfers. Once I'd started myself, I was hooked, and wanted to be in the water all the time, whatever the weather. I'd stay in a wetsuit the entire day, only taking a break to eat.

I'll go pretty much anywhere for good waves. It's a long journey from New York to the Maldives, but it's a great place to stay on a boat and wake up every morning at a new surf spot. I love the super-glassy point breaks you get, with almost no one else in the water. You are surrounded the whole time by small islands with palms trees lining the sand, and you feel so isolated. Surfing in the islands consists of lots of long, top to bottom, right points with plenty of push. The water is so clear you can see beautiful fish underneath the whole time you're in the line-up.

When I'm not surfing, I'm usually wakeskating or wakesurfing behind the boat - it's especially fun when the swell is minimal. I take a variety of wetsuits with me on trips, for example, two full suits and a handful of shorter spring ones. In the water, I love wearing a Volcom bikini under a Cynthia Rowley wetsuit.

To get me in competition mode, I usually listen to rap music by Kendrick Lamar or Jay-Z. I've also started listening to Future Islands - it's perfect for chilling out to, especially with a watermelon juice and tequila.'

Frankie Harrer

A SURFING PLAYLIST FOR THE MALDIVES
by pro-surfer Frankie Harrer



'Whip It' by Devo ' This is just funny and catchy and fires me up, ready to get back into the water.'

'Police and Thieves' by The Clash ' I've been listening to The Clash forever, and I like surfing to energetic rock.'

'Let's Dance' by The Ramones ' I think punk also goes well with surfing, and I'm a big fan of the Ramones.'

'Loyalty' by Kendrick Lamar ft Rihanna ' You have to have some rap in the mix.'

'Stayin' Alive' by The Bee Gees ' Finally, there's got to be some disco hits in here too. This track is perfect.'

Source: cntraveller