I have just returned from an amazing 10-day trip to the Maldives. While it was a bit windy early on, the last four days were glassy with pretty good swell. We surfed Quarters, Mushrooms, Vehvah, Mula, and Mikados - they may not all be spelled correctly...

I went with Mood Tours. I have no commercial affiliation, but that was my second trip with them, and it won't be my last. (I am also going on their PNG trip in November, and they have one spot left on the second trip.)

Scroll to the end, and you'll see a whale shark that came to the back of the boat.

I was riding an 8'8 x 31.5 Flow V2. I am 60, 98 kg, and 6'3 or 192 cm. If I ever learn to bend my knees, put my foot back further, and turn the board properly, I might make the waves look better

Here are a few photos:




I did not get any good video, but I did get some good photos, so I patched together a video of sorts. It is a bit long, but arguably the best wave is at the end.



Here are a few photos I did not add to the video. Yes, we even had a great session going left!





Here are a couple of drone videos just to show how amazing it was.







And one video of me - from a phone.



And at last, here is the video of the whale shark. They had lights out the back of the boat, which attracted plankton. The whale sharks come in to feast. Three came to the boat.

Great surfing , what a memory trip that would of been ,

Yep , what a classic trip CSE!
Mate, you're ripping and scored some great waves!!

Thanks! The waves were great, and the conditions were perfect for the last few days. Some of the waves provided a huge adrenaline rush, while others had the perfect shape to try some turns - all while looking down through clear water at an intimidating reef.

I just noticed that one of the videos is repeated...

Great Surfing. Looks like it was a outstanding trip. I think you may have sold me on a trip for next year.

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6Triple3 said..
Great Surfing. Looks like it was a outstanding trip. I think you may have sold me on a trip for next year.

Thanks. The challenge is that you never know if the weather will cooperate on your trip. We were very lucky. But in all my five trips to the Maldives and one to Indo, I have had plenty of good weather and surf conditions to make them all enjoyable.

But I will tell you something else. One of the benefits of the trip is that it gives you something to look forward to, and something to prepare for. I lost weight before going on the trip (and converted some fat to muscle which doesn't show up on the scales), and I "trained" (surfed more and generally tried to get fitter) so that I was better prepared.

Of course, you don't have to do any of that, but it provided me with extra motivation, which is always a good thing IMO.

So, it is not just the 7-10 days of the trip, your overall health benefits, and you get the anticipation before the trip and memories after the trip.

(I have no commercial affiliation.)

Hi CSE

Great photos and videos

I 100% agree Moon Tours put on a great trip , I have now done 2 trips to the Maldives and am booked again for next year
We are also going to PNG in November , so excited for this trip
The benefits of getting yourself fit for trip are huge and certainly makes the trip more enjoyable
Looks like one our locals (Chris) was on your trip

Cheers

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DHUSOUTH said..
Hi CSE

Great photos and videos

I 100% agree Moon Tours put on a great trip , I have now done 2 trips to the Maldives and am booked again for next year
We are also going to PNG in November , so excited for this trip
The benefits of getting yourself fit for trip are huge and certainly makes the trip more enjoyable
Looks like one our locals (Chris) was on your trip

Cheers

Yes, Chris was (is) a great guy. Sadly he is on the first trip to PNG and I am on the second trip. He mentioned some of his WA buddies were also on the first trip - which I assume includes you?

Those pics and the tours look and sound awesome. I would love to go on one but I don't think my sup surfing is good enough to warrant the expense. Maybe the only way to improve my surfing is to get out in to quality waves with experienced fellow suppers and have a crack. At least the weather and water is warm, it makes it a bit more inviting.

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cantSUPenough said..

DHUSOUTH said..
Hi CSE

Great photos and videos

I 100% agree Moon Tours put on a great trip , I have now done 2 trips to the Maldives and am booked again for next year
We are also going to PNG in November , so excited for this trip
The benefits of getting yourself fit for trip are huge and certainly makes the trip more enjoyable
Looks like one our locals (Chris) was on your trip

Cheers

Yes, Chris was (is) a great guy. Sadly he is on the first trip to PNG and I am on the second trip. He mentioned some of his WA buddies were also on the first trip - which I assume includes you?

Hi CSE

Yes we are on the first trip in November

Booked again for July next year Maldives
How was the wind/swell for this trip you just finished ?

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DHUSOUTH said..

cantSUPenough said..

DHUSOUTH said..
Hi CSE

Great photos and videos

I 100% agree Moon Tours put on a great trip , I have now done 2 trips to the Maldives and am booked again for next year
We are also going to PNG in November , so excited for this trip
The benefits of getting yourself fit for trip are huge and certainly makes the trip more enjoyable
Looks like one our locals (Chris) was on your trip

Cheers

Yes, Chris was (is) a great guy. Sadly he is on the first trip to PNG and I am on the second trip. He mentioned some of his WA buddies were also on the first trip - which I assume includes you?

Hi CSE

Yes we are on the first trip in November

Booked again for July next year Maldives
How was the wind/swell for this trip you just finished ?

The trip began with OK swell (i.e., not fantastic but certainly adequate) and it was a little windy. The first morning at Quarters was OK and then we sailed down to Mushrooms. Because of the wind direction, mushrooms (aka Fat Betty's, next to F1) was too windy, but we surfed the left, called Vehvah. It was windy (off-shore) but if you paddled hard you could catch them and get a good ride. The waves at Vehvah were a good size and shape. The photos earlier of the left were from Vehvah.

We stayed a few days there, but the wind never really cooperated, so we continued to surf the left or Mula, which is a peaky right on the other side of the channel from Vehvah. (You know, this was my fifth trip to the Maldives and I do not recall surfing either of these breaks before.) Mula was OK, but often the wave would stand up pretty tall, well over my height as an A-frame wave, and you did not always get a very long wave. It was fun though.

We sailed down to Mikado's. I love it down there. The wind was cross-shore, a little off-shore, and sometimes a bit strong which generated some chop, but it was still fun surfing. Most of the waves were just waist high, but frequently bigger waves would come through.

We then went back up to Mushrooms and it was near perfect. Very little wind and bigger swell. Sometimes we surfed Mushrooms, or went across to Vehvah/Mula because we had three goofies - the group split between the left and the right.

We enjoyed a few good sessions before it was time to start heading north again. Up at Quarters the conditions were perfect and there was good swell - but there were 10+ pirates in the water... I went in anyway, along with the surf instructor, Tom and his wife. I played nice and still got a few great waves, 11 in total.

And that was the end of the trip...

But as you know, it is all about whether Mother nature thinks you have been a good boy. The previous trip was not so lucky and experienced a LOT of wind. I have never had that happen. They must have been very naughty boys

As you may know, April/May and September are often known for better conditions but smaller surf. In between is the opposite. I had originally booked a July trip but hurt my knee. Thankfully there was an open spot on the second last trip and they let me move.

I assume you were expecting an essay in response to your question

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Lizardman said..
Those pics and the tours look and sound awesome. I would love to go on one but I don't think my sup surfing is good enough to warrant the expense. Maybe the only way to improve my surfing is to get out in to quality waves with experienced fellow suppers and have a crack. At least the weather and water is warm, it makes it a bit more inviting.

Personally, as long as you will feel comfortable surfing those waves, I don't think you need to be a "good" surfer to justify/enjoy the trip. If you love surfing in warm water, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and then enjoy good food, nice people, and refreshing beverages, then you will enjoy the trip.

I am fortunate that I am able to frequently surf by myself at my home break so I wonder why I would spend good money to travel to the other sie of the world and paddle out with seven other people. But I do it for all the reasons above. It is fun, I enjoy the preparation, and you end up with great memories.

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cantSUPenough said..

DHUSOUTH said..

cantSUPenough said..

DHUSOUTH said..
Hi CSE

Great photos and videos

I 100% agree Moon Tours put on a great trip , I have now done 2 trips to the Maldives and am booked again for next year
We are also going to PNG in November , so excited for this trip
The benefits of getting yourself fit for trip are huge and certainly makes the trip more enjoyable
Looks like one our locals (Chris) was on your trip

Cheers

Yes, Chris was (is) a great guy. Sadly he is on the first trip to PNG and I am on the second trip. He mentioned some of his WA buddies were also on the first trip - which I assume includes you?

Hi CSE

Yes we are on the first trip in November

Booked again for July next year Maldives
How was the wind/swell for this trip you just finished ?

The trip began with OK swell (i.e., not fantastic but certainly adequate) and it was a little windy. The first morning at Quarters was OK and then we sailed down to Mushrooms. Because of the wind direction, mushrooms (aka Fat Betty's, next to F1) was too windy, but we surfed the left, called Vehvah. It was windy (off-shore) but if you paddled hard you could catch them and get a good ride. The waves at Vehvah were a good size and shape. The photos earlier of the left were from Vehvah.

We stayed a few days there, but the wind never really cooperated, so we continued to surf the left or Mula, which is a peaky right on the other side of the channel from Vehvah. (You know, this was my fifth trip to the Maldives and I do not recall surfing either of these breaks before.) Mula was OK, but often the wave would stand up pretty tall, well over my height as an A-frame wave, and you did not always get a very long wave. It was fun though.

We sailed down to Mikado's. I love it down there. The wind was cross-shore, a little off-shore, and sometimes a bit strong which generated some chop, but it was still fun surfing. Most of the waves were just waist high, but frequently bigger waves would come through.

We then went back up to Mushrooms and it was near perfect. Very little wind and bigger swell. Sometimes we surfed Mushrooms, or went across to Vehvah/Mula because we had three goofies - the group split between the left and the right.

We enjoyed a few good sessions before it was time to start heading north again. Up at Quarters the conditions were perfect and there was good swell - but there were 10+ pirates in the water... I went in anyway, along with the surf instructor, Tom and his wife. I played nice and still got a few great waves, 11 in total.

And that was the end of the trip...

But as you know, it is all about whether Mother nature thinks you have been a good boy. The previous trip was not so lucky and experienced a LOT of wind. I have never had that happen. They must have been very naughty boys

As you may know, April/May and September are often known for better conditions but smaller surf. In between is the opposite. I had originally booked a July trip but hurt my knee. Thankfully there was an open spot on the second last trip and they let me move.

I assume you were expecting an essay in response to your question

Cheers

The weather can be fickle that's for sure

My first trip was a June trip with absolutely amazing conditions every day so I was under the illusion that's what the Maldives was like
This year a July trip overall was pretty damm good with only a few windy days
We surfed all the above breaks and I enjoyed them all , same for me with the Left and Mulia but we had a big swell so they were super fun (i had my biggest wipeout ever on the right)

We had quite a few boats down at Mikados but Nann ( such a great knowledgeable guy) our surf guide sorted it out so everyone basically had the break to themselves for a few hours
So much better when your the only boat in the area

Bring on PNG and next July

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cantSUPenough said..

Lizardman said..
Those pics and the tours look and sound awesome. I would love to go on one but I don't think my sup surfing is good enough to warrant the expense. Maybe the only way to improve my surfing is to get out in to quality waves with experienced fellow suppers and have a crack. At least the weather and water is warm, it makes it a bit more inviting.

Personally, as long as you will feel comfortable surfing those waves, I don't think you need to be a "good" surfer to justify/enjoy the trip. If you love surfing in warm water, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and then enjoy good food, nice people, and refreshing beverages, then you will enjoy the trip.

I am fortunate that I am able to frequently surf by myself at my home break so I wonder why I would spend good money to travel to the other sie of the world and paddle out with seven other people. But I do it for all the reasons above. It is fun, I enjoy the preparation, and you end up with great memories.

Cheers mate that sounds like sound advice. Just to be out in those conditions would be paradise.

Agree with CSE ,you will still get a wave and enjoy a trip like that ,its all practise and you don't have to be
a hot surfer like CSE to enjoy a life time SUP surfing memory trip like the Maldives .It had all levels of surfer on my trip ,and the stoke on the boat
after each surfing day was fantastic ,a few laughs who wiped out the best ,just good vibes .don't forget the beer .
I'm going next year ,3 years since the last one ,

So CSE and Dhusouth
Did you travel with your own boards on the trip? If so who did you fly with? and what were the charges like if any for your sups? Just been on the Singapore Airlines website as they are looking like the best carrier from Perth particularly on the way over for the Moon Tours departure timeline. I've never had an issue with previously with paying for SUP transport on trips to Fiji and Lombok. Any advice greatly appreciated.

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Tardy said..
Agree with CSE ,you will still get a wave and enjoy a trip like that ,its all practise and you don't have to be
a hot surfer like CSE to enjoy a life time SUP surfing memory trip like the Maldives .It had all levels of surfer on my trip ,and the stoke on the boat
after each surfing day was fantastic ,a few laughs who wiped out the best ,just good vibes .don't forget the beer .
I'm going next year ,3 years since the last one ,

Tardy that info is really appreciated. I was told by a female supping friend who had been on the Moon tour to Maldives and said she felt not competent enough for some of the surf. I am probably at the same level or slightly more advanced but much physically stronger than her but she is ballsy for a mature aged woman. I think I will book a trip with them for next year. It would certainly be more fun than enduring another Victorian winter like this year's.

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6Triple3 said..
So CSE and Dhusouth
Did you travel with your own boards on the trip? If so who did you fly with? and what were the charges like if any for your sups? Just been on the Singapore Airlines website as they are looking like the best carrier from Perth particularly on the way over for the Moon Tours departure timeline. I've never had an issue with previously with paying for SUP transport on trips to Fiji and Lombok. Any advice greatly appreciated.

I did take my own board on the trip (8'8 Flow) even though they have boards available on the boat. When I booked the only option was a 9'0 Flow which was a bit big for me.

I flew Singapore airlines and did not have a single issue or extra cost. Even though my board is 8'8, I put it in a board bag, put some cardboard along the edges and padding at both ends, and put that into a 9'6 board bag. I then put my paddles in between the two bags. It made for a big bag, but they were fine with it - and it was very easy to pack/un-pack/re-pack.

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Tardy said..
"hot surfer like CSE"

Ha! You jest!

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Lizardman said..

Tardy said..
Agree with CSE ,you will still get a wave and enjoy a trip like that ,its all practise and you don't have to be
a hot surfer like CSE to enjoy a life time SUP surfing memory trip like the Maldives .It had all levels of surfer on my trip ,and the stoke on the boat
after each surfing day was fantastic ,a few laughs who wiped out the best ,just good vibes .don't forget the beer .
I'm going next year ,3 years since the last one ,

Tardy that info is really appreciated. I was told by a female supping friend who had been on the Moon tour to Maldives and said she felt not competent enough for some of the surf. I am probably at the same level or slightly more advanced but much physically stronger than her but she is ballsy for a mature aged woman. I think I will book a trip with them for next year. It would certainly be more fun than enduring another Victorian winter like this year's.

I agree with Tardy. You have to go with fun on your mind. It isn't a surf comp and it isn't a reality TV show where you have to put yourself in danger. You have to understand your limitations, but on the two Moon Tours I have been on everyone has been friendly and mellow, so when the right wave comes you can take it - you don't have to surf the biggest of the set, and you don't have to jockey for position and paddle deep inside to get the wave. It is OK to be on the shoulder. In fact, if the waves are coming in three-wave sets (for example), the surfers who feel less confident should take the third wave so there is plenty of time to paddle into the channel and out the back before the next wave comes.

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cantSUPenough said..

6Triple3 said..
So CSE and Dhusouth
Did you travel with your own boards on the trip? If so who did you fly with? and what were the charges like if any for your sups? Just been on the Singapore Airlines website as they are looking like the best carrier from Perth particularly on the way over for the Moon Tours departure timeline. I've never had an issue with previously with paying for SUP transport on trips to Fiji and Lombok. Any advice greatly appreciated.

I did take my own board on the trip (8'8 Flow) even though they have boards available on the boat. When I booked the only option was a 9'0 Flow which was a bit big for me.

I flew Singapore airlines and did not have a single issue or extra cost. Even though my board is 8'8, I put it in a board bag, put some cardboard along the edges and padding at both ends, and put that into a 9'6 board bag. I then put my paddles in between the two bags. It made for a big bag, but they were fine with it - and it was very easy to pack/un-pack/re-pack.

Thanks CSE

I did exactly the same thing travelling with my Hipster Twin 8"6 to Lombok. Will do the same for this proposed trip. I'm thinking a new Smik stick maybe in order for this trip next year! which opens up a whole new can of worms I do like the idea of the Sunovas being available to use,as I have previously had a Speed! Thanks again for the insights. Been more than helpful in the decision making.

so jealous. Looks incredible. Thanks for sharing!