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PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR SURF COACHING TRIP
HOW DO I BOOK MY SURF COACHING TRIP?
Simply get in touch and let us know which trip you would like to come on. We then confirm that we are holding a temporary reservation for you for the next 7 days. To confirm the reservation you will then need to pay a 30% deposit. We will include full details of how to make your payment to us in this email. The remaining 70% is due two months before your travel dates. At that time we will send you a questionnaire asking you about your surfing experience and goals so that you can get the most out of your surf coaching trip. We will also ask for your medical conditions, dietary requirements and flight details.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
Typically we take payment via bank transfer (BACS) or Wise for international transfers. We can also accept credit/debit/PayPal payments if you prefer. Please let us know if this is the case.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
COVID-19 Cancellation Policy:
*In the event of a cancellation on behalf of either party due to government enforced COVID-19 restrictions, you will be entitled to one of the following:
More than 30 days in advance = Free reschedule or full refund
30 days or less in advance = Free reschedule
Please note, this policy only applies where travel becomes impossible/illegal (e.g. border closure, flights cancelled etc) and is not applicable because of a personal choice not to travel. If this is the case, please see our cancellation policy below. *
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel your trip more than three months before your trip start date, we will refund your payment minus a £150 admin fee per person on the booking.
If you cancel less than three months before your trip start date, we will not be able to refund you. Therefore, it is important that you have adequate travel insurance to cover this. The most common reasons for late cancellations are personal injury or a family bereavement, so please check your insurance covers this.
If your trip has been cancelled by us due to reasons beyond our control (such as a natural disaster), Renegade Surf Travel is not liable for any refunds. Most standard travel insurance policies will cover “operator cancellations” but again, please check this.
*Please note that a booking is considered cancelled even if you wish to make a alternative reservation.*
WHEN SHOULD I PURCHASE MY FLIGHTS?
We advise getting in touch with us before booking your flights, unless the ticket has a free cancellation or date change policy. We are a small tour operator specialising in surf coaching holidays and can only run trips that meet our minimum required numbers. On very rare occasions we may need to cancel, postpone or merge trips to make sure we are operating at capacity. In this instance your booking will be postponed, merged with another trip, or a full refund will be issued.
We are happy to assist you to find the most suitable flights.
CAN MY SURF COACHING TRIP DIFFER FROM THE SCHEDULED DATES?
For individual bookings or group of less than 4, our surf coaching trips can only take place on the dates specified. However, if you decide to arrive or depart the Maldives earlier or later than the trip dates, we will be happy to help arrange accommodation. We can also assist arranging the relevant transfers. We cannot accept any bookings for time periods less than that of the specified trip dates.
For groups of 4 or more, we offer bespoke private trips for you and your crew. These can be arranged on your preferred dates, subject to availability.
CAN I BOOK OUT THE ENTIRE TRIP FOR MY FRIENDS/FAMILY?
Yes, providing there are not already any bookings for the trip in question. Please contact us as soon as possible for the best chance of having the boat to yourselves.
Alternatively if your group of friends or family is 4+ people, you can book a bespoke private trip with us for just you and your crew. Get in touch to find out more.
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?
Guests must be 18+ years of age or 16+ if accompanied by a parent or guardian. We can occasionally make exceptions to this rule, so please get in touch with us to check before booking.
If you are booking a full or private surf coaching trip, then we can accommodate any age of guest providing they are vouched for by a legal parent or guardian.
CAN I EXTEND MY STAY?
You’re welcome to extend your stay in the Maldives after your surf coaching trip has come to an end. In this case we will be happy to recommend accommodation and transport options. Whilst we’re more than happy to assist, this will be your responsibility and Renegade Surf Travel cannot be held liable for any issues.
ARE SOLO TRAVELERS WELCOME?
Absolutely! In fact, the majority of people joining our scheduled coaching trips tend to be solo travelers. Guests on our surf coaching trips will often be a mixture of men and women, solo surfers and friends. Our guests are often like minded and with us for the same reasons, so you’ll always be in good company.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
International flights are not included in any of our packages. However, we can assist you in finding the most suitable flights if you wish.
Return domestic flights are included in our Southern Atolls trip packages. Please note, whilst Renegade Surf Travel will cover the cost of the ticket, any baggage fees must be borne by the passenger.
Please be aware, Maldivian Airlines currently has a maximum length limit of 7 feet on all domestic flights. This will apply to all of our Southern Atolls trips.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY FLIGHTS FOR?
When booking flights, most of our guests will arrive on the start date of the trip and depart on the end date of the trip. Most arrivals are in the AM and departures in the PM, so this tends to work perfectly. However, many of our guests also like to arrive a few days early to acclimatize. This is a great option if you have the time. Please remember that your first surf coaching session will commence the morning after the start date of the trip. For example, if the specified trip dates are July 04 – 11, your first coaching session will be the morning of the 5th. Your last coaching session would be on the 10th, but you’re welcome to free-surf as much as you wish until departure.
Please feel free to get in touch if you are unsure about which flights to choose.
WILL SOMEBODY MEET ME AT THE AIRPORT?
Yes. Simply arrive in Malé International Airport and your Renegade Surf Travel guide will be on hand to pick you up. Your return transfer will also be taken care of by us.
IS TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED?
No. Travel insurance is not included with your surf coaching trip.
However, it is mandatory that you have valid and relevant insurance. Renegade Surf Travel can not be held liable for any losses.
ABOUT THE WAVES AND COACHING
WHAT SORT OF WAVES CAN I EXPECT TO BE SURFING?
The Maldives is a true surfers paradise offering perfect left and right reef breaks that are powerful yet forgiving. This makes it the perfect destination for surf coaching. The waves give you plenty of speed to work on new techniques without being too fast and shallow.
There is a fantastic range of waves from long walls to shorter hollower rides. Mostly the surf is in the chest to overhead range, with the biggest swells peaking around double overhead. April to October is almost never flat and is surfable 99% of the time. That’s why we come here!
Please check out our blog post for a comprehensive breakdown of the Maldives surf seasons and regions.
WHAT IF THE WAVES ARE TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL DURING MY TRIP?
Of course, we can not always predict Mother Nature. However, the beauty of the Maldives is that the waves very rarely get too big or small. Also, the beauty of a boat trip is having the flexibility to surf different spots depending on the conditions. These factors combined with the knowledge of your surf guide will ensure that you progress your surfing in the best waves available.
HOW ARE THE CROWDS?
As with any surf destination, the easier the access to the region, the more crowded it tends to be. The Maldives is a long way from most major surfing populations and isn’t particularly accessible on a tight budget. This helps keep the crowd factor pretty mellow.
The Malé Atolls are the most well known, the most accessible, and therefore attract the most people. However, there is a large number of super consistent spots within a short distance which helps to thin the crowd.
With Malé Airport in the North of the country, generally the further south you go the more remote and uncrowded the waves become. This is why all of our scheduled surf coaching trips include either the Central or Southern Atolls as standard. At almost any given moment there will be perfect empty waves peeling down a reef somewhere in the Maldives, and we intend to be there…
CAN I SURF OUTSIDE OF THE COACHING SESSIONS?
During your surf coaching trip you are more than welcome to surf as much or as little as you want. However, we recommend pacing yourself for at least the first few days. The Maldivian sun and currents are strong and you don’t want to be burned out half way through your trip.
WILL THERE BE SURF COACHING EVERY DAY?
There is no coaching on arrival and departure day and we also take one mid-trip ‘lay day’ which will be your day off from video analysis and theory. This is to give your mind and body some down time after intensive coaching. However, if you’re frothing to surf and work on your new skills your coach will be there to offer tips and guidance. Otherwise this is a great day to chill out and enjoy the incredible snorkeling and fishing in the Maldives.
I’VE NEVER SURFED BEFORE. CAN I COME AND LEARN?
Unfortunately our surf coaching trips are not suitable for beginners. The waves in the Maldives break with power over coral reef and are not suitable for learning.
Renegade Surf Travel’s surf coaching trips are aimed at surfers that can catch unbroken waves without assistance, control themselves and their board in the lineup and perform basic direction changes as a minimum requirement.
Upon booking your trip we will send you a questionnaire including sections to tell us about your surfing experience and goals. This will help us plan your trip accordingly and help you get the most out of your time with us.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN BOARD(S)?
Yes, you will be required to bring your surfboard with you.
WHICH BOARD(S) SHOULD I BRING?
As a minimum, we recommend bringing 2 boards. Surf equipment is hard to come by in the Maldives, so you really need a backup in case something happens. Depending on how many boards you want to bring with you and the level of trip you’re on, here’s what we suggest:
2 Boards
A ‘daily driver’ or small wave performance shortboard. Loose and fun to surf in chest high to slightly overhead waves. E.g. Sharp Eye Inferno 72
AND
A performance mid-length. Plenty of float if it’s small, confidence inspiring if it’s big and great for the wave count. E.g. Mark Phipps One Bad Egg
3 Boards
A ‘daily driver’, as above.
A performance mid-length, as above.
+
A high performance good-wave shortboard. Maximum performance for when the waves really turn on. E.g. JS Schooner
7 Tips for Choosing the Right Surfboard
*PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY MORE THAN 3 BOARDS DUE TO SPACE ON THE BOAT*
DO YOU COACH TRADITIONAL LONGBOARDING?
Our surf coaching trips are geared towards ‘high-performance’ surfing rather than traditional longboarding.
However, regardless the board you surf, if you want to surf more critically with better technique and increased speed, power and flow; our trips are for you.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO SURF IN THE MALDIVES?
Water and air temperatures consistently hover around 28-32 degrees Celsius, so its board shorts or bikini weather every day. That said, the sun can be relentless so we strongly advise using a long sleeve surf shirt or rash vest. If you burn easily or want to maximise time in the water, it may even be wise to wear leggings and a surf hat.
Make sure to bring some good waterproof SPF 50+ sun cream for your body and zinc sun block for your face. We recommend Palm and Pine Skincare as it’s all natural, reef friendly and stays on through marathon sessions.
THE FORECAST LOOKS TERRIBLE, WHAT WILL WE DO?
First of all, don’t panic! Surf forecasting sites are notoriously poor at forecasting for the Maldives. We’re not sure why, but they consistently underestimate surf size in the region.
For the most part, swells in the Maldives come from the SE and are produced by the Indian Ocean trade winds. If you’ve been to Indo in the dry season you will be well aware that the trade winds blow all day every day. This sends a constant stream of swell straight towards the Maldives. These swells are often greeted by light offshore winds creating perfect surf.
If you are looking at Surfline and it’s showing 2ft 9s, this normally equates to fun chest to shoulder high surf. 3ft 10s can often be a good head high+ day. Anything over 4ft or 12s and you’re looking at some fairly solid swell!
As with most equatorial regions, storms and squalls can blow through, but they are usually short lived and we’ll be back surfing in no time.
WHAT IF WE CAN’T SURF FOR SOME REASON?
In the very rare event that we can’t go surfing for some reason, (be it prohibitively small or large swell, storm force winds, lightning or another unforeseen circumstance) we will do our best to make up the time in the water as soon as the conditions allow.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURF COACHING TRIP
WHAT CAN I DO TO GET IN SHAPE FOR MY SURF COACHING TRIP?
Whilst you can still have the time of your life without doing any preparation at all, the better shape you’re in the further you will be able to progress your surfing before your body becomes a limiting factor.
Here’s a few things we recommend:
Surfing – It goes without saying that if you have the option to surf then this is the best form of preparation! Even if the waves are bad, your paddle fitness and awareness in the lineup will serve you well once you get to the Maldives.
Swimming – Freestyle (front crawl) swimming is the next best way to condition your paddling muscles whilst improving your cardiovascular endurance. Aim to swim twice a week for 4 weeks leading up to your trip and you’ll be able to surf with more energy for longer. Do cycles of 4 laps with a very slow and steady rhythm, followed by 1 sprint lap to mimic your workload in the surf and improve both aerobic and anaerobic fitness.
Stretching / Yoga – Often flexibility can quickly become a limiting factor for surfers, particularly for men and older surfers. We highly recommend joining some yoga classes in advance of your trip to increase your mobility, strength and lessen the likelihood of injury.
WHAT TYPE OF PLUG SOCKETS DO THEY USE IN THE MALDIVES?
The Maldives uses the same 3 pin G-style sockets as the UK.
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY AND HOW MUCH CASH WILL I NEED?
Both US dollars and Maldivian Rufiyaa are used in the Maldives and are accepted forms of payment on your trip. Most of the time tourists will bring and pay for things in USD and receive the change in Rufiyaa. You can bring USD out with you or there are ATMs at the airport where you can get Rufiyaa.
Once you touch down in the Maldives the only thing you will have to pay for is bar drinks. Beers are typically $5 – how many you drink is up to you!
DO I NEED TO BRING A TOWEL?
No, towels are provided on the boat.
ABOUT YOUR STAY
WILL THERE BE WIFI?
WiFi is available on some of our trips, but is typically unreliable. If you do need to stay connected whilst away, then our recommendation is to pick up a tourist data SIM package from Ooredoo at the airport or download an E-SIM. They cost is $30-50 depending how much data you require, and 4G is widely available across the Maldives except during longer crossings between Atolls.
AM I EXPECTED TO TIP?
Tips for the boat crew are included in your package if booking a scheduled coaching trip. This is to ensure crew are always well paid and not relying on inconsistent tips for their livelihood. If you feel they have gone above and beyond, of course you can feel free to add to this.
If you are booking a private charter through us, the typical tip is $10USD per guest, per day.
If you feel that we have gone above and beyond during your trip, we would prefer if you left us a Google Review, as we rely on these to grow our business and improve our service.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY ON A SURF COACHING TRIP LOOK LIKE?
With Renegade Surf Travel, waves are our priority and so everything will be based around the surf conditions and timings will vary. However, you can expect a typical day to look something like this: 7am breakfast, 8-10am filmed surf session, 10:30 chill time, 12pm lunch and talk through your morning session, 2-6pm afternoon ‘freesurf’, 7pm dinner, 8pm video analysis session.
ARE THERE ANY NON-SURFING ACTIVITIES TO DO?
Yes, there is basic fishing and snorkelling equipment on board the boat and we highly recommend checking out the incredible marine life the Maldives boasts.
*Please do not bring a spear gun as spear fishing is banned in the Maldives*
HEALTH AND SAFETY
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. Travel insurance is a must have for your trip with Renegade Surf Travel. It will cover you in the event that you have to miss some or all of your trip and are not eligible for a refund from us. It will also cover medical expenses, loss or theft of possessions and is very cheap to purchase. It’s a no brainer.
As travel insurance policies vary a lot from country to country, we are unable to make any specific recommendation. For our UK based guests, we recommend looking for a policy with a Defaqto 5 star rating.
WILL I NEED VACCINATIONS BEFORE TRAVELING TO THE MALDIVES?
It is not common to get vaccinations before travelling to the Maldives.
However, please check the latest travel health advice here: https://www.tmb.ie/destinations/vaccinations-for-maldives
ABOUT THE MALDIVES
WHEN IS THE MALDIVES ‘SURF SEASON’?
The Maldives is a year round surf destination but the predominant swell season is between the months of March and October. During this period there are two main swell sources; long period south-westerly groundswells and the incredibly consistent SE trade-wind swells. Swells tend to be smaller with glassy conditions towards the beginning and end of the season. The biggest swells tend to arrive with the stronger WSW trade winds through the months of July, August and September.
There is a short period of North East monsoon winds that tend to blow between February and April. This makes it a fantastic time for surfing the remote and less crowded Southern Atolls. The South West monsoon then blows offshore in the Malé and Central Atolls through the months of April to October.
The Maldives is a long and varied chain of atolls and so surf can be found somewhere in the region pretty much year round!
We have a blog post breaking down the Maldives surf seasons if you would like to know more!
ARE THERE SHARKS IN THE MALDIVES?
It is not uncommon to see nurse sharks, black tip and white tip reef sharks whilst surfing. However, these sharks are not aggressive and generally pose no threat to humans if unprovoked.
WHAT ABOUT BUGS?
Living on the ocean means that bugs are rarely an issue.
However, if you are planning to be land based before or after your surf coaching trip, you may want to bring long pants and sleeves as well as some insect repellent.
WHAT WILDLIFE AM I LIKELY TO SEE DURING MY SURF COACHING TRIP?
The Maldives is renowned for it’s incredible and diverse marine life. So much so, it can sometimes feel like you are surfing in an aquarium. It is not uncommon to see a variety of dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles and tropical fish whilst surfing or snorkeling. None of these pose any risk to you without provocation. Please look but don’t touch!
OTHER QUERIES
DO YOU ONLY RUN SURF COACHING TRIPS IN THE MALDIVES?
Yes, we believe the Maldives is the best place on earth for 90% of surfers to progress their surfing. We also prefer to do one thing really well, rather than spread ourselves thin over multiple destinations. When you book with us, you can rest assured that you have booked with a true Maldives specialist.
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS?
Renegade Surf Travel only work with world-class surf coaches, the very best boats in the Maldives and with limited group sizes. Whilst not cheap, our trips offer incredible value for money and so we do not offer discounts on advertised prices.
I AM INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH RENEGADE SURF TRAVEL. HOW CAN I APPLY?
If you are interested in working for or with Renegade Surf Travel, please contact us: info@renegadesurftravel.com