FUN ABOVE WATER
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While
divers make up the bulk of visitors to the Maldives, opportunities
abound for activity on the surface as well. Most water sports
activities are conducted by the resort's windsurfing centre, which
is often, but not always, run by the diving base operator. |
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Windsurfing
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The sheltered waters
around the islands are a good location for beginners to windsurfing,
and most resorts have a continuous program of instruction for
beginners. The shallow lagoons are more suited for the adventurous,
as they are more exposed to the prevailing wind. All these areas are
free of submerged obstructions.
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Wave Surfing
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Due to the geographical
distribution of the islands, mainly 7 surf breaks is been
commonly sited near to the Male' International Airport. The
best seasons for wave-surfing is determined to a large
extent by the monsoon circulation. Each year there are two
monsoon seasons, they are; the North-East Monsoon (which we
called; Iruvai)
and the South-East Monsoon (which is known as;
Hulhangu).
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The winds that can become
quiet strong are from the SW-W-WN
during the South-West Monsoon and N-NE-E during the
North-East Monsoon. Based on the experience and researches
on the past years, the best season for the mentioned 7
spots, is the North-East Monsoon and adjoining transition
period till July.
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There are no rapids or
dangerously fast-flowing white-water opportunities in the Maldives,
and adventurous kayakers will be disappointed. However, most of the
larger resorts have an assortment of kayaks and canoes which can be
used for a leisurely paddle across a lagoon or to visit a nearby
sandbank. Rowing enthusiasts should try out the local dinghy, called
a Bokkuraa, which is really a miniaturized dhoni powered by oars.
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All the windsurfing centers have
various sizes of sailing catamarans. these are ideal for beginners
who have never sailed before, as well as for experienced sailors who
would like to do a little exploring of nearby uninhabited islands or
sandbanks.
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