The Surf Window

Chickens

North Male Atoll, Maldives

Reef breakIntermediate

A more forgiving Maldivian reef break, Chickens is a fun, accessible right-hander in the North Male Atoll that welcomes intermediate surfers to the dream of tropical reef surfing without extreme consequence.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

mid-high tide

LowMidHigh

Season

May–July

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Right

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Fun, walling right, less hollow than Cokes or Sultans, with more forgiving sections

Length

60–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: A more forgiving reef than the Maldives' heavier breaks, the ideal introduction to atoll reef surfing.

Hazards

  • •Coral reef, wipeouts still result in cuts (booties recommended)
  • •Current through the pass
  • •Boat traffic from charters

Local Tips

  • •Chickens is often combined with Sultans or Cokes on a multi-break charter day, the three waves are within minutes of each other.
  • •The warm, crystal-clear Maldivian water makes the reef visible beneath you, fascinating and beautiful.

Location

Map showing the location of Chickens in North Male Atoll, Maldives

4.3708, 73.4819