When travelers from the United Kingdom head to the Maldives on a holiday, the main objective is often to spend as much time as possible outdoors enjoying the warm weather. It doesn’t matter if the dream holiday is hours spent relaxing by the pool with a cold drink or participating in thrilling outdoor recreation, because the Maldives really does have it all.
This archipelago with more than 1,000 islands is located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, and it is the perfect place to learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby. Kitesurfing is a fun and unusual sport that is rapidly gaining popularity, and visitors to the Maldives can take lessons, rent or buy equipment and master the sport while they are there.
What is Kitesurfing?
Kitesurfing, which is sometimes also called kiteboarding, is a sport that was only invented in the 1990s. In many ways, this extreme sport is similar to wakeboarding, but there is no boat required. When kitesurfers are successful, they will be standing upright on their board, and they will use a parabolic kite to harness the wind and control their movements.
While professional and experienced kitesurfers might be seen performing incredible tricks or heading through the water at incredibly fast speeds, beginners can still have plenty of fun without those advanced skills.
What Equipment is Needed?
There are four things that every kitesurfer will need before they can begin. These four items are a helmet, a board, a kite, and a harness. Beginners who just want to try out the sport will probably not want to purchase all of these items right away because the costs for these items can be expensive. However, many resorts and kitesurfing instruction programs will let guests hire the items to use.
Those who plan on kitesurfing for a few days in a row might opt to buy their own helmet, which allows for a more comfortable fit. Plus, helmets are by far the cheapest of all the equipment needed for kitesurfing, and it is easy enough to bring back home to the UK in luggage.
What are Some Tips for Beginners?
The best way to learn how to kitesurf is to take a group lesson or a private class, both of which can easily be arranged from various locations in the Maldives. The first step will be learning kite control, and this can take place on land. Simply stand on the beach and feel how the wind affects the kite, and learn how to harness the wind to propel the board in one direction or another.
Learning how to stand upright on the board is the biggest challenge, and the key to success is practice. Beginners, even particularly fit ones, should expect this process to take at least three hours. Once the basic movement is possible, however, kitesurfers can begin turning, going faster and perfecting the motions.
Why Try Kitesurfing in the Maldives?
Typically, there are three major requirements that make a location suitable for kitesurfing. First, it has to be warm. Year-round warm weather in the Maldives makes this ideal. Second, the location has to have wind. Without wind, the kite can’t fill up and the board won’t move.
Thankfully, the Maldives has steady offshore breezes that make sports like sailing and kitesurfing ideal pastimes. The third and final requirement is adequate space. If beaches are crowded, learning how to kitesurf can be dangerous. The beaches in the Maldives are rarely crowded, and there is always somewhere where kitesurfers can spread out on their own.
Anyone who has always wanted to give kitesurfing a try can enjoy this thrilling water sport on their next holiday to the Maldives.
About the Maldives
The Maldives consists of 1,192 islets, of which only 200 are inhabited and of these 200 there are 88 islets dedicated to tourism, so there are plenty to choose. The most popular destination for tourism is Male, the capital of the Maldives. There is plenty to do in the city. You can shop in the local markets that sell fresh fish and vegetables. Enjoy Sultan Park which is a quiet oasis away from the busy streets of Male. Visit Friday Mosque, the oldest and most beautiful Mosque in Male.
If you are more of a couple that does enjoy complete peace and quiet and the remoteness that the Maldives can offer, then you should stay in one of the romantic resorts on offer.
The island of Bolifushi is a truly beautiful and unspoiled island that is perfect for a romantic honeymoon. Unwind with the gentle lapping of waves at your feet, the most crystal clear waters and unpopulated stretches of pure white sands. Staff is very attentive without overcrowding you, so you can get the first-class service while you sit back, relax and make the most of the time with your loved one. The Island of Bolifushi is situated in South Male atoll about 12km South West of Male. One of the biggest attractions to the island is the abundance of diving spots with a myriad of vividly colored sea life.
For sheer romantic indulgence, then the Four Seasons Resort is what you are looking for. This is the most secluded resort in the Maldives. The resort offers fantastic activities for the more active including scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and snorkeling. If you are not the active type then you will still be more than happy with award-winning restaurants and indulgent spa treatments. For a truly memorable day excursion, you can explore the atolls sailing on the Four Seasons Explorer. This catamaran vessel embarks on three to seven-day cruises every week which gives you the chance to visit several beautiful islands whilst having the luxury of your personal onboard chef and skipper.
One thing you can be certain of about the Maldives is your stay will be the most relaxing and romantic you will most likely experience.