Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi supports female surfing community through international exchange
Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi with its renowned wave Lohis, recently welcomed an all-female surf group for a week of surfing, wellness, and meaningful connections. Beyond experiencing the Maldives’ world-class waves, the visit created an opportunity to bring together international surfers from Surferelle, a women-focused female surf KOL, and members of Surf Her Story, a local female surfing community, for an inspiring exchange of experiences, perspectives, and stories.
Connecting Women Through Surfing
The gathering brought together women from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, united by their shared passion for the ocean.
Through conversations and shared experiences, participants exchanged perspectives on surfing, personal growth, confidence, and the challenges women face in pursuing their passions.
What began as a meeting of surfers became a reminder that, despite cultural differences, women often share similar aspirations and challenges. The exchange offered an opportunity for mutual encouragement, new friendships, and inspiration that extended well beyond the water.
Surf Her Story: Empowering the Next Generation
Founded by former professional surfer Maju Freitas, with the support of local surfers Aya Naseem and Rishtha Suja, Surf Her Story is a community-driven initiative dedicated to introducing more girls across the Maldives to surfing.
The idea began four years ago when Freitas first visited the Maldives and noticed something missing from its incredible surf scene.
“I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God! This place has amazing waves… but WHERE ARE ALL THE GIRLS?'” she recalls.
Determined to make a difference, Maju created Surf Her Story to help more Maldivian girls discover the physical, mental, and social benefits of surfing.
Beyond developing surfing skills, the initiative aims to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and create a supportive sisterhood where girls can grow together, both in and out of the ocean.
“My biggest dream is for every girl to have the opportunity to experience the freedom, happiness, and empowerment that surfing has given me throughout my life,” says Maju. “I truly believe surfing can change lives, and through Surf Her Story, I hope to share that feeling with as many girls as possible.”
Giving Back to the Community That Makes Surfing Possible
As a surf destination, the Maldives offers extraordinary experiences to visitors from around the world. Lohis Maldives believes that the benefits of surf tourism should also extend to the local communities that call these islands home.
Welcoming Surf Her Story was a small but meaningful step toward that vision: creating space for local female surfers to connect with an international community, share their voices, and gain encouragement from women with different life experiences.
By facilitating these connections, the resort hopes to contribute to a future where more Maldivian girls feel welcome in the water, confident in their abilities, and supported in pursuing their ambitions.
At Lohis, the true value of surf travel lies not only in the waves we enjoy, but also in the positive connections and opportunities we leave behind.
The resort looks forward to continuing to support community engagement, celebrate women in surfing, and create experiences that bring lasting value to both visitors and the local community.
