The island of Thamburudhoo with Sultans and Honkies wrapping around it. Photo: Darlene Conolly "Sultans, when it's small, is really hard work and not all that exciting," says surf guide Richard Kotch, ...

"Pasta Point is one of those mechanical waves," explains Maldivian National Surfing Champ, Hussain Areef or 'Iboo'. "It's the best wave I've ever surfed around the Maldives because it breaks the same ...

Practically on cue, a rainstorm descended upon Sultans during the last five-or-so minutes of the Maldives Surfing Championships Trophy event final. Heavy squalls. Serious wind. Not ideal conditions.