Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi, home to the renowned Lohis surf break, recently welcomed an all-female surf group for a week of surfing, wellness and connection. The visit brought together international surfers from Surferelle, a women-focused female surf KOL, and members of the local female surfing community Surf Her Story, creating an opportunity to share experiences, perspectives and stories while enjoying the Maldives’ world-class waves.
Connecting Women Through Surfing
The gathering united women from diverse countries, cultures and backgrounds through their shared passion for the ocean. Conversations and shared experiences provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on surfing, personal growth, confidence and the challenges women face in pursuing their passions.
The gathering highlighted how women from different cultural backgrounds share similar aspirations and challenges. The exchange fostered mutual support, new friendships and inspiration, extending the experience beyond the waves.
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, we believe 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.