Dhivehi Surf League Returns to Laamu Atoll with Kerandoo 2025

It’s that time of the year again as the Dhivehi Surf League returns for its second event of the year with Kerandoo 2025. The Maldives Surfing Association brings the heat as this penultimate event promises to leave a lasting impression on the Maldives’ surf scene with a three-day adrenaline-fueled thrill ride from September 10 to 13. The competition unfolds on the northern coast of L. Maabaidhoo, at the famed right-hand wave known simply as "The Machine."

Kerandoo 2025 marks a significant milestone for the DSL, as it replaces the previously canceled "Kalhegalekoda" event and brings the league to the Laamu Atoll for the first time. Known for its world-class waves and rich surf culture, the region offers the perfect stage for elite surfers to test their mettle.

Divisions

The event builds on the format of previous competitions, now featuring three divisions: Men’s Open Shortboard, Men’s Open Bodyboard, and Junior U18 Boys Shortboard. This expansion not only gives both seasoned and rising talents a platform to shine but also introduces bodyboarding, adding more variety and opportunities to shake up the competition. With its competitive structure, surfers will be aiming to qualify for the DSL’s final event, the Rannamaari Challenge in Malé, based on the accumulated rankings from points garnered at the first DSL event, Muleekolhu Raalhugandu 2025.

Photo Credits: @msasurfing (Instagram)

Heated Battles

The current standings within the ranking leaderboard of DSL 2025 after the clash at Muleekolhu Raalhugandu shows a competitiveness beyond reproach. Here are some of the top rankings and battles to look out for. The Men’s Open Shortboard division is shaping up to be fiercely competitive. Ahmed Agil (K. Thulusdhoo) currently leads at 1st with 1,000 points and will be the rider to beat, while at 2nd is Ismail Rasheed (GDh. Gadhdhoo) who remains close behind, with a 140 points difference. The tie at 3rd, Kayan Abdulla Areef (K. Male) and Sayyid Salahudheen (K. Male), both with 730 points, suggests a heated battle amongst these young talents for top positions, with both surfers capable of pulling off clutch performances. Meanwhile, the four athletes tied at 5th,  Hood Ahmed (GDh. Gadhdhoo), Najaah Mohamed (GDh. Gadhdhoo), Nooh Mohamed Dhunaim Irshad (K. Male), and Yasin Ahmed Nashid (K. Male), all with 610 points, could play spoiler with strong performances if conditions favor them.

In the Junior U18 Boys Shortboard at 1st, Sayyid Salahudheen (K. Male) dominates the leaderboard with 1,000 points, but Yousuf Kayan Hamdhaan Zaki (K. Male) in 2nd is a strong challenger with 860 points, keeping the pressure on. Another tie at 3rd, Ahmed Luzain (Gdh. Vaadhoo) and Yasin Ahmed Nashid (K. Male), both with 730 points, promises an exciting duel for third place, while the duo of 5th, Kayan Abdulla Areef (K. Male) and Mohamed Inan Abdul Hannan (K. Guraidhoo), tied at 610 points, have the potential to shake up the standings with standout rides.

Maibadhoo’s Community 

Beyond the competition, Kerandoo 2025 is fostering community engagement. Spearheaded by the Maabaidhoo Council, the title sponsor, the event is host kids’ surf tryouts to inspire the next generation of Maldivian surfers, ensuring the sport’s growth in the atoll.

R

As surfers take on “The Machine,” Kerandoo 2025 is already shaping up to be a landmark event in the DSL calendar, showcasing more than just the thrilling athleticism that comes with the territory but also the vibrant surf culture of Laamu Atoll.

Follow @msasurfing on their socials for the latest updates.