Fannosurf | Fuvahmulah
Last week on the tiny Maldivian Island of Fuvahmulah, Matt Porteous and the OCL team had the pleasure of joining Fanno Surf for the chance to meet their welcoming ocean community.
Local business run by Amyn Saeed, Mohamed Shifaz (Toddy) and Mohamed Shaffaf, Fanno Surf is creating a new surf culture on the secluded Fuvahmulak beachside, teaching kids to surf for free.
Known as the most unique and beautiful island in the country, Fuvahmulah has a volcanic origin with lush tropical vegetation, coconut palms, papaya plantations and freshwater lakes.
To bring some positivity to their community during the pandemic, Fanno Surf began free introductory surf lessons for kids under the age of 10. With the strong belief that every surfer should also be an environmentalist by default, this program includes regular beach cleans, teaching the next generation to love and protect the environment.
Beginning with just 3 instructors and 2 foamboards, this program has trained local kids from Fuvahmulah as well as neighbouring atolls Addu and Huvadhoo. Their aim is to increase environmental awareness among young surfers and promote surf culture within a community that traditionally perceives it as dangerous
While in Fuvahmulah we got the chance to interview Fanno Surf co-founder Amyn Saeed
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Growing up in a tropical island getting to spend most of the time near the ocean connected with nature.
When did you first pick up a camera and shooting underwater?
When I started my career as a water sports instructor at Lohifushi, North Male’ Atoll at the age of 19.
What/who currently inspires you?
What inspires me the most to do what I’m doing is to help create a change in our community that lacks the awareness on the mass plastic pollution and environmental awareness. For a country like Maldives, having to live surrounded by the ocean we don’t take care of it as much as we should. That’s what inspires me everyday, to help create a change in the community and most of all to pass the knowledge of surfing to the younger generations.
What do you value most in life?
My family and career.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
A sustainable ecosystem, a plastic-free world.
What brings you the most joy?
Surfing!!! Giving a good surf lesson. Quality time with family.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
To be grateful for being able to embrace the beauty of nature and to share the stoke. Always appreciate mother nature.
Instagram - @fannosurf // @amyyn_
Feature - dhevihifaafa.com/articles/fanno-surf
In the long run, Fanno Surf hopes to operate as a surf school that can train surfers to compete on an international level. Before this goal can be achieved, Fanno Surf believes that efforts should be made towards breaking the stigma that is still attached to surfing in their island communities.
To carry out their lessons on a larger scale, next, they will need more instructors and equipment to reach more kids around the Maldives!
If you’d like to support Fanno’s mission, get in touch directly below..
aminesaeed2723@gmail.com