6'2-6'6
Shortboard 6'8-7'4
Semi Gun No
wetsuit needed, just a rashvest
The
Surf
Everybody thinks that there are only
2 breaks in Fiji that matter, Cloudbreak and Restaurants. This is
not true. There are a couple more exceptionally good breaks around.
And the good thing is that you don't have to pay 300 Fijian dollars,
which is the price to stay on tavarua, to access them.
When I was in Fiji I stayed
most of the time in the SeaShell Surf&Dive resort, which is a
cheap place to stay, 12.50 FD. But there are no cooking facilities,
and there are no other shops or restaurants around, so you'll
have to eat in the resort, which is going to coast you around 25 FD
a day, for 3 descent meals. You'll sleep in a dorm bed, best thing
to do is to ask for one of the beds on the front, since they have
fans and more windows, so it doesn't get too hot and humid, the mosquitoes
are everywhere though.
Sea Shell Surf &
Dive resort
This resort was pretty much the first
resort that took a boat out to Cloudbreak. But as you have probably
heard Tavarua(=an American by the name of Jon Roseman) claims to "own"
the right to surf cloudbreak, so you can not surf that break anymore,
(unless you want a speargun in your back). I think it sucks, but that's
the way it is.Trouble In Paradise: There have been reports
of major problems for surfers (other than guests of Tavarua) who wish
to surf Cloudbreak. According to sources in and out of Fiji many surfers
have been chased away from Cloudbreak and even physically threatened
if they remain in the area.
Cloudbreak
But there are other breaks, which are
almost as good, or on some days better.
Wilkes passage and Swiming Pools : very nice
barreling fast right-handers over a shallow reef, on Wilkes
there is an occasional left coming through, but you'll have to pick'em
carefully!!
Lighthouse Right: One day we took the boat out to Wilkes,
we passed Cloudbreak, and both of them were looking very messy, choppy
and completely blown out. On the way back we passed Lighthouse Rights,
and to our surprise it was 3-4' and perfect!!!! And we were
the only 3 out there.
This
photo is taken at Light House Rights
Access to these 3 breaks is by boat
only, and will set you back 25 FD, boat leaves from Sea Shell Surf
and Di(v)e Resort. (The son of the owner is a bit of an Asshole)
If money is not a problem for you ,
you can always stay at Tavarua, although I would never do it, because
I do not like the idea of the fact that an American guy "owns" a reef
in Fiji waters, even the locals from the mainland of Fiji can't surf
Cloudbreak or Restaurants. It costs 300 FD to stay on Tavarua, meals
included, sleep in a simple bure.
Namotu/Magic island.
Namotu
Different island, same idea, private
access to Namotu Lefts. It is not as expensive as Tavarua, but
is not as nice either, also owned by an American. When we were there
Namotu lefts was looking good, and since I'm a goofy footer , and
there was nobody surfing it we friendly asked for permission, to surf
it, but the reply was NO.
Viti Levu
There are also a couple of breaks in
Fiji were a boat is not needed to go for a surf, the quality of these
breaks is not to be compares with the breaks mentioned above
Hideaway Resort half way down the coral coast is a
high tide surfing spot with a shortwave gnarly wave that often barrels.
Unlike Suva it is can be accessed from the beach by a short paddle.
Don't stay in the resort, stay at the Vakaviti Resort on the highway,
it is owned by Rugby legend A.J.. It costs Apr. 10 FD
The Sand Dunes outside of Sigatoka is Fiji's
only beach break. Here at the mouth of the Sigatoka River, sandbars
cause the waves to break as well formed peaks though on a large swell
long walls are seen – left and right. It works best on a low tide
and early, before the wind pops up . You'll have to get up early before
the winds turn onshore, and be shore to bring a pair of sandals, as
the beach gets very hot!! It is located 1 hour from Nadi. Best place
to stay is the newly renovated Club Masa, The owner Alex is really
cool and a good cook, price is 22 FD with 2 good meals
Sigatoka
Club Masa, Sigatoka
Natadola Beach has both a small beach break
and a challenging outside reef break. It is probably the nicest beach
on the mainland and well worth a visit just for the swim. It is the
entrance to the bay, which provides surfers with a very hollow and
powerful leftwave.
Frigate Pass
I did not go to this place, I heard
it is called the Fijian Pipeline, and after seeing photo's of it ,
I can believe that. There is a surfcamp in the area, but it's VERY
basic, price is 60 FD including meals, or you can rent a boat from
pacific harbor.
There are some more places to surf
on Fiji, Taveuni and Kadavu supposedly have some good breaks, or you'll
have to go by a big sail boat, to discover some new breaks.
