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Fiji Surfing Guide
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South Pacific Surfing Holidays
our rankings - select destination for more info
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Fiji surfing is renowned amongst the international surf community. The rave here is exciting reef breaks (not for beginners), secluded locations and the traditional Fijian hospitality. Most reef breaks around the islands are accessible only by boat so whilst this keeps the crowds down, it also puts the cost up.
Specialist fiji surfing resorts are found on Viti Levu, Mamanucas and Southern Islands. For the complete surfing fiji experience, several live aboard surf charters operate around the islands.
The best fiji surf breaks are found off Tavarua in the Mamanuca Group and off Beqa and Kadavu in the Southern Islands.
Internationally famous Namotu Left and Cloudbreak in the Mamanuca Group are recognised as the most challenging surf breaks in the South Pacific. Both are reef breaks and are not for beginners. Desperation and Swimming Pools add to the variety of breaks in the area. There are two small resorts on tiny coral islands just off Namotu Reef which cater exclusively to surfers. Namotu Surf Resort is a very small and informal island with expensive beachside bures. Tavarua is a little larger but is a package only vacation for American Surfers and is again very expensive. There are a couple of budget surf camps south of Nadi along a rather ordinary coastline that offer surf trips to nearby reef breaks.
There are some other excellent breaks around Beqa and Kadavu in the Southern Islands. Frigates Passage, a left-hand break in the middle of the ocean, has a growing reputation amongst surfers for its reliable big barrels and long rides. Serua Rights is a long right hander with a hollow inside section across the passage and Pipe is another left-hander with a mid to high tide break. There are two very basic surf camps on Yanuca Island, off Beqa. A more upmarket property with private bures, dorm options for budget minded surfers and excellent dining is at Nagigia Resort off the west tip of Kadavu, right opposite the challenging and reliable King Kong break. There are several other good breaks around the point. Nagigia is undoubtedly the most relaxed of the surf resorts with a friendly atmosphere and plenty to do for the non-surfing days including excellent snorkelling, bush walks, visits to secluded beaches and village visits.
The only decent beach breaks for beginners are on the south coast of Viti Levu, the main island. Sigatoka has the most reliable breaks although undercurrents can be dangerous. There is surfing off the coast at Hideaway although only 1 hour each side of high tide and undercurrents are dangerous. Natadola Beach is good for body surfing and there are a few breaks off Suva, the capital, where locals will point the way.
Best time April to December. If bringing surfboards into the country, check first with your airline carrier for baggage restrictions and excess costs. Local airlines will only carry surf boards with advance warning and will charge extra.
Several good surf shops can be found in Nadi Town and Suva. Boards are reasonably priced and there's a good selection of accessories. Specialist surf resorts have spare boards for rent.
The best fiji surf breaks are found off Tavarua in the Mamanuca Group and off Beqa and Kadavu in the Southern Islands.
Surfing Fiji Competitions
January - RIP CURL Oceania Surfing Cup, Tavarua
May - Tavarua Quick-Silver Pro Fiji, Tavarua
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