SURFING IN FIJI

There is surf all year around in Fiji, but there are two different surf seasons. The winter season is from April to October when the low pressure systems in the Southern Hemisphere produce consistent ground swells which can get up to 8-10’ft (12-20ft faces for the Americans out there). The summer season from November to March is generally associated with shorter duration swells, 1-3 days. However, the winds are generally light and variable during this time resulting in often glassy conditions. This is the time when our local right hand reef breaks really begin to fire up. During the winter season, the SE trade winds are predominant and they blow offshore at Pipe and Frigates for up to a week at a time. There is usually a few days of calm winds between the weather patterns so we can get to surf the other local breaks if the swell is small enough.

All the surf breaks here are over coral reef and when over-head can be challenging for inexperienced surfers. For this reason surfers need to be competent and confident in their surfing skills. Recommended surfboards would be your normal shortboard and a ‘step-up’ or semi-gun for the bigger days. Board shorts can be worn year round, while a rashie/wetsuit top & sunscreen are needed for sun protection. Booties are optional to protect your feet from the reef.  

SPOTS FIJI

Frigates This world class left hander can rival Cloudbreak in size, perfection and consistency. It offers long walls and big barrels, with a relatively easy, deep water take-off. Currents can be quite strong here, and if there is any west in the swell, the end section can really stand up! If you get caught inside, paddle toward the boat, and then wide to get back out. Swell: SW Wind: E-SE (trade-winds) Tide: All tides

Fiji Pipe This fast left hander is a playground for those seeking epic barrels! Under 3ft this wave caters to most surfers, but once it gets above that it can get quite critical and should only be attempted by experienced surfers. If caught inside, paddling to the boat or channel is the safest and quickest way back out. Watch out for the west bowl as it can get shallow on low tide. Swell: SE-S Wind: NE-SE Tide: Mid-High

J's Jays is a fast right hander that needs a bit of swell to get going, but once it is on this world class wave offers hollow barrels and rip-able bowl sections. It can get quite critical and once over-head, it is best suited to intermediate to advanced surfers. If caught inside, paddle directly to the boat and then wide in order to get back out and avoid a serious beating as the current will push you inside. Swell: W-SW Wind: NE-NW Tide: Mid-High

Shifties Named after its shifting peaks, Shifties has a deep water take-off making the break a ‘not too threatening’ ride. This wave picks up all the swell so when everywhere else is flat you can almost guarantee a 4 foot wave at Shifties. It is powerful and thick. Try to surf the outer, western peak and connect through for long rides and the occasional thick barrel when it hits the inside bowl section. Swell: SW Wind: N-NW Tide: All tides

Serua This quality right hander has a super easy take off before hitting the inside reef, growing in size and reeling off down the line... plenty of time to set up for the barrel or a series of turns in the pocket. Swell: S-SW Wind: N-SW Tide: All tides

Vunaniu This wave is a short wedging right which has a bowl section at the end. It’s usually smaller than other breaks and is a good option for kids down on the inside at high tide. It does get good. Swell: SW-W Wind: NE-W