SURF
There is surf year around in Fiji, but there are two different surf seasons. One 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 December to April and is associated with shorter duration swells, 1-3 days. During this time though the conditions could be called ‘tropical’ as it is glassy or light winds all day and hot with afternoon showers. This is the time when our local breaks really begin to fire up. During the winter season, the SE trade winds are predominant and they blow offshore at Pipes 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.
The surf which all outer coral reef and over head high can be challenging for the inexperienced surfers. For this reason surfers need to be competent and confident in their surfing skills. Recommended surfboards would be a ‘hotdog’ shortboard and a larger semi-gun for the bigger days. Board shorts can be worn year round, a rashie or wetsuit top along with sunscreen are needed for sun protection and booties are optional to protect the feet from the reef.
Only a short boat ride from Matanivusi Resort, are three right hand reef breaks and one left. Depending on the tide, wind and swell, these waves can offer the experience of a lifetime for you and your friends. While twenty kilometers offshore is the world famous Frigate Passage, which is a long peeling left hander.
J’s is a hollow, fast wave that breaks from 2’ to 6’. It’s best around the high tide with winds from NE to W. It needs some west in the swell to run down the reef.
SHIFTIES has a deep water take off making the break a ‘not too threatening’ ride. This outside point of the Barrier Reef picks up all the swell and can be double the size of J’s and Vunaniu. It is powerful and thick. When everywhere else is flat you can almost guarantee a 4 foot wave at Shifties. Also it can be surfed at all tides. Again a wind of the north quadrant is needed.
VUNANIU is a short wedging right which has a bowl section at the end, usually smaller than other breaks. Good option for kids down on the inside at high tide. It does get good.
FIJI PIPE is a hollow and sometimes heavy left hand reef break that breaks really good on 2-6 ft swells. The SE trade winds blow offshore all day here during winter and can create some epic barrel rides.
FRIGATES is definitely a world class left that can rival Cloud break for power, size and consistency. Because of the gradual tapering of the reef it can handle all swell sizes. The SE trade winds are offshore, so when the inside waves near Matanivusi are blown out there is always the consistent Frigates. Because it’s out in the ocean, about 20 kilometers from Matanivusi, it picks up all swell. However some west in the swell can make it a bit dicey. It definitely makes the end section stand up! Frigates is accessed be a number of resorts and can get crowded. However, once the swell gets up over 10’ there is a drop in the numbers tackling the waves. A longer board is recommended to tackle the big drops and strong off shore winds.
Testimonal: 18.2.08 Dear Brian, Donna & Staff. We would like to thank you for a wonderful time at your beautiful resort. During our stay here we enjoyed great waves, good weather and a new cultural experience. All the staff we’ve met have been friendly, helpful and a pleasure to be around. We have all been left with many memorable experiences and we hope to return and enjoy more in the near future. - Blake, Nick, Jamie Brisbane.
