By Erik from CA , 01-03-2007

Where to stay to surf???? - So obviously there is a lot of hate towards Waidroka on this board. Im heading out with a friend in the end of March 2007. We are staying on Namotu for a week but are heading out a week early to surf other waves. For anyone who has done something similar, where do you reccomend staying? i dont care if I have to sleep in a tent, i just want to find good waves and fun times. I dont care how nice the accomodations are, its all about the people and the surf. Any insight would be much appreciated, as of now im planning on Waidroka because its cheap, and its easy access to Frigates and Pipe. Thanks for any input.

By Catty, Central Coast , 28-02-2007

Need Info - Heading to Fiji next week never been, staying at the Naviti for a week with family, bringing my board, need details of where & how to get to the surf, how much etc

By D_A_V_E_L_E_E_S@hotmail.com , 18-01-2007

South Pacific Island Destination for Intermediate Rider - Hey, I've just been looking at a short break in Fiji seeing that Bananarama has gone mad and the prices are all cheap, but it seems like Fiji is not the place for someone who isn't an expert. Could anyone suggest alternative destinations (not aussie) to be reached from NZ on a budget which has good surf for intermediates?

By Anonymous , 16-01-2007

Had a great time in Fiji!!! - Just got back from Fiji and had some of the best surf. Stayed at Rendevouz (sucked..very basic and Wilkes and Desperations where mediocer waves), Seashell (this is an old and run down hotel and not very nice and full of moscitos...surf was not that good) and Waidroka, which was the best. We had 2 epic Frigates days, with glassy never ending 4-6 footers. The Resort is idylic andf staff and owneres very accommodating. Food and amenities just great and we surfed whenever wherever...

The local Pipe wehich we hit at 6 am several times was a left hander and barrel and a lot of fun and great with little wind very early.

We will come back to Fiji since we had great waves and good value. Thanks to Waidroka staff - Ponti you rock!

By FYI , 05-12-2006

12.5.06 Fiji military sacks government: Take IV - Fiji is now under the control of the army after the head of the military announced on Tuesday that his troops had taken over, and he had temporarily assumed the Presidency. It is Fiji's fourth coup since 1987.

At a news conference just after 6pm Fiji time (7pm NZ time) Tuesday, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said the military had taken over the country and government and had dismissed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his ministers. Mr Qarase is under house arrest.

"As of 6 o'clock this evening (Dec.5 2006) the military has taken over the government, has executive authority and the running of this country. I urge all citizens to remain calm and maintain the peace that currently prevails," he said.

Commodore Bainimarama said the military had observed with "concern and anguish the deteriorating state of our beloved Fiji". He also said Mr Qarase had led the country on a path of doom.

By Ginga , 11-11-2006

Don't bother with Fiji - I have been in Fiji for the last four weeks. Yes there is great surf, but unless you are a rich American you can not surf any of the world class breaks. The reason behind this is that the resorts have exclusive rights to the reefs. So unless you are paying up to $1000 a night at one of these resorts you can not surf the world class breaks.You may as well go to Indo, because you will be able to surf. I have seen someone have the shit beaten out of them just for surfing cloudbreak because they were not a pying guest! I wish i had not wasted my time and money in Fiji, the country is a rip off, Indo shits all over it.

By Anonymous , 11-10-2006

For Sebastian Regarding Seashell - The previous post wasn't very respectful to your humble inquiry. I have experience with both Waidroka and Seashell. I felt Seashell was a fine stay. It's a bit dated in look, but the facilities are sufficient. They do run boats to the Mamanucas, most notably Wilkes as the previous message states. You'll be fine on the mini-mal. I recommend you use booties if your skills are modest as the reefs can ruin your day.

By Anonymous , 10-10-2006

oi sebastian - value for money, well i don't know. The best bet is to stick to the snack bar menu although the buffet is good. They mainly surf wilks as the standard of surfers that go there are generly pretty poor. wilks is such an easy wave if you cant ride it on a long board best you give up.

By sebastian , 08-10-2006

seashells@ momi's - hey, i've heard some heated stuff on waidroka andhave decided to steer clear when i go with the missus and a mate in jan/feb. heard that seashells has a good rep and was wondering if anyonecan back this up? any help would be great and is it worth taking a mini-mal [8'2] im much more confident on it then a shortboard.... any help would be great

sebastian

By Part-time Resident , 04-10-2006

Answers to three previous questions - Fiji is not a good destination for beginners. There is only one area of beachbreak (Sigatoka), and it can be quite challenging. For the most part, boats are needed to access most every other break. In some cases, resorts negotiate usage rights that can keep transient traffic from accessing their waves. Out of the way places without much tourist traffic may be more accessible to the home-stay traveler. Local knowledge will help you along. For an inexpensive resort with access to lefts, i would strongly consider a stay at Batiluva on Yanuca island. It is a beautiful place with daily rides to Frigates. Waidroka is still not a good option as it is somewhat restricting due to tides, the surf is fickle and the resort experience leaves a lot to be desired. Although they market to the budget traveler, they have a bad reputation for charging guests for everything a la carte. You're always digging into your pocket for something at that place.