Until recently ( July 2010 ) the reefs surrounding Tavarua and Namotu islands were exclusive to the guests staying on these islands and therefore enjoying the best waveriding conditions Fiji had to offer were not possible. In July 2010 the Fiji government decided to open up these areas to expand surf tourism and help develop a wider surf industry – consequentially the waveriding potential of Fijis kitesurfing areas was equally exposed.
Lately we are seeing cruising yachts, surf and kitesurfing travellers pulling up at Namotu Island rigging on the beach and enjoying the best Fiji has to offer – the result of this new government policy and essentially breaking a monopoly on the best kiting and surfing in Fiji by Tavarua and Namotu islands ( jointly owned ) World famous kiters like Ben Wilson have long known of the potential however have kept it all under wraps so that guests of Namotu would be the only ones enjoying the excellent conditions.
Namotu Island has an excellent left-hand reefbreak that holds swell from 2 to 15 feet and ideal in the 6-8 foot range – tradewinds are cross-shore – you can also kite on the flat water side of the island and do downwinders to nearby Malolo Island. 2 miles upwind of Namotu is Cloudbreak that holds swells to 20 feet and is side on to side off depending on the day – Cloudbreak is more hollow and fast than Namotu and requires a boat-launch or a 2 mile upwind beat. There are also another 4 quality surfbreaks in the area lefts and rights in case the wind hasn’t come up yet. There are also many sandbars and beaches to rig up on surrounding Malolo.
Download the whole article and story on Fiji kitesurfing
|
