Cloudbreak in all its glory. Photo: Beau Blake
Fiji is one of those destinations where the reputation precedes it. White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, bustling reefs, pumping surf, and some of the world’s friendliest people — it is the stuff that postcards and dreams are made of.
A long time-surfer and watersports fanatic, Fiji has been on my radar for quite some time. So, when the opportunity arose to spend a week on Namotu Island, I boarded a plane with my sights set on warmer waters.
Upon tapping down in the South Pacific, the Fijian joy and hospitality was a stark and welcome contrast after navigating hectic LAX—the air was warm, morale was high, and the pace of life slow and simple. From the airport, a quick cab ride brought us to Momi Bay where we hopped on a speedboat to our final destination: Namotu Island.
Arriving at Namotu Island. Photo: Beau Blake
Fiji is home to 333 islands, 20 of which are part of the Mamanucas – a volcanic archipelago to the west of Nadi and south of the Yasawa Islands. Namotu Island, first established as a resort in 1994, is the southernmost island in the chain. The all-inclusive resort is home to 11 beachfront bures (traditional Fijian bungalows) and spans just two acres. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in adventure opportunities aplenty.
Upon arriving at Namotu, we were greeted by the sounds of steel stringed guitars and joyous singing while being draped with shell necklaces. After a quick rundown of the rules (there are none) we were given a tour of the property and an overview of the surrounding waves and surf forecast. The sun was shining and three generous swells were predicted for the week; our crew was frothing.
Some of the friendliest and happiest people you’ll ever meet. Photo: Beau Blake
Namotu is home to seven world-class surf breaks: Swimming Pools, Namotu Lefts, Wilkes Passage, Tavarua Rights, Restaurants, Desperations, and of course, Cloudbreak.
Swimming Pools and Namotu Lefts break directly off the island – Namotu Lefts is a left-hand reef break offering long rides while Pools is a right-hander with translucent waters that make you feel like you’re surfing in an aquarium. Wilkes is located just off the island and is a powerful right that breaks over a shallow reef offering long, hollow waves.
Tavarua Rights and Restaurants break off of nearby Tavarua Island. Tavy Rights works best during a mid-tide with low wind and is a fun right hander, ideal for a variety of watercraft. Sometimes referred to as “Cloudbreak’s Little Brother,” Restaurants is a long, hollow left-hand reef break with a similar shape to Cloubreak but less of a punch. When the waves are in short supply, Desperations is the place to be – a right and left peak that breaks off a point and is one of the most consistent spots in the area.
Ringing in as one of the top ten surf spots in the world, Cloudbreak is a sight worth seeing. Whether you’re keen on dropping in or simply watching from the boat, the power and beauty of the wave is unparalleled.
After a day on Namotu Island, we settled into a routine. We’d rise with the sun, stretch out with some yoga, and then flag down a boat in pursuit of waves. After a morning surf, we’d return to the island and scarf down lunch. Some folks would then retire to their rooms for an afternoon nap while others would paddle back back out for an afternoon sesh. The evenings were filled with fresh ahi, beachfront cocktails, and sunset volleyball games – the sense of community strong on the island.
When the waves were down or the wind was up, there was still plenty to do on the island. Fiji is home to some of the most stunning and biodiverse reefs in the world and Namotu is no exception. Situated smack dab in the center of a bustling reef, flat days were a good opportunity to explore the reef via stand-up paddleboard or don a mask and dive beneath the surface.
Beautiful, both above and beneath the surface. Photo: Beau Blake
In addition to surfing, Namotu offers foiling, kiting, and fishing charters, as well as a number of landlocked activities, so there’s something for everyone, regardless of the weather. Although surfing will forever be my M.O., the combination of activities was the recipe for an idyllic week.
Fiji is one of those places where you misplace your shoes and forget you brought anything but a swimsuit. It has a rich culture that feels like home from the moment you arrive. It’s somewhere that will forever be ingrained on your mind and in your heart. Fittingly, when you depart from the islands you’re not bidding farewell but instead “sota tale,” or “until we meet again.”
