Visit Fiji and you will finally be able to live in the moment. White sand and empty waves, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Fiji promotes healthy living at it’s best. So it was no surprise that when a solid swell in the south Pacific made its way toward the islands early in October we pulled the trigger for a sprint mission to paradise. Three of the world’s leading waterwomen were flown to Fiji this season thanks to a partnership with Fiji Airways and Super Sessions – a non-profit organization dedicated to female empowerment through surfing.
Bianca Valenti pulled into a piercing blue barrel with ease. Her facial expression said it all: wide open mouth, eyes laser focused, and a look of high-adrenaline so intense that it was contagious. The ultimate barrel face. She was putting on a tube riding clinic at Cloudbreak. The San Francisco local had surfed the spot once before, and her confidence the second time around was apparent. “The first time I surfed here, it was so scary,” Bianca admitted. Hawaiian Paige Alms had introduced her to the spot, paddling out with her on a dark and stormy day quite like this one. The two became friends over the years of surfing heavy water spots around the world – a man’s sport, some would say. “Just watch where Paige is sitting,” Bianca said, admiring Paige’s wave knowledge and experience surfing in Fiji.
As a frequent guest on Tavarua Island Resort, Paige is close to many of the locals and regulars on the island. The respect she has earned here – not just as a big wave surfer, but as a kind-hearted human – was highly noted upon our arrival. “Bula Paige! You’re back!” And immediately, friends of Alms were friends of theirs. Our team felt welcomed just as if we, too, were returning to our home away from home. And what a paradise it was.
“Can you tell I’m happy to be back on Tavarua?” she said, grinning with a smile from ear to ear. “It feels like I’m back home.” Her smile was permanent for the remainder of the trip, as Paige took the team under her wing to share the Fiji experience. And we were in for quite a treat.
Three was a party, as Bianca and Paige were joined by Hawaiian soul surfer Emi Erickson. A connoisseur of the single-fin and vintage surfboards, Emi’s big wave legacy began with her father, known for his winter escapades on the North Shore of Oahu. Passing down his big wave guns to his daughter, Emi treasures her extensive quiver of old school shapes. Her smooth and graceful approach compliment her equipment nicely, as Emi unzipped her board bag on Tavarua Island. It was her first visit to Fiji and Emi was glowing with anticipation for warm water waves, especially at Cloudbreak.
“The people are warm and incredibly welcoming,” Emi said. “It’s magical, and the waves are firing. What more could you ask for?” With all the boxes checked for a dream surf trip, the Super Sessions Fiji team took to the water with gratitude and perma-smiles, as Emi likes to say. The joy these women get from their connection to Mother Nature and riding powerful waves is easy to capture on film. However, their spiritual connection to the ocean is far deeper than any photo could show.
Surfing empowers these women to be their best self on land, as much as in the sea. Translated into confidence and a sense of purpose, their talents as big wave riders inspire others to step up to the plate. Whether that means encouraging other women to embrace a male-dominated sport, or simply to come to the table and speak their voice in a business meeting, it’s all about harnessing courage. To paddle out and drop in, to face one’s fears and overcome challenges; because every woman battles her own share of inequality and hardships. And the message of empowerment is what Super Sessions hopes to share with girls around the globe, and the next generation of female athletes.
Vinaka to Fiji Airways, Tavarua Island Resort, and Waterways Travel for their support of Super Sessions Fiji.
Editor’s Note: For more information on the Super Sessions non-profit and Wickr Foundation, visit supersessions2016.com
