Last updated on November 20th, 2023 at 12:14 pm
In this post, you will find the best surf spots in Fiji for beginners, where you can learn, practice, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in Fiji
The beautiful islands of Fiji are situated in the South Pacific and receive consistent swells from the Pacific Ocean. To clarify, Fiji is not a place for beginners. The waves here are very aggressive and break over shallow coral reef shelfs. For that reason, Fiji got its reputation as a place where experienced surfers come to get barreled.
That being said, there are also a few beginner surf beaches in Fiji. Some spots offer smaller waves and soft breaks, so novice surfers can also get some good rides here. Moreover, beginners can come during summertime, from November to March, when the waves are significantly smaller.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in Fiji for beginners:
Natadola
This is definitely the best beginner surf beach in Fiji. Unlike most surf spots on the island, this one is a beach break. The waves here are small and break softly over a sandy bottom. In other words, Natadola is a newbie’s paradise. For that reason, most of the surf lessons take place here, and you will see lots of longboards, bodyboards, and paddleboards in the water. If you are more of an intermediate surfer, you can also paddle to the outer reef, where there is a tremendous left-hand point break, Resort Lefts.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Fiji, please click here.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes
On the South Shore of Viti Levu Island, not far from Natadola, Sigatoka is another user-friendly beach break. The best waves on this beach are in front of the Sigatoka River mouth. Due to the shape of the sand, you can get some pretty long rides here, mainly to the left side. Low tide usually brings the best surf conditions, and fortunately, this spot is empty of crowds.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Fiji, please click here.
Swimming Pools
Unlike the previous spots, this one is a typical reef break. Here, we are talking about a high-quality right-hander suitable for all skill levels. Yes, there is a coral reef at the bottom, but it is deep enough, so the chances of touching it are small. Moreover, the break at Swimming Pools is pretty mellow and not as aggressive as most of the breaks in Fiji. If you have already learned how to pop up on a board and make a turn, you will get some epic rides here. During summertime, or if the swell is under 4 feet, any surfer can handle this wave, including a novice one.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Fiji, please click here.
Tavaura Rights
Tavaura Rights is another reef break located on the South West Shore of Tavaura Island. Just like Swimming Pools, it offers a slow ride over a deep coral reef. The break here is user-friendly and a favorite spot among longboarders. During summer, from November to March, beginners and intermediates can ride perfect 2-3 foot faces. However, during the big winter swells, the waves can get heavy and challenging, which is suitable for advanced surfers only.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Fiji, please click here.
Wilkes Passage
Wilkes Passage is more of an intermediate wave, just off the Coast of Nomotu Island. This right-hander is a swell magnet and therefore, attracts surfers mostly when the swell is small and other spots are flat. Although the ride here is slow and forgiving, it gets hollow during big swells. Therefore, Wilkes Passage is an excellent spot for you to stretch your limit when the swell is under 3 feet. On a good day, the ride is exceptionally long, especially during high tide.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Fiji, please click here.
Online Surf Training to Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip
As a beginner going on a surf trip to Fiji, you will face physical challenges. The waves crashing on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be hard to manage. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can get feedback from a professional surf coach? To find the best beginner surf camps in Fiji, click here.
2. Take an online surf course– You can improve your surf fitness drastically by working on specific muscles used for surfing. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to Fiji.
What Should You Bring to a Beginner Surf Trip?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Conclusion- Final Thought
In summary, these are the best surf spots in Fiji for beginners. Although it is not the typical beginner-friendly surf destination, it doesn’t mean only experts can surf here. If you go to the right beaches or at the right time of the year, you can find perfect waves for your skill level. Fiji offers spectacular surf for any type of surfer, and the more time you spend here, the better surfer you will become.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Fiji, or the one about surf resorts in Fiji.
