July 2010 Blog Posts (14)

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Scott Putnam, videographer extraordinaire, is at it again.…

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For those following along with my series, I apologize for the delay. Each blog requires me to retype notes, inject a few photos and work on an applicable dive or review video. This can only happen on weekends when I'm not…

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Q: Will this really impact the growth Fijian surfers?

A: Absolutely. For instance surf guides in Lau will learn to surf and their kids will as well. It may take some time, but it will happen. It's inevitable.

Q: Seems inevitable that more low budget surfers will come. How will Fiji manage their numbers and maintain the quality of place?

A: The new Decree, as with everything coming…

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On July 1, 2010, Pacific Sun stopped flying from Nadi Airport to Mana and Malololailai islands due to a "lack of economic performance" which is a polite way of saying "not enough bums on the seats". Mamanuca tourists now have no choice other than to use the regular catamaran services or expensive charter flights. The Mololo Cat to Malololai… Continue

John Philp, a founder of the Fiji Surf Association and one of Fiji’s most ardent advocates, sees the decree as a great deal more than a political or economic event. The fallout from the…

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For many years the surfing resorts had a sweet deal. Based on historical precedent that dated back to pre colonial days, the entrepreneurial surf resort owners cuts deal with the Fijian chiefs who had rights to the reefs that they had been fishing…

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Shortly after the Fiji Tourism Minister announced the “Surfing Decree” the Fiji Surfing Association (FSA) sent out a press release (see below) to the surf media commenting on the new…

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The word from the Fiji government is that surfers can, beginning Friday July 9 access any local surf break without need to obtain permission…

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I read in today's http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/text.shtml that "Fiji has passed a decree regulating surfing areas and wiping out existing business licenses to run surfing operations in the industry." This seems to indicate that waves like Cloudbreak off Tavarua Island, which were formerly restricted to upscale resort guests most of the time, are now to be opened to all surfers. If true, this will be quite… Continue

Thank goodness for Robert Kay.



This may be the first time I've not had time to plan my own adventure once I arrive in Fiji in July--I only know I'm going there for a little relaxation and writing material research. With a full plate of deadlines and commitments, what was I to do?



Call Rob.



Robert graciously suggested an itinerary based on my interests and needs, got me in the know about great people and places to connect with while there, and in an… Continue

Cyclone Tomas hit northeast Fiji dead-on. A ferocious storm, it clobbered the eastern tip of Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Qamea, Matangi, and Laucala for close to two terrifying days. Greg Taylor, JMC's…

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I shake Greg’s hand good-bye and follow my guide as we begin the overview of Cousteau’s bures. My guide is a sweet gal, dressed in a green dress uniform. All of Cousteau’s staff, except for Greg and his assistant manager, are uniformed. One’s job description dictates the uniform worn.



There are twenty-five (25) bures (cabanas, cabins, bungalows) at Cousteau; the layout for the bures can be found online at:… Continue