Prepping for a surf trip to Fiji--A Q&A with Stu Johnson of FijiSurfCo.com--Part lll

Fijiguide.com editorial staff recently returned from an epic trip to Fiji this Christmas.  While there we had the opportunity to hang with Stu Johnson, surf photographer extraordinaire and surf guide with FijiSurfCo.com, one of the most experienced surfing companies in Fiji. Stu and his lovely wife Malia are regular contributors to Fijiguide.com and, put together their own Fiji Surf Blog.

Since it's been raining and windy lately in Nadi, Stu took some time to put together a Q&A that answers every question you ever had on how to prepare for a surf vacation to Fiji. 

Here's the third in a series of three blogs:

Q: Do you have point breaks, beach breaks or reef breaks over there?  What can I expect to find?

A: To see a list of breaks with their specific details go to the Fiji Surfing Association's Website and Fijiguide.com's intro page on Surfing in Fiji. 

Q: What about medical care?  Is it fairly easy to get treatment if I bash my shins on the reef?

A: Emergency Medical is available in Nadi Town at both the Government hospital as well as several different private Doctors.  At Fijisurfco.com we asses the seriousness of the injury and if needed end the trip immediately to get the guest to a doctor for treatment.  Dr. Zen Low in Nadi town is our preferred Doc for emergency care.  Cost for walk in, no insurance visitor to Fiji is around $150 Fiji Dollars give or take a stitch.

Q: How far are the nearest hospitals or clinics from the major breaks?

A: From leaving the breaks to the clinic door will be about 45min to 1 hour.

Q: Do I need any immunization before I go?

A; As far as protecting yourself, you would want the bare minimum of a up to date tetnus booster.  If your coming to Fiji to party I can think of a couple other vaccinations to recommend!  

Q: What should I bring in the way of medicine?

A: Unless you are prone to some specific pain or discomfort you don't need to bring any Meds.  If you get sick or injured Nadi town has about six Chemists (Pharmacies) with Doctors on call ready to diagnose and prescribe antibiotics right then and there over the counter!  You can spend 5 minutes in a chemist shop and leave with enough anti-biotics to kick your cold for about $20 Fiji dollars out the door.

Q: Will my US, Canadian or Australian insurance cover any medical expenses?

No, but its quite affordable.  (if you require air-evacuation due to extensive injury that A: will be expensive and you would most likely need travelers insurance to cover that!)

Q:What are the do’s and don’ts of Fijian culture?  I don’t want to offend anyone.

A: If you follows the Do's you should avoid most of all the Don'ts

Do's:

• Show respect and keep sarcasm to a minimum, it usually does not translate. 
• Learn a few phrases in Fijian
• Always share and buy food for local people who are traveling with you in your group 

Don'ts:

• Don't touch local people on the head.

Q: What kind of food is available?  Do visiting surfers generally have gastro intestinal problems or issues with the food?

A: If your staying in a fijian village at a homestay you may be served some coconut intensive meals but even at a homestay they cater to a western palet of bread and fried eggs and Ketchup.  You'll be fine.

If your staying at hotel it'll be like you never left home. 

If your living on the cheap and are eating in town areas then you may eat more curry than your used to.  Even if you think you like spicy food, unless you've been to India or Thailand, ask for the dish to be mild.  It will still have a kick. 

Q: What about petty theft and crime?  Is Fiji pretty safe?

A: Be smart with your wallet.  keep it on your person as much as possible.  Theft is 99% opportunistic so if get ripped theres a good chance you could have prevented it by taking that extra second to hide your money a little better.  Yes Fiji is safe.  But if its not nailed down and your not around it may be gone when you get back to it!

Q: What kind of hangouts are there in the evenings if I want to socialize?  Anything you can recommend near the surf resorts?

Generally the surf resorts are pretty remote areas so there's most likely not going to be much partying.  The Nadi Area has a few bars and friendly locals. Here are a few options:

• Ed's bar
• Ice Bar
• Smugglers cove
• Bamboo

All of the photos featured in this series are by FijiSurfCo.com. This is the final in our series of interviews with Stu Johnson.