Fiji Deregulates the Waves Part IV--Interview with John Philp

This is the final column of a four-part series on the new era of surfing in Fiji. This story features the last portion of an interview with John Philp, founder of the Fiji Surf Association.

Q: Will the decree really impact the numbers of 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 it's certain that with the decree, 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 from the Ministry of Tourism -- has an environmental and sustainable focus.

Q: Are there facilities (or enough waves for that matter) to handle a possible influx of budget surfers?

A: Of course, much of the hotel facilities we have at present are close to surf breaks.

Q: I noted that the Minister used a figure of 20,000 additional visitors that might come to Fiji because of this "deregulation". Can you speculate how many more people will come to take advantage of the decree?

A: The current figures are estimated to be up to 11,000 per annum. I don't see why an additional 20,000 could not be attracted with the right marketing and policies. We had bad press in the past about so called 'private breaks', this new Decree will encourage visitors to make the decision to come to Fiji given that we will now be seen as more welcoming to surfing tourism.

Q: In the press release you say "The FSA is also pivotal in the planning stages of the first public beach development in Fiji, we have great aspirations of this becoming our first patrolled beach" Can you discuss this a little more?

A: I've been in discussions with The Work family, and The Public Trustee about their property at Kulukulu, Sigatoka Sand Dunes beach just outside of Sigatoka town. I've attached indicative renderings below to show you what we are planning. It's a public road access to the beach, carpark, and perhaps a club house for the Surfing Association. We hope to initiate Fiji's first patrolled and flagged surfing beach and start a National Fiji Rescue and Life Guard assoc which will train lifeguards, and set standards for life guard training and systems in Fiji. This would assist the surf industry in Fiji. The beach park would host one or more surf schools to teach kids and female surfers - the numbers of which we would like to grow in Fiji. It is also a great windsurfing and kitesurfing venue. Stand up Paddle Boards are another new water sport in the waves.

Q: Any other comments that you care to add are welcomed.

A: We hope the professional world surfing tour - ASP will look at bringing the Fiji event back on line. It was last held in Fiji in 2008. The branding and exposure it gives to Fiji and Fiji surfing is huge. If we can do anything to bring the event back to our country and help run it in such a way that it leaves lasting benefits on our junior development programs, the training of lifeguards, improvement of facilities, training of judges and coaches than I'm hoping Tourism Fiji, the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Tourism will come on board to support the effort.

Q: Finally, where would you recommend visitors stay who want to surf Cloudbreak or Restaurants ?

A: Several places come to mind: The Momi area, SeaShell Cove, is 6.5 miles to Cloudbreak (but has poor beach access at low tide) vs 8.5 miles from Musket Cove (on Malolo Lailai Island in the Mamanuca Group). Sonaisali is 11.3 miles to Cloudbreak but has a proper marina. The Fijian Surf Company (run by Ian Muller) is based there. Ian has the best set up of anyone, the most wave knowledge, life guard training and back up.

(Photo credits: Top three shots courtesy of FSA. Above shot courtesy Ian Muller of Fiji Surf Company. ).