Discover the surf
Low Pressure Stormrider Surf Guide says:
The 322 islands of Fiji form the epitome of the surf travel dream. A magical archipelago of white sand beaches and tropical vegetation ringed by shallow coral reefs, which get bombed by heavy, hollow lefthanders that set the standard for wave quality around the world. Most of the waves break on barrier reefs in the Mamanuca group of islands to the west of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu.
Surf camps and boat access only to the waves around the Mamanucas make Fiji, or more to the point, Tavarua, an expensive, but essential surf experience. Dave Clark discovered Cloudbreak back in 1984 and the offshore reef has since been regarded as one of the planet’s top lefthanders.
Fiji comprises of 844 islands and islets, covering 18,274 km2 of solid land, but this doesn’t include the staggeringly large 10,000 km2 of reef. The Fiji Barrier Reef marine ecoregion supports at least 300 species of coral, over 475 species of molluscs, and 2,000 fish species, below the waves that arrive from all directions. The SW flank of the main island Viti Levu has held the surf world’s gaze for decades and the perfect lefts of Cloudbreak in the Mamanucas have become one of the most iconic stops on professional surfing’s “Dream Tour”. Further south, land-accessible spots were found on the fringing reef before Frigates fantastic lefthander emphasised the wave potential of the Kadavu Passage. Exposure is the buzz word, but it also points out that the trade winds cause havoc for the swell drenched Eastern Division, so finding a pass or curve of reef that faces west is the challenge and only ocean-going yachties will get to explore the far flung islands of Lau and Lomaiviti provinces where traditional life continues without resorts. Islands on the outer edges filter the SE-SW swell, but plenty still punches up through the wide channels, hitting unlikely reefs like the ones on the southwest tip of Qamea, just beside the 4th largest island Taveuni. A surf camp has set up at Maqai Beach in front of a handful of good waves including Maqai Wall, an all tide, intermediate plus, righthand carve-fest and across the channel is a gauntlet throwing left sprint. There is also a beginner-friendly inside reef and plans for an artificial reef. The myriad of small islands sprinkled to the east probably all have surf at certain times of the year and are open to both S and N swells, mixed in with the constant underlying ESE windswell. Nanuku is one such speck where fast closeouts comb the outer reef until a bigger swell wraps enough to create makeable lines on the western fringes at higher tides.
Snaking along the frontier of the Northern Division and Vanua Levu, Cakaulevu Reef is about 200 kms (120 miles) long and is the third longest continuous barrier reef in the world. While this Great Sea Reef is generally considered as diving territory, from November to March, NW-NE swells can arrive, helped along by the NE swing in the trade winds. Getting out to the reef takes plenty of time and money so few bother to explore during the N swell season. Labasa has direct access to the reef and there are enough curves and passes to expect to find some rideable waves, providing there is swell and the F4 winds haven’t ripped it to pieces. Nukubati resort boats out to Raviravi and Twin Passage, where lefts and better rights break with E wind protection in the shadow of Kia Island. Yasawa, Nacula and down to Naviti all face NW and are a little too far around the corner for any consistent S swell, making them another Nov-March N swell option, but far riskier than the Great Sea Reef. There are many fancy resorts, but none offer surfing, with flat water SUP, kite or wakeboarding more likely for the droves of honeymooners.
Find more general info about when to go and statistics on the Low Pressure’s Stormrider Guide website.
- Guiding
- Spot Transfers
- Packed Lunch
Your accommodation
- Beginner
Description
Gipsea is a 46 foot yacht built in Tahiti in the late 70's. She has sailed extensively in the South Pacific before she found her new home here in Fiji. During 2012 and 2013 she underwent an extensive refit to take you cruising comfortably on mind-blowing surf charters.
While cruising in style to your next break, our crew will make sure that your needs are always fulfilled. Just relax and enjoy the journey. At anchor, between sessions, you can chill on the Li-Los, the hammock, jump from the diving stations, snorkel some beautiful reefs or just lay on the deck under the wide sunshades.
Great times guaranteed sailing and surfing in Fiji. You will soon realize that Gipsea has a very special way to connect people for lifelong memories.
Gipsea is geared with:
- 12 foot tender with 8HP and 25HP (4men + boards).
- 3 x double birth and 4 x single birth. You can also sleep on deck outside with our LiLos (really comfy close-cell mattresses X 12).
- One Indoor toilet and 2 outdoor showers.
- Inboard Engine Ford Lehman 120 HP.
- One 80 liters fridge/Freezer and 2 ice chest
- 2 x deep sea fishing rods, 3 x spear-gun, 3 x trolling lines and lots of lures.
- 400 watts sound system on deck with I phone connection
- Navigation system
- Good sailing capabilities
What awaits you
4 reasons to choose the Gipsea:
- Solid and rustic, recently refurnished, affordable charter, comfortable for up to 8 guests.
- Experience the true feeling of freedom aboard this yacht and explore the best surf spots in Fiji!
- Dedicated and professional crew on board to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
- We love surfing as much as you do ;-)
Surf charter yacht at home in Fiji
The Gipsea is a 46 foot yacht at home in Fiji. For the freedom to choose where and when you surf then look no further than this amazing boat. Built in Tahiti during the late 70’s, Gipsea sailed extensively around the South Pacific before settling down in Fiji. Having undergone an extensive refurbishment in 2012 and 2013, the Gipsea is fully fitted to ensure maximum comfort during your private cruise.
The Gipsea can sleep up to 7 or 8 people (3 double and 4 single bunks). It is fitted with an on-board toilet and two outdoor showers. Good meals and soft drinks are normally included and prepared by the crew. If you are on a tighter budget, you can supply for your own during your stay. Special BBQ’s can be arranged at the famous Musket Island Bar, if the surfing conditions are not as good as expected, we will take you sailing around amazing spots. Bedding are provided on-board so all you have to worry about is your surf skills and maybe some alcoholic beverages to chill with at the end of an exciting day.
Departures from Wailoaloa or Denarau Beach hotels
The Gipsea aims to optimise surfing time. As much as possible we depart early morning on the first day from Wailoaloa Beach or Denarau beach front hotels. This will allow you two good days of surf on the first and the last day on-board. If needed, instructors and boards can be provided as well as photographers and a cameraman to capture those once in a life time moments. With some of the best surfing to be had in Fiji, such as Cloud Break, Restaurants, Swimming Pools, Wilkes ... you are sure to love every minute. And, if surfing isn’t enough then you can also make full use of the fishing gear, Li-Los, snorkelling sets and tender provided on-board.
Our private charters can be tailor-made to your needs.
Boat pick up can be arranged from Wailoaloa Beach resorts and Denarau Beach front hotels.
In case the surf is not as good as expected we offer a wide range of activities and various destinations in the Mamanuca group. You will be able to use our fishing and spear fishing gear, floating Li-Los, hammock, snorkeling sets and tender. The boat is comfortable and offers wide shaded areas, cushioned seatings all around, toilets, outdoor showers, a nice galley and a good sound system. It is the perfect platform for a good time on the water.
We can arrange a variety of meals and drinks or just have the yacht crewed and ready for you if you wish to bring your own. We happily cater for allergies when we are aware a few days before departure.
Inclusions
- Meal plan, snacks, soft drinks and bottled water all included
- Fishing, spear fishing and snorkeling gear
- Bedding
Important note: Please bring your own alcoholic beverages
GT&C
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Managing Director Tim Heising
Court Registration: HRB 99297 Cologne
Lütticher Str. 10
50674 Köln
Germany
VAT ID No.: DE221867890
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LUEX bookings Surf: +49 231 97676992
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Operator's address
Connecting Worlds(Fiji) LimitedNadi
Fiji
50-17843-00-2
Operator's GT&C
Paragraph 1:
In case the Captain would have to cancel the charter before departure due to weather conditions (steady winds over 30 knots, note that rain, is not a factor for cancellation as it normally settles during the day), mechanical breakdown or unforeseen circumstances, we will reschedule the charter whenever possible.
Paragrah 2:
If the charter gets cancelled at any time during the booked period (after departure or before arrival) for the reasons mentioned (in paragraph 1), there will be no refund available. We recommend the client carry travel insurance, we will provide a letter of explanation for your insurance if requested.
Paragraph 3:
If the client decides to cancel the charter, please advise us at least 45 days in advance for rescheduling (should we have availability).
Paragrah 4:
No reschedule options are available to charters cancelled past that limit.
Paragraph 5:
We will not be responsible or liable for any delays while on the yacht which may result in your next road, air or sea transfer being missed or cancelled. We recommend the clients carry travel insurance, we will provide a letter of explanation for your insurance if requested. Additionally the client must take full responsibility of their schedule and notify us well in advance of any amendements so we can organise things acordingly to avoid any inconvenient.
Paragraph 6:
We have a strict policy of no alcohol consumption or any other substance for the crew and captain onboard all of our vessels during the charter. For safety reasons, please refrain from sharing drinks or other substances with them. We will not be liable for any issues raised from such activities as safety onboard is paramount.
Your personal expert for this trip
Nacho, our Argentinian surf expert at LUEX, has chased waves across Latin America, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Maldives. His business background comes in handy, but surfing is what drives him. When he's not helping clients plan their dream surf trips, you'll find him buzzing around the office, charged up on coffee. His favorite waves are in the Mentawais, where he found his definition of perfection. At LUEX, he uses his surf expertise to help others score epic waves, always ready to swap stories over a fresh brew.
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