Our postcard from Fiji

Our very first Ladies Surf Getaway!

Wow!! After a decade of dreaming and years of planning, our first ‘Ladies Surf Getaway Fiji’ was finally happening. A ladies surfing holiday designed to be unique, empowering and lots of fun! With industry leading coaching, guiding and fully hosted in a tropical paradise, we always felt that this was something that the female surf community would love. And here we were at Nadi international airport with ten awesome ladies soaking up the warm tropical atmosphere, Fijian smiles and live traditional music. With surfboards, luggage and palpable excitement, we set off for our luxurious surfing holiday destination for the next 7 nights; the amazing Matanivusi Eco Surf Resort.

After a beautiful scenic road trip filled with chatter and laughter, we arrived at the resort to more warm Fijian smiles and evening welcome drinks. It didn’t take long for the laid back Fijian vibe and gorgeous resort surroundings to set the relaxed holiday mood for our week ahead. From here we were escorted along the meandering boardwalk through lush tropical rainforest to our gorgeous beachfront bures where we had some time to settle in before dinner.

Our arrival at Matanivusi Eco Surf Resort

Our evening meal blew everyone away and proved to be the first of many culinary delights that we were to experience. A delicious and healthy Fijian inspired menu using fresh, local produce. Not to mention the yummy deserts and cocktails! After a day of travel, anticipation and excitement, delicious dinner and a beverage or two, it was dream inducing to lay back and drift off to the melodic and gentle lapping of the waves only meters from where our heads lay.

Our first full day at the resort had us waking to a spectacular sunrise across the majestic coral fringed lagoon. With only a few steps between our bures and the crystal-clear ocean, the inviting warm tropical waters were impossible to resist! An energising and scrumptious continental and cooked breakfast had us fuelled up and frothing to hit the waves. And with boards and equipment prepared, we all met up at the main area of the resort to be greeted by our awesome Fijian boatman who soon had all our gear loaded and ready to go.

Empty line-ups a short boat ride away

For most of the ladies it was their first time accessing a surf break by boat, and their very first time surfing over reef, so it was only natural for some nervous energy to be mixed in with their excitement. We were soon motoring out across the calm, crystal clear waters of our private lagoon for a surf check Fijian style. After a scope of several breaks with mechanical waves, we settled on Serua, a fun right hander with a mellow take off zone out the back with a building wall down the line. After an overview of the surf break, safety brief, coaching advice and words of support from the boat, it was time for the ladies to hit the empty line-up. Yes, empty!

The vibe in the water for every session was something special and like no other I’ve experienced. And the cheering of our Fijian friends in the boat was hilarious! Hoots, cheers and laughs provided the perfect sound track to memorable sessions and to an unforgettable week!

Island life

Daily yoga sessions in the peaceful resort studio set within beautiful rainforest, provided the ladies with the perfect space to recover and unwind. The opportunity to tend to the body and mind in this setting enabled the ladies to reenergise for afternoon surf sessions or for the myriad of other activities that were available.

During the week the ladies could surf as much or as little as they wanted, with two surfing trips undertaken most days. However, there was plenty of down time factored in for the ladies to relax or explore the resort or beautiful palm lined coast. Some took the opportunity for complete relaxation mode, soaking up the sun, swimming in the infinity pool, simmering in the spa or an indulging massage. Others snorkelled, explored the lagoon on the Stand-Up Paddle boards, or enjoyed a spot of beachcombing or photography.

Bula Fiji!

The Fijian culture is of course one of the major attractions of any holiday to Fiji. With its beautiful blend of Melanesian and Polynesian backgrounds, and influenced by a variety of other cultures, it always adds another special element to our Fijian Getaways. And Matanivusi resort provides plenty of opportunities to experience these cultural elements with kava ceremonies, lovo banquets, music and village tours. These cultural elements of the getaway were something which the ladies absolutely loved and found to be incredibly special.

Amazing surfing improvement!

And of course, there was more surfing! With on the spot coaching from both the boat and water, video review sessions and support and encouragement from the whole group, everyone’s surfing improved phenomenally! The ladies all surfed more in a week than they would in a season and they still wanted more. The smiles on their faces and the surf stories relived in the boat and back at the resort were testament to their ultra-high level of stoke!

Only three of the many different breaks were surfed during our first Fiji Getaway. But there was plenty of opportunity to have a look at the other breaks with many of the ladies identifying the waves they were going to tackle next time! With the improvement in everyone’s skill and confidence level as the week progressed, there was no doubt that they would be more than capable of sessions at the slightly more challenging breaks such as Frigates and Fiji Pipe!

Cant’ wait for the next one

On reflection of our very first Ladies Surf Getaway’s week in Fiji, it would be true to say that there isn’t one thing we would have changed about the experience of that trip. The waves were so fun, the ladies on the trip were amazing and inspirational, new friendships were forged, the beauty of the place goes without saying and Matanivusi Resort well and truly delivered! Our dream had become a reality! Can’t wait for Byron!