Picture this… it’s March in 2020 and you arrive to Namotu just as COVID-19 is exploding and the world is turning on its head. As borders close and flights are cancelled you must choose; stay indefinitely or go immediately. Australian surf guide, Ben Wood (42) was in just that predicament. As chaos took over, Namotu’s
The FIJI DMF are a USA-based NGO medical organisation that visits Namotu and the local village of Solevu in the Mamanuca Islands each year. This team of roughly 30 volunteers offer vital dental care to our staff, Solevu village residents and school children, and many other resorts’ staff.
And she’s not alone. Between breakdowns and lockdowns, an army of sourdough bakers and croissant makers have rediscovered their love of cooking and other hobbies this year. Brisa Hennessy is one of them, cooking for the tiny crew on the Island in our commercial kitchen. Yes, Namotu is probably the best place to be right
Summer at Namotu Island, Fiji brings with it a few very special things; generally beautiful weather and traditionally amazing fishing. It falls smack dab in the middle of Western Fiji’s annual yellowfin tuna run and teams up with peak-season giant trevally fishing. An account by Duane “Diego” Mellor, Fish Week host & legendary captain This
What’s new on Namotu? Not much! Mike, Katie and their daughter, surf guide Brisa Hennessy are holding up the fort with a small number of key staff. There’s general maintenance and some minor building but with no guests there’s not a whole lot happening. Ports are closed and travel restricted but there are much worse places to
It’s live! Watch Castaway Part 1 & 2 of the Local Knowledge now. Ben Wilson hosts the Ali & Rush onboard the Cobalt to chase yellowfin tuna and experience Fiji’s incredible topwater fishing. The Local Knowledge crew came to shoot here in January this year (2020) so check out the episodes and keep an eye
PADDLE TECHNIQUE, STANCE AND GETTING STARTED Article by Rory Chapman. I first discovered stand up paddling on Namotu Island in 2012 when I was working there as a lifeguard. I caught my first wave on a 10ft SUP board and instantly realised it offered another way to spend more time in the ocean. I was
Api, our Fijian surf guide and boatman, is only 18 but already he’s making his mark on Namotu and Fijian surfing with his character and natural ability. Growing up on Fiji’s Coral Coast, Api learned to surf when he was about 10 years old and started competing not long after. Now at 18 he has
Summer in Fiji means hot days, warm water, glassy waves and yes, the occasional cyclone. It’s the beauty and the beast of visiting Fiji between December to March with some of the best surfing and fishing conditions paired with the risk of cyclone.
Professional surfer Taj Burrow has been coming to Fiji for the World Surf League’s Fiji Pro for many years. It was his favourite competition and last pro comp before his retirement from professional surfing in 2016. The Fiji stop of the tour was always a favourite among athletes, not just for the incredible waves, but