You want to look good while performing aerials, front-side snaps and backside roundhouse cutbacks. Style and flair are important, if only to impress onlookers. But neither influence your performance while surfing. Fiji offers some of the cleanest barrels and breaks you'll find in the Pacific. But you need to have the right gear with you if you hope to make the most of them.
Let's go through the basics.
#1 – Surfboard
Long or short? Wide or slender? Gun, fish, or hybrid? You obviously need a board. The challenge is picking the type that complements the surf conditions you'll face. Longboards, which measure between 8 and 12 feet, are great for beginners. Shortboards, less than 7 feet in length, require skill and finesse.
Choose wisely. The board you ride will affect your speed, paddling, and ability to perform manoeuvres.
#2 – Leash
A leash, or leg rope, connects you to your board. It wraps around your ankle and ensures your board stays with you if you bail or wipe out. Buy one that swivels to reduce the odds of tangling. Also, keep in mind that a thick leash, while less likely to snap, will produce more drag than a thin leash.
#3 – Board Shorts
Wetsuits are rarely necessary while surfing in Fiji. The waters tend to stay warm throughout the year, ranging between 13 and 20 °C. Instead, you'll need a few pairs of board shorts.
They should be lightweight, loose-fitting and comfortable. The most important aspect is flexibility. Quality board shorts won't hamper your movements on the water.
#4 – Rash Guard
Surfers who hit the waves without some type of protection on their upper bodies risk getting sunburns and rashes. Sunscreen is not enough to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. It washes off (even the water-resistant variety). Moreover, it won't protect your skin from rashes and chafing.
It's a good idea to wear a rash guard. Made of Lycra or a nylon and neoprene blend, rash guards offer valuable UV protection and prevent rashes caused by your surfboard wax. In addition, you'll no longer have to deal with underarm irritation caused by vigorous paddling.
#5 – Surf Wax
Traction is your friend while surfing in Fiji. It's the reason surfers apply surf wax to their boards. The wax prevents you from slipping. You'll find it easier to stay on your board, whether you're performing advanced manoeuvres or riding through clean, glassy hollows.
Some waxes are specially formulated for specific climates. But don't get bogged down in the details. Any wax is better than none.
Those 5 items are all you need to enjoy a fantastic experience on the water. Book your accommodations at the Namotu Island Resort when you're ready to tackle Fiji's world-class waves.