A consistently good wave
Farther northwest up the barrier reef from Wilkes Pass, Desperations is a right and left peak that breaks off a point and is the go-to spot when the ocean is having an off day. It catches any southerly swell and tends to have a wave when everywhere else has nothing to offer.
Desperations is an all-time favourite spot for surfing in Fiji. You’ll find great surfing here even if there are just flat waters everywhere else. But you don’t have to be desperate to surf Desperations, it’s a fun ride no matter what, and it’ll be better than 90% of the waves you’ve left behind at home.
Location
Desperations is located outside of the Malolo Barrier Reef, just a few miles northwest of the Namotu Island Resort, and an approximately 5-10 minute boat ride past Wilkes Pass.
What to expect
Expect fast waves with nice hollows at Desperations, especially when winds are blowing from the north-east. Desperations breaks off a point, which makes for both right and left breaks that are 1-2 feet higher than those at nearby breaks as it’s positioned to catch any southerly swell.
Although a fast and powerful ride, the biggest thing Desperations is known for is the consistency of its swell. In fact, that consistency is one of the reasons that Desperations is such a popular spot to surf in Fiji. Even if the surf is small or non-existent in other spots, you’re almost certain to catch a wave here thanks to that point break.
Desperations in short…
- Left and right-hand A-frame (predominantly left-hander with south swell, more right-handers with westerly swell)
- Tide: mid-high tide
- Wind: best on North-East wind
- Swell: South to South-West
- Period: any
