Page 297 - Melanesia
P. 297
loudbreak - Cloudbreak is just about three miles straight amotu Lefts - Namotu Left is a world class reef break that’s
C south of Namotu Island. A world class left reef pass that is N more forgiving than it’s fearsome neighbour Cloudbreak.
regularly voted one of the 10 Best/Most challenging waves in the Namotu Left is a world class reef break that’s more forgiving than
world. Like many tropical reef-pass breaks, Cloudbreak tends to it’s fearsome neighbour Cloudbreak. From six to fifteen feet, Na-
get faster, shallower and more critical as it goes. Cloudbreak’s motu left can be the thrill of a lifetime, but from two to six foot,
reputation precedes it. Routinely ranking among the ten most shortboard, fish, longboarder or SUPper’s paradise, and easily one
challenging waves in the world, this renowned Fiji surf spot boasts of the longest rides in the region. When the wind is going strong
fast, barrelling lefts over a shallow reef. It’s one of those breaks side shore, Namotu Left is as legendary in the sailboard and kite-
you just have to see to believe. It is awe-inspiring. Even if you’re surf world as Cloudbreak is in the surfing world. Namotu Lefts is
not up to surfing it, it’s equally as thrilling to watch from the boat one of the longest rides you’ll find in the Mamanucas, sometimes
and see others attempt it. Cloudbreak is located on a sheltered going for more than 100 yards. It’s more forgiving than Cloudbreak
reef, just three miles south of Namotu Island Resort. One thing but no less thrilling, especially when the waves start coming in
you’ll notice even from afar is just how perfect Cloudbreak looks, at 6 feet or higher. If Cloudbreak is too intimidating, head over to
with consistent white breaks visible from up to two miles away. Namotu Lefts. You’ll find a more mellow ride that won’t disappoint.
The waves at Cloudbreak hit the reef at many different angles. Along with Swimming Pools, Namotu Lefts is one of the closest of
This, along with the sheer volume of water hitting the reef, make the Fiji surf spots to Namotu Island Resort, located just east of the
Cloudbreak one of the most complex waves you’ll surf in Fiji, resort. Close proximity to the resort means this is an uncrowded
or even in the world. That said, the breaks are consistent…and spot to surf in Fiji and it has become popular with kiteboarders,
consistently challenging. Make no mistake about it, Cloudbreak SUPs, as well as long and short boarders, depending on the condi-
is a difficult wave to surf. At its most difficult, you’ll need a jet-ski tions. Namotu Lefts delivers consistently hollow, powerful barrels,
and a tow board just to get in. Cloudbreak is a left reef break with and long waves, though they are flatter in the summer. As the
waves that can be when they are as small as 2 feet, or as large as name implies, this is a left-hander that breaks consistently year-
20 feet. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security as the waves round on exposed reef. Watch out for rocks and rips here. Ground-
get smaller. When this happens, they also get faster and more shal- swells are more frequent than wind swells with onshore winds
low as you barrel down on a live coral reef. It’s all too easy to wind easily blowing it out.
up on the reef because you ran out of water.