Page 304 - Melanesia

Key Dates in the Development of Fiji’s Surfing Industry

1984 - Tavarua Island Resort is established by Scott Funk and Dave Clarke.
1986 - Colin Philp opens Fiji’s first surf shop repairing and selling second-hand boards.
1987 - Stephen Turner establishes the SURF FIJI company, operating out of Nadi Bay Hotel, to service travelling
surfers primarily to the Mamanuca Group of Islands. He also establishes a surf shop in Nadi.
1990 - Magic Island is developed by Adam Yared. It is later sold to Scotty O’Conner and partners (including the
Tavarua Island owners) and re brands as Namotu Blue Water Sports Resort.
1991 - Stephen Turner organises Fiji’s first surf contest at Hideaway Resort - won by Jason Olderoy. First prize was
a new surfboard.
1992 - First local surf competition held at Tavarua Island.
1994 - The Fiji Surfing Association is formed.
1995 - Fijians compete in first international competition - the South Pacific Games in Tahiti and produce our best
performance at this competition to date - two silvers and three bronze. Todd Bower begins riding a body board for
just a few months prior almost taking Gold in his event. The FSA later sends teams to the SPG in Fiji 2003, Samoa
1995 - Ian Muller starts his local tour company - Fiji Surf moves to a beach location beside Sonaisali Resort. His
surf shop opens in Martintar then later moves to Nadi Town. Ian later takes on a promotional role for Red Bull.