Located in Mamanucas and Viti Levu, Fiji, Cloudbreak is ranked by many surfers as the best wave in the world including the greatest of all time Kelly Slater. This was is a true jewel on a remote reef off the main island of Fiji, it’s a true wonder of the world. Swells arrive from deep in the pacific ocean arriving with exceptional power. The left hand reef set up is a natural wonder in itself and can handle almost any size from head high to triple over head and more. The truth is we don’t really know what this magnificent reef is capable of we just need a big enough swell to find out!
Cloudbreak used to be only accessible by surfers staying on the locally located Tavarua island Surf Resort however has been opened up and is now accessible by anyone who has access to a boat in Fiji. This wave offer the opportunity to get the barrel of a lifetime and whilst footage out there suggests flawless barrels this wave can be a tricky beast to master. The wave often sections keeping the likes of Kelly Slater on their toes. The outside section at the top of the reef can hold some serious size and allows for some steep roll-ins leading into a big wall of water which invites a well planned speed turn. From here you’re led into Middles which where things start to get hollow. Speed is your friend here and you’ll travel quickly through sections of the throwing lip travelling a large distance in very little time. Insides or Shish-kobabs is where it gets super shallow and super hollow with the wave breaking as wide as it is high. This wave is for advanced and more competent surfers and less competent surfers will not find any reprieve from the intensity of the wave on the end section as can normally be expected on most waves. If anything Shish-Kebabs is the most intense part of the wave. The three sections don’t often link up but when they do on large South South West (SSW) swells and Southeast winds this wave truly becomes the South Pacific’s jewel, flawless top to bottom barrels can be ridden from take off to kick out. The only limit is you!
Dealing with the heavy waves, frisky trade winds and currents requires advanced to expert skill levels but there are other danger you should be aware of to deal with the tropical wave. Razor sharp live coral has caused its far share of cuts over the years and will continue to do so for years to come. Keep an Eye out for the odd well fed shark, Stonefish and Sea snakes! The real sniper is the sun, make sure you come well prepared with sunscreen, water a surf top and surf hat to ensure you’re ready the next day and the next!
Travelling here and surfing this typical paradise is truely a treat that most surfers will next get to experience, if you are lucky enough to visit Cloudbreak or Tavarua for that mater make sure you enjoy it, you are one of a privileged few who experience the dream that is Cloudbreak – Big blue barrels in a tropical island paradise.
What are the best surf conditions for Cloudbreak?
Gets good between head high and triple overhead plus. We recommend riding a shortboard, then step up, then gun as the size picks up. This break is suitable for intermediate to pro level surfers. The surf here is consistent (7/10) and will always have a crew (7/10). The best winds are from the Southeast. The best swells are from the South, Southwest, or West. Works on all tides.
We recommend wearing boardshorts or a bikini all year. Water temperatures stick between 27 and 24. See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
