LOCAL BREAK
Three right hand reef breaks and one left are very close-by to Matanivusi:
J’s is a hollow, fast wave that breaks from 2-6 ft. It’s best around the high tide with winds from NE to W. It needs some west in the swell to run down the reef.
FIJI PIPE is a hollow and sometimes heavy left hand reef break that breaks really good on 2-6 ft swells. The SE trade winds blow offshore all day here during winter and can create some epic barrel rides.
VUNANIU is a short wedging right which has a bowl section at the end, usually smaller than other breaks. Good option for kids down on the inside at high tide.
SHIFTIES has a deep water take off making the break a ‘not too threatening’ ride. This outside point of the Barrier Reef picks up all the swell and can be double the size of J’s and Vunaniu. It is powerful and thick. When everywhere else is flat you can almost guarantee a 4 ft wave at Shifties. Also it can be surfed at all tides. Again a wind of the north quadrant is needed.
Frigates, about 20km out in the ocean, is a world class left that can rival Cloud break for power, size and consistency, but can get crowded.
Best time to go: If you’re looking for the biggest surf, June through August is best. Surfers looking for the cleanest surf possible – and the least crowded – the wet season from January through April is excellent. Many people prefer to visit in the shoulder months of March, April, May and September, October, November, hoping to get those glassy conditions with early or late south west swells.