Beginner Surf Lessons in Fiji
I visited Fiji last year and wanted to include some beginner surf lessons in Fiji! Since it’s known as a surfing destination and I want to improve I thought for sure there would be plenty of options! Well, there are options, but Fiji’s waves are more advanced as a whole!
While I loved island hopping in Fiji, the beginner surfing lessons booking process was not as smooth! However, I’ll share my experience and hopefully it will be a better process for you!
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Planning Stages | Beginner Surf Lessons in Fiji
I contacted two surf schools in advance to book surf lessons while in Fiji. Perhaps, this is where I should have cancelled the whole idea and just added more Fiji island hopping on the Yasawa Island ferry to my itinerary. Though I did get a lesson on my last day!
No Booking in Advance
I tried to book in advance with the surf coach out of Fiji Beachouse. He said he doesn’t book in advance and might not even be around while I’m there. It is possible that the time of year I was in Fiji was just bad, but spoiler, this happened to me again!
With no advance booking option there, I kept researching and found another surf school, Fiji Surf Co. While they wouldn’t book me in advance, they did say to reach out once I’m on the island. This was frustrating, but I decided it was now my only option. At least they would be around.
While I don’t have a ton of experience booking surf lessons, I did do beginner surf lessons in Barbados and was able to book in advance! So I was surprised it wasn’t possible to do so in Fiji. If you are an advanced surfer it might be easier to book a boat ride to the great breaks in the Mamanuca Islands, but for beginner surf lessons in Fiji they didn’t want to book in advance.
Beginner Surf Breaks | Natadola Beach
So I read that Coral Coast in general is good for beginner surfing in Fiji, but even more specifically I read that Natadola Beach is a great spot! There are only two resort options on this beach and I booked at the cheaper option Yatule Resort and Spa at Natadola Beach.
I also read that Natadola Beach is one of the prettiest beaches on the main island, so that was another selling point! The other accommodation, which is the better option, is InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, an IHG Hotel.
How I Booked Beginner Surf Lessons in Fiji
While I couldn’t pre-book, I did email the Fiji Surf Co when I arrived in Fiji. However, on my first day I saw lessons taking place on Natadola Beach. I walked and tried to see if there was anyone I could talk to but I wasn’t able to connect with anyone. In the end, the receptionist helped and called a local who offers surf lessons!
Fiji Surf Co did end up emailing me back on Thursday to take a lesson on Friday. Unfortunately, the local teacher I spoke to told me the waves weren’t good and we could try Saturday. He suggested I do a tour or some other activity, so I booked a day trip to a Mamanuca sand dune only to see the email from Fiji Surf Co AFTER I booked it!
I was so bummed! And kind of annoyed with the whole thing. However, I do appreciate that they kept their word and contacted me! So I had to decline the lessons on Friday with Fiji Surf Co.
Surf Lessons on My Last Day in Fiji
Then Saturday, my LAST day, I finally got to take some surf lessons with the local coach. Two other people joined us who also just asked someone at reception for help with booking a lesson.
Overall, I appreciate that Fiji Surf Co was good about communicating and I wish I had seen the email before booking a tour! I think they are definitely worth reaching out to as they will respond!
The other option is just asking the resort to help you book a lesson. That is the route I ended up taking and I was able to finally get a lesson on my last day!
Coral Coast | Beginner Surf Lessons in Fiji
It’s worth noting these were not my first ever surf lessons! In Barbados, I’ve taken several lessons and could book them in advance! Fiji’s main island is a much bigger island to Barbados, so maybe that is the difference. However, beginner waves are mainly on the Coral Coast so it could also just be the Fiji way. And had I been able to take lessons with Fiji Surf Co, they would have taken me to a different beach from where I was staying.
I’m also not sure if it was the time of the year that was the issue with pre-booking or if that’s just common practice. Overall, I’m stumped as to why they don’t pre-book when you can for sure pre-book at other destinations.
How My Beginner Surf Lesson in Fiji Went
The resort called the coach for me and I spoke to him on the phone. He gave me a price and I agreed. He would meet me in the lobby the following day.
He arrived on time, but had sad news. The waves were not good! However, he still offered to take me to the neighboring beach for us to take a look at the conditions. Still the conditions just were not good! So he said according to the wave report and the windy conditions, the waves would likely not be good the next day, so we planned for Saturday (my last day on the island).
Finally Took My Beginner Surf Lesson in Fiji
On Saturday, I was ready and waiting in the lobby. There were two other people who would also be taking lessons. We ended up going to the beach directly next to Natadola Beach (though it might still be considered Natadola) and the surf coach carried the boards down to the beach.
On the beach, we were given a quick lesson on the best approach for standing. His technique was slightly different to what I learned in Barbados, but it was also good.
We got into the water and began to paddle out. My knee was still in recovery, so despite his lesson on the beach, I still ended up going onto my knees before standing. I know it’s not a good habit, but it just had to be that way at the time.
I knew my pop-up would not be up to par, but I also had wanted to improve on paddling into waves and just overall wave selection. While I can’t say I improved much, the surf coach did help me catch waves!
Overall, my beginner surf lessons in Fiji went well! The beauty of this beach was enough to make the experience positive! My lack of improvement was not the surf coach’s fault as my knee had its limitations AND there’s not much improving to be done in a few hours.
After surfing this spot for a while, the surf coach offered for us to check the conditions at Natadola Beach right in front of InterContinental Fiji. The conditions weren’t better but we surfed some small waves there before calling it a day.
My lesson took place on Saturday morning into early afternoon and I flew out that night! It was the final day in Fiji I finally got my beginner surf lesson!
Tips for Booking Beginner Surf Lessons in Fiji
Fiji Surf Co was friendly and great about responding and I definitely think they are worth emailing! They are also great if you are more advanced and want to surf Fiji’s best breaks! However, the easiest method is to just ask the resort for help! I definitely felt like my entire surf booking experience was the strongest taste of “Fiji time” I had while there!
My lessons at Natadola Beach were so picturesque and really added to the whole experience!
Overall, I was really excited about having surf lessons in Fiji, so the whole booking process felt disappointing. However, I recommend staying relaxed and letting the resort help you with booking lessons.
I also recommend staying at Natadola Beach! Aside from it being a great spot for beginner surf lessons in Fiji, it’s absolutely beautiful! My lessons here were so picturesque and really added to the whole experience!
Natadola Beach Resorts
October Weather in Natadola Beach
The weather was beautiful while I was in Fiji! It was warm during the day but cooled down (by my standards) during the evening. Average daytime temperatures range from 79°F to 85°F (26°C to 29°C), creating a comfortable environment for beach activities, snorkeling, and exploring the stunning surroundings. The evenings are slightly cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 70°F (21°C), perfect for a relaxed dinner by the sea.
The weather was amazing, but the ocean temperature felt a little cool for me! While surfing it’s good since you are putting out so much effort. However, for swimming or just being in the water, it felt too cool for my preference (but it’s not unbearable).
Island Hopping in Fiji
While I enjoyed my surf lesson and Natadola Beach was beautiful, it pales in comparison to island hopping in Fiji! If I was to do it again, I’d skip the main island and just continue to island hop.
The Mamanuca Islands are within a day boat trip of the main island, so if island hopping is not possible day trips are the next best thing. And the Mamanuca Islands are home to some of the best waves in the world, which means they aren’t good for beginner surf lessons. Though I did see an image that shows there is one beginner surf break in the Mamanuca’s.
If you don’t like moving around during your holiday, then island hopping is probably not going to be your preference. Some Yasawa Islands are also available for day trips, including to Kuata for either the bull shark dive or snorkeling with sharks!
Regardless on how you choose to approach your time in Fiji, I hope you love it as much as I did! It’s a paradise full of adventure and wonderful people!
Beginner Surf Lessons in Fiji
I hope this information on beginner surf lessons in Fiji was helpful! Before my trip, I never came across any simple advice and I wasn’t getting anywhere with surf companies I contacted. While I read about where to go, I became frustrated with not being able to pre-book.
So if this is on your Fiji holiday list be sure to enter “Fiji time” mode, and be prepared for last minute plans. I hope you have wonderful surfing conditions and the best time in Fiji! Bula!
