Surfing
Welcome to Cloudbreak – the dreamiest stop on tour.
It’s a wildcard
Look no further than the 2012 event, when the historic 'Thundercloud' session saw some of the biggest tubes ever paddled into. And just two weeks ago, another mega-swell hit that was not quite as good as 2012's, but wasn’t – based on Dane Gudauskas's perfect freight train in the clip above – too shabby. The message here? No one knows what to expect during the Fiji Pro until the swell charts come together the week before, revealing the fate awaiting the pros. Ask any of them and they’ll tell you: there’s butterflies when a big swell’s on the horizon.
Almost perfect
Let’s face it, no wave is entirely perfect, start to finish. But if you were to poll pros and civilians alike, there’s no doubt they’ll concur that of all the great waves of the world, Cloudbreak remains near the very top. Light winds, crystal clear water and sky, and a handful of feet of long-period swell spells dream conditions at Cloudbreak – and very long barrels. Jordy Smith, toying with perfection.
You get two helpings
While we’re talking perfection, let’s not forget to mention Restaurants. Too big and sheared by relentless wind at Cloudbreak? No problem – pack up the gear and head over to Restaurants, which peels somewhat endlessly around the conveniently heart-shaped island of Tavarua. Not only do the tubes drain at Restaurants, but the air sections are plentiful. With a switch from Cloudbreak to Restaurants, suddenly the Fiji Pro goes from a barrel comp to a high-performance comp.
A classic rivalry
Here’s how it works: The Americans stay on Tavarua, and the Australians stay on Namotu. (The Brazilians split between the two.) This breakdown has existed for so long that a healthy rivalry between the two islands has developed. And the best part is that the most competitive players in the game are the Fijians who work on the islands. Come finals day, the resorts’ staff are on an extended break and out in the channel at either Cloudbreak or Restaurants, representing. And when the final comes down to a Tavarua guest pro and a Namotu guest pro – well, then it’s really on.
It’s paradise
From the warm water, roping tubes, crew hanging out in the channel watching the show, and the hospitality on the islands, the Fiji Pro is the most relaxed event on schedule (unless another Thundercloud swell shows up). With all that perfection, it's kinda hard for the pros to remember they're there to work – but they always do, just at the right moment, when the jersey's on and a set is standing up on the horizon.