Im going to Fiji in a few weeks..I am not taking any windsurfing gear.I am just wondering if anyone has Windsurfed in Fiji and if anyone has hired gear there..
Select to expand quotekpb said..
Im going to Fiji in a few weeks..I am not taking any windsurfing gear.I am just wondering if anyone has Windsurfed in Fiji and if anyone has hired gear there..
Fiji is a big place. Where are you going?
Yep - all depends on where you're going. Was there in May and the wind was perfect a few days but not a windsurfer in sight. Be very careful about reefs. I started a post on this topic before I went, found the name of one place out on one of the islands. Find the previous thread, I think it was mentioned there.
Can't recommend this article enough... 
the punter's guide to sailing 15-foot cloudbreak - Windsurf Magazine
www.windsurf.co.uk/.../the-punters-guide-to-sailing-15-foot-cloudbreak/
Mana Island is absolutely beautiful, you can walk off the beach and go snorkling in coral. I went there in 2005 and they didn't hire out any windsurfing gear then. Also went to Plantation Island and they had 2 dinosaur crappy old lots of gear for hire. Deneru is just a section on the main island full of glamorous hotels, the sea is pretty uninviting off there. Had one day of wind (the day I decided to do a dive trip) in the 10 days and I had a little kite session in the afternoon off Plantation Island.
Did a day trip out to Plantation and low and behold there was free ride gear there. Only one decent board though Naish 115 lt or something like that and a decent 6.5m. Problem is though it only takes one person to break it and that seems it. Plantation was good place to sail with the wind cross shore on one of there beaches and a big channel (maybe a km run) till the reef so wasn't tide dependent from memory, but only was there for a few hours. This was about 2 years ago.
I just stayed at Safari Lodge and wouldn't recommend it, overpriced, overrated. I think you can stay for about $30 Fiji per night if you turn up but if you book from Australia it's highway robbery. No beach, just coconut lined reef and you have to walk a long way in the water to be able to windsurf through the "keyhole" in the reef.
Select to expand quotesunday said..
I just stayed at Safari Lodge and wouldn't recommend it, overpriced, overrated. I think you can stay for about $30 Fiji per night if you turn up but if you book from Australia it's highway robbery. No beach, just coconut lined reef and you have to walk a long way in the water to be able to windsurf through the "keyhole" in the reef.
Sunday, in another of his 3 posts slagging safari lodge says "As far as I could see everyone took their own gear so I don't know how good the gear is."
Yet as you walk into the resort you walk past a 20m long rack, full of resort JP boards.
Every time a thread pops up about Fiji and Safari Lodge gets mentioned these strange posters emerge to flame SL.
be aware that it is usually the same individuals using various alias's that have a vested interest in attacking Warren and Safari Lodge.
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..sunday said..
I just stayed at Safari Lodge and wouldn't recommend it, overpriced, overrated. I think you can stay for about $30 Fiji per night if you turn up but if you book from Australia it's highway robbery. No beach, just coconut lined reef and you have to walk a long way in the water to be able to windsurf through the "keyhole" in the reef.
Sunday, in another of his 3 posts slagging safari lodge says "As far as I could see everyone took their own gear so I don't know how good the gear is."
Yet as you walk into the resort you walk past a 20m long rack, full of resort JP boards.
Every time a thread pops up about Fiji and Safari Lodge gets mentioned these strange posters emerge to flame SL.
be aware that it is usually the same individuals using various alias's that have a vested interest in attacking Warren and Safari Lodge.
I sense a bit of resentment here. I've sailed off that beach, when I was there it was a nice beach, yes plenty of coconut trees! You only have to walk out when the the tide is low, yes it is tidal. There are coral bommies which u need to avoid as they can give u a nasty infection. I had some great sailing there when the wind was up. I had my own gear but the gear at the lodge looked pretty good At the time. Also I know that warren is a competent instructor.
as far as value goes, you need to shop around and make up your own mind.
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..sunday said..
I just stayed at Safari Lodge and wouldn't recommend it, overpriced, overrated. I think you can stay for about $30 Fiji per night if you turn up but if you book from Australia it's highway robbery. No beach, just coconut lined reef and you have to walk a long way in the water to be able to windsurf through the "keyhole" in the reef.
Sunday, in another of his 3 posts slagging safari lodge says "As far as I could see everyone took their own gear so I don't know how good the gear is."
Yet as you walk into the resort you walk past a 20m long rack, full of resort JP boards.
Every time a thread pops up about Fiji and Safari Lodge gets mentioned these strange posters emerge to flame SL.
be aware that it is usually the same individuals using various alias's that have a vested interest in attacking Warren and Safari Lodge.
How would you know if it is the same individuals sledging Safari Lodge or multiple individuals that are reporting their experiences? Just because they are complaining about the place does not mean its the same people, although it just as easily could be, but how would you know?
Why would anyone want to give a bad rap to the place. There are no competitors on the island, so it makes no sense.
While there are no direct competitors now, there are other resorts and have been in the past and it is friends and relatives of these that seem intent on these attacks. It is obvious that anyone walking in the gateway of Safari Lodge would see the Sailboard rack so therefore Sunday's comments show he hasn't been there.
An example being Trip advisor where the one NZ individual related to a competing resort on the Island produced a series of fake ID's and set about trying to destroy a business.
At the Beach there are some rocks that indicate tide height and crossing from the lagoon to deep water is fine from easy half tide up.
The lagoon area is huge and offers smooth enough water aplenty for practicing your gybes, and the bombies which are extremely clearly visable offer areas of smoother water to turn in if you need it.
further out at a reef point there are some sweet ramps for Bump&Jump and even in the higher winds it is a fun blast every where.
If you elect to go out to the outer reef at low tides then you have about 5Nautical miles of flat water broad reachs and if you elect to ride back there is lots of small waves that will get you a bottom and top turn or more.
this picture shows the gear we had just been out on.
the missile is mine the JP from the board rack, we are standing in front of Safari Lodge and the reef line is another 50 or so metres past top of pic. and it is blowing about 17kts.
I can't comment on Safari Lodge, but I went to the same location a few years back. At the level I was at then, it was a bit difficult for me. I was learning to water start, and having the exposed reef there at low tide made me a little wary. Now, I am sure I wouldn't have a problem, but back then it was a battle between water starting and being scared of having the gear dragged across the reef.
I know when I was there there were quite a few broken fins because of the reef. At high tide it is fine, and at low tide its fine, but in between you could never quite guess where the reef was.
I know there were some problems with the guys from a kitemag a few years back, but you can't assume every review as being from them. I have met two people that went there relatively recently and didn't think it was as good as they had expected. If it has been improved even more since then, then I am sure that you will start to get even more positive reviews.
On the other hand, it is always difficult to get accurate reviews of windsurfing destinations as everyone describes their spot as 'flat water' and 'always windy'. It's just good to get a few real reviews so you can be a bit more tolerant when the wind doesn't kick in.
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..sunday said..
I just stayed at SafariLodge and wouldn't recommend it, overpriced, overrated. I think you can stay for about $30 Fiji per night if you turn up but if you book from Australia it's highway robbery. No beach, just coconut lined reef and you have to walk a long way in the water to be able to windsurf through the "keyhole" in the reef.
Sunday, in another of his 3 posts slagging safari lodge says "As far as I could see everyone took their own gear so I don't know how good the gear is."
Yet as you walk into the resort you walk past a 20m long rack, full of resort JP boards.
Every time a thread pops up about Fiji and Safari Lodge gets mentioned these strange posters emerge to flame SL.
be aware that it is usually the same individuals using various alias's that have a vested interest in attacking Warren and SafariLodge.
If you read the other post correctly, it was a kitesurfing forum and they don't keep kites out in the weather (I hope not anyway). In fact while I was there from June 21 till July 5 this year they were doing construction on various things including new board racks. I know because I could hear drop saws and drills all day and at night until 10pm. Anyway the point is I wouldn't know a good windsurfing board if I fell over it which is why I didn't comment on this forum about gear, but they just weren't kept there while construction was on anyway. A couple of paddle boards and not much else.
The only reason I know about the windsurfing "keyhole" was because I asked the windsurfers why they walked out so far before they took off, it didn't seem to make sense, and it makes no difference to the fact that Safari Lodge is rip off and not that flash.
By the way, I'm a she, not a he, and if you'd like to know who these "strange posters" are, have a look at trip advisor, I'm on there too :)
To be quite honest the only reason I can think of as to why you would post "be aware that it is usually the same individuals using various alias's that have a vested interest in attacking Warren and SafariLodge" is because you are Warren from Safari Lodge...? and why would you take a quote from a kitesurfing forum out of context??
What possible "vested interest" could I have apart from saving some other poor soul from wasting their money on an overpriced backpackers.
Cheers,
Sara H. _as listed on trip advisor, not an alias, you conspiracy theorist you :)
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..
At the Beach there are some rocks that indicate tide height and crossing from the lagoon to deep water is fine from easy half tide up.
The lagoon area is huge and offers smooth enough water aplenty for practicing your gybes, and the bombies which are extremely clearly visable offer areas of smoother water to turn in if you need it.
Tony, where is this 'lagoon' at Nananu-I-Ra? I have heard people mention it a few times, but there is no lagoon, is there?
I think the word lagoon conjures up the idea of a sheltered, flat, protected body of water, but I don't remember seeing one of those there. Do you have to get to it by boat?
Sunday had till now 3 posts in 2 forums all flaming Safari Lodge. With no other sustenance.
That's me in the Picture I posted. Warren has sissy blonde hair.
Formula nova, here is a video that from about 45secs shows the area off Safari Lodge. the lighter colored area to the right which extends toward beach and down to left is an area of reef protected water I call the Lagoon (for want of an easier word).
the area in picture is where there are the low tide gaps.
My wife who just occasionally when things feel perfect gets into her harness has no problems crossing the reef.
I have seen more people get into trouble on rocks and reefs in Australia.
Tropical Islands have reef, respect it and you are ok. Pt Danger, Brighton beach, and others have reefs of sharp rock, respect it and you are ok,
I can say the same for many many places in Australia.
Try launching at Hawaii Ki, on Oahu then talk to me about reefs.
Or maybe you should try a launch at Hookipa, that will put Fiji into another perspective.
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..
Sunday had till now 3 posts in 2 forums all flaming Safari Lodge. With no other sustenance.
That's me in the Picture I posted. Warren has sissy blonde hair.
Formula nova, here is a video that from about 45secs shows the area off Safari Lodge. the lighter colored area to the right which extends toward beach and down to left is an area of reef protected water I call the Lagoon (for want of an easier word).
the area in picture is where there are the low tide gaps.
Hi Tony, thanks for the explanation. I have sailed there, but I never noticed any reef out further. I probably wouldn't call it a lagoon, as I expect a lagoon is more protected and has shallow water. The lagoon at Lord Howe Island has a ring of reef and the water is relatively shallow so it keeps down the chop. Maybe I would have noticed it if I had sailed it more.
Regardless of what you think of Sunday's review, it is good to see some postings from people that have actually been there.
It is interesting to read some of the reviews on Trip Advisor. Even the positive reviews where someone has recommended the place to others still mentions that they felt a bit cheated on the way they are charged. Maybe Warren doesn't realise that if he is a bit more upfront with charges, people don't get so upset when they are hit with them. This is the positive reviews, so you can assume that they are legitimate reviewers, with legitimate reviews.
Anyway, its not my place, all I care about is that people have an accurate idea of what the conditions are like before they go there. It is always good to see reviews, as, as I have mentioned, all the resorts say 'it's always windy', and it is all 'flat water'. Even on a trip to Dahab, all the websites for the place said it was super windy, and the month I went had so many percentages of days over a certain windspeed. What they don't tell you is that even though its windy, its also very gusty, and the wind dies like clockwork at around 2 or 3pm, at which point you need to start sailing back or get stuck in the offshore wind.
Similarly, I went to Margarita, and the reviews were super positive. Compared to some places in Aus, it was pretty average.
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..
Sunday had till now 3 posts in 2 forums all flaming Safari Lodge. With no other sustenance.
That's me in the Picture I posted. Warren has sissy blonde hair.
Formula nova, here is a video that from about 45secs shows the area off Safari Lodge. the lighter colored area to the right which extends toward beach and down to left is an area of reef protected water I call the Lagoon (for want of an easier word).
the area in picture is where there are the low tide gaps.
My wife who just occasionally when things feel perfect gets into her harness has no problems crossing the reef.
I have seen more people get into trouble on rocks and reefs in Australia.
Tropical Islands have reef, respect it and you are ok. Pt Danger, Brighton beach, and others have reefs of sharp rock, respect it and you are ok,
I can say the same for many many places in Australia.
Try launching at Hawaii Ki, on Oahu then talk to me about reefs.
Or maybe you should try a launch at Hookipa, that will put Fiji into another perspective.
Telling the truth about Safari Lodge is the point, I searched the seabreeze forum before I left but no one had said much about Safari Lodge, then I spent a lot of time, effort and money on my holiday. Now I know Warren is a greedy man who only cares about his back pocket. I'd prefer it if no one else got ripped off like I did and at least 2 other people I know of. If you want to go to Nananu-i-ra stay at MacDonalds or Bethams 50 metres away, much nicer and as I said in one of my other posts a quarter of the price.
Although wind or kite surfing is a massive part of a holiday it is not everything and my experience at Safari Lodge soured an otherwise good trip, pity.
And your "lagoon" is definitely for want of a better word, it is quite open to the ocean only protected on the downwind side (where you launch) by reef. I think the only way to a sheltered, flat piece of water in Nananu-i-ra is via your imagination ...or when there is no wind.
Sorry Ral Inn, but your profile says 'running holiday/clinics to Fiji'. Is it you that has a reason to provide biased information about Safari Lodge? None of the other comments here appear to be from anyone with any commercial interest in Fiji.
Select to expand quoteWahine said..
Sorry Ral Inn, but your profile says 'running holiday/clinics to Fiji'. Is it you that has a reason to provide biased information about Safari Lodge? None of the other comments here appear to be from anyone with any commercial interest in Fiji.
My profile is what it is and clearly states my interests as such.
there are many Kiting and windsurfing shops and schools besides me who do such clinics and holidays to Safari Lodge and have done so for quite some time now.
The rates for Safari Lodge are on their website and as with any holiday to any resort in any country, you should show due diligence with setting what you pay and for what, before you go and take copies of correspondence with you.
My wife and I have been to a few countries and this is what she does. and I can't think of one trip where there has been confusion sorted by having such documentation.
With our trips to Fiji with our clients we have everything sorted into a single price. Never a problem.
But for those that go outside a group such as ours, then they have to watch how quickly all the extras add up. Like boat trips, beer and snacks and internet etc.
Best to negotiate as much of an all inclusive deal at start.
Then no shocks on how much you racked up on your tab. Which then leads to resentment that leads to Flaming. This is a universal thing across all industries that have to deal with Joe Public.
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..Wahine said..
Sorry Ral Inn, but your profile says 'running holiday/clinics to Fiji'. Is it you that has a reason to provide biased information about SafariLodge? None of the other comments here appear to be from anyone with any commercial interest in Fiji.
My profile is what it is and clearly states my interests as such.
there are many Kiting and windsurfing shops and schools besides me who do such clinics and holidays to Safari Lodge and have done so for quite some time now.
The rates for Safari Lodge are on their website and as with any holiday to any resort in any country, you should show due diligence with setting what you pay and for what, before you go and take copies of correspondence with you.
My wife and I have been to a few countries and this is what she does. and I can't think of one trip where there has been confusion sorted by having such documentation.
With our trips to Fiji with our clients we have everything sorted into a single price. Never a problem.
But for those that go outside a group such as ours, then they have to watch how quickly all the extras add up. Like boat trips, beer and snacks and internet etc.
Best to negotiate as much of an all inclusive deal at start.
Then no shocks on how much you racked up on your tab. Which then leads to resentment that leads to Flaming. This is a universal thing across all industries that have to deal with Joe Public.
Let me tell you a little bit about your mate and colleague Warren, I did have the whole package, everything was paid for and a damn good rate for him it was. Hot water was supposed to be included and according to his website a "quiet friendly boutique resort". I explained that my six year old son could not eat gluten and knowing the difficulty this posed asked if he could accommodate it or I could bring something. His written email response which I had with me said, and I quote "No problem with the gluten free food, we will take care of that."
For the first 10 days he simply did not provide any breakfast only toast and cereal both of which are wheat based, I was forced to give my son popcorn and corn chips (the only snack food I had bought) for breakfast or he would have had no food. I'm sure you know there is nothing else available on the island. Several nights we were served pasta for dinner, my 6 year old cried when everyone had pasta and he was expected to eat just the sauce so I let him have some. He came home congested and covered in a rash, his reaction to gluten. To rub salt in the wound when I finally jumped up and down enough about the food because I was running out he got some from Suva. Why on earth didn't he do this in the first place.
What sort of person would do that to a 6 year old boy, or anyone for that matter?
The hot shower advertised on the website never eventuated, not once in two weeks. Warren offered for us to move to another Bure supposedly with hot water but after I accepted it never got cleaned. As for the "quiet" well, I couldn't hear it for the construction noise and fighting dogs. When I tried to talk to Warren about these issues, he "had a windsurfing lesson" and said he'd get back to me. Needless to say I'm still waiting, even though I tried several times.
It is basically a very overpriced backpackers and Warren's all inclusive price includes many things that simply aren't there, the only confusion that arose for me was where are the things he promised in writing and why won't he talk to me about the lack of them...?
Once Warren has your money, its gone and he doesn't care what you get in return. If you can't deal with Joe Public with a bit of honesty and integrity you shouldn't be in the business.
I have been to a lot of countries and never (even through India) have I experienced such a total lack of respect for anyone. At least in India getting ripped off is a bit of a game and everyone is in on the rules. This was just get the money up front and don't back it up with anything.
So Sunday, are you a windsurfer or a kitesurfer?
or was it your Husband that was there wind or Kitesurfing?
what year were you at Safari Lodge?
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..
So Sunday, are you a windsurfer or a kitesurfer?
or was it your Husband that was there wind or Kitesurfing?
what year were you at Safari Lodge?
Just out of interest, why is this relevant? Just reading the threads tells you that they are a kitesurfer and went to SL recently. Either they were a genuine guest or they are a trouble-maker.
Have things changed there at Safari Lodge? Was there a time when there was a lot of construction noise and things are better now?
Just from a comparison, you never seem to hear these problems, whether valid or not, from the 2nd wind trips to Cocos, but sometimes from SL. Why is that?
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..
So Sunday, are you a windsurfer or a kitesurfer?
or was it your Husband that was there wind or Kitesurfing?
what year were you at Safari Lodge?
I think it's pretty clear I am a kitesurfer, I said I wouldn't know a good windsurfing board if I fell over it and I know you've been following my posts with such interest :)
I just got back from Safari Lodge a few weeks ago, I was there this June July period so my comments are current and true. Ask Warren about the construction of BB4 and the board racks.
Since you seem to want to know more, I took my mother to babysit my children while I was kitesurfing and your friend Warren insisted on charging her for a full package as well, even though she is in her sixties and had two young children to look after. Needless to say she didn't take advantage of the waterskiing or diving or windsurfing or ocean kayaking that was included in the price he insisted on. He wouldn't even give her the second weekly discount even though it equated to the taxi fare he saved to and from the airport. I queried the prices before we left but he was all promises and I had nothing to compare it with as I hadn't been to Fiji before.
Like I said... I just don't want anyone else to get caught out like I did. It's really hard to tell what places are like from Australia and you have to pay all the money up front before you go so there is no bargaining power if someone chooses not to hold up their end of the deal. This was my experience and I hope others can learn from it.
Just getting to Cocos is pretty epic plus knowing you are sharing a house with a group and all the cooking and cleaning etc. means a more specific clientele.
SL try's to cater for a lot wider clientele. So a wider variety of people and wider variety of attitudes and expectations.
Some that should have stayed on the resorts of the manaluca's
Please remember I do not in any way speak for on on behalf of SL.
And after reading Sunday's epic tale of woe, about being upgraded to a Bure, and enduring the noise of improvements to the resort, of not being able to feed her girl all the fruits and eggs etc. all the salads available.
I feel that there should be a 4th intergalactic ship to join the hairdressers accountants, and telephone sanitisers, sent to find a new world. As in the hitch hikers guide to the galaxy.
One for whinging mothers with sickly spoilt brats.
VB'S ??? Is'nt it Fiji Bitter they serve on Nananu-i ra ??!!!!!???? 
I have never stayed at safari lodge but was told pretty abrubtly by the owner not to leave my rigged gear any where near his ......and I am not the only I know of to have had bad experiences with W.F !!!!
Keep your eyes peeled for a new resort opening on Nananu-i ra.....the owner is a dead keen windsurfer so your holiday options should greatly improve !!!! 
Well KPB now see what you've started!!!
If youre into SUP, maybe take an inflatable, there should be some nice spots to cruise around. But if you take a SUP you're guaranteed to get wind.
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..
Just getting to Cocos is pretty epic plus knowing you are sharing a house with a group and all the cooking and cleaning etc. means a more specific clientele.
SL try's to cater for a lot wider clientele. So a wider variety of people and wider variety of attitudes and expectations.
Some that should have stayed on the resorts of the manaluca's
Please remember I do not in any way speak for on on behalf of SL.
And after reading Sunday's epic tale of woe, about being upgraded to a Bure, and enduring the noise of improvements to the resort, of not being able to feed her girl all the fruits and eggs etc. all the salads available.
I feel that there should be a 4th intergalactic ship to join the hairdressers accountants, and telephone sanitisers, sent to find a new world. As in the hitch hikers guide to the galaxy.
One for whinging mothers with sickly spoilt brats.
Gee whiz Ral Inn, when you said "Some that should have stayed on the resorts of the manaluca's" I was starting to think we might get along. That's exactly what I've been trying to tell everyone, stay somewhere else.
Now I'm sensing some animosity :)
Please don't sell yourself short, you're speaking beautifully on behalf of SL.
P.S. I wasn't upgraded to a Bure, I paid for one. I got the construction noise, dodgy food and no hot water all for free!
