Johnny Maher – Fiji Boatman

Dear Matuse Family,

I just finished a month long stint working as a Boatman on Tavarua Island, Fiji.

We had a series of solid swells rope through the reefs over the past month that kept us surfing all day, everyday. There are a bunch of surf spots in the area that are easily accessed by boat from Tavarua. Cloudbreak is the best wave, offering big barrels that drain for hundreds of yards. However Restaurants, Wilks, Swimming Pools, The Right, and even the Namotu Left get epic. It is fun to mix up daily surf sessions by bouncing around all the different waves. Since they all work with different wind directions there is always an offshore wave to surf in the zone.

When the surf gets small we are always spearfishing. There are lots of big fish in the area and the waters are some of the clearest on the planet.

Since I have grown up working with the Fijians on Tavarua for over 16 years, we are like family. The Fijians from the local villages are some of the coolest and most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I love them.

I use the Philo when surfing the shallow reefs in the area. It helps protect me from the sun and also from getting shredded during reef slams. Plus, when the trades are kicking early in the morning the Philo keeps me warm.

For more on my Fiji trip and to join me on some awesome surf trips through my guide service John Sebastian Travel – check out my blog http://www.hungrywalrus.com/jkmtrips/

Vinaka vakalevu, thanks, Johnny