After 25 Years…Fiji’s Surfing playground is open to Everyone on July 9th, 2010

Call it what you will…July 9th, 2010 is a huge date in Fiji Surf history & for Surf history overall. For myself, something I will never forget…being the 1st boat to pull up to Fiji’s most famous wave, Cloudbreak, and surf without staying on Tavarua Resort or obtaining permission.

Below is from Surfline’s article…

Fiji’s government moved swiftly to sign into law its Surfing Decree, making it effective July 9, 2010. Now anyone with a surfboard and a boat can access Cloudbreak and Restaurants on Tavarua, or Swimming Pools on nearby Namotu — and any other surf spot that previously may have been restricted — no fees, no fuss, no argument.
Indeed, those trying to shoo encroachers off their would-be exclusive surf spots face harsh penalties: a fine of $10,000 for a company or $1,000 for an individual, plus a possible two years in jail. If anyone is concerned that a world-class break like Cloudbreak will soon see the same kind of rough justice that constitutes crowd control at Pipeline, hold your judgment. A close reading of the Decree reveals that acts of localism will be subject to the same penalties.