Chippa Wilson and Asher Wales score empty perfection of Fiji’s Coral Coast.
It was while the eyes of the surfing world were focused squarely on an upcoming swell at Cloudbreak that Chippa Wilson and Asher Wales snuck into Fiji under the radar and set up camp just around the corner on the Coral Coast at Matanivusi Eco Resort.
The progressive goofy footed duo were in the country for a photography workshop with the legendary Russell Ord and cinematographer Andre Rerekura, and while they knew the forecast was looking good, they had no idea they were about to experience a full-blown Fijian fantasy.
While everyone swarmed on Cloudbreak, Chippa and Asher took advantage of abandoned perfection. From sun-up till sun-down they feasted on windless, crowdless tubes at a variety of different setups.
The following images serve as testimony that there’s far more to a surf trip to Fiji than the Tavarua and Namotu region. And with a little bit of luck and knowledgeable hosts, the Coral Coast can deliver a surfing high that will stay with you for a lifetime.
All photo: Russell Ord /Vagabondphotographic
Chippa inspects a fine piece of Fijian roofing
Asher seeking shelter from the storm.
Wonderful things can be found on the Coral Coast’s outer reefs.
If there’s one surfer who’s gonna find some room to launch it’s Chippa.
Matanivusi Resort surf Guide, Luke, deep in the big blue folds of the Pacific.
Luke Barrett On the run down the reef and with plenty of room to move.
You can never have too many tubes on one wave, Asher squeezes one more in before the channel.
Chippa makes himself comfy in the eye of a Coral Coast special.
Nothing beats pre-perfection anticipation.
Nothing to do now but jump overboard and get amongst it.
Matanivusi Surf Guide, Luke Barrett, threading the eye of a fine blue needle.
The only thing that rivals the waves in Fiji is the fishing.
Yep, not a bad setup … not a bad setup at all.
If you have ever wanted to build your confidence in the water then we have teamed up with One Ocean International to run the first of its kind Surf and Waterman trip staying at Matanivusi Eco Resort on the Coral Coast of Fiji in June 2019. This will be an incredible life changing experience and you can see more details here.