“Bula”, we’re finally here!

Thanks to our sponsor, Air Pacific, our flight was comfortable and hassle free, with friendly and accommodating flight attendants.

The drive out to the boat launch is quickly forgotten as you get in the boat and near the two islands sitting out in the sea. Namotu’s crystal clear waters, surreal turquoise contrasting with the royal blue of deeper sea feels unreal no matter how many times you’ve come and gone.

Our gracious hosts, legends, Scotty and Mandy and their three golden labs,

are quite possibly the luckiest employers having Waqa, and Sova and their crew. From attitude to efficiency, joyful and diligent, it’s difficult not to mentally compare their service to that of most others.

Beauty and perfectly placed native art and sculptures being everywhere you look, it’s impossible to frown or find a bad seat.

Heading over to the Intercontinental for the press conference and planning for the is again worth the long drive once you arrive. A complete opposite of the intimate paradise of Namotu Island, the Intercontinental’s sprawling lawns and sheer vastness holds a very modern, expansive appeal.

Interconti will host tomorrow’s  ‘Opening Ceremony’ for the Namotu Paddle Challenge, along with the Youth Clinics assisted by our visiting athletes on their private beach, Natadola. These pro watermen and women interact and instruct the children one-on-one in SUP and surfing.

This race marks the first ever 19mile SUP run from Natadola to Namotu Island and we are all very excited to see the results of this landmark elite event!

• Entry form for the North Shore Paddle Challenge at Turtle Bay Resort
• Entry form for the Namotu World Paddle Challenge Fiji, presented by Air Pacific

  For Stand Up World Tour events at Huntington Beach and Maresias in Brazil, please email entry@watermanleague.com stating contact details and event entered