Hot and Sweaty. . .

Cheyne Magnusson
20 June 2010 -

That’s how I can describe our first days here in Fiji. That’s optimum for me because I just want be underwater the whole trip anyways. That being said we have been logging some serious bottom time! Its day two and we already have three dives under our weight belts and one very successful free dive for yours truly. So far the marine life tally is through the roof with sightings of but not limited to: turtles, snapper, reef sharks, sea snakes, and my favorite Spanish mackerel.

So if you don’t know I am also an avid spearfisherman and the Fijian boat men were more than happy to let me jump in and try to catch some dinner the other night. I couldn’t believe my luck when my favorite reef fish swam underneath me right when I jumped in! So after two over excited botched shots I was able to pick off one of the medium size guys that was just a little to curious! I was so excited and I immediately made sure to dispatch of him as humanely and quickly as possible and rushed back to the boat. I made sure to be sure I filleted him myself so I knew NONE of this fish went to waste! He fed our entire crew and some of the Fijian staff here at our hotel and we even used the carcass for chum on our scuba dives. I want everyone to know that spearfishing is a very selective and conservatory way of obtaining fish for eating purposes. The first rule I ever learned and still live by is “never take more than you need.”

Surfing Cloudbreak Wave

Holly Beck
20 June 2010 -

Drop Zone to me means Alex Gray antics, Cheyne Magnussen’s smiling supercharged surf sessions, and endless amounts of waterborne adventure. This time I’ve got a wing-girl in Maria Del Mar, a Puerto Rican reggaeton dancing damsel that’s always up for a good time. The four of us showed up in Fiji, piled our boardbags high on a small rental car and lashed them down with surf leashes since no one thought to bring any board straps. We made a few circles ‘round a roundabout to fully admire a Hindu temple then found our way to a dirt road that led us to Seashell Cove – home base for the first few days of surf and diving adventures.

I’ve heard from too many people that Cloudbreak is one of the best waves in the world. Despite several trips to Fiji I’d never surfed it and was in denial. Yesterday Maria and I sat in a boat over the incredibly clear water fringing Tavarua Island freaking out - dancing, shaking, and yelling - while the rest of the group took their sweet time. Finally, all loaded up, we powered out to the outer reef and scrambled over each other to dive in and paddle out to butter smooth head high peeling blue lefts that barreled over hollow reef. Four hours later, the four of us had had more waves than we ever could have hoped for and I can now agree that Cloudbreak is one of the best waves in the world.

Hanging with the Chipmunk

Alex Gray
20 June 2010 -

Hello world. Rolled out of bed this morning to check out a chipmunk underwater. Cheyne posed with him. The rest of the day was filled with interviews. Bede Durbidge is coming tomorrow…….. Psyched

You stay naked …………World

My First Drop Zone Experience

Maria Del Mar Gonzalez
19 June 2010 -

I am super excited to be part of the group going to dive and surf in Fiji. It is like a dream made into a reality. Being on a trip with three other people that surf and dive with good vibes is amazing. I have been surfing for many years and I just started to dive, but doing these two things on the same trip is one of the best experiences of my life.

Fiji is a tropical island with warm water, colorful reefs and beautiful sunsets. Our first day at Fiji, it was not looking that tropical. It was cloudy, raining and not warm enough. Second day, we went surf to Wilks and it was too windy and a little cloudy. Between all, it was fun and nice because I was with cool friends and, of course, I need to have fun. I am in Fiji! After our surf session we went diving. Diving in Fiji is super excited because the colorful reefs and its sea life are in abundance.

Third day, we went to surf one of the best waves of the world, Cloudbreak. It is an incredible wave, where you can have the best surf session of your life. It was a sunny day and we were just four people at the break point. Surfing Cloudbreak with Holly, Cheyne and Alex really pushed me to go for the best waves. After this session we went to Tavarua, one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It’s not easy to get to this island - we are super lucky to have this great opportunity. Once we were there, none of us want to leave. This island has white sand, a lot of palm trees and clear water. I come from an island, but Tavarua has all my admiration. It is for sure an amazing place. If you have the opportunity to come to Fiji, don’t think about it twice, just go, enjoy it and have a lot of fun!

Tavarua!

Alex Gray
19 June 2010 -

Hello world. Tavarua. That’s right, I said it! Normally if you aren’t staying on Tavarua, it is forbidden to go on the island or surf the world class reefs surrounding it. But, thanks to Bob Para from Air Tahiti, we got the hall pass! Poseidon was on our side and granted us with 4 foot glassy, cloud break. Oh, and we were the only people out! I tried to tell Cheyne to go to school and he said “no brah, I’m in the tube!” I was really impressed with how confident Maria was over the shallow reef. Holly had a nic turn. After surfing, the generous people of Tavarua were nice enough to bring us on their island for lunch. We finished the day off with a bitchin dive. Ultra bitchin!

You stay naked………….WORLD

Drop Zone Fiji Trip Here I Come

Bede Durbidge
19 June 2010

I'm all packed and ready to go. I'm just leaving my house on the Gold Coast now to drive up to Brisbane to fly out for Fiji.

I'm meeting up with the rest of the crew on the trip tonight . I'm super excited to go dive in Fiji. I have only surfed there and the reefs and the water colour are amazing.

I'll let you know how it is when i get there.

Best Birthday Ever...

Alex Gray
18 June 2010 -

Hello world. June 18th was my birthday and thanks to the DZ crew it was one of the best ever! The day started off with a crystal clear blue dive. I ran into an illusive Puerto Rican Porpois. That was stiffening to say the least….. After that we had a quick lunch and headed back down on the regulators. Are you for scuba?? I saw a foot white tip (just the tip) and a turtle. The day finished off with a few Fiji bitters. All time. Thanks boyz for the epic BDAY!

You stay naked………..WORLD