Pacific Islands, Fiji
Fiji's open-ocean left, breaking on a reef miles from any land.
| Wave height | 3.1 ft (2-4 ft) |
| Swell period | 8 sec |
| Swell direction | 196° |
| Wind | SE offshore 8.6 kt |
| Tide | mid / optimal |
| Surf score | 56 / 100 |
Cloudbreak is a left-hand reef break off Namotu Island in Fiji, breaking on a shallow reef pass surrounded by deep water. It is renowned for long, hollow walls and has hosted multiple WSL Championship Tour events. On the right day, the ideal swell window runs from S–SW (180–230°); groundswell with periods around 12–18s gives it the most shape; the wave is comfortably workable up to roughly 20 ft on the face. Best winds are E or SE, with N or S still rideable. Tide influences the wave moderately, so timing the swing helps line up the better sets. The sweet spot in our data sits between roughly 0.4 m and 1.4 m of tide height. Consistency is moderate - good days come in pulses tied to incoming swells. Expect warm, boardshort-friendly water. Expect a moderate crowd, especially on the best days. Logistically, it is roughly 1.5 hours from NAN airport; a boat transfer is required. This is an expert-only wave; it is heavy, hollow, and unforgiving, and the consequences of a bad wipeout are real. Board-wise, locals lean on step-up / gun.
The best window is typically Apr–Oct, when swells from S–SW (180–230°) are most consistent.
Cloudbreak handles size beautifully and is regularly surfed from four feet to twenty-foot-plus on long-period south swells.
No - this is an expert-only wave and is not appropriate for learners under any conditions.