Our week at Fanning was a classic example of the versatility of this amazingly beautiful island. For better or worse, we live in a day and age in which accurate surf forecasting reduces the element of surprise. In our case, the forecast was dismal and our expectations for surf were low. Nevertheless, we caught a few fun waves at Fanning Left over the first five days of the trip, and spent the rest of our time enjoying the incredible fishing and snorkeling, exploring the island, and hanging out some of the most welcoming locals we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. 

Toward the end of the trip, we were pleasantly surprised by a bump in swell and had two days of super enjoyable sessions amongst the postcard perfect backdrop of glistening turquoise water, white sand, and palm trees. Empty 2-3ft waves rolled into the bay where we were waiting to glide across their empty, smooth walls created by the favourably light winds around. 

With sun-kissed smiles and surfed out guests, our inaugural trip to Fanning was a smashing success. So much for forecasts!

Juliette Budge – [email protected]

Fanning Left: long, playful and ridable from 2ft to 12ft.

The new swell arrives at Fanning Island Left. With only five of us out, a lot of waves went unridden.

Fanning Left wraps down the very flat, forgiving reef. Unlike so many other destinations in the Pacific, it’s a lot more fun and playful than scary.

Light spinning for papio and omilu (white and bluefin trevally) out at Irapa Pass, Fanning Island.

Big omilu (bluefin trevally) caught trolling, Fanning Island.

Maria with a kaku (barracuda) and Chris with a big omilu (bluefin trevally), both caught trolling at Fanning Island Resort.

Chris staying on the good side of the local heavies, Fanning Island.

Fanning Left, what a fun surfing is all about.

The water is so clear on Fanning that it’s sometimes hard to tell where the sky ends and the ocean begins. Chris having fun on a small day.

Ryder on the end section, Fanning Left.