Just got Back from 2 weeks in on Nananu Island and I have to say, Yes they do have wind in Fiji! But like anywhere sometimes you just cant predict the weather. There were 10 Mexicans that had been there for 2 weeks wanting to kite but only got out 2 days because of lack of wind. They left the day before we arrived. Poor sods.
But as luck would have it the trade winds arrived with us and they blew day and night the whole time we were there. Spent the first couple of days in 15-18 knots on 16m kites and flat water, tucked in behind some reefs that are exposed at low tide. As the week bore on the wind built till we were in 18 22k knots on 12 & 13m kites. Second week provided cranking breeze. Was on my 9m in 25 knots+ till the last few days when it built to 35+ busted out the 7m for a couple of quick sessions but didn't do a lot of kiting in the last couple of days as the body was feeling the pain of 10 days straight kiting. The water was getting pretty choppy too and the tides werent allowing us to kite out behind the reefs.
The locals said that the wind was unusually strong at 30 - 40 Knots, actually the strongest they had ever seen it. I think you can pretty happily expect wind there most days from 10 -25 knots in an 8 day cycle. Light the first 2 days then building quite strong through the next 6 days before dropping back to another 2 days of light.
Nananu Island isn't exactly the perfect place to kite. There isn't anywhere that is really safe for beginners other than a sand bar only accessible by boat on the low tide.
We were staying at and kiting from Nananu Island Lodge (the backpackers) which was really the best place on the island in terms of launching and in my opinion the best place to kite too. Although this still involved bugger all beach at high tide + dodging palm trees, a couple of reefs and boats to get out. If you end dropping a kite out past the peninsula or when your out on the reefs there is nothing downwind for about 450km! But there are support boats around and a few of the guys had to be rescued at $35 / rescue or $75 / week for unlimited rescues. No one had any major kite mares although there is defiantly potential for things to go very wrong if you do something silly upwind of a reef. The wind can be a bit gusty and there was definitely some moaning from a few of the WA lads that insisted that their local spot back home was the best in the world Not really sure why they left home if that was the case. A strange breed.
We took a look at another beach near Beethams. This was a bit more sketchy in terms of launching (no beach and lots of sharp reef) but slightly better wind when it swung more through the east (usually in the mornings)
Nananu Island Lodge is a backpacker haven. Lots of people through there at this time of year. Its a true backpackers with 20 bed bunk rooms and very basic living. The Feejee Experience buses come through most nights bringing in 19 year old pommy gap students... Some of the lads were having a field day but if thats not your scene then you may prefer Beethams on another part of the Island. Much nicer accommodation and is pretty laid back with good food... but, not as good kiting from there unless you get a boat ride.
If you are into Diving there are some great soft and hard coral reefs around here and its definitely worth a look. I did a couple of days diving and it was by far the best I've done in a long time.
One thing I would do is avoid a guy named Warren "The Snake" Francis who runs Safari Lodge. He seems to run a fairly shady operation and from all accounts he's not liked by any of the locals, authorities or even the people that work for him.
My ratings:
Wind Rating: 8/10
It blew the whole time and but could get a little gusty at times.
Windy Season Mid June - End of Sept.
Kiting Location: 5/10
It was a bitch to launch and definitely not a place for a beginner. But if you've got your shit together then you'll be fine.
Holiday Destination: 7/10
Had a great time there, but if I wasn't kiting I'd probably have only handled 5 days there. If your into diving too then you'll be in heaven.
Value for Money: 10/10
Cheap as! I think I spent less than NZ$35 / day on accom, food and booze.
I'll get some photo's together soon and put them up too.
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