Working in Fiji??

[m and m]

hi,
Me and my partner are luck enough to be heading off to Waidroka Bay Surf and Dive Resort to work as instructor and Divemaster soon. Was wondering if anyone has had any experiences with the diving or surfing in the region or the resort. Is it like some asian countrys where you can't drink the water? What is the local food like?

looking foward to hearing others words of wisdom

MnM

 

[Diverblam]

I just came back from a trip in Fiji, Beqa Lagoon to be exact. On the mainland, the water is not soo good... but if you're going to be out on one of the more remote islands, the water is OK to drink.... unless it storms. Rain creates runoffs and if your stomach isn't used to it, then you'll get sick. But if you'll be working and living there, then I'm sure your body will get used to it.

May I ask, how did you get the job? I'm working on getting my rescue and then dive masters cert... and am LONGING to go back to Fiji and work on one of the remote island resorts... would you please let me know how your job goes? Please send me a link to where you will be working... perhaps they are looking for more divemasters soon?

Thank you, good luck, and ENJOY!
Beverly

 

[_Bella_]

Fiji water is cheap there j/k You could always drink Kava, which is rank imho...

I found real fijian food a little bland, plain fish with root veg and some kind of slippery cabbage. There is a large Indian population so food with indian influence is a little better if you like it.

 

[Mike Veitch]

M and M.. i like your Cressi freediving fins..

I worked in Fiji for short time but that was on Aggressor so most stuff was pretty easy as we had our supplies delivered to the ship. WE had an indian cook when i was there, i love Indian food!

lots of fresh fruit that is for sure. If you are on a resort island i am sure you will get the same food as guests so i wouldn't worry about the food, will be great. Water? not really sure, probably difft on each island but again, if they have a resort i wouldn't be worryin about it.

Just go and have a great time!

 

[m and m]

hi

Thanks for the great feedback guys! Diverblam - I got the job by sending out lots of emails to different dive resorts that also offer surfing...(cause that what i like ) In the email i basically just outline my 'dream' life style and asked if the recipiants had any position for me or knew of anyone. 2 days later i got an email back from http://www.dive-surf-fiji.com.fj/ and it all went from there!

Kava - now that would be one way to relax diving .. imagine the great air consumption!

Mike - thanks bout the fins... nice spotting !!

 

[Diverblam]

hiya... thanks for the info... Its what I've started do to too... I've got some drafts ready to send to several places in Fiji... except I still need to work on my dive master cert and am hoping that I can get that done there too. It's EXTREMELY encouraging to know that this method worked for you. =)

You're helping me keep my hopes up.
Bev

 

[m and m]

yeah ..don't give up, although i am just about to do my idc/ie. Not much work as a Divemaster but as an instructor ... well the worlds your oyster!

 

[rickydazla]

On islands here it basically depends on the state/amount of its rain water tanks and/or whether the resort has a regularly maintained desalination unit. The former is usually earthy tasting but ok so long as mossies haven't laid any eggs and the latter usually still has a fairly high salt content and tastes like gak!

Fijian food is fresh but bland - coconut and spinach are key ingredients and if you like carbs you'll love casava and dalo. There are nice seasonal fruits and veg cooked very plainly, often using coconut (this often throws a lot of people - if you get the squits it's because your stomach can't take the raw coconut juice yet). Indian food is great as the ingedients are likewise fresh. Basically, if you don't like spicy food or coconuts then you're ****ed!

Diving is great. Surfing is great.

Might see you.

Might not.


Rick

 

[m and m]

Thanks ricky dazzla - thats some great news - we love spicy and cocont. Now just gotta live 3 months in winter Perth (not that bad really - diving every week and getting paid for it!) till we are living the dream!! Warm water friendly fijians will be a welcome change!

 

[rickydazla]

If you have an ipod bring it. Most resort cd collections are crap. Likewise dvd's. If you have a guitar, bring it. If you don't buy one, you'll have plenty of time to learn. Bring some novelty t-shirts and caps from your home town - it'll save your favourites getting stolen and it's always amusing to see cane farmers walking around wearing Gettin Lucky in Kentucky gear! Don't bring any shoes at all - they take up too much room, you will never wear them and somebody will steal them. Bring a 5mm long suit if you are going to be here in June/July/August. Pack up plenty of Betadine and plasters. And rizlas.