Kayaking in the Islands

Recently five of us - average age just over 60 years, decided to test our energy levels and some seldom used muscles to kayak around part of the Kadavu Islands in Fiji.

To reach Kadavu we caught a very small plane (- thankfully with two pilots) and flew for about 40 minutes, finally landing at a tiny airport terminal complete with local chickens. Then, plus luggage – (the most horrid part - being personally weighed before boarding the plane) we clambered aboard a small rickety truck and slithered along an extremely rutted road to a small bay where we trudged through a mass of floating pumice ( result of an underwater volcano) to reach the transport boat.

Our first resort was reasonably rustic, but very comfortable with a large bedroom and ensuite complete with accompanying “rhinoceros beetles”. We became experts with swishing towels and eight went down the loo. Mosquito nets were supplied, but I preferred to smother myself with evil smelling repellent which more or less worked. The thrill of the second night - a lizard dropped off the roof - fortunately onto the mosquito net . We dined on delicious local food - fresh fish, cassava and dishes like taro leaves in coconut milk - all very tasty.

The sea kayaks were approximately 20 feet long, held two people enclosed in “kayaking skirts” and had a rudder at the stern end. Hats, sunglasses, masses of suncream, funny shoes and we were off, thankfully managing the paddling reasonably well. It was a wonderful feeling gliding so peacefully round the coastline, through streams bordered by mangroves, stopping for snorkeling and seeing flying fish skimming over the sea in front of us and once, even a glimpse of a turtle.

Lunch was enjoyed on a different beach each day and very unusual, but tasty food - cold curried potato, fried rice, cold cassava, olives, delicious homemade bread and fresh fruit (especially nice bananas)

A quick trip out to the reef to watch a “reef surfer” - unbelievably people take boats out, anchor them and then paddle out to enormous breakers, catch them (if they’re lucky) and surf. If not, they end up doing considerable damage to themselves by smashing onto the reef.

We were treated to a special feast prepared by women in a local village - lots of fish and locally grown crops. Respecting their custom we were all attired in long sulus with arms partially covered and we, as women had to sit with legs to one side while the men sat cross legged. This village also had a rather special pool table resplendent in its own small building and still requiring 20c to make it work - the pride and joy of the villagers. Just beyond it racks of kava roots dried, chickens scratched and pigs squealed in the bushes.

Finally, back to the tiny plane and another “weigh in” before flying home after lots of fun and a unique experience.

Editorial courtesy of Margaret Emerson, subscriber of DestinatioNZ, the travel newsletter for Kiwis from AA Tourism.

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