A Journey to Fiji

I was surfing on another reef the night before and kept seeing these giant backwash waves bounce 20' + in the air every 10-20 minutes. I was surfing with two others and nobody wanted to get out so I could drive over and shoot this spectacular event across the way. The next afternoon we went back out to surf and I asked the boys if we could get out of the water 10 minutes before the sun set and zip over to find this backwash wrap of a wave phenomena. It worked out. Photo: Bo Bridges

My favorite little barrier island that offers so much and is so little. One small hiccup from mother nature and it could vanish, until then, I want to enjoy all that it has to offer; diving, snorkeling, surfing, Kitesurfing, fishing, and of course a perfect oasis bar. Shot with my remote heli. Namotu, Fiji. Photo: Bo Bridges

We hiked up into this waterfall. There was absolutely nobody around. I carried my camera gear up through the trails barefoot. I couldn't get the GPS to function and find the Satellites for my heli. I think the satellites were getting blocked by the mountain range and the fact that I was surrounded by so much beauty. But I felt I had to fly. I put it up and the thing just wanted to run. My hands were shaking a little, and I thought it was going to just run and take off for a second. Then a group of locals came up and saw what I was doing. I got some great shots and brought it down. I showed them a few and they took pictures of me and the wild aerial camera. The fijians are so welcoming and kind. They invited me to join them for some food and go for a swim. Both of which I did. Photo: Bo Bridges

The trail leading in was covered mostly with grass. Which also says a lot about the road less traveled. Locals were burning a large crop in the distance and ash and smoke are being blown camera left up and towards the waterfall. So dense. Photo: Bo Bridges

The falls. Long exposure, no tripod. I crept around trying to find a good little rock cranny to mount my camera on and take a longer exposure. The clouds moved in at the right time and let me shoot f22 at a second, which is pretty cool for late morning light and trying to capture the movement of the water. Photo: Bo Bridges

This was shot on Easter Sunday. Some of the locals from Qamea had asked us to join them for Easter Church Service. We were sitting right on the International dateline, so we got to celebrate Easter before anyone else in the world! Everyone sang songs and the entire service was spoken in Fijian. There's not one person there with a bad voice. All is as beautiful as the next. Photo: Bo Bridges

After the service, I asked if I could fly and get some aerial images and video. Some could not believe their eyes. A few couldn't even look up. They were stunned! I posted this shot later for one of the local boys on his facebook page so he could share with the others. Next time I go back, I'm taking some prints along with me. And if anyone is going to Qamea, let me know and I will send some over with you... Photo: Bo Bridges

Slipping through the Threshold. There's nothing cooler than having a large wave flush right over your body and escaping the wrath that waves are known to deliver. Photo: Bo Bridges

Tavarua. The heart shaped island so famous for its world class "private" surf spots like Cloudbreak and Restaurants. It's still private, but the breaks are now open for everyone to enjoy. Book your travel early if you plan on trying to get a room. The entire Island is only 29 acres. Photo: Bo Bridges

Namotu from the channel looking back. Photo: Bo Bridges

Free diving at high noon along one of the endless reefs Fiji offers. Photo: Bo Bridges

Over Under. Some of the reefs grow right up to the edge of the islands. The water is always crystal clear. This was shot close to the same island that Brooke Shields filmed The Blue Lagoon Photo: Bo Bridges

My favorite wave. Cloudbreak. I could surf this place all day long and never loose a smile. It's perfection! It's also a limited edition of 45 offered at Bo Bridges Gallery in Manhattan Beach, CA and online at BOBRIDGESGALLERY.com or BOBRIDGES.com. Photo: Bo Bridges

Duckdive. No matter who you are or how good you are, there's always a set that swings wide and gets ya. This day was a about 10' (faces). I was shooting with a 50 mm lens and Gavin was paddling back out towards me when this set wave swept through. This being the first of a few. Luckily we nailed this shot before it got too foamy and mixed up. Photo: Bo Bridges

Photo: Bo Bridges

Local Fijian ripper Inia Nakalevu was out getting some perfect waves from the point every day I was there. I love watching the locals surf. They know exactly where to be. On the last day I was there Inia was competing against the other local Fijian surfers to represent Fiji this year in the FIJI Pro. After a five hour session, I went back to the boat and got some aerial footage. It was the only day the winds weren't howling offshore/sideshore. Conditions were perfect. Photo: Bo Bridges

Dirty Bathwater... Beneath the surface... Photo: Bo Bridges

The backwash was more difficult to shoot than I expected. It broke all over the place and would shoot up in the sky for only a split second. Cameras get frustrated with auto focus in direct sunlight. Luckily there was plenty of Fiji Bitter onboard to take away the sting and take us to that happy place again and again! Photo: Bo Bridges