Soundbites from the South Pacific: WSL Surfers Giddy Over Return of Cloudbreak

As 11-time world champ Kelly Slater astutely points out in the new issue of SURFER, from two feet to 20, Cloudbreak is unequivocally one of the best surf breaks in the world. Located in the Mamanuca Islands off the coast of Fiji, it's a pumping left-hander that is the stuff dreams are made of. After a seven-year hiatus, Cloudbreak is back on tour with the Fiji Pro and will replace Lower Trestles at the location for the WSL Finals in 2025 ... and the athletes are stoked!

With waves in the forecast and Cloudbreak being the ninth and final stop on the tour before the Finals, the stakes are high. SURFER caught up with a handful of the athletes at the opening ceremony of the Fiji Pro and got their take on the return of Cloudbreak to the Championship Tour:

“I love it. I think it’s the best wave in the world, so I think it should be a mainstay on tour. If you’re talking about dream tour for the surf world, Cloudbreak’s at the top of the list.” - Kelly Slater , the GOAT

“I’m excited that Cloudbreak’s back on tour. I’ve never competed here, so I’m excited. I’ve been here once before but a long time ago, so everything feels new and fresh and it’s obviously one of the best waves in the world. It should be awesome.” - Caroline Marks, World Champ, Olympic Gold Medalist

“I’m super excited to be back surfing an event here. Some of the events we had in the past years were some of the best events I can remember and then to come back for the finals [next year] is really exciting. To be able to be at a wave that’s as good as this and be able to pick just one day out of the wait period, I think there’s a good chance of scoring good waves.” - John John Florence , Two-Time World Champ, Current World No. 1

“This is my first time here and it’s been really small waves, so it’s going to be kind of a surprise when I see it good the first day and we’re in the comp — we’re just going to go straight into it. It’s been beautiful and really good snorkeling and colorful fish.” - Caity Simmers , Current World No. 1

“I think it’s a really special place. I’ve never done the event here before. I only came on a trip last year in October and it was my first time. But after watching the event for so many years and seeing everybody that I know surfing it, it feels like I’ve been here more times than I have. It’s so special to be here and I’m really looking forward to the event.” - Jack Robinson , Olympic Silver Medalist

“I think Cloudbreak’s probably one of the top three best waves in the world, so that’s always nice. I’ve never surfed a contest out here before. The year I got on tour was the year they took it off the tour. It’s been wild pulling up to Tavarua and just being there with everyone—it’s incredible to be able to hang out with all your competitors that you compete with all year and be able to hang out with them in a different light. It’s really lighthearted and such a pretty area –it takes the heat out of it.” - Griffin Colapinto , Current World No. 2

“I’m frothing that Fiji’s back on tour. I used to come here when my dad was on tour and caddy for him, so it’s exciting for him getting to caddy for me. It’s a bit of a change up and I’m frothing for it.” - Sierra Kerr , Fiji Pro Wildcard

“I’m glad to see so many partners come together to support this event. Through the work of these partnerships with the government of Fiji, Cloudbreak will remain on tour, right where it belongs. I am thrilled that a small island nation like ours is capable of hosting such a prestigious event.” - Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, President of Fiji

Related: Men's World Title Race Barrels into Cloudbreak for Fiji Pro

Related: Women's Final Five Dreams Comes Down to the Magic of Cloudbreak at Fiji Pro