Tropical Watersports started operations in Fiji just two years ago.

In that time, it has developed their business into an iconic brand in the tourism experience market, with both water sports and day trip operations out of their base at Port Denarau.

They have achieved wide representation through the tour desks at most of the major hotels.

Their entry to the tourism market was through the design and development of the largest semi-submersible vessel in the world.

This was built in Fiji by a local boat builder, an achievement that is a source of great pride to the company.

This vessel provides the ultimate day trip experience, allowing tourists to get a close up view of Fiji’s amazing reef system and the beautiful fish life that the company has encouraged around their home reef.

Tropical Watersports managing director, Rob Van Der Moigg, said: “I was not at all surprised at how quickly our daytrip business developed.

“This is as we provided a unique experience in one of the world’s most beautiful underwater locations, making it possible for the visitors to experience the underwater tour in air conditioned comfort without getting wet.

“They then go to a beautiful island where they can relax and enjoy the tropical tranquility and great food and drinks or get involved in a number of other water sport activities.

“The whole experience is very special, and builds memories the visitor can take home”.

Exciting innovation

After operating the semi-submersible as the main attraction, Tropical Watersports added another exciting innovation.

They are the only operator in Fiji of a wildly exciting experience called “Fly Boarding”.

This involves the visitor having a board fitted to their feet, from which a controlled jet of water, which propels them into the air.

The rider can control the direction of the board simply by shifting their weight. Lean back and the board moves back, lean forward and the board goes forward.

It is steered by shifting the rider’s weight to either side. Riding the Fly Board is a total buzz, flying through the air under the control of the user.

This experience has become one of the highlights of the island visit and with in excess of six hundred flights already completed by the guests on the island, everyone has been able to master the board and to fly freely around the area.

There have been zero injuries, demonstrating that this fantastic sport is not only exciting and personally challenging, but is perfectly safe.

The flying is also a special attraction for the people who always gather on the beach to watch the spectacle, and [many later decide to try it themselves.

Further plans

Mr Van Der Moigg said: “The company is very excited about the year ahead and we have plans to develop our product range even further.

“Tropical Watersports plans to not only remain the market leader in this segment, but also continue to be an innovator in the industry.

“Shortly we will be announcing several new surprises to be added to our product portfolio.”

The Fly Boarding experience is available from Bounty and Treasure Island, part of the day trip.

The company also continues to build the expertise of its staff through constant training to ensure that its 100 per cent safety record is maintained.

They are also planning expansion of the existing products to cater to the increasing demand from tourists.

– John Ross is a Nadi-based marketing and advertising specialist with a long background in tourism.