Kayak trip in Vanua Levu
American pitches in to help grow tourism in isolated villages
IN 1986 an American circumnavigated Vanua Levu in a kayak (canoe) in a bid to promote tourism.
The Fiji Times on July 13 the same year reported that Douglas Hopkins of Seattle, Washington, a 28-year-old was identifying spots along the Vanua Levu coast that could be used as camping sites for tourists during a canoeing tour.
Mr Hopkins left Taveuni on June 25 and paddled his way around Udu Point towards Labasa, where he stopped occasionally for meals and shelter at some villages.
He arrived in Labasa on a Saturday and decided to rest for a few days after developing a leg infection.
“I thought it would be wise to stop in Labasa and buy some drugs for the sores on my feet,” Mr Hopkins said.
He said so far he was very impressed with what the coast had to offer to tourists who wanted something adventurous and exotic.
“I am intending to get about a dozen kayaks from Seattle after my tour around the island to start a canoe tour from Taveuni.
“I see this as an opportunity to provide jobs to villagers in remote and isolated spots in the country.”
Mr Hopkins said some of the youths would be recruited from along the coastal areas and taught how to handle a kayak.
The villages could also be used as resting and eating spots for the tourists at a special rate.
He said the kayak was an excellent craft for such tours.
A one-man kayak is about five metres long, 62cm wide and weighed about 17 kilograms.
It cost about $US1800 ($F3948) and was propelled by a single paddle with two blade ends.
Mr Hopkins said the sleek craft could be used in many weather conditions.
“It can be used in rough conditions, ocean swells and strong winds up to 30 knots.
“By keeping the kayak perpendicular to the wave at all times, you can prevent the vessel from capsizing.”
He said because the kayak’s body was streamlined, it could travel at speeds of up to five km per hour.
The kayak would be suitable for tours since it could carry about 250 pounds of luggage apart from the paddler.
“These youngsters are looking for adventurous things to do rather than the usual entertainment that resorts and hotels can offer in Viti Levu.
“The reason why I’m touring the coast on my own is that you can’t rely on local gossip to recommend to tourists the sites they prefer to go to.”
Mr Hopkins had expected to circumnavigate the island within two weeks.
“So far, I have had no problems apart from the two rough days at sea near Somosomo Strait and Natewa Bay.”
He said the rough weather forced him to stop for a short while along the coast.
I see this as an opportunity to provide jobs to villagers ...
– Douglas Hopkins