It was the summer of 1970 and I had just graduated from Glendale High School in California. I had been working at the Glendale YMCA as a lifeguard and a swimming instructor for two years, and just finished teaching a Water Safety Instructors class. My younger brother Jim was one of my students. I talked […]
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The Tavarua community and the worldwide surfing community are mourning the passing of Ratu Sakiusa Nadruku Lalabalavu, or as he was know to many, Chief Druku, the chief of Tavarua Island. He was Tavarua’s oldest staff member, and he was one of the first Fijian surfers. He was, and always will be, the heart and […]
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Druku had a purpose led life and in the end a peaceful death. Born Ratu Sakiusa Nadruku Lalabalavu on 23rd July 1952 in the village of Yako, he spent his childhood in Nabila where his father was a copra farmer. Originally from Cuvu, the chiefly village of the province of Nadroga to which both Yako […]
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Paula Smith, LVN and former Director of the SMA is an icon in Fiji. In several villages, people or school children see her or her profile and they get excited at her presence. For better than 25 years, Paula has coordinated the annual SMA conference in Fiji, at Tavarua. Paula was instrumental in helping to […]
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This conversation was started several months ago after the Tubesteak Tracy article in The Surfing Medicine Journal #25 was published. Following are some suggestions to enhance the surfing experience for maturing SMA members. Focus on more quality wave experience rather than the quantity. Look at alternative sports and activities that are water oriented. Kayaking, SUP […]
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