The World Surf League Finals will take place at Cloudbreak, Fiji, from 27 August to 4 September 2025. For the first time ever, this legendary reef break will host the WSL Finals, and anticipation is already building. The event will culminate in a thrilling one-day, winner-takes-all competition to determine both the men’s and women’s world champions.
Last year, the WSL returned to Fiji after a six-year break, marking the beginning of a three-year partnership between the League and the Fiji Government. The return has been welcomed by surfers, including 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, who hails Cloudbreak as his favourite wave in the world.
Tourism Fiji has also applauded the decision, with CEO Brent Hill telling the press, “We are stoked that the World Surf League has chosen Cloudbreak, Fiji, as the venue for the 2025 WSL Finals. Our waves and warm hospitality await surf enthusiasts from around the world, and we look forward to showcasing Fiji as a world-class surfing destination”.
For sports media and film teams, capturing the excitement of this last stop on the 12-events WSL 2025 schedule is not to be missed, and we have all the details you need if you’re planning a press trip to the South Pacific Ocean islands.
Ensure Your World Surf League Finals in Fiji are Stress-free
Cloudbreak is one of surfing’s most iconic waves. It’s a legendary left-hander that breaks approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) off Tavarua Island and 3 miles (4.6 km) off Namotu Island. This world-class reef break has hosted several major surfing competitions and is no stranger to broadcasting teams arriving on the shore and sea to film the action. But to truly capture the action of this year’s Fiji World Surf League finals, you’ll need the right Fiji film production team by your side. In other words, a stress-free shoot starts with partnering with an experienced local fixer for the World Surf League finals in Fiji.
Having a skillful fixer who not only understands Fiji film production but also has hands-on experience shooting in the water is invaluable. They can capture the vibrant island culture and behind-the-scenes footage while still getting the best shots of the Fiji World Surf League finals live.
Key roles necessary for a professional surf film production include a cinematographer, editor, and sound crew (including sound mixer and boom operators). Your film crew must be adept at capturing the epic wave’s powerful left-hand barrels, reaching up to 25 feet (7.62 meters).
You likely won’t get a chance to fully appreciate your crew’s work until you arrive at the Championships. If you find they’re not up for the job, it’s too late by then. That’s why you need to do your research and make sure you partner with a proven, professional fixer for the World Surf League finals in Fiji to ensure you get the best film crew for Cloudbreak.
Booking a Camera Crew in the Cloudbreak Area
If budgets are tight and you can’t fly your usual film team to the finals, organizing a local camera crew in the Cloudbreak area to work with you during the weeklong event makes sense. A skilled film production Fiji team, managed by an experienced fixer for the World Surf League Finals in Fiji, won’t just help cut expenses—they’ll also ensure you get the top, thrilling coverage you came here to film.
Fiji is host to numerous world-class water sports events. As a result, the paradise archipelago boasts several skilled sports film professionals. However, with the Fiji World Surf League Finals schedule released months in advance, many of the top camera crews in the Cloudbreak area will already be booked.
So, if you haven’t sorted out your production service team, the need for a fixer for the World Surf League finals in Fiji is more pressing than ever. A knowledgeable fixer has the right connections to ensure you partner with a proficient and dependable crew. It’s imperative that your crew has an idea of the best spots to set up on the shore. That way, you can also film the pro surfers walking down to the sea and paddling out.
Make sure you also send your fixer a full equipment list in advance. Chief among the gear you’ll need is a large zoom lens for breaks that happen far out to sea, and quality waterproof housings for when you’re filming in the water.
Film Permits for the World Surf League Finals in Fiji
The Fiji World Surf League Finals is set to be one of the biggest events on this year’s world surfing calendar, attracting media from around the world.
However, as any experienced fixer for the World Surf League finals will tell you, documentary makers, filmmakers, and commercial photographers or videographers in the Cloudbreak area won’t receive official media accreditation.
If you don’t have the required accreditation but are planning to film the beauty of Fiji beyond the competition, your expert fixer for the World Surf League Finals will have no problem handling the necessary film permit applications and approvals. They’ll take on all paperwork and logistics to ensure a top production experience. Your fixer can also arrange video production services and guarantee full compliance with local regulations and customs.
Many media professionals and video-makers come to Fiji to immerse themselves in the island’s lively culture and film stunning footage of the legendary reef before a major surfing competition kicks off. If this is your goal, then make sure your fixer can source the best videographer for Cloudbreak to help you achieve breathtaking footage on both land and sea.
Press Accreditation—World Surf League Finals in Fiji
If, however, you are seeking press accreditation and haven’t sorted it out yet, get in touch with your WSL Regional Office or your fixer for the Fiji World Surf League. To qualify, you must be a working member of the press and meet the necessary accreditation criteria.
That said, space is limited, and not all requests can be approved. In addition, each media outlet can have no more than two accredited representatives. For more information, you can go to the World Surfing League website and download the Media Credential Request Form.
Conclusion
The World Surf League Finals in Fiji promises to be a thrilling event and will confirm this year’s world male and female world surfing champions. If you don’t have media accreditation sorted out, you’ll need to get on top of that ASAP.
Your fixer for the World Surf League Finals can help. They’ll also help, however, if your plan is solely to get exciting film footage of Cloudbreak before the championship takes place, either for a surfing documentary or to whet the appetite of your surf-mad viewers.
Whatever your filming requirements, contact Storytailors and we’ll ensure you get the exact production support you need for top-quality coverage.