By Austin Ramzy

Posted Monday, June 27, 2005; 20:00 HKT
Modern waterslides have become so structurally advanced that they sometimes look like strands of DNA, with complex helixes of fiberglass spitting out riders at breathtaking speed. But the Fijian island of Taveuni offers something quite different. This sparsely populated, 470-sq-km lump of volcanic rock is home to world-class diving, bird watching and a unique thrill ride—the Waitavala waterslide. Some 20 minutes by foot from the town of Waiyevo, this entirely natural streambed chute plummets for about 50 meters down the lush hillside and is a favorite haunt for local children and brave tourists. The state of the waterslide depends on recent rainfall—too little water, and heftier visitors will have trouble sliding down; too much, and it becomes dangerously fast. Even in good conditions, there's the danger of gaining bumps and bruises. But you wouldn't be human if your DNA didn't contain an unhealthy appetite for risk.

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