surfing

Helmandsare: 19th Century Liberian 2 Dollar Note; 2005

Excellent southerly facing coastline this far north of the Antartic regions can be a mixed blessing. S-SW swell is the only energy that will reach this coastline and with all your surfing eggs in the one swell direction basket you need to wait a long time for the energy to travel the 11000 kilometres from down south. Hence it never gets huge in Liberia but whatever does get here is typically off superior shape and period.

Mar to September are the best, the same as it is for southern hemisphere spots that need the southerly swell to feed them. Morning offshores are the most common from March to May making this your best chance to catch some perfection. Make sure you pop your anti malarial tabs between sessions in the rainy season which goes right through the rest of the swell season until September.  A kiss from a female mosquito in these parts is one ladybug you really don’t want to catch.

what to pack

Rich Niewiroski Jr.: 62 mm ultra-violet, fluorescent, and polarizing lens filters. Camera used was a Canon 400D; April 9, 2007

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoes.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for walking. Beach clothing & sandals will be useful if you are going in the warm season. Try to choose classics, and items that you can mix and match. Cotton is the best.

Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses! Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti histamine tablets). Bring along some necessities, such as toiletries to avoid having to spend more money to buy it there.

And take a good protection for your camera from the sand.