surfing

Henry Trotter: Tolanaro; 1995

Sitting mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the easterly tracking sub antartic storm cells South of Africa that peel up and supply most of the area with swell. Madagascar is no exception. April to September is the best season for spots requiring SE to SW groundswell. Island groups in the region can create some swell shadowing but generally, the sheer frequency of the southerly swells will make those spots your better option. Rarer northerly swells that descend from the Arabian gulf from May to July can light up novelty spots and mysto treats but swell decay is a problem. 

Bear in mind that the southerly swells do need to 'bend' up quite a bit to feed this coast so not every system is going to yield results for you. Reliance on onshore winswells is a reality of surfing on the western side of the Indian Ocean. In betwwen the flat periods though, chances are you are going to have some serious fun in generally uncrowded waves. 

what to pack

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

Do not take more than 5 sets of clothes as you'll be carrying too much and may need to throw some out to keep within the baggage limit. Bring along your toiletries and daily necessities such as shampoo and toothpaste..

Bring enough money for you to last the trip incase you do not find any ATMs.

You could also bring some entertainment for yourself, such as a book for those quiet nights back at the hotel, or an Ipod for listening to music and watching movies.