surfing

TUF KAT - Afrobeat superstar Femi Kuti pumping out the vibe; 2005

With such open access to the Atlantic, this region has regular surf. The geography of north west Africa tends to shield the coast from any swell with a northerly or north west component. During the winter however (June-August), large low pressure systems from the South manage to travel along the coastline and deliver regular south west to westerly swell.

The further north you travel the more attenuated this energy is but anything that arrives is often of a very superior period and very neatly stacked. Unfortunately the main swell window on this coast tends to correlate with the SW monsoon which delivers light onshore winds from about April to September. Early morning sessions are the go in Nigeria during this period. Make sure you go and say hello to any other surfer you encounter on this coast, as you may not see another for a very long time.

what to pack

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

Trainers, loose clothing - everything for the hot weather. Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses! Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti histamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar and cost more.

And if you are taking a digital camera, don't forget to take a high capacity memory card and a good protection for your camera from the sand.

You may also want to take a day carry bag, for carrying your camera, reading material, and picnic goodies while you leave your large bag at the hotel.