introduction

Maksim: Location of Reunion, France, 21 January 2006

Réunion is an island located approximately 200 kilometres south west of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean.

Administratively, Réunion belongs to one of the overseas départements of France. Like the other overseas departments, Réunion is also one of the twenty-six regions of France and an integral part of the Republic.

Réunion is an outermost region of the European Union, and thus the currency used is the euro. In fact, due to its location in a time zone to the east of Europe, Réunion was the first region in the world where the euro became legal tender.

surfing

Jo Kerozen: Manapany Beach, Reunion; 2006

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. Reunion 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

VanTucky: A mosquito on a bottle of repellant; 4 May 2007

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. Take precaution against mosquito bites and bring a repellent spray with you. Make sure you apply a lot of sunscreen and spend time in the sun with caution.

If you are coming from European Union you should bring an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), obtained in your own country before departure.
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.

where to stay

CIAWorldFactbook2002 : Map of Reunion, 8 August 2003

There are many different accommodation types in the island Reunion.

Ordinary hotels - which are privately run by Gîtes d'Étape; Gîtes de Montagne are mountain cabins or lodges located in the central areas appropriate and operated by Maison de la Montagne; youth hostels are operated by Auberge de jeunesse de la réunion.. There are five youth hostels at Réunion Island; Hell Bourg, Bernica, Entre Deux, Saint Denis and Cilaos.