Cameroon
Northern AfricaLevel of surfing
Beginner
Quality of surf
Average
Call code
237
Net code
cm
Area
475442
Coastline
402 km
Climate
Tropical, semi arid
Hazards
Extreme Heat, Difficult Access, War / Conflict, Coup / Civil Unrest
Best Months
May - August
Population
17795000
Currency
Central African Franc (XAF) per US dollar - 522.59 (2006)
Time Zone
WAT (UTC+1)
Special Requirements
Lengthy VISA Process, Non tourist Friendly
surfing
Amcaja: Traditional Doctor Sign, Cameroon; 2007
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 Cameroon 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
A small backpack
makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoe's.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will
be great for sightseeing. 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. Have at least one set
of nicer clothing for more formal occasions.
Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses! Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti hastamine tablets), as the brands can
be unfamiliar and cost more.
Bring lots of memory for your camera and lots of battery, oh! and take a good protection for your camera from the sand.