surfing

Marcel1977: Kinshasa from Brazzaville, capitals of both Congo's; 2006

With such open access to the South 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 the Congo 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

As usual, bring all medical things u need with you, as in some remote parts of the country it can be difficult to get them. Bring your own toilet paper and anti-septic hand-showerstuff, because the toilets are not always very clean.

Sunglasses and protective sun lotion, as well as a good repellent. All the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent that are good for very low temp; special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack. Invest in a portable water filter or at least take some puri-tabs or boil the water.

Pretty much everything can be bought nowadays. But again, travelling to the remote areas, better to bring everything with you.