surfing

Asram: Port Bizerte, Tunisia; 2006

Tunisia is proving to be so much more than a series of achingly beautiful desert scape scenes. Surf exploration is on the rise. When the Sirocco is blowing, Mediterranean surfers wait for the dust to clear to see what new spots they have discovered along this frontier. The points around Banzart on the northern coast seem to offer the most promise to the weary surf traveller.

The main timings for the sirocco and mistral swells and winds are in the Northern Hemisphere Autumn and Spring (March and November) This would probably be the best time to plan your Mediterranean surf trip, though sitting this far east in the sea will give you the best chance of catching any swell generated from favourable weather systems.

Another source of swell is the storm cells of the North Atlantic. Many of these cells descend along the Irish coastline and then outwards along the Atlantic Coast. Occasionally certain cells in Winter (Dec-Jan) can sweep across southern Spain and into the Med. This is a rare but notable event that can send swell hurtling in a 360 degree radius, lighting up  points and reefs that see rideable surfing options maybe once or twice per year.

what to pack

Flashdance: A pair of very simple Moroccan flip flops called "Cabjuks"; 25 May 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. Bring your own toilet paper and anti-septic hand-showerstuff, because the toilets are not always very clean.

Bring plenty of memory for digital cameras and bring plenty of batteries.

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