Surfers are always on the lookout for the best spots to tame giant waves. But are you familiar with Angola? This African country is increasingly becoming a favored destination for surfing enthusiasts.
Forget Biarritz, Portugal, Hawaii, and even the Olympic wave in Tahiti. Surfing is now making its mark in Africa. In the southwest of the continent, Angola is positioning itself as a prime destination for surfers from all over the world, reports CNN. About 120 kilometers south of Luanda, the capital, the action unfolds. There, the beach at Cabo Ledo is almost deserted. Yet, the Atlantic Ocean crashes in with waves that could make some popular spots envious.
According to experts, the constant wind blowing over the bay makes the location particularly special for both beginners and experienced surfers. The more adventurous among them already know the spot, named Praia dos Surfistas (the « Surfers’ Beach » in Portuguese, the official language of Angola). « It’s a very long wave, » says Paulo Augusto, a local surfer. « We get three or four waves of 500 meters on good days, and we can surf every day of the year!
Perfect Conditions to Learn Surfing
The white sand, crystal-clear water, and nearly year-round sunshine make Angola a special place for surfing enthusiasts. The country has an average temperature of 30°C throughout the year. « It’s very easy to learn because you can catch a wave right here, and then walk to another beach to find another one, » explains Gilles Cros, another local surfer.
The warm water temperature is more forgiving than that of the southwest of France, making it ideal for beginner surfers. No rush, no cold shivers waiting for the wave, just the sun and the rhythm of the waves.
Surfing for Tourists and an Opportunity for Angolans
Seeing this natural treasure, Angolan entrepreneurs have started commercializing the experience. Bizuka Barros and Oded Golan created AngolaWaves, a company that promises tourists the best surf spots while respecting local communities and the environment. The two men offer a kind of safari along the coast, with stops at some of the country’s iconic beaches, almost always deserted.
But water sports are not just for tourists in Angola. Eleven years ago, Tchyna Matos founded an association to encourage young people to engage in sports, including skimboarding – a form of surfing on smaller boards where you jump directly onto the board instead of paddling.
« It was a project to get kids off the streets. Many boys were starting to get involved with drugs or stealing. I saw an opportunity to get them into sports rather than letting them get into trouble, » she explains. In Angola, the beach helps children grow.
Source: geo
