Back on the Board

One of the reasons my family was looking forward to coming to Angola was the promise of good surfing.  Surfer's Beach is approximately 1 1/2 hours drive south of  Luanda, depending on traffic. The turn off is just south of Cabo Ledo, entering through what is a gravel producing area, "Pedreria," requiring a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Our first visit back in September was a bit disappointing for this warm-blooded girl. The beach was sandy and beautiful, but there was no way I would go in the water even with a body suit. Even my son, who is half viking, could not remain in the icy water too long. Sadly, my board remained on the beach.

In the end of November everything was different. The beach was not as wide and the waves were entering the bay at a different angle, the water was warm enough for me and  was beautifully clear. The waves were perfect for a beginner as myself and other more experienced surfers were also enjoying themselves further out. The waves came in at a 45 degree angle, which was quite a change from their  almost parallel entry on to the beach, back in September. A new surfing acquaintance, who has surfed all over the world, told me that he was able to ride the longest wave of his life along the beach and had to walk back for 30 minutes to his original starting point back then! Definitely less tiring to surf this way when one does not have to paddle out so much to catch the waves.

Even though paddling out was necessary this time around, I prefer the warmer water any day! I used my new, much shorter, soft board and stood for seconds which was good enough for me on my first real try under new conditions.

We were prepared to bring everything needed: plenty of water and food. The only amenities are simple shacks that provide a narrow strip of shade  for which we paid $USD 5.00. Even so, it was smart to bring along a shade tent and plenty of high factor sunscreen. Some surfers camp out overnight and locals sell fish and lobsters which they grill on the fires they make on the beach.

On our third visit yesterday, the beach had once again gone through a transformation: less beach and much more shallow water. It was quite windy and actually almost chilly under the shade. The water was clear and beautiful and full of jumping fish. Not many surfers this time, but definitely still possible to surf. The water is a gorgeous turquoise/green color and the beach is clean.

All in all feel much more positive about the beach now that I know I can surf for at least part of the year. I think we will be coming here much more often on the weekends. Back on the board feels good!