Welcome to the South West
The south west of Madagascar is where you will find island's big surf. It is quite simple, there is plenty of "good angel" swell with plenty of "good angel" reef to receive it. No crowds, somewhat growing knowledge about surf spots among the local fisherman, great seafood, decent accommodation and plenty of undiscovered surf territory. Another good thing is that sharks do not seem to be a problem at all in Tulear area.
So any negatives in this surfing paradise? Well, it demands a lot of determination and knowledge from the surfer as it is quite fickle. It is not easy to work out the equation of tides, swell and wind direction. In combination with that you have the distance to the and between surf spots, requiring you to have access to a boat and a captain, that not only can take you out to the surf but also be flexible to quick changes. Basically, you have to plan and you have to chase but ooooh mine, when you score you SCORE! If you are short on time and want to maximize your surf check out Blair’s services at www.madagascar-surf-trip.com as he knows this area well and is a good surfer to accompany you in the water.
The best season is the winter, late April to September, the time of the big swells. The prominent wind will be SE, not great for all spots but ideal for example Flame Balls among others. During the summer season the swells are not as big but still quite consistent and the wind not only gets lighter, there are more NE wind days which is offshore for many of the spots.
The spots are becoming somewhat known, not that they are attracting surfing crowds but known in the sense that you will be able to find your way back and forth in the area and find fisherman that will know where to take you. I will as well post names and contact info for people who are more and more working with transporting surfers rather than fishing. Some of them are surfing as well which is encouraging for the future of Madagascar’s surf.
Welcome to the South West!
.
So any negatives in this surfing paradise? Well, it demands a lot of determination and knowledge from the surfer as it is quite fickle. It is not easy to work out the equation of tides, swell and wind direction. In combination with that you have the distance to the and between surf spots, requiring you to have access to a boat and a captain, that not only can take you out to the surf but also be flexible to quick changes. Basically, you have to plan and you have to chase but ooooh mine, when you score you SCORE! If you are short on time and want to maximize your surf check out Blair’s services at www.madagascar-surf-trip.com as he knows this area well and is a good surfer to accompany you in the water.
The best season is the winter, late April to September, the time of the big swells. The prominent wind will be SE, not great for all spots but ideal for example Flame Balls among others. During the summer season the swells are not as big but still quite consistent and the wind not only gets lighter, there are more NE wind days which is offshore for many of the spots.
The spots are becoming somewhat known, not that they are attracting surfing crowds but known in the sense that you will be able to find your way back and forth in the area and find fisherman that will know where to take you. I will as well post names and contact info for people who are more and more working with transporting surfers rather than fishing. Some of them are surfing as well which is encouraging for the future of Madagascar’s surf.
Welcome to the South West!
.