Toliara

At 1,600km x 600km Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island. It scores big too, catching the same swell as its esteemed neighbours Mauritius and Réunion in the south-west Indian Ocean – and prevailing trade winds at these latitudes mean it’s consistently windy as well. However, very little is known about conditions on the so-called ‘sixth continent’: it’s too isolated, with too little infrastructure, and too foreign a people and culture. A trip through Madagascar is certainly gruelling, but it will leave a lasting impression: memories of epic sessions, spectacular nature and rewarding interaction with a friendly people. The southern province of Toliara presents three promising regions to kiters and windsurfers, each a day or two’s travel from the other. Fort Dauphin in the south-east offers the full spectrum from flat-water to medium and large breaks, mostly over a sandy seabed. In near total isolation towards the southernmost point, Lavanono may be the best wave spot on the island. Finally, clean left-handers break over the reefs of Anakao and Tuléar in the Mozambique Channel. The region of Fort Dauphin (‘Tolanaro’ in Malagasy) sits at the foot of a mountain chain stretching the length of the east coast. The trades, primarily NE here, accelerate nicely along the mountain barrier – strongest in September and October.