While Angola might not be the first destination that comes to mind for many, this southern African nation is emerging as a hidden gem for those seeking to ride the waves. It's primarily drawing the more daring surfers, as the infrastructure for tourists is still in its infancy. However, this is evolving, with companies like AngolaWaves leading the way in guiding surf enthusiasts to the best surf spots. AngolaWaves is operated by Bizuka Barros, a Portuguese-Angolan, and Oded Golan, an Israeli who has called Angola home for over a decade and a half. Their mission is to promote Angola as a surfing haven and to foster local communities and sustainable practices within the surf tourism sector.

Despite having repeat visitors, a significant part of their job is to convince skeptics of Angola's potential as a surfing destination, addressing concerns about visas, safety, transportation, health risks like malaria, and even the threat of shark attacks. Barros assures that Angola is a secure place to visit, particularly outside the busy capital city of Luanda. He notes that the dry season, from May to September, not only sees a reduced risk of malaria but also provides more reliable surfing conditions. Obtaining a tourist visa has also become a straightforward process.

Cabo Ledo, a pristine and deserted beach located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) to the south of Luanda, is a hotspot for surfing. The area's unique geological and meteorological features have created an ideal setting for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Its unspoiled sands and transparent waters are a hit with beach lovers, especially those looking for a respite from the city. The constant winds that blow here produce long, manageable waves, making it a surfer's dream. The bay is known for its reliable, slow, and extensive left-hander point break that is suitable for all skill levels. When the waves are high enough, two additional, more challenging, and faster waves appear. Locally, it's referred to as "Praia do Surfistas," or Surfers' Beach.

Paulo Agusto, a local business owner, remarks on the length of the waves, stating that on a good day, they can reach 3 to 4 kilometers in length, and the surfable days are plentiful throughout the year. Accommodation options range from basic campsites to more luxurious choices like the Doçe Mar Resort, which is situated right by the water. The temperature remains a pleasant 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) all year.

Gillas Cros, a French expatriate enjoying the waves, comments on the ease of learning to surf there, thanks to the accessibility of the waves. Paulo Rodrigues, hailing from Portugal, also praises the location as an excellent place for beginners to learn and to enjoy a pleasant time in the sea, with its warm temperatures and gentle waters.

Cabo Ledo is not only a haven for surfers but also for children, as evidenced by Tchyina Matos's initiative. She runs the Kalemba Radical Association, a non-profit that provides sports opportunities for young people. She has brought groups of kids to try skimboarding, a sport that involves smaller boards and is played by running into the shallows and gliding over the water. Matos explains that her organization, which started 11 years ago, aims to keep kids off the streets and away from negative influences by engaging them in sports.

Agusto, the resort proprietor, shares that certain rules are in place to preserve the uniqueness of Cabo Ledo. These include prohibitions on beach fires, loud music, generators, and electric lights, and a requirement to take all trash home. He emphasizes that these are simple rules that everyone follows, resulting in a clean and peaceful beach environment.

AngolaWaves also organizes surfing safaris to more remote locations along the coast, utilizing a fleet of 4x4 vehicles to ensure visitors can catch the best waves and adapt to changing weather patterns. One such destination is Catanas Point, a four-hour drive from Cabo Ledo, known for its impressive A-frame waves that break over a rocky outcrop, offering both beautiful left-hand waves and fast, hollow rights against a pristine bay backdrop.

Further south, the safari ventures through landscapes of tropical savannah and rugged desert, reaching the Namibe Reserve, a protected area where massive sand dunes meet the sea. Here, surfers stay in temporary camps, always close to the action. The Angola Waves team ensures they are well-fed for their extensive ocean sessions, and during downtime, there are ukulele jam sessions around the campfire.

The safari also includes a legendary point break near Tomuba, with a beach surrounded by an arid, orange-hued landscape that some surfers have likened to Martian terrain as seen in NASA rover images. These unique features are solidifying Angola's reputation among adventurous surfers in search of untouched waves.

One such surfer, an Israeli teacher who wished to remain anonymous, summed up his experience as he prepared to leave after a 12-day AngolaWaves adventure, during which his group enjoyed surfing in uncrowded conditions. "I will miss these perfect waves without any crowds!" he said.