1

Yes there is surf there, and you can now find a full rundown of the spots in Volume 3 of the World Stormrider Guide. I visited there to look for surf in 2000 with much the same spirit of "there must be surf, and there must be no surfers", and got some fantastic waves not far from town, with more spots as you get to more distant parts of the island. You can rent a Suzuki 4x4 relatively cheaply from a local, and you will need it as transport isn't great, and some of the spots are down a dirt track off the main ring road that goes up (?) the coast. There are also abandoned cocoa plantations, beautiful sheltered beaches, old Portuguese forts, and a very much off the beaten track feel to the place. Highly recommended, but you may need some Portuguese to communicate out of town.

2

Thanks very much for the info, much appreciated. It really does look like an amazing place. I am planning a trip to Sao Tomé and Gabon next year. I was sure about surf in Gabon, especially the south, which looks like it would pick up a bit more swell than Sao Tomé but thought if Im going there I gotta check out Sao Tomé as well. It looks so beautiful and untouched and although doesnt have the best swell window it looks like it would have to get good wave sometimes with the shape of the coastline. Did you go across to "Illha dos rolas"?? Unfortunately I dont speak any Portuguese but I speak pretty much fluent spanish. I was planning on just trying to learn a bit of portuguese before I go. I am going to Gabon with a friend who speaks french so that leg is covered. Definitely gonna check out stormrider. Did you go across to Gabon when you were there? I know its very expencive getting from Gabon to Sao Tomé but hey its right next door. Thanks again mate. Cheers.