Overview
Olendé is a long, wrapping left-hand point on a southwest-facing stretch of Gabon's coast. The shore here is fairly straight and sandy, with lagoons throwing up sandspits that can shape long waves. Olendé sits on one of them, a left that runs for around a kilometre as it skirts the Barre des Portugais shore. It has only been surfed a handful of times, so it remains one of the region's lesser-known setups.
When It Works
The wave peels over sand and draws swell from south through southwest (S-SW), with southwest (SW) the best match. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, giving a wide window for a long left when the sandspit lines up. Expect moderately consistent conditions, so worthwhile sessions come and go rather than turning on every day.
Wind and Tide
Look for a northeast (NE) offshore wind to clean up the point. It can work across low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an intermediate wave, and the lineup stays quiet. Keep in mind that local surfcasters pull plenty of sharks and barracudas from these waters, so it pays to be aware in the water.
Access
Getting here takes some effort. The old fishing camp at Olendé closed in 2000, but there are two camps at Ozuri and Iguela, south of Ombouè. Reach the area by speed boat from Port-Gentil, which is very expensive, or fly to Ombouè, the nearest main village.
