Egypt
LAST UPDATED 12/09/2008
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Level of surfing

Beginner

Quality of surf

Average

Call code

20

Net code

eg

Area

1001449

Coastline

2,450 km

Climate

Desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Hazards

Extreme Heat, Coup / Civil Unrest

Best Months

November - December

Population

80335036

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP) Egyptian pounds per US dollar - 5.725 (2006)

Time Zone

BRAVO (UTC+2)

Special Requirements

Strict Religious Observance

surfing

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Lamternix: Alexandria Beach; 2007

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

This most ancient of all civilised coastlines beckons. When the Sirocco is blowing, Mediterranean surfers wait for the dust to clear to see what new spots they have discovered along this frontier. Try the stretch from Alexandria across the morphing mouth of the Nile Delta east to Bur Sa'id. Be careful during the wet season, pollution is an unfortunate reality of today's Nile River.

The main timings for the sirocco and mistral swells and winds are in the Northern Hemisphere Autumn and Spring (March and November) This would probably be the best time to plan your Mediterranean surf trip, though sitting this far east in the sea will give you the best chance of catching any swell generated from favourable weather systems.

Another source of swell is the storm cells of the North Atlantic. Many of these cells descend along the Irish coastline and then outwards along the Atlantic Coast. Occasionally certain cells in Winter (Dec-Jan) can sweep across southern Spain and into the Med. This is a rare but notable event that can send swell hurtling in a 360 degree radius, lighting up  points and reefs that see rideable surfing options maybe once or twice per year.

RED SEA

The Red Sea is the occasional victim of severe inland dust and sand storms that will occasionally sit in position drilling away over the water to either the North or South of the Sea. If this happens long enough then windswell will bounce either up or down the Red sea lighting up what are the most northern Tropical reefs in the world. The salinity in the Red sea is in some cases double that of normal sea water. An interesting phenomena that means you can get away with about 2 feet less surfboard and still maintain the same level of buoyancy.

what to pack

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Johntex: Man sitting under a beach parasol; 9 March 2006

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoe's.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for sightseeing. Beach clothing & sandals will be useful if you are going in the warm season. Try to choose classics, and items that you can mix and match. Have at least one set of nicer clothing for more formal occasions.

Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses! Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti hastamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar and cost more.

Bring lots of memory for your camera and lots of battery, oh! and take a good protection for your camera from the sand.

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