(Robertsport) His broken surfboard pointed towards the sky, a child walks into the sea, in Robertsport: the fishing village has in recent years become a popular spot for lovers of this sport, from Liberia and elsewhere.
Experienced surfers give lessons to young people in this town in the southwest of the country. They teach them to know the ocean, to swim and to surf. The local club and the NGO Provide The Slide provide them with boards.
On a beach dotted with a few rocks, Oscar, shirtless and lying on the sand, uses his arms to show a young girl standing next to him how to row in the water. His large movements draw marks on the ground.
Surfing is also about knowing your environment. Sitting in a circle, young surfers learn about the ocean during a lesson on the beach. Behind them, fishermen try to bring their canoe back to dry land.
After the introduction, it’s time for action. Boards under their arms, two surfers advance into the water, ready to do battle with the waves. Samuel is already at work, successfully making his turn. Offshore, another young person, lying on his board, rows quietly next to a canoe.
In Robertsport, many young people have developed a passion for surfing. They never stray far from the sea, their surfboards always within arm’s reach.
Fishermen and surfers live in harmony. Aligned in single file, they pull together a fishing net, a sign of the good understanding that reigns between them.
Some fishermen are also surfers. One of them, squatting in a freshwater river not far from the sea, wets his fishing rope before pulling it.
