BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Surfing Liberia

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07:02 GMT, Friday, 12 June 2009 08:02 UK

In pictures: Surfing Liberia

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For many years, Liberia has been known around the world for its brutal civil war but now people are discovering its potential in an unlikely area - surf tourism. Photos by Glenna Gordon.

the beach at Robertsport, Liberia

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Robertsport, a sleepy town two hours' drive north-west of Monrovia, is Liberia's surfing capital. A lodge called Nana's has opened to cater for those looking to ride the waves and escape from the capital for the weekend.

AAlfred Lomax surfing

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Alfred Lomax was just a child during Liberia's war, which ended in 2003. He found a body board while fleeing rebels. He is now poised to be Liberia's first professional surfer.

Nate Calhous goes surfing

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Nate Calhous is just one of countless aid workers drawn to Liberia by the waves. He and his partner hope to set up an NGO in Robertsport to ensure the local community benefits from the growth in the surf tourism industry.

The bar on the beach at Robertsport, Liberia

The bar on the beach at Robertsport, Liberia

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Over the past couple of years, many of the surfers who have visited Robertsport have left a board or two behind so more Liberians can learn to surf.

Sunset over Robertsport

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Spectacular sunsets are a regular occurrence in Robertsport. The area gets up to six metres of rain annually and is the only costal rainforest in West Africa.

A wooden canoe used for fishing

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Most of the locals in Roberstport work as small-scale fishermen who brave the waves in hand-carved wooden canoes. Many hope an influx of surf-based tourism will boost demand for fresh fish.

A surfer rides a wave

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Many young people in the town see surfing as their meal ticket out of the small town. In post-war Liberia, few job options exist, especially in rural areas like Robertsport.

Tourists walking down to the beach carrying surfboards

Tourists walking down to the beach carrying surfboards

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The beach at Robertsport is pristine and undeveloped, with miles and miles of unexplored perfect waves and sandy bottom breaks.

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