Sierra Leone is a country ravaged by Ebola. Many have died and cases keep appearing. There is a place, however, where a small group of surfers have found solace in the ocean. At Bureh Beach there is a club of surfers – formed in 2012 – with the intent of strengthening ecotourism and protecting the country’s beautiful coastline.

As reported in The New York Times, Bureh Beach was to host an international surfing tournament last fall but the onset of the Ebola epidemic resulted in its cancellation. The tournament was projected to bring in approximately 1,500 tourists and generate 500 jobs. Despite its cancellation, the surf club continues to teach the art of surfing and offers board rentals and meals to visitors. Surfing lessons are offered for $12 each.

Far more valuable, though, is the benefit of peace found through surfing. Mr. Jahbez Benga, the club’s head coach, said, “When you’re inside the water you shouldn’t be thinking about anything, not Ebola, not nothing, just the waves.”

The surfers in the club remain healthy and fit. The whole country, it seems, is seeking to exercise more, perhaps hoping to ward off sickness. The surfers may have found solace within their club, but the risk of Ebola remains. Each day an attendant uses an infrared thermometer to scan the temperature of each person entering the beach.

Despite the difficult odds facing the country, its citizens continue their daily lives – going to work, having lunch, exchanging greetings, even surfing.