Senegal’s surf revolution

Senegal’s surfers are making waves globally, thanks to its pristine beaches, welcoming community, and culture that celebrates the ocean’s rhythm.

Along Senegal’s sun-drenched Atlantic coast, a surfing revolution is unfolding. With its 700km coastline of palm-fringed beaches and powerful swells, this West African nation has quietly become a pilgrimage site for wave riders worldwide. But Senegal offers far more than just perfect barrels—it’s a place where surfing intertwines with traditional fishing culture, pulsating sabar drum rhythms, and the mouthwatering aroma of thieboudienne cooking in beachside shacks.

From the pink-hued waters of Lac Rose to the legendary breaks of Ngor Island, Senegal’s surf scene tells a story of resilience and community. Local surfers, many descended from generations of fishermen, now compete on the global stage while preserving the soulful spirit that makes their waves so special. This is surfing at its most authentic—where every session ends with shared meals and new friendships.

The Heartbeat of Senegal’s surf culture

Senegal’s relationship with the ocean runs as deep as the Atlantic trenches that shape its waves. The surf culture here is a living tapestry woven from ancient fishing traditions and modern athletic ambition. Unlike commercialized surf destinations, Senegal’s breaks remain refreshingly raw—where local groms share waves with visiting pros, and the best surf spots are often found by following the scent of grilled fish wafting from beachside barbecues.

What truly sets Senegal apart is how surfing has become a bridge between generations. Elder fishermen, who once rode wooden pirogues through crashing surf to reach their daily catch, now watch proudly as their grandchildren carve turns on fibreglass boards. This cultural continuity gives Senegalese surfing its distinctive character—a blend of respect for the ocean’s power and the joyful expression of contemporary surf style.

Key historical moments:

• 1960s: Fishermen begin riding waves on carved wooden planks between catches
• 1974: First modern surfboard arrives via French expatriate Jean-Pierre
• 1988: Ngor Island Surf Club founded, creating Senegal’s first organized surf community
• 2005: Senegal hosts its first international surf competition

Surf spots: Senegal’s coastal gems

Senegal’s 700km coastline offers a vast array of surf riches, from gentle beginner waves to world-class barrels. What makes these spots truly special is how they blend perfectly swell with vibrant local culture—where surf sessions come with side orders of fresh seafood, drum circles, and generations-old fishing traditions.

Cap Skirring: The gentle giant

In Senegal’s southern Casamance region, Cap Skirring’s golden crescent beach serves up some of Africa’s most forgiving waves. The spot’s magic lies in its consistency—swell direction and sandy bottom create beginner-friendly conditions nearly year-round. Mornings here begin with the melodic calls of fruit vendors weaving between surfers waxing their boards, while evenings transition seamlessly from sunset sessions to drum circles on the beach.

Cap Skirring highlights

Lac Rose: Where surf meets spectacle

Just an hour north of Dakar, the surreal pink waters of Lac Rose provide a breathtaking backdrop to one of Senegal’s most challenging surf zones. The lake itself owes its hue to salt-loving microorganisms, but surfers come for the powerful beach breaks where the Atlantic’s full force meets the shore. Local legend Souleymane Faye honed his championship technique here, often surfing alongside traditional salt harvesters carrying baskets of pink crystals.

Why Lac Rose stands out:

• Natural wonder: One of only a few pink lakes worldwide
• Wave quality: Powerful swells ideal for experienced surfers
• Cultural bonus: Witness the ancient salt harvesting tradition

Hidden gems and future stars

Senegal’s coast is packed with untapped surf potential. Government support, increasing local talent, and new surf schools signal promising growth. Hosting more international competitions will further spotlight Senegal on the global surfing map.

Surf spot highlights:

• Ngor Right (Dakar) – Reef Break
• Yoff Beach (Dakar) – Beach Break
• Secret Spot (Saint-Louis) – Point Break

As surf explorer Chris Burkard noted: "Senegal gives you the soul of surfing—where every wave ridden feels like a conversation with the ocean and its people."

From the beginner-friendly rollers of Cap Skirring to the adrenaline-pumping tubes of Lac Rose, Senegal’s coast offers a surfing experience that engages all the senses. With new spots being developed and a passionate local community, this West African gem is poised to become the continent’s premier surf destination.

The surf community: More than just athletes

Senegal’s surfers form a tight-knit family where talent and tradition intersect. In the fishing village of Yoff, it’s common to see teenage surfers helping elders pull in nets at dawn before heading to their own surf training. This deep connection to maritime heritage informs everything from wave-reading skills to environmental stewardship.

Meet the Icons:

Cherif Fall: Senegalese surfer making waves 

Cherif Fall is a trailblazing professional surfer from Dakar, Senegal, who is celebrated for his exceptional talent and tireless dedication to advancing the sport in Africa. Born on November 30, 1996, he first took to the waves at age 11, learning on broken surfboards discarded by tourists. Despite his family’s initial hesitation, Fall relentlessly pursued his passion, eventually rising to become a nine-time Senegalese national champion—a testament to his dominance in the region.

Today, he stands as one of West Africa’s most influential surfers, not only for his competitive success but also for his role in cultivating Senegal’s surf culture. Alongside pioneers like Khadjou Sambe (Senegal’s first female pro surfer), Fall has become a key figure in putting African surfing on the global map, mentoring young athletes and driving grassroots development in Dakar’s vibrant surf scene.

Key highlights:

• Competitive surfer: Fall has competed in international surfing events, representing Senegal and Africa on the global stage.
• Surf instructor and advocate: He is actively involved in promoting surfing in Senegal, coaching young surfers, and organizing events to develop local talent.
• Dakar Surf Club: Fall is associated with the Dakar Surf Club, a hub for Senegalese surfers, where he helps nurture the next generation of African surfers.
• Media presence: His surfing journey has been featured in documentaries and surf media, showcasing Senegal's growing surf culture.

Throughout his career, Fall has represented Senegal in various international competitions, including the World Surfing Games in Japan and France. His ultimate goal is to qualify for the Olympics, aiming to become the first sub-Saharan African surfer to do so.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Fall is committed to promoting surfing among Senegalese youth, inspiring a new generation of surfers in his community.

Local community impact

Although less active in recent years, local organizations like Surf Senegal Solidarity (SSS) have demonstrated how surfing drives social change. Their "Surf & Study" program provided equipment and tutoring to underprivileged youth, with remarkable results:

Program impact (2023)

• 85% of participants improved school grades
• Trained 12 new local surf instructors
• Organized 24 beach cleanups, removing 3+ tons of plastic

Local surf clubs like Dakar Surf Club may have absorbed some of its programs (like surf lessons for underprivileged youth). Many grassroots surf NGOs in Africa struggle with sustainability after initial donor support fades and key members move on.

Environmental challenges & innovations

Senegal’s surfers face a frontline battle against coastal erosion—some breaks have moved hundreds of meters inland over the past decade. In response, the community has developed ingenious solutions:

Eco-Initiatives making waves

The future: Sustainable stoke

As Senegal’s surf profile grows, the community remains committed to balancing progress with preservation. New surf resorts and clubs like the eco-conscious Terranga Surf Club demonstrate how development can respect local traditions—their thatch-roofed bungalows house visiting surfers while employing entire fishing families.

While activities slowed post-COVID, the Dakar Surf Club, primarily based in Ouakam and Ngor (Dakar), near iconic breaks like Ouakam Left and Ngor Right, remains a cornerstone of Senegal's surf culture. However, its operations have evolved over time. Their mission focuses on training local youth, promoting competitive surfing (linked to WSL Africa events like the Ngor Pro Challenge), and also hosting beach clean-ups and environmental initiatives. They also often collaborate with Black Girls Surf (for female surfers). Want to connect while visiting Senegal? Head to Ouakam Beach and ask locals—many coaches operate informally.

With Senegal’s first World Surf League (WSL) qualifying series at the Ngor Pro Challenge, held in June 2023, and a national surf curriculum in development, Senegal’s waves are poised to inspire generations to come. Yet, as any local will tell you, the true measure of success isn’t in trophies or tourism numbers but in keeping the spirit of "Teranga" (Senegalese hospitality) alive in every wave shared.

Grassroots organizations: The soul of Senegalese surfing

Beneath the surface of Senegal's world-class waves lies a network of passionate grassroots organizations that are transforming lives through surfing. These groups have turned boards into bridges—connecting marginalized communities with opportunities, empowering women, and preserving coastal ecosystems.

The former NGO Surfers for Development, active pre-COVID, stood out as a pioneer, operating from a colourful shipping container turned surf shack in Ouakam. Their innovative "Waves for Change" program provided free surf lessons to street children, using the ocean as therapy for trauma. Founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye explained: "When these kids catch their first wave, you see their posture change—the ocean teaches them they're capable of great things." The organization also ran a board recycling initiative, where damaged donations get repaired by apprentices in their workshop.

Also notably, the Senegalese Surfing Federation (FSS) orchestrates the sport's growth nationally through:

• Community surf banks (board lending libraries in 12 coastal towns)
• Eco-surf certifications for businesses meeting sustainability standards
• National surf curriculum now taught in 30 seaside schools

Impact by Numbers (2023):

These groups exemplify Senegal's unique "surf aid" model, in which wave access is considered as vital as clean water or education in coastal communities.

Surfing competitions: Where culture meets competition

Senegal’s surf scene is riding a wave of momentum, with both international and grassroots competitions putting the country on the global surfing map. In 2024, surfers and fans can look forward to these key events:

1. Ngor Pro Challenge (WSL Africa Qualifying Series)

• Location: Ngor Right, Dakar — a world-class right-hand point break.
• Significance:
  • Senegal’s first-ever WSL-sanctioned pro contest, attracting African and international surfers.
  • A potential qualifying pathway for the 2028 Olympics.

2. Senegalese National Championships

• Organized by: Fédération Sénégalaise de Surf (Senegalese Surf Federation).
• Location: Rotates between Dakar (Ngor/Ouakam) and Saly (renowned for beach breaks).
• Features:
  • Top local talents like Cherif Fall and Khadjou Sambe often compete.
  • Juniors and longboard divisions showcase Senegal’s surf future.

Why it matters

Senegal’s surf competitions are more than just contests — they’re driving youth empowerment, tourism, and Africa’s surfing evolution. With the Ngor Pro Challenge leading the charge, the country is poised to become West Africa’s premier surf destination.

International surge

Senegal's competitions now draw elite surfers seeking both challenging waves and cultural immersion. The 2023 season saw record international participation:

Top Visiting Nations:

This global influx has created a fascinating exchange. Senegalese surfers have adopted Brazilian paddle techniques, while internationals take home lessons in "mbëkk-mi" (the Wolof concept of patience and timing). The Dakar Pro's unique "Local & Legend" team event pairs visiting pros with Senegalese fishermen-surfers, creating unforgettable mentor relationships.

Surfing’s impact on tourism

Surf tourism boosts Senegal’s economy by supporting hotels, restaurants, and surf schools. Cultural exchange flourishes as visitors learn Wolof phrases, drumming, and local customs—while Senegalese surfers gain global perspectives.

Economic ripple effect:

• 32% increase in surf tourism during event months
• 150+ seasonal jobs created annually
• 80% of contest prizes awarded in locally made goods (surfboards, crafts)

Ngor Island Surf Camp

Popular spots include the locally owned Ngor Island Surf Camp. It's located on a tiny island accessible by a 5-minute pirogue (boat) ride from Ngor Beach. Part of Senegal’s surf scene since the 1960s (visited by global surf legends), it's a hangout spot for pros like Cherif Fall and Khadjou Sambe. It features rustic beach bungalows, ocean views, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Amenities

✔ Accommodation: Basic but charming (e.g., Chez Pierre, Ngor Island Surf Lodge).
✔ Food: Fresh seafood, Senegalese dishes (thieboudienne, yassa).
✔ Extras: Yoga, pirogue tours, Dakar city trips.
✔ Budget: ~€30–€50/day (lessons + lodging)

Final thoughts

Senegal’s surfing journey is a story of cultural pride, community spirit, and adaptive growth. What began as a grassroots pastime tied to fishing communities has evolved into a thriving, internationally recognized sport. From surf schools to competitions and environmental efforts to youth empowerment, Senegal is creating a sustainable and inclusive surf culture that reflects both its local identity and its global aspirations.

Looking ahead, the future of surfing in Senegal shines with potential. Continued investment in tourism, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship will not only support the sport’s expansion but also ensure that its roots remain intact. As surfers from around the world continue to discover the country’s charm, Senegal’s waves will carry not just boards but stories of transformation, resilience, and connection across oceans.

More resources

Podcast episode: The Black women redefining surf culture