Surfing Culture in Senegal

Senegal‘s capital city Dakar has long been known as a great destination for wave riders.

While locals made the most of the great surf previously, it was a 1964 surf film called The Endless Summer that brought Senegalese surfing to a wider audience.

The first Senegalese pro surfer was Oumar Seye, who shot to fame in the 1990s. He later set up the first surf school in the country, as well as the Fédération Sénégalaise de Surf.

One of the most famous waves is the Ngor Right on Ngor Island, which sits just off the mainland. It is one of around 15 surf spots within easy reach of the city, with many clustered along the Almadies Peninsula. Shallow water means these spots are best suited to experienced surfers, with Ouakam, further down the coast, also known for challenging waves. Yoff and Virage beaches on the north side of Dakar are the best places for those with less surfing experience.

Despite its reputation, Senegal’s surf spots tend to be uncrowded. Perhaps, because of this, the country is known for its friendly surf culture, with none of the territorial behavior seen at some other surf beaches. If you are looking to visit, Seye’s Surfer Paradise complex is a great place to start for accommodation, board hire and visitor information.