Goat Surf Club in Senegal - Episode 1
The sun was just peering over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the Senegalese coastline, as I stepped onto the sandy beach overlooking NGor Island. The iconic surf break first documented in the Endless Summer, one of surfing’s greatest films, was just a few paddle strokes away. The sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air, a natural melody that promised both challenge and adventure.
As a filmmaker, I’ve traveled to many places, but Senegal, with its vibrant culture and untamed landscapes, was a new canvas for my storytelling. This was the beginning of a journey, not just to capture the essence of surfing but to weave a narrative about environmental consciousness, cultural immersion, and personal growth.
This is the story of how the first episode of the "Goat Surf Club" came to life.
The Genesis of Our Senegal Adventure
Our journey to Senegal was born from a shared passion for surfing and a collective dream to make a difference. The "Goat Surf Club" isn’t just about riding waves; it was about telling stories that matter. We want to highlight environmental issues, celebrate different cultures, and explore the unexplored. Senegal, with its rich heritage and emerging surf scene, was the perfect backdrop for our new chapter.
Pre-Production: Turning Vision into Plan
The pre-production phase was as exciting as it was daunting. Hours were spent researching the best surf spots, understanding the local environmental challenges, and connecting with community leaders. Our goal was to not only film epic surfing sequences but also to dive deep into Senegal's efforts in sustainability. This dual focus was crucial in shaping our narrative and making a video series that can stand the test of time.
Landing in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, was a sensory overload. The city was a tapestry of color and sound, bustling with energy that was both overwhelming and exhilarating. Our first task was to acclimate ourselves - not just to the time zone but to the pulse of Senegalese life. Every interaction, every observation was a piece of the story we were about to tell.
Filmmaking in Senegal
Filming in Senegal was a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. Each day brought its own set of hurdles - language barriers, technical glitches, and the unpredictable moods of the ocean. But with each challenge came a sense of achievement. Capturing the perfect wave, witnessing the heartfelt efforts of local environmentalists, or simply bonding with Ben, Thomas and our local hosts (Victor, Gayane and Rama) over a Senegalese meal were some of the core moments that defined our experience.
As the days unfolded, Senegal began to reveal itself not just as a backdrop for our documentary, but as a character in its own right. The warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and the raw beauty of the landscape – every element added depth to our story. But it wasn't just about capturing beautiful shots; it was about understanding and conveying the soul of this place.
Spending the Day with The Plastic Man
One of the most impactful encounters was with Modou Fall, affectionately known as 'The Plastic Man.' His dedication to combating plastic pollution was not just inspiring but reshaped our understanding of environmental activism. Filming with Modou, as he transformed waste into art and awareness, was a highlight that underscored the core message of our series - goodness and positivity exists all around the world, especially in the individuals working to create a lasting change on the environment.
Embracing the Local Surf Culture
The local surf scene in Senegal was unlike any other. It was burgeoning, spirited, and had a rhythm of its own. As we spent more time with local surfers, we learned about their connection to the ocean – a relationship that was both spiritual and sustenance-driven. Filming them as they danced with the waves, we were capturing not just a sport, but a way of life. Their stories, challenges, and dreams became integral threads of our narrative.
Being the eyes behind the camera, I had to make decisions that would best tell our story and this meant I had to be constantly thinking about what shots we needed and capturing everything, since there may be things I want to include in the editing room that didn’t occur to me while we were on location in Senegal. I had to be constantly choosing the right gear for different situations – underwater cameras for a fish-eye view of the ocean, handheld movements for intimate interviews and gimbals for some slow motion shots for some in-between moments. Balancing technical precision with creative instinct was a daily endeavor. There were moments of frustration when equipment failed or when a shot didn't pan out as envisioned.
*I took this photo the day after my water housing flooded. I was testing the camera in the pool to make sure everything worked again before we went back out in the ocean. Thankfully, it did :)
One day, my underwater housing malfunctioned flooding my camera so I had to swim all the way into shore, through breaking waves, with my camera just above my head. Somehow, it still worked but it was a close call. So, many of those moments of heartbreak were offset by moments of triumph when everything clicked into place, capturing a scene so perfectly it needed no words.
The Power of Music and Sound
Music and sound played a pivotal role in bringing our episode to life. The rhythmic beats of Senegalese music, the soothing sound of the ocean, and the bustling noise of Dakar's streets – each added a layer of authenticity to our film. We collaborated with local musicians, incorporating traditional melodies and rhythms that resonated with the spirit of Senegal. The sound design was not just about embellishment; it was about creating an immersive experience for the viewer.
Connecting with the Environment
One of the most profound aspects of our journey was understanding the environmental challenges faced by Senegal. Beyond the issue of plastic pollution, we explored topics like ocean conservation and community-led initiatives. We filmed beaches littered with waste, but we also captured the efforts to clean and protect these spaces. These scenes were a sobering reminder of the impact of human action on nature, but also a testament to the power of collective effort and resilience.
Personal Reflections and Growth
As the filming drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the journey. This project was more than a professional endeavor; it was a personal voyage. I had come to Senegal as a filmmaker, but I was leaving as a storyteller who had been deeply moved and changed by the experience. The challenges had been real, but they paled in comparison to the rewards – the stories we had gathered, the friendships we had formed, and the lessons we had learned.
Looking Ahead
As I sat editing the footage, piecing together the story of our time in Senegal, I realized that this was just the beginning. The "Goat Surf Club" was not just a series; it was a journey – one that would take us to different corners of the world, each with its own story to tell. The first episode of our Senegal series was just a chapter that had enriched this journey, leaving a lasting mark on the series and on me.
The final version of the episode that you see above was a mosaic of all our experiences – the surfing, the interviews, the environmental insights, and the cultural immersion. It was a narrative that went beyond the waves, delving into the heart of Senegal. As I hope to share this story with the world, I hoped that it would not only entertain but also inspire – inspire action, awareness, and a deeper connection with our planet.
And so, the journey of the "Goat Surf Club" continues, riding the waves of storytelling, adventure, and purpose.
Next stop? EPISODE 2, coming January 10th ;)
Want to Connect?
Roo is a commercial/documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Boulder, Colorado but travels all around the world for his filmmaking career. He has directed documentaries for Patagonia in California, produced films for Outside Magazine throughout Europe and Africa, camera operated for Netflix in the Rocky Mountain West, photographed among indigenous communities in South America, and has received notable recognition in his hometown of Orcas Island in Washington State for his work telling uplifting stories in the outdoor space.
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