Goat Surf Club in Senegal - Episode 2
Beginning episode 2 of The Goat Surf Club in Senegal series, we were stoked to continue on this epic adventure that promised to be more than just any other surf trip. This time, our journey was imbued with a deeper purpose – delving into the environmental challenges and surf culture of Senegal, with a particular focus on the inspiring work of Babacar, a local environmentalist and surf enthusiast.
The gentle hum of the city in the early hours, the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the eclectic mix of urban and natural landscapes set the perfect backdrop for our second episode. Here in Dakar, where the ocean kisses the land, we were about to uncover stories of resilience, hope, and the power of community – all through the lens of surfing.
Pre-Production – Laying the Groundwork
Our journey to create this episode began long before we touched down in Senegal. It was a mosaic of meticulous planning, extensive research, and team brainstorming sessions - mostly led by Ben and Thomas. We knew that to truly capture the essence of Senegal’s surf culture and its environmental challenges, we needed to dive deeper than our series in Ireland. We decided that the focal point of our narrative for this second episode is Babacar, a name that had come up repeatedly in our research as a beacon of environmental activism and a pillar in the local surf community.
As we charted out our plans, poring over maps and scheduling interviews, there was a palpable excitement about the stories we were about to uncover. Our objective was clear - to create a short documentary that resonated with both surf enthusiasts and those passionate about environmental conservation.
The Team Dynamics
The Goat Surf Club team, a tight-knit trio, comprised myself, Roo, the eyes behind the camera, Ben, the heart and soul with his ever-present optimism and hard science background, and Thomas, always ready with thoughtful insights on environmentalism and a crucial knowledge of French. Each of us brought our unique strengths to the table, united by a shared passion for storytelling and surfing.
As we prepared for our Senegal trip, our discussions often centered around how we could best capture Babacar’s impact on his community and the environment. We’re not just a team but genuine best friends, so we loved the process of catching up and brainstorming these sorts of things.
On-Site Challenges and Adaptations
Immediately after we began filming, we realized what a challenge this whole project was going to be. Navigating the bustling city streets with our surf and camera equipment, adapting to the unpredictable weather patterns, and coordinating with local contacts - all while staying true to our mission of preserving our experience and sharing meaningful stories of local environmental projects - was a balancing act.
One of the most significant challenges was the language barrier. Communicating our vision and working alongside the locals required patience and adaptability, and Thomas was our only French speaker so Ben and I couldn’t really help out. Thankfully, Babacar spoke great English so we were able to communicate with him on logistics in a language we both understood. However, when it came to his interview, he felt more expressive in French and Wolof so we got a nice balance of all three.
Babacar’s Influence: A Deeper Dive
The heart of this episode was our time spent with Babacar. We tried to capture him in his element – leading cleanup efforts, chatting about the young surfing community, and running his eco-friendly restaurant. His approach to environmentalism wasn't just about activism; it was about instilling a sense of responsibility and love for the ocean in everyone he met.
Capturing Babacar’s story required a blend of technical skill and creative intuition. We employed a variety of filming techniques to do justice to the multifaceted nature of his work. I shot all of the interviews handheld, on the Sony A7siii camera, with Ben, Thomas and Babacar using lavalier microphones to capture the audio. It would have been nice to have a couple extra angles but when we’re just walking around the restaurant, we didn’t have the time or luxury to set up anything stationary.
Post-Production – How documentaries really get made…
Back in the editing room, the challenge was to weave these diverse threads into a coherent narrative. Our days in Dakar had given us a wealth of footage, each clip a piece of the larger story we were telling. The editing process was meticulous, ensuring that each scene, each transition, carried the emotional weight and message we intended. Pairing surf footage with the environmentalist message we’re trying to share isn’t too difficult but definitely takes a lot of tweaking. Also, because I can’t speak French, editing these interview sequences together in a language I didn’t speak definitely presented some challenges. However, it all came together because of the translations that were provided by both Thomas and my sister Clara (who is also fluent in French and made a cameo in episode 4 of our Morocco series).
Reflecting on the Entire Experience of Creating Episode 2
As our time in Dakar drew to a close, the impact of what we had experienced began to truly sink in. Filming the second episode of the Goat Surf Club in Senegal was not just about capturing the thrill of surfing; it was a deep exploration into the heart of environmental activism, seen through the lens of those who cherish the ocean most.
Babacar’s story, his dedication, and his influence were the cornerstones of this experience for us. He represented a beacon of hope and action in a world often overwhelmed by environmental challenges. His work, and the work of those like him, showed us that change starts at the community level.
It’s about inspiring one person, one surfer, one business at a time, to make a difference.
This episode taught us the power of storytelling - not just to entertain but to enlighten and motivate. As filmmakers and surfers, we had the unique opportunity to merge our passion for the sport with a deeper purpose. The challenges we faced, from technical difficulties to confronting the harsh realities of ocean pollution, were part of a larger narrative. They were lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to one’s mission.
Looking Forward
As I sit back and watch the final version of the second episode, I am definitely filled with a huge sense of accomplishment and anticipation. The story we set out to tell has taken on a life of its own, becoming a testament to the power of human spirit and the enduring love for our planet.
Thankfully, the journey of the Goat Surf Club doesn’t end here. There are more waves to ride, more stories to tell, and more people like Babacar to meet. Our mission to explore the intersection of surfing and environmental stewardship continues, taking us to new destinations with fresh challenges and inspiring stories.
What lies ahead is a mystery (for now, new episodes coming every week in January 2024), but one thing remains certain – our adventure in Senegal has been a formative experience for the Goat Surf Club. It has shaped our perspective, not just on surfing, but on the role we all play in protecting the world we live in and the oceans we cherish.
As we prepare for our next episode, we carry with us the lessons learned and the memories made with Babacar and the Surfrider Foundation – a reminder that surfing is more than a sport; it’s a journey, a responsibility, and a celebration of the beautiful world we call home.
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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