Goat Surf Club in Senegal - Episode 3
Welcome back to another episode (and article) of the Goat Surf Club in Senegal
After our insightful encounters with environmentalists like Babacar and The Plastic Man, this episode took a delightful turn towards exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Senegal. From traditional food and dance in the desert to the bustling jazz festival in Saint Louis, this leg of our adventure was an immersive dive into the heart and soul of Senegalese culture.
Our foray into the local culture began with an invitation from our friend Aida family, who welcomed us into their home for a traditional meal. The Goat Surf Club has known Aida since way back when we first met, as Aida also attended the international school where we all became surf buddies initially. As we sat around her family’s table in Saint Louis, savoring dishes like Thieboudienne and Yassa, two delicious Senegalese meals, we were all swapping old stories from nearly 10 years ago now.
Like the time I was walking back from a cold surf in the Bristol Channel with Thomas and Ben and I got scared of a hedgehog, since I’ve never seen one before. We ended up spending most of the day at Aida’s, laughing, napping and hanging out.
However, we wanted to keep exploring and the cultural exploration didn’t stop at cuisine. We found ourselves in the middle of the desert, with Thomas throwing down some of his epic dance moves under the moon.
The rhythm of the music, the laughter in our attempts to keep up with the locals – it was a beautiful melding of cultures and a testament to the universal language of dance. this was also maybe one of the worst nights of sleep of my life as it was so insanely hot in this tent I ended up just buying myself in sand outside to try to cool down.
Saint Louis Jazz Festival
Saint Louis, a city pulsating with history and music, was an absolute treasure. The Saint Louis Jazz Festival, known as Africa's biggest jazz event, was a spectacle of artistic expression. As we navigated through the streets thronged with people, we were surrounded by tons of vibrant colors, infectious music, and endless dancing. The energy was electric and served to be a true celebration of life, art, and the unifying power of music.
As a filmmaker and a musician, witnessing the exceptional talent of the jazz artists was a highlight for me. I was a music minor in college and studied jazz for a few years so hearing West Africa’s take on some classic jazz standards was a treat. The skill, the passion, the sheer joy in their performances was also incredibly inspiring. Capturing these moments on camera, and our phones since we didn’t want to be taking the camera out too much at night, I felt a deep responsibility to do justice to the artistry unfolding before us.
Connecting with Local Surf Communities
Our travels then led us to an inspiring encounter with Mamadou, a surf coach in Dakar. Mamadou dedication to empowering local surfers was immediately evident. His initiative to provide surfboards to those who couldn't afford them was not just about the sport but about fostering a community. In his super rad surf shack, over cups of tea, Mamadou shared his vision for the Senegalese surf scene – a vision of accessibility and passion. As a filmmaker, capturing these moments was poignant, showcasing a side of surfing that goes beyond waves – it's about community, resilience, and empowerment.
Surfing in Unique Locations
This trip took a bit of unexpected turn when we decided to swap the ocean waves for the sand dunes. Surfing in the desert was a surreal experience – the endless dunes providing a stark contrast to the familiar beachscapes. For me, as a surfer and filmmaker, this was uncharted territory, both challenging and exhilarating to capture. Sand is something that can really destroy cameras so not only did we have to be careful with the equipment - even while trying to ride on a camel through the dunes.
The vastness of the desert, the excitement of riding the dunes, and the sheer novelty of the experience were elements I was stoked to try to capture through my camera. Although I’ve spent small amounts of times in desert landscapes before in Utah, the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado and a bit of the Sahara in Morocco - this desert seemed to just go on forever.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
As the third episode began to wrap up, the cultural experiences of this section of the trip culminated into a profound appreciation for this beautiful country and its people. From the hospitality of Aida’s family to the vibrant scenes at the jazz festival, and the inspirational stories from the local surf community, each moment added layers to our understanding of Senegal.
In the backdrop of our surfing adventures, it was these cultural and human connections that stood out. In addition to the waves we catch around the world, what makes the Goat Surf Club series meaningful for us is the people and cultures we get to discover along the way.
Stay tuned for more adventures with the Goat Surf Club, as our final episode of our Surfing in Senegal episode is released January 24, 2024…
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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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