Goat Surf Club in Senegal - Episode 4
As we approached the end of our time in Senegal, none of us anticipated the twist our story would take. . As the political climate in Senegal shifted unexpectedly, so did our narrative, offering a raw and real insight into the challenges of documentary filmmaking in dynamic environments.
Facing Unexpected Challenges
After a couple weeks of beautiful waves, amazing conversations with Babacar, Coach Mamadou and the Plastic Man, and some fun dancing at the Jazz Festival in Saint Louis, our trip was interrupted by the onset of political unrest. What started as a distant concern soon escalated, bringing a palpable tension to the streets of Dakar. Our plans to showcase the mangrove reforestation efforts were halted. The turn of events was a stark reminder of the unpredictability inherent in our line of work. As filmmakers, we had to navigate these challenges, balancing our mission with the safety and well-being of our team and those around us.
Reflections from our lockdown
Of all the photos I took of our time in lockdown, I feel this encapsulates our feelings the best. Just 500ft from where I took this photo, cars were being burnt, tear gas bombs were being thrown and civil unrest continued to escalate in the street.
Trapped indoors, we found ourselves in a state of limbo, oscillating between concern for the unfolding events and the desire to continue our work. The walls that confined us became a space for reflection and introspection. The sounds of a city in turmoil contrasted sharply with our previous experiences of Senegal's vibrant culture and sitting on the couch listening to the tear gas bombs go off outside was a rude awakening. It was a time of waiting, hoping, and contemplating the complexities of capturing real stories in real-time.
We asked so many questions during this time… Is it our ethical duty as filmmakers to go out and document the protests? What role do we want this to play in our surf series, do we include it or leave it out of the discussion? Are we safe here or should we try to get to the airport through the road closures?
Finding moments of joy during uncertain times
In the midst of uncertainty, we found unexpected moments of joy and normalcy. A simple game of basketball with Gayane, the son of our generous hosts, became a much-needed respite. The laughter and friendly competition on the court temporarily lifted the heaviness that had settled over us. It was a reminder that life's simple pleasures can shine through even in the darkest times. These moments, while fleeting, were crucial in keeping our spirits up and maintaining a semblance of normalcy.
Gayane, the son of the family who hosted us, absolutely schooling us in basketball a couple days before we left
Reflecting on Missed Opportunities and Learning
As the days passed, the realization that we couldn't fulfill our original mission set in. Not being able to work with the mangrove reforestation charity left us with a sense of incompleteness. Yet, there was a silver lining. The situation taught us valuable lessons about adaptability in storytelling and the importance of being sensitive to the context we are in. It reinforced our responsibility to tell stories that are not just compelling, but also respectful and true to the experiences of those we feature.
Surfing, Conservation, and Community
Despite the challenges, our connection with the ocean remained a constant. Our surfing sessions in Senegal, though not as frequent or intense as we had hoped, were filled with camaraderie and cultural exchanges. We bonded with local kids over shared encounters with jellyfish, laughing and screaming together. These moments underscored how surfing transcends language barriers and unites us in our love for the ocean. The growing surf culture in Senegal, its link to ocean conservation, and the community's enthusiasm for keeping their beaches clean were inspiring to witness and document.
Gratitude
As I reflect on our time in Senegal, there were countless moments of joy, challenge, culture, and resilience. I am grateful for the experiences we had, the people we met, and the stories we gathered. A heartfelt thank you to Modou Fall, Babacar, and our hosts Rama, Victor, and Gayane, for their warmth and hospitality. Your contributions to this experience can not be understated.
What’s next from the Goat Surf Club?
Our final episode in Senegal didn't follow the script we had envisioned, but it unfolded into something more profound. It taught us the importance of adaptability, the strength found in community, and the power of optimism. As we close this chapter of the Goat Surf Club, we carry with us not only memories but lessons that will guide our future adventures. And so, as one journey ends, another awaits. The world is vast, the waves are calling, and our story continues.
Stay tuned for more adventures with the Goat Surf Club, but until then - check out all of our adventures at https://www.goatsurfclub.com/
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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