VOICED : Surf schools making waves in Senegal

Senegal, known as a surfer's paradise, is seeing a slow uptake of surfing among locals despite its popularity with travelers. The capital, Dakar, now has eight surf schools, with young enthusiasts like Nora learning the sport. Omar, a pioneer in Senegalese surfing, highlights the lack of support from the Sports Minister, which hinders national competitions. Surfing remains expensive, with boards costing three times the monthly minimum wage. Efforts are being made to democratize the sport, but many locals lack swimming skills, making it challenging to participate. The country aims to foster a new generation of surfers while attracting international attention.

What efforts are being made to democratize surfing in Senegal?

Why is swimming considered an important skill for aspiring surfers in Senegal?