Cherif Fall’s Senegal
Pro surfer, Ngor local, and national surfing champion of Senegal, Cherif Fall, gives us an inside look at his home country.
Local Currents is a series about surfers that live or have lived in a place we often visit, sharing with us their local recommendations and intel about their homes.
Thermal: Talk to us about surfing in Senegal, what’s the surf scene like?
Cherif: Surfing in Senegal is a growing sport that has been around for about 50 years. Surfing here has developed over the generations with the advantage of the arrival of surfers from all over the world who allow us to find our bearings. I learned to surf with Oumar Seye, the first Black pro surfer from Senegal, who spotted me at 10 years old playing in the small waves of Ngor. Over the last ten years, though, the surfing community in Senegal has grown a lot with various surf clubs that have formed, and also the international competitions that are organized in Dakar.
Oh, wow. Have you traveled around the continent for some of those international comps?
Yes, I have been to a few countries in Africa like Congo, Morocco and Cape Verde. I’m really hoping to discover more about other countries, though! I’ve actually won the West Africa tour twice and have surfed in the World Surfing Games for Senegal in Japan and France. I’d love to qualify for the Olympics.
Amazing. So, what are your favorite waves around Ngor?
In Ngor we are lucky to be on a peninsula which allows us to have waves coming from the north and south, which gives us many, many different spots. But among these spots I like Ngor Right, which offers a good, long wave, and also Livewell, which offers a lot of power. There’s also a secret a wave that I love, which is less powerful, but allows me to train some maneuvers.
And in all of Senegal, what are some of your favorites waves?
Around Senegal I like to surf at Ouakam, which is the best wave in West Africa. It’s very hollow and powerful which allows you to make good barrels. Second, is Kayar, which is a powerful beach break similar to Pipeline. I also love Vivier, where I like to do aerials there.
Best place to learn to surf around Dakar?
Virage Beach is good to learn at, and the wave goes well with beginners in particular—all the way to the advanced-level surfer.
What are some things you’d recommend people doing around Dakar outside of the surf?
Aside from surfing, Dakar is a great tourist destination that is rich in history. So, I say visiting all the peaceful places and historical sites Dakar has to offer. Like the African Renaissance Monument.
Favorite Senegalese dish?
Like all Senegalese, my favorite dish is thiebou djeune (rice with fish), since we have the advantage of having fresh fish all the time. It’s also our national dish.
Favorite restaurant around Ngor/Dakar?
It's hard to choose my favorite restaurant because all the restaurants are good, and each one has a different concept, but I like Surfer Paradise here in Dakar. It’s kind of special for surfers.
Anything else not to miss in Dakar?
In Dakar, there are many places for music and as the venues often organize events, there is a wide choice to enjoy the works of our local and national musicians. Once in Dakar, it is important to take an interest in the culture and the rich history of our community. There are so many beautiful places that Senegal has to offer in the country.
Favorite non-surf activity?
I like to train on the beach, and many Senegalese go to the beach to do the same.
Any advice for traveling surfers visiting your home, or anything to be aware of?
For surfers, the Senegalese surfing community is very welcoming to foreign surfers and there’s a good spirit of peace. Sharing waves is always welcome. You have to be careful with the sea urchins that are in many of our spots. Most importantly, surf on waves at your level of surfing.
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