Senegal is a surprise star on the international windsurfing scene. Like its neighbours on Africa’s Atlantic coast, Senegal is blessed with strong winds and some powerful waves. It also has great beaches, friendly vibes and an ever-growing tourism industry. As more and more people discover Senegal’s outstanding beaches, so more and more people discover Senegal windsurfing.
Take a windsurfing trip in Senegal and you’ll catch the country as it’s on the up, with an improving infrastructure. Along with ever-better hotels, the country’s beach resorts are getting better at developing their watersports industry. Windsurf schools and hire shops are starting to open up.
The capital Dakar is Senegal’s windsurfing hub. The city itself is busy and colourful, but its nearby beaches are welcoming and calm. It’s the best of both worlds! Dakar has been a popular surfing destination since the 1960s, and now windsurfers are getting a piece of the action too. Expect waves – often big ones.
Ngor Island, just off Dakar’s shores, is one of the most popular spots. There are some gentler beach breaks for the less experienced as well as some bigger waves. On the mainland, there are several good windsurfing beaches in and around Dakar. They are all wave spots – this isn’t a place for beginners. Yoff Beach has good wind all year round and is the best and most popular of Dakar’s windsurfing spots. There are several places on the beach to hire gear.
A little way south of Dakar is Mbour. This laid-back coastal city is little-known to outsiders, but it has some good wind and waves and is growing in popularity.
Be a pioneer of the Senegal windsurfing scene…take on the country’s waves.
