The beginner surf lesson in Ndayane takes place on the beach of a lébou fishing village on the Petite Côte, about fifty kilometres south of Dakar, away from the main tourist flows. Equipment and instructor are provided, and the session starts on the sand before you enter the water.

Learning on a fishermen’s beach

Ndayane is a quiet village, away from the big resorts: a sandy beach stretching for several kilometres, colourful pirogues, fishermen coming in from dawn. This is the setting for a surf introduction meant to be relaxed. The session starts on the sand, with a presentation of the equipment and games of balance, listening and adapting to the waves. At sea, the waves are gentle and regular, with a watchful instructor and a gradual entry into the water.

The equipment and the instructor are included. Wear sandals or beach shoes, protect yourself well from the sun with a strong sunscreen and a covering garment, and bring a little local currency for the market. Depending on the option, you can come alone, with family or in a small private group.

If you live in Dakar, this is an escape of about fifty kilometres, with a first wave and, on the return trip, grilled fish. If you are visiting, it is a chance to spend time in a fishing village rather than in a resort.

Ndayane and the Petite Côte

Ndayane is part of the commune of Popenguine-Ndayane, on the Petite Côte, near Cap de Naze. A lébou village (the lébou are the traditional fishing people of the Dakar coast), it has shifted from an agricultural economy to fishing, and lies close to a future multipurpose port. A market is held every morning a few minutes from the beach, and a natural headland south of the village gives a view over the bay and the boats coming in.

Around the beach

To extend your trip, the Popenguine Reserve is next door, and Toubab Dialaw and its cliffs can be visited on the same day. On the water, a paddle and kayak outing shows the same bay from another angle, and other surf lessons are available on the peninsula.