The group surf lesson in Yène brings together teenagers, children and adults on a beach beside a lagoon, about 40 km south of Dakar. The session lasts 2 hours for adults and teens, 1 hour for children, with a surf coach and the equipment provided.

One group, one lagoon, one beach

Groups form each morning on the beach, where the pale sand meets the calm waters of the river and the lagoon. The instructor presents the day’s programme: group warm-up, balance games and playful introduction, adapted to each person’s age and level. The activity aims to encourage togetherness and mutual help, in a family atmosphere. Learning alternates collective technical exercises (catching the wave, mastering the take-off) and individual time, to progress step by step.

The equipment and the surf coach are included: suitable boards, protective wetsuits and insurance. Bring a hat, a moisturising sunscreen, water and fresh fruit to share. Group packs are valid over 10 weeks and can be booked on site, which allows steady progress. The clubs gladly take organised groups, such as families, associations or school groups, and lessons in English are possible depending on the instructors.

If you live in Dakar, it is a way to sign up for a cycle of several weeks, with a pack, 40 km from the city. If you are visiting, it is a group lesson in a village where you can eat on the beach and visit the lagoon.

Yène, the lagoon village

Yène is a village on the Petite Côte, 40 km south of Dakar, in the Rufisque department. Yène market is within walking distance of the beach, with plenty of seasonal produce. It is part of the Dakar region.

Around the lesson

Between sets, you can admire the lagoon’s migratory birds or taste the fresh fruit sold on the beach. Short workshops on birds, fish or plants are often included. Birdwatching or a pirogue trip extend the morning, and other surf lessons and courses are available along the coast.