The intensive surf course in Ndayane takes place on a huge, little-visited beach in a fishing village on the Petite Côte, about 50 km from Dakar. It lasts 3 to 5 days, equipment and insurance are provided, and the ideal season runs from October to May for a regular swell and mild weather.

One beach, sandbanks, a village

Ndayane has a huge, little-visited beach, with sandbanks, long regular waves and a soothing setting. The instructor begins each stay with an assessment and splits participants into small groups by experience. Over one or two sessions a day, you alternate technical exercises on the sand and at sea: balance, navigating the line-up, reading the wave, handling the equipment. Corrections are given in real time, with video analysis, and group challenges measure progress.

The equipment is provided: boards, wetsuits and insurance. Family packs are offered, one-to-one coaching is possible on request, and suitable modules or junior groups can be arranged, as well as a programme to prepare for competitions. Nature, wellness and culture activities slip into the programme: a walk to the fishing harbour, a market visit, workshops on coastal wildlife, tasting of fresh fish, yoga or stretching at the end of the day. Lodging is in a guesthouse or a local surf camp, and meals and transfers depend on the option chosen: full board is an option.

If you live in Dakar, a course here means a few days in a fishing village less than 50 km from home, without setting off on a long trip. If you are visiting, it is a stay that mixes technical learning and village life, away from the big resorts.

Ndayane and its surroundings

Ndayane is a lébou village (the lébou are the traditional fishing people of the Dakar coast) on the Petite Côte, in the commune of Popenguine-Ndayane, near Cap de Naze. It has shifted from an agricultural economy to fishing and lies close to a future multipurpose port. Walks to the harbour and the market are part of daily life on a course.

Between two sessions

The Popenguine Reserve is next door; Toubab Dialaw and its cliffs can be visited in the same day. For wellness, a yoga session helps you recover, and paddle and kayak let you change the kind of effort. Other surf lessons and courses are available along the coast.