One of the main things I loved about Dakar when I came last year was its surf culture. A capital with a thriving arts scene, by the sea, where one can surf - what’s not to like! For some reason, when thinking of alternative lives I would love to have, being a surfer always is top of the list. So the top priority of my time here is to learn to surf and I am on it.
I take lessons at a great spot called Copacabana Surf Village - a community-driven surf school and restaurant with fantastic energy. Through them, I am learning about surfers’ commitment to the sea —surf conservation— both in Dakar and all over the world. From Babacar Thiaw’s beach cleans as part of the efforts of the Senegal chapter of the Surfrider Foundation; to Save the Waves Coalition’s goal to protect 1,000 surf ecosystems by 2030.
Their work has pushed me to share the last post of The Oracle’s series —an ode to nature. If the aim of this Substack is to be a space for experimentation, this post is the epitome of it. I had never made a video before. My friend
taught me how to add audio to it. And here is the result. Perhaps a bit mad. Definitely very DIY. What is for sure is that I loved making it, so I hope you enjoy it!Here is the text with some pics:
