The Surf Window

Les Almadies

Dakar, Senegal

Reef breakAdvanced

At Africa's westernmost point, Les Almadies is Dakar's most exposed and powerful reef, a fast, hollow break that detonates on unobstructed Atlantic groundswells with serious consequences for those who fall on the shallow reef.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

E

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

November–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Right (primary)

Bottom

Reef

Shape

Fast, hollow barrel, heavy and unforgiving

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced
  • •Why: The reef is shallow and the wave powerful, a wipeout here means contact with the bottom

Hazards

  • •Shallow reef
  • •Strong currents near the point
  • •Localism from Dakar's established surf community

Local Tips

  • •Respect the locals, this is Dakar's premier wave and the crew here surfs it better than anyone
  • •Works on the same NW swells as the Taghazout corridor, 1500km north

Location

Map showing the location of Les Almadies in Dakar, Senegal

14.7557, -17.5158