The Surf Window

Nouakchott Beach

Nouakchott, Mauritania

Beach breakIntermediate

Mauritania's capital sits on the raw Atlantic coast with exposed beach break that handles big NW swells, one of the most off-the-beaten-path surf experiences in West Africa with virtually zero visiting surfers and a wild, frontier-like atmosphere.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

E

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

November–February

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Powerful, often disorganised beach break peaks

Length

40–80m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The waves can be powerful and the conditions chaotic, experience is needed to read the shifting banks

Hazards

  • •Extremely limited surf infrastructure and no rescue services
  • •Rips on bigger swells
  • •Harsh desert climate, sun and dehydration risk

Local Tips

  • •Surfing here requires complete self-sufficiency, bring all equipment, wax, and repair materials
  • •A 4WD is essential, the beach is accessed through sand tracks

Location

Map showing the location of Nouakchott Beach in Nouakchott, Mauritania

18.0790, -15.9700