Senegal’s debut in ISA event

For the first time in history of the ISA a Senegal team competed in the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship at Seignosse´s Plage du Penon. In perfect 3 to 6 feet conditions.

Babou Gueye, 17, who comes from a fishing town near Dakar surfed two waves and finished fourth in his first round heat. He concluded that his strategy was not correct, which was to wait out the back for the big waves, rather than waiting for the more consistent medium sized sets. He was disappointed when he left the water.

François, the Team Manager, was born in France and moved to Senegal more than ten years ago. He commented that surfing in Senegal has already a 30-year history but for the level to improve, he says, “It is necessary for the young surfers to come to these international competitions to make a point of reference for the future generations to aspire to.”

Also he was very happy that the young surfers were able to travel to France without having to pay for the trip. This is thanks to the support of a good range of sponsors not necessarily related to surfing, like Kirène mineral water, a car company called ‘La Senegalaise de L´Automobile’ and the airline Air Senegal International, among others.

“It was a long journey to get here,” said François. “From sorting out the passports and Visas, which is all the more difficult due to the younger age of the participants because if they wish to stay here the French government cannot do anything. Then having to arrange the travel and the boards and all the financial backing, but now we are all really happy to be here.”

Babou said that as much as he likes being here, he misses Senegal a lot.

A few hours later, his team mate, Yoann Boyer, had a good heat but also finished just short in third place.

Later in the round one of the repercharge, Babou had a good performance but came short again, placing third to Italian Mateo Fioravanti and Venezuelan Antonio Sotillo. He left Barbados´ Gavin Fernandes in fourth and said goodbye to the competition.

On the other hand, Yoann had a great Repercharge Round 1 heat, placing second –leaving a Canadian and a Barbadian in third and fourth respectively- and advancing to the next round, where he had a tough heat against a Hawaiian, a Portugeese and a Chilean and gave his farewell to the event.

It was amazing to see another country showing their good surfing, their great team spirit and the sacrifice they make to see surfing growing where they live. They placed 27th in the overall team ratings but they went back home as winners.

About International Surfing Association
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding and surfriding. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980. 

ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of over 50 countries on six continents. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California. It is presided by Fernando Aguerre, first elected in 1994 in Rio, and re-elected six times since.  The ISA's four Vice Presidents are Alan Atkins (Australia), Robin de Kock (South Africa), Maile Aguerre (Hawaii) and Mike Gerard (USA).

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