Marta Imarisio, creator of the Surfing Shredding Senegal (SKSS) program, shares the origins of the project and its mission to promote equality, inclusion, and environmental awareness through surfing. SKSS helps young people, especially those in difficult economic situations, find autonomy and life opportunities by using surfing as a tool for personal and social development.
Can you give us some background about the origins of Surfing Shredding Senegal and the primary motivations behind starting this project?
SKSS is a program created and run by the Sportive and Cultural Association Malika Surf, based in Yoff (Dakar), that since 2010 it is one of the pioneers in the development of surfing in Senegal and its mission is to promote equality, inclusion, and environmental awareness through the practice of surfing.
Since its inception, over 50 children and young people have found employment in the surfing industry through access to quality education. Since 2020, with the implementation of the Surfkids Shredding Senegal program, the SCA’s mission is to promote personal autonomy and inclusion through the practice of surfing.
Justification of the project: The program was conceived in 2019 by its founder, Mr. Ibrahima Kane, a member of the Senegalese Surf Federation. He noticed the number of talented children who were surfing without the support of a surf club that could provide them with proper equipment. The ASC Malika Surf is now recognized by the Senegalese Surf Federation (FSS) and the International Surfing Association (ISA).
The association’s strong point is translating the idea that sports are an important development tool, a resource capable of keeping children away from drugs, prolonged screen exposure, bad influences, and the streets. Moreover, with the power of sports, we can highlight the importance of education, even for those who dream of becoming professional surfers or working in the surfing industry. But this is not only relevant for those who want to make sports their life’s purpose. For example, through sports, it is possible to learn values that are useful in everyday life, especially for girls who often don’t have access to these types of activities. Sports become a vehicle for development: through surfing, young people can understand the values of the community, challenges, psychophysical well-being, and the importance of having both a solid education and relevant training. By spending time with children, Marta and Ibrahima, the founders of Malika Surf Camp, realized, through sports activities, the lack of education and motivation to attend school. The connection between sports and formal education, as well as respect for the environment (which is highly prominent in outdoor sports), can undoubtedly offer alternative life opportunities compared to the destinies these children are facing. The mission is to support girls and boys aged 8 to 25 who are living in critical economic and financial situations and are exposed to a lack of educational, medical, and academic support. Support is provided through sports training, the provision of surfing equipment, and assistance with school follow-up (including school expenses, enrollment, books, and extracurricular activities) and medical care. It is in this context that the “Surfkids Shredding Senegal” program was developed: surfing can offer life opportunities to children, especially girls. The project aims to establish a weekly organization that combines surfing, training, education, and the transmission of values such as respect for the environment, gender equality, and the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
In your organization, you focus specifically on girls and the importance of local role models. How does the surf experience empower them?
SKSS is not focusing on girls, but it aims for sure to have more girls able to surf, and to reach this goal some specific actions are required.
Considering that fishing is predominantly a male activity, with men going out to fish while women sell the catch on the beach, many women in these communities lack swimming skills and may even be afraid of the sea, especially when their husbands or family members do not return from fishing trips.
By offering swimming lessons and teaching about currents and waves, women and girls gain confidence and find enjoyment in the water. They also experience a sense of well-being in an inclusive environment.
When girls demonstrate motivation in the water, they are welcomed into the lineup and encouraged by local boys to catch bigger waves. However, if girls are merely sitting on their surfboards without actively engaging, they may not receive the same support.
This principle of engagement and motivation applies to other aspects of their private lives as well, such as their studies or work. Through surfing, they learn a holistic approach to life and gain autonomy. The lessons they learn in the water, such as perseverance, facing challenges, and pushing their limits, translate into their personal and professional endeavors. By embracing the lessons learned from surfing and applying them to other aspects of their lives, these women and girls are empowered to overcome obstacles, pursue education, excel in their careers, and ultimately lead fulfilling and independent lives.
In the context of the Olympic Games in Paris, there is another international sports competition coming up, the Youth Olympic Games in 2026. How is Surfing Shredding Senegal preparing this event?
We try to boost a bit more our weekly program and focus on a small group of kids (boys and girls) in the age required by the JOJ.
– Training in the water: set up regular training sessions in the water to improve their surfing skills and techniques. This involves practicing maneuvers, improving balance and coordination, and building strength and endurance.
– Video analysis: to allow surfers to review their performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine their technique.
– Mental coaching and focus: Mental coaching plays a crucial role in preparing for any sport, including surfing. Working with a mental coach can help surfers develop mental resilience, focus, and concentration. These skills can be valuable not only in surfing but also in other aspects of life, such as studying.
– Finding equipment: Surfing requires specific equipment, such as surfboards, wetsuits, and other accessories. It is important for surfers to find suitable equipment that suits their improvement and this is not simple specially on small performing sizes
– Participating in external competitions or meeting international surfers: To gain experience and exposure, surfers can aim to participate in external competitions or meet and interact with international surfers. This can provide valuable learning opportunities, including communications skills.
