Map
Ouakam
Today's Surf Conditions at Ouakam
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Nestled beneath the imposing Les Mamelles lighthouse on Senegal’s coast, Ouakam is a raw, reef-break enigma that trades in quality over quantity. Its character is forged by a distinct fishing village ambiance, with the country’s largest mosque watching silently from across the bay. This is not a wave for the faint of heart—the uneven, jagged reef and razor-thin take-off zone demand pinpoint precision, advanced judgment, and a healthy respect for consequence. The wave itself is a study in contrast, offering both left and right off a defined peak. The right tends to be the more substantial ride, unfolding with a ruler-edged line that can stretch into a longer, more grinding affair. The left, however, is the show-stealer—fast, critical, and steep, with multiple barrel opportunities for those who can thread the needle. Ouakam truly comes alive under a south-west swell, handling waves as small as 3 feet, though its finest moments arrive with a long-period pulse from the north-west, wrapping artfully around the cliff headland. Almost any tide works, but low to mid stages yield the most forgiving and well-defined lines. When the wind locks in from the north-east, the surface cleans up, and the wave’s true potential is unleashed. That said, Ouakam is a rare bird, breaking only 20 to 30 times a year. When it does, the small lineup can feel surprisingly claustrophobic due to the compressed take-off area, adding a layer of tension to the session. The setting, however, is undeniably picturesque—a rugged, soulful backdrop that rewards the patient and the skilled. This is a strictly experts-only affair, a challenge reserved for those who can handle the reef, the crowd, and the fleeting window of perfection.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The North Atlantic roars to life during the winter months, and Ouakam feels the full brunt of the energy. From October through March, a steady stream of powerful extratropical storms marching across the North Atlantic generates long-period swell that wraps around the Cap-Vert peninsula, predominantly from the NNW and NW. Average swell heights hold in the 1.5-1.8m range, with periods commonly exceeding 12s, delivering punchy, powerful surf. The trade winds strengthen during this window, blowing from the N and NNE, providing clean, offshore conditions for the majority of the time. When the atmosphere aligns, we see sunny skies, light offshore breezes, and consistent, well-ordered lines rolling in all day long – this is the sweet spot for Ouakam.
Fair Surf Season (April & September)
The transition months of April and September offer a mixed bag. April sees swell heights still in the 1.7m range, but the period drops notably to around 10.8s, resulting in less power. Northerly winds remain strong, but the percentage of truly ideal (light and offshore) wind drops to just 13%. September marks the beginning of the upswing, with swell period increasing to 10.1s and ideal wind conditions occurring 32% of the time as the trade winds relax. Swell starts to rebuild, but heights remain modest at 1.3m. These months can be rewarding for those willing to gamble on the right combination of swell and wind windows – often delivering clean, waist-shoulder high surf on the better days.
Low Surf Season (May - August)
During the northern summer, the North Atlantic storm track retreats, and Ouakam enters its low season. From May through August, average swell heights drop to 1.3-1.6m and periods shorten to 8-9s, producing weaker, groveling waves. The wind regime shifts: northerly trades weaken and are replaced by onshore W to NW winds that create bumpy, sometimes messy conditions. However, occasional pulses of SW swell (especially in August and September) can provide some fun rides, and when the N/NE winds do reassert themselves, the surf can still offer fun-sized waves. Ideal wind percentages sit between 18-26%, making it essential to chase the rare clean windows. Overall, this is a quiet period best suited for beginners or those looking to avoid the crowds.
Detailed Surf Information for Ouakam
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Ouakam with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.