Series description
The Senegalese surf scene is growing fast and I’ve been there to document the life of Ismaila Samb, a young, promising surfer who is aspiring to become a professional. The surfers here don’t have the best equipment, but though they surf with old surfboards and wetsuits, their passion is above everything. My mission was to help Isma gain visibility and international recognition. After my visit he travelled outside Africa for the first time and joined the Senegalese national team taking part in the World Surfing Games in El Salvador.
Biography
Water photographer and videomaker, specialized in surfing and fashion. I travel the world looking for the best waves with the best surfers in the world. I am one of the few italians that follows the European leg of the world championship tour officially and i founded the most influential surfing media in Italy.
African Reinassance
Ismaila visits the monument to the African Renaissance. This was a controversial construction made by the Senegalese president, which the local population didn’t want.
© Tommaso Pardini, Italy, 3rd Place, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
No More Sorrow
Ismaila is fighting to become the first Senegalese surfer to compete in the world tour. The road is tough, but with the help of a sponsor he could do it.
© Tommaso Pardini, Italy, 3rd Place, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Go!
Isma shows off his potential to the surfers in the line-up.
© Tommaso Pardini, Italy, 3rd Place, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
N'Gore Boy
A portrait of Isma in his home village, the island of N’Gore.
© Tommaso Pardini, Italy, 3rd Place, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
N'Gore Island
The island of N’Gore is one of the main art hubs in Senegal. You can walk through the island’s streets and find all sorts of paintings on the walls of the houses.
© Tommaso Pardini, Italy, 3rd Place, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Sport is Our Religion
Everywhere you go in Senegal you will find someone playing football, running or surfing. There’s no time to rest – it’s all about passion.
© Tommaso Pardini, Italy, 3rd Place, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Where Culture Meets Surfing
Ouakham is a famous Mosque that rises near a world famous wave.
© Tommaso Pardini, Italy, 3rd Place, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards