A favorite of surfers since the 1990’s, Bureh Beach is a 4 km crescent of golden sand surrounded by forest. The beach is named after Bai Bureh, a village chief and independence leader who led the Hut Tax rebellion against the British colonizers.

Unlike other beaches further north, winds are frequent, creating perfect waves and surfing conditions. The beach looks and feels a little wild and less picture-perfect compared to Tokeh or River No.2 – the sand a little more coarse, and the regular swells make swimming difficult. However, walking up and down the length of the beach, you’ll notice rocks creating quieter coves and rock pools where it’s fun to have a splash.

Bureh Beach is only 5 km from Kent, the town on the tip of the Freetown Peninsula where boats to the Banana Islands depart from.

Surfing is the main activity at Bureh Beach. Locals started surfing using driftwood and broken canoes, until an Irishman named Shane O’Connor opened a surf club with donations from NGO’s and surfing brands. Over a decade later, the surf club is still active, and Bureh locals offer surfing lessons, rent out boards and cook meals for surfers returning from a day riding the waves.

Surfing in Bureh is a great way to have fun while empowering the local community – the International Surfing Association has sponsored 12 youths so far, with surfing and schooling scholarships.