AWE Media Sierra Leone

By: Desmond Paine, Sports Correspondent As the sun glistens on the azure waters of Sierra Leone's stunning coastline, a wave of change is surging through the world of surfing, led by passionate young leaders like Ibrahim Bradshaw.  At just 25 years old, Bradshaw stands at the helm of this movement as one of the coordinators for United Sierra Leone (Wave Alliance), a vibrant youth-led initiative founded by the visionary Messeh Leone.  This program is dedicated not only to fostering the sport of surfing but also to empowering young individuals throughout the region. Reflecting on his journey, Bradshaw shared the pivotal moment that drew him to the ocean. “I began my surfing adventure in 2019, thanks to my manager Messeh Leone, who opened the door to this exhilarating world,” he recounted with enthusiasm. Since that transformative year, he has experienced unforgettable moments on the waves, riding the crests of Sierra Leone's pristine beaches and developing a profound connection t...

By: Desmond Paine, Sports Correspondent The rhythmic roar of the ocean waves crashing against the shores of Sierra Leone has become the backdrop to an exhilarating story of passion and resilience, embodied by the dynamic 24-year-old surfer, John Douglas—affectionately known in the surf community as “John John.”  Hailing from the bustling streets of Freetown, where he was born in a McDonald’s, he spent his formative years just a stone's throw from the Atlantic, deeply in tune with the sea that calls to him. John John’s surfing journey sparked in 2015 at Bureh Beach, a celebrated beacon of the nation’s burgeoning surf culture.  “I’m a Guffi surfer,” he proudly declares, referring to his distinctive, self-evolved style that captivates both the waves and the spectators.  Under the wing of local surfing mentor Daniel Douglas, his passion ignited a fierce dedication to the sport, propelling him to the forefront of surfing’s evolution in Sierra Leone. In 2020, driven by his dream to foste...