Africa. A continent often seen as remote, complex, even intimidating, became the stage for a remarkable odyssey led by Julián and Joaquín Azulay, the brothers behind Gauchos del Mar. For nearly two years, they navigated the wild western coast of Africa in a beat-up 1985 military ambulance, traveling from Spain to South Africa in search of the unknown. But it wasn’t just about the destination—it was the journey itself that revealed treasures far richer than expected: a road paved with discovery, human connection, and landscapes that spoke their own stories.

‍The mission was simple: chase the waves along Africa’s untamed coast and forge real bonds with the people who live there. What Julián and Joaquín didn’t count on, though, was that the real ride would be the life lessons picked up between swells—lessons that shifted not just their view of Africa, but of themselves and the delicate balance between humanity and nature.

Africa, with its scars from colonization, stark inequalities, and political turmoil, seemed like an impossible route to tackle. Yet, as with any great adventure, passion and guts pushed them beyond the horizon, transforming a surf trip into a nearly two-year immersion through 24 countries and countless miles of raw, unpredictable terrain.

Every wave they caught was a victory, but each one also reminded them they had zero control over nature. Hours spent driving for a perfect break could be dashed by a simple change in the wind. Frustration, however, was often met with unexpected joy—whether from locals welcoming them with open arms or the sheer thrill of the unknown. Surfing Africa wasn’t just about finding the perfect wave; it was about learning to roll with whatever the ocean, or the continent, threw their way.

One of the harshest reminders of Africa’s unpredictability came in the heart of the Congo when Joaquín was struck down by malaria. It was a brutal wake-up call to the challenges they were facing—not just the constant breakdowns of their old rig, the looming threat of Ebola, or the weight of being far from home in a place that could feel, at times, unwelcoming. But amidst those challenges, there was an unshakable sense of connection—a deep gratitude for the generosity and kindness of strangers they met along the way.

That’s part of the magic of the expedition, a journey that taught them that no matter how huge the challenges, the power of human connections and the ability to adapt can overcome any limit. Here, the lessons Africa offered didn’t just come from nature, but also from its people.

This expedition also gave them the incredible moments they had set out to find from the beginning, like what happened at Skeleton Bay, Namibia. It was one of those dream destinations, where they knew they would find one of the longest, fastest waves in the world, waiting at the end of a journey full of challenges.
‍

The phrase that best captures their experience is one they mention in their documentary: "Passion can break any limit." That was the case for them, where passion took them through barriers that seemed insurmountable, both physical and emotional. One moment, though small, perfectly shows this: when they were crossing part of the African desert, and the heat was so intense that the best remedy was to drink something hot to sweat, letting their sweat cool their bodies. Of course, their drink of choice was mate.

Though language seemed like an insurmountable barrier at first, what they discovered was that generosity and the simplicity of human connection are universal. Gestures, smiles, and sharing daily moments built bridges that verbal language couldn’t.

At the same time, passing through these territories revealed stories that are a true reflection of the opposing and distant realities that coexist on the same planet. Sierra Leone was a great example of this, where women—like in much of Africa—are marginalized and restricted, while at the same time forced to do the hardest work. But even in those places, there are always stories that offer some hope, and that hope comes hand in hand with nature and surfing. In that very country, they met a young woman who surfed. In a place where women’s rights are limited, seeing her in the ocean was revolutionary. Through surfing, that girl was the expression of a freer woman who could.

Another side of Africa reveals its political and religious divisions and the scars of a past marked by colonialism and slavery. The Transkei was a stark reminder of all this, a region scarred by apartheid, where whites and blacks were once separated. Today, those same places witness a different reality, with surfers of all races enjoying the waves in unity.

Throughout the expedition, climate change made its presence felt, reminding them that it’s an issue that unites us all as humanity. No matter where you are, it’s always there, showing itself.

For them, surfing in waters where the corals were dying due to rising global temperatures was a reminder that all ecosystems are interconnected. Showcasing the beauty of the ecosystems we must preserve is also part of their mission, beyond the waves.

While the documentaries show the wounds of the past still present today, they remind us that, in the end, we are human and connect through the simplest things: gestures, moments, nature, sport, and sharing. Viewing the world in fragments limits us and takes away opportunities to start caring better for the environment we live in.

This experience the brothers went through is admirable for those of us who love to venture out into the world, learning through human and nature connections.

Africa taught them that the unimaginable ceases to be so the moment you decide to start the journey and walk the path.

The waves were the excuse to travel this vast and unknown continent, but it was the journey that left deep marks on their hearts.

On this trip, the unknown revealed itself as a space for learning and transformation, a reminder that nature and humanity are intrinsically connected.

We invite you to watch both volumes of the expedition through the following links (link 1, link 2).