Surfing in Morocco for Beginners: A Local’s Ultimate Guide
“By Aniss AG – Professional Surf Instructor & Morocco Guide with 10+ Years Experience, Share it with you through Berberwaves“ Why Surfing in Morocco as a Beginner Will Ruin All Your Future Vacations (In the Best Way)? Marhba biik, wave riders! Listen, I need to warn you before we start – after surfing in Morocco, regular beach holidays will never feel the same again! There’s something magical about catching your first wave with the Atlas Mountains as your backdrop and spice-scented air filling your lungs. Morocco isn’t just a surf destination; it’s a full sensory experience that happens to have some of the most beginner-friendly waves on the planet. As someone who’s spent the last decade guiding wide-eyed beginners through their first Moroccan waves, I’ve seen the same story play out hundreds of times: visitors come for a week of surfing and leave with a lifelong obsession. Inside this Article: 1. Why Morocco Is The Best Destination For Beginner Surfers?2. Top Reasons To Choose Morocco For Learning To Surf3. Best Time To Surf In Morocco For Beginners4. Best Surf Spots In Morocco For Beginners5. How Long Does It Take To Learn Surfing In Morocco?6. Essential Surf Equipment For Beginners In Morocco7. Important Things To Pack For Surfing In Morocco8. Surf Camps vs Surf Lessons In Morocco: Which To Choose?9. How Much Does A Surf Trip To Morocco Cost?10. Things To Do In Morocco Besides Surfing11. Family-Friendly Surfing In Morocco: Guide For Parents And Kids12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Surfing In Morocco13. Expert Advice From Moroccan Surf Instructors What Makes Morocco a Dream for Beginner Surfers And guess what? You won’t be just another tourist. We Moroccans love sharing our culture, our tea, and our waves with new surfers. This ain’t just a surf trip—it’s a full-blown cultural adventure with surfing by day, mint tea and Gnawa beats by night. When to Paddle Out: Timing Your Moroccan Surf Adventure Let me save you from the rookie timing mistakes I see too often: Spring (March-May): The Sweet Spot These magical “Goldilocks months” offer the perfect balance – waves that won’t terrify you, water that won’t freeze you, and beaches that aren’t packed shoulder-to-shoulder. The water sits comfortably at 18-20°C (think “refreshing” not “shocking”), and the air temperature hovers around a pleasant 25°C. Ideal for beginners and fewer crowds than winter. Summer (June-August): Gentle Introduction I affectionately call this the “bunny slope season.” Waves are smaller, water is warmest (up to 21°C), and mornings offer glassy conditions before the afternoon winds kick in. Perfect for absolute beginners who want maximum confidence-building and minimum intimidation. Just prepare for scorching temperatures on land! Some days might be too flat, but on the bright side: it’s the warmest water and best time for combining surfing with a beach holiday. Autumn (September-October): Another Sweet Spot One of my favorite times—still warm, consistent swell, and fewer crowds than winter. The water and weather remain pleasant, making it another prime time for beginners. Winter (November-March): The “Character Building” Season This is when Morocco truly pumps, attracting serious surfers from around the world. The good news? Even during winter, our beginner spots remain manageable. Just bring a 3/2mm wetsuit and a sense of adventure. The crowds thin out away from the famous breaks, and there’s something inspiring about watching the pros tackle bigger waves during your lunch break. Where to Catch Your First Waves After thousands of lessons, I’ve narrowed down the most beginner-friendly spots in Morocco: 1. Taghazout & Tamraght Region: The Beginner’s Paradise Think of Taghazout as the “Barcelona of Surfing in Morocco” — lively, social, full of surf camps, smoothie bowls, and the occasional digital nomad doing yoga on the roof. Best spots for beginners: Why it’s great: You can surf in the morning, chill in a café by noon, and watch the sunset from a rooftop while sipping mint tea like a pro. Pro tip: During high season (Dec–Feb), it gets busy. Book your lessons early and go for dawn patrol if you want less crowded waves. 2. Imsouane’s Magic Bay: The Long-Ride Mecca If there’s a more perfect beginner wave than Imsouane’s Bay, I haven’t found it in 10+ years of searching. This point break delivers rides so long (up to 600 meters!) that beginners can literally stand up and have time for a quick selfie while still riding the same wave. Why it’s great: Super mellow, soft peelers, and less intimidating for nervous newbies. I’ve watched complete novices go from zero to hero in just days here, simply because the gentle, forgiving wave gives them so much practice time on each ride. Pro tip: Stay overnight. The vibe here is peaceful, the sunsets are gold, and your chances of scoring uncrowded waves go way up. 3. Essaouira & Sidi Kaouki: Windy but Willing The protected bay at Essaouira offers consistently gentle waves and a gorgeous historic backdrop. Just one tip from a local: surf in the mornings before the afternoon winds kick in. There’s nothing like catching waves with the view of ancient ramparts behind you – very “Game of Thrones meets Point Break”! Sidi Kaouki: Just south of Essaouira lies this long, open beach that somehow remains chill even in peak season. Best for: Beginners who want more space and fewer Instagram influencers. Why it’s great: Fewer crowds, wide sandy beach, and consistent waves perfect for your first stand-up moment. What You’ll Actually Learn in a Week (Realistic Expectations) Here’s the honest truth that most guides won’t tell you: learning to surf is equal parts exhilarating and humbling. After guiding hundreds of beginners, here’s what you can realistically expect: Days 1-2: The Wipeout Chronicles You’ll spend more time underwater than on your board. This is normal! You’re developing the essential skill of falling safely and getting back on your board with a smile. By the end of day two, you’ll likely manage to catch some whitewater waves while lying down, and maybe attempt your first knee rides. Days 3-5: The Stand-Up