“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 Surf
3. Best Time To Surf In Morocco For Beginners
4. Best Surf Spots In Morocco For Beginners
5. How Long Does It Take To Learn Surfing In Morocco?
6. Essential Surf Equipment For Beginners In Morocco
7. Important Things To Pack For Surfing In Morocco
8. 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 Surfing
11. Family-Friendly Surfing In Morocco: Guide For Parents And Kids
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Surfing In Morocco
13. Expert Advice From Moroccan Surf Instructors
What Makes Morocco a Dream for Beginner Surfers
- Waves that Welcome You, Not Wreck You: Consistent swell year-round (thank you, Atlantic Ocean!)
- Warm sun, even in winter: Your tan will thank you (but don’t forget the sunscreen!)
- Mellow waves perfect for learning: Not too scary, not too small—just right
- Affordable surf camps and tasty tajines to refuel after your session
- 1,800+ km of Atlantic coastline with spots suitable for all levels
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:
- Banana Beach: My go-to spot for first-timers. This sandy-bottomed beach break delivers gentle, predictable waves that seem almost designed for learning. The gradual depth means you can walk out rather than paddle through intimidating surf. When a student stands up for their first time here, their smile is as wide as the beach itself.
- Crocro Beach (Tamraght): Despite its proximity to Taghazout, this spot often has more space. Sand bottom, soft waves, and nearby surf schools make it perfect for your first surf experience.
- Devils Rock: Despite its intimidating name (let’s call it “Angel’s Rock for Beginners”), this beach break is surprisingly gentle. The wave breaks slowly enough that beginners feel like they have all the time in the world to pop up – which is exactly what you need when learning.
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 Struggle
This is where the magic happens! Most of my students catch and stand up on their first proper whitewater waves during this period. Yes, the rides are short. Yes, you’ll look more like a newborn giraffe than Kelly Slater. But that feeling of gliding across water under your own power? Worth every wipeout.
Days 6-7: Green Wave Glory
If you’ve been consistent, by now you might be ready to venture beyond the whitewater into “green waves” (unbroken waves). Even if it’s just for a brief moment, catching and riding an unbroken wave is an achievement that less than 1% of the world’s population has experienced. Consider yourself initiated!
What You Actually Need (Gear & Lessons)
Let’s keep it real. You don’t need to spend a fortune or know how to speak surfer-bro to get started.
Gear Checklist:
- Wetsuit: 3/2mm is perfect for most of the year
- Soft-top board: Way easier to learn on (your knees will thank you)
- Surf-specific sunscreen: 50+ SPF that won’t sweat off after the first duck dive
- Rashguard with UPF protection: Moroccan sun is sneakier than a set wave
- Hat with a string: Otherwise it becomes a donation to the Atlantic (windy beaches are where hats go to die!)
- Reusable water bottle: Hydration is key; dehydration is your enemy
- Flip-flops AND proper walking shoes: For beach access and exploring
Seasonal Essentials:
- April-October: Swimwear and perhaps a 2mm top for morning sessions
- November-March: Bring or rent a 3/2mm wetsuit
The One Thing Everyone Forgets:
Aloe vera gel. Trust me on this one – even with sunscreen, your shoulders will thank you after 4+ hours daily in the Moroccan sun.
Surf Lessons or Camp?
If it’s your first time, book a surf camp or lesson. Period.
You’ll learn:
- How to pop up correctly
- How to read waves and ocean conditions
- How to not drop in on someone else’s wave (very important)
- Water safety and surf etiquette
- And most importantly, how to enjoy the ride safely
For a quality experience, plan on €400-700 for a week-long package including accommodation, lessons, and meals. Budget-conscious travelers can find options from €300, while luxury surf retreats can run €1,000+. Avoid ultra-cheap options – proper equipment and qualified instructors make all the difference for beginners.
Budget Tips from a Moroccan Surfer:
- Book off-season for discounts
- Join a surf camp for bundled savings
- Buy snacks from souks — cheap, delicious, and you get to practice your bargaining skills
- Avoid ultra-budget schools with unsafe gear or massive group sizes
Beyond the Surf: Rest Day Adventures
Even the most surf-obsessed beginners need rest days (your arms will insist on it). Here are my favorite ways to spend days between sessions:
- Paradise Valley trips – crystal blue pools nestled in palm groves just 30 minutes inland
- Traditional hammam experiences – nothing soothes surf-sore muscles better than a proper Moroccan scrub-down
- Essaouira day trips – wander the historic medina, feast on fresh seafood, and soak in the laid-back coastal vibe
- Sunset camel rides – yes, it’s touristy, but the photos are worth it, and your Instagram followers will be jealous
- Try the mint tea – You’ll become addicted. Don’t say I didn’t warn you
- Learn some Arabic! Even ‘shukran’ (thank you) goes a long way
Can You Surf in Morocco with Family or Kids?
Absolutely! Morocco is super family-friendly. Many surf camps welcome kids and even offer special classes for groms (that’s surf slang for young surfers). Beaches like Sidi Kaouki and Crocro are wide and forgiving, with soft waves perfect for the whole family.
And when you’re not surfing? There’s camel riding, souks, desert tours, and enough tagine to feed a small army.
FAQ: What My Beginner Students Always Ask?
Will I stand up by the end of the week?
If you’re reasonably fit and follow instructions, about 90% of my students stand up and ride whitewater by day 3-4. By the end of a week, many are starting on small green waves. But remember – surfing isn’t a race, and even Kelly Slater was a beginner once!
I’m not particularly fit/young/athletic. Can I still learn?
Absolutely! I’ve taught successful surf lessons to everyone from 7-year-olds to 70-year-olds. Surfing favors balance and technique over pure strength. The ocean doesn’t care about your age or fitness level – it rewards persistence and a positive attitude.
Is it safe to surf in Morocco as a beginner?
With proper instruction at the right spots, absolutely. The most common injuries I see are sunburns and bruised egos, not anything serious. That said, always surf with qualified instructors who know local conditions until you gain experience.
How much should I budget for a week of surfing?
For a quality experience, plan on €400-700 for a week-long package including accommodation, lessons, and meals. Budget-conscious travelers can find options from €300, while luxury surf retreats can run €1,000+. Avoid ultra-cheap options – proper equipment and qualified instructors make all the difference for beginners.
Do I need to know how to swim to learn surfing in Morocco?
Listen, you don’t need to be Michael Phelps out there, but being comfy in the water definitely helps! You’ll be splashing around, falling (it’s part of the fun!), and paddling. Knowing how to doggy-paddle your way back to your board with a smile is a good start. We’ll keep you in the shallows to begin with, but feeling at home in the ocean makes the whole experience way more awesome.
Is it safe to surf in Morocco as a solo female traveler?
Absolutely! Morocco’s got a super welcoming vibe, especially in surf spots like Taghazout. You’ll find loads of other travelers and a friendly community. Just like anywhere, keep your wits about you, book with trusted folks like BerberWaves, and you’ll be catching waves and sipping mint tea with new friends in no time. The surf tribe here is pretty rad!
Final Tips from a Local Surfer
Let me leave you with some advice from someone who’s waxed his board more times than he’s opened his email inbox:
- Respect the locals – In the water and out. A smile goes a long way
- Be patient – Surfing takes time. That first wave will be worth it
- Get out early – Morning sessions are glassy and less crowded
- Warm up properly – Stretch before you paddle out to prevent injuries (don’t pull a ‘camel hamstring’!)
- Learn to fall safely – It sounds weird, but knowing how to wipeout is important
- Check the surf report – Know the wave conditions before you go out
- Always wear a leash – Keep your board attached to your ankle
- Learn to read the waves – It’s like reading a tagine recipe; you need to know the ingredients
The Beginning, Not the End
As I tell all my students on their final day: this is just the beginning of your surf journey. Morocco has given thousands of beginners their first taste of the surfing lifestyle – a beautiful blend of physical challenge, natural connection, and laid-back culture that becomes oddly addictive.
Whether you catch one wave or fifty during your stay, you’ll leave with sandy hair, sun-kissed skin, and a strange new habit of checking surf forecasts for places you’ve never been. You’ll come for the surf, but stay for the sunsets, the tajine, and the surf fam you didn’t know you needed.
Welcome to the tribe – we’ve been expecting you!
Ready to Ride Your First Moroccan Wave?
Got questions about your upcoming surf trip? Planning a Morocco surf adventure? Drop me a message below or through the contact form, and I’ll help you plan the perfect beginner surf experience!
Aniss AG has been teaching surfing in Morocco since 2013 and runs guided surf experiences along the Moroccan coast. When not in the water, he can be found drinking mint tea at Taghazout’s Sunset Point, probably talking about surfing.