7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Surfing in Morocco

With its unique charm and diverse surf spots, Morocco is a must-visit destination for surfers of all levels. From the lively coastal city of Agadir to the laid-back vibes of Taghazout, the Moroccan coastline offers an adventure-packed surf experience.

To make the most of your time surfing in Morocco, this guide shares essential tips to avoid common mistakes. From picking the right time to visit to understanding unwritten surf rules, there are a handful of factors to keep in mind.

So, if you’re itching to ride the waves in this North African paradise, let’s get right into the details.

Blunders to Avoid During Your Moroccan Surf Adventure

Mistake #1: Visiting at the Wrong Time

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to catching the perfect wave at all the best Moroccan surf spots. The prime surf window stretches from September through March, known as the swell season. This period promises consistent swells, refreshing water, and warm air temperatures, making it an ideal time for surfing in Morocco.

Thanks to winter storms in the North Atlantic, northwest swells hit the points and reef breaks, crafting epic surfing conditions.

That said, if you must visit outside these peak months, southern Morocco offers a year-round haven with medium and consistent waves for those eager to ride at any time.

Considering that the winter months are the most consistent, they are undoubtedly also the most crowded. So if you’re looking for uncrowded and don’t mind the occasional flat spell or smaller waves, then even the summertime may be a good option.

Mistake #2: Picking the Wrong Surf Spot

Nailing the right surf spot is super important, especially for a beginner surfer. If you’re just starting out, it’s wise to steer clear of crowded beaches with big waves and tricky currents ― they’re a recipe for a wipeout.

Instead, go for a tranquil spot with fewer crowds, smaller waves, and a sandy bottom. Smaller waves make the learning curve a lot smoother, and the sandy bottom reduces the risk of injuries during falls. These key factors ensure a safer and more enjoyable surfing adventure for those just starting out.

However, don’t be fooled into believing that all sandy spots are friendlier than reef breaks. Beach breaks can be just as powerful as reef breaks.

To find the perfect surf spot that matches your skill level, chat up the locals or seek advice from a surf instructor. Need recommendations? Here are a few beginner-friendly surf spots in Morocco:

• Taghazout and Tamraght: Located next to each other, Taghazout and Tamraght are the most popular surf destinations in Morocco. Tamraght being an equivalent to the more chill little brother of Taghazout.  Both of these destinations offer plenty of different surf spots catering to all skill levels and also a variety of surf camps.
• Essaouira: Situated north of Imsouanne, Essouira is a pretty coastal city with an amazing old town and a huge sandy beach in front of it. Although not as ideal of a surf destination as Taghazout, there is definitely some whitewash waves for beginners and if you want to try kite surfing this is the place in Morrocco to do it. If you have some time to travel around during your Morroccon surf trip. Essaouira is definitely worth a visit.
• Agadir: This coastal city in the southwest of Morocco is easily accessible with flights from Europe and busses from Marrakesh. It boasts beautiful, beginner-friendly surf beaches and is also just a 30-minute drive from Taghazout.
• Imsouane: Located about an hour’s drive north of Taghazout, Imsouane offers the magical bay. Suitable to everyone from beginners to intermediates and longboard cruisers, this bay offers one of North Africa’s longest rides.
• Sidi Kaouki: Situated in Central Morocco, this coastal village has plenty of individual peaks and some of the most consistent waves in the country, making it suitable for beginners.

Mistake #3: Overlooking the Value of a Surf Lesson

If you’re an experienced surfer, you might not need surf lessons. And if you already know what to practice and have plenty of time for trial and error, surf lessons may also not be necessary. But for beginners who want to make as much of their surf holiday as possible at a minimum, a few lessons are always a good idea.

If you’ve only surfed a few times, finding a surf school or camp with experienced instructors to guide you is your best bet to speed up your learning curve.

Fortunately, there are plenty of those in Morocco. Here are our top picks:

• Cli Surf Morocco: Nestled along the Moroccan coastline in Tamraght Ouzdar, this surf house offers a tailored surf experience for all levels, including the beginner or more advanced surfer.
• The Surf Hotel: A coastal haven located in Tamraght Ou Fella, between Agadir and Taghazout, suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. It offers a variety of surf packages and comfortable accommodations.
• Let Us Surf: A standout surf camp in Tamraght village with an experienced local instructor offering personalized surf coaching for every surfer.
• Crocro Surf Maroc: This vibrant and energetic surf school northwest of Agadir provides surf lessons, yoga sessions, and beachfront accommodations for a complete surfing experience.
• Eco Surf Camp: Located in Taghazout, this surf camp provides a surf experience with an eco-friendly touch, offering a unique and environmentally conscious surfing adventure for all levels.

Mistake #4: Neglecting Wave and Tide Conditions

While you can totally surf Morocco year-round, skipping the wave and tide check is a big no-no, especially if you’re just getting started. The surf scene in North Africa and Morocco, in particular, can be a bit unpredictable, and going in blind is not recommended.

Before you grab your board and hit the waves, make sure to check the wave and tide conditions. This way, you keep your surf day awesome and, most importantly, safe.

All surf spots basically have a tide when they work the best. To figure out the best tide of the spot you want to surf, your best bet is to ask someone local. Most likely, the person working in the accommodation you’re staying at will know or at least know someone who knows.

To stay up to date with the latest wave conditions, at Topsurfcamp, we currently use and recommend Surfline and Surf-forecast.

Mistake #5: Disregarding Surf Etiquette

Surfing comes with an unwritten code of rules and etiquette, and ignoring them can lead to conflicts and even pose safety risks.

It’s simple: respect your fellow surfers.

Give them the space they deserve, avoid dropping in on their waves, and always communicate if you find yourself in their path.

Sticking to these basic surf rules ensures a harmonious surf session and contributes to a safer and more enjoyable surf community.

Mistake #6: Ignoring Pre-Surf Preparation

Surfing in Morocco is more than just catching waves; it demands physical readiness. Neglecting proper warm-up exercises and flexibility routines might leave you prone to muscle strains or fatigue.

To get the most out of your holidays, its also a good idea to ensure you are in good physical condition before heading out to Morocco.  Also make sure you’re physically prepared for the surf by doing some pre-surf stretches and exercises before heading out.

A little prep can enhance your performance and prevent unnecessary setbacks during your surf adventure.

Mistake #7: Surfing Alone

Solo surfing might seem like a tempting adventure, but attempting to tackle the waves alone in Morocco, or any other foreign country for that matter, is a pitfall you’ll want to avoid, especially if you’re a beginner. Morocco’s surf can be a bit of a wild card with unpredictable sea and weather conditions, so surfing alone is generally not recommended.

Always tag along with a friend or a surf instructor when hitting the waves, especially in a foreign surf haven. The sea and weather conditions here can throw some surprises your way, and it’s better to stay on the safe side.

Quick Tips for Surfing in Morocco

A surf trip doesn’t necessarily mean spending the entire time on the beach. With Morocco’s undeniable beauty, consider exploring nearby cities or towns as a side adventure, especially when the swell doesn’t look too promising.

Here are a few tips for an unforgettable experience in this North African paradise.

Respect the Culture

Show some respect for the culture of the people. Whether you’re chatting with locals or wandering through vibrant towns, being culturally aware enhances your whole experience and helps you vibe positively with the community.

Savor Moroccan Delights

Whether you’re kicking back with fresh seafood by the coast or digging into tagines in lively markets, embracing local flavors adds a tasty twist to your Moroccan surf adventure. Don’t miss out on savoring the awesome blend of Arabic and French cultures in Morocco’s mouthwatering cuisine.

Make Time for Other Attractions

Go beyond the waves and explore Morocco’s wonders. Here are a few exciting attractions you might want to try:

• Venture to places like Essaouira’s historic medina or the vibrant markets of Marrakech.
• Stroll Tangier’s beat generation streets.
• Go on a camel safari to an oasis in the Sahara Desert.
• Hike the Atlas Mountains

Learn Basic Phrases

Brush up on a couple of handy phrases in Arabic or French ― the go-to languages in Morocco. It can go a long way in building rapport with the locals and making your way around smoothly. 3 great-to-know phrases that you’ll often hear spoken are:

• Shukran – Means “Thanks”
• As-salamu alaykum (salam alaykum) – Means “Peace be upon you” but is used for greeting people
• Inch’allah – Means “Good willing”, is used in a similar way as “maybe”

Pack Essentials

Remember to bring along the basics, like sunscreen (the higher factor, the better), a wetsuit (if you’re not renting), and a first aid kit. These essentials keep you safe and comfortable on your surf adventure.