By Callum Morse
Morocco is famous for it’s long rolling right hand point breaks and colourful culture and in recent years has become a popular and accessible destination for bodyboarders. After 10 years of visiting Taghazout, the Bodyboard-Holidays team decided that it was time for a change. Which is why we decided to set out and explore the Moroccan coastline in search of perfect, empty waves.
Rich in local Berber culture the area is alive with colour and history.
Off the beaten track our new Secret Moroccan location is epic and we thought it was about time to give you all a taste of the waves and environment that has us so stoked!
A little breakdown:
When: November – April
Swell: Morocco is well exposed to most swells running through the North Atlantic. Through November and April an average swell size of between 3-5ft can be expected. Plenty of swell to get the many beaches and points to light up.
Fly into: Agadir
Bring: A cool water board depending on your preference of board stiffness you may get away with a PP Core also. Wetsuit wise a 3/2 full suit will keep you plenty warm. On the hotter days you can get away with a shorty for a quick session too. Sunscreen is a must.
What to expect daily?
An early rise with a traditional Moroccan breakfast and mint tea is the best way to start the day. After breakfast its time to hit the beach and scout out which of the many points and wedges will be working best. Most days deliver winds and tides to squeeze at least two surfs in. Afternoons can be spent chilling poolside, checking out the local cuisine and culture in town or exploring the many beaches and coves. After a busy day shredding waves why not cruise into town and grab a cold one from the small friendly bar.
The waves?
This secluded area of Morocco offers a plethora of points, beaches and wedges perfect for bodyboarding. With different options throughout the whole tidal range you’ll be spoilt for choice. The winds are generally calm all morning then around mid-afternoon the wind can turn onshore offering time for other activities. Around late afternoon the wind tends to drop again in time for a glassy sunset session.
The main point break “Atlas Point” can hold solid swell and offers up some of the longest rights with fun punchy sections perfect for rolls and spins off the top. There are also two or three fun left hand wedges just near our accommodation perfect for boosting and threading the odd barrel from take off. There are so many possible waves yet to be found, which make this particular area of Morocco so exciting!
Crowds?
The ever-increasing crowds in other areas of Morocco are what led us on the search of a new location. Our new secret location is completely untouched and uncrowded. It’s a very rare occasion to roll up to a spot and find there is anyone else in the water. After spending two weeks here myself I met four other surfers, which just goes to show how quiet the area is.
Other Activities?
If you get surfed out and are frothing to check out more of Morocco there’s tons to do locally. The whole stretch of coastline is full of open bays and secluded coves to head out and explore. The local town is filled with colourful cafes and restaurants offering up both western and traditional Berber food. On Fridays a market is held in town giving a chance to see the local produce as well as tools and trinkets.
Overlooking the town and ocean is a ruined Fort, which offers views for miles, at the base of the hill, is also an oasis full of palms and contrasting greenery against the orange clifftops.
The area is also popular for paragliding if you’re up for an airborne adrenaline rush.
In summary?
Empty line-ups with endless wave options for every ability topped off with historic towns and the authentic Berber culture and cuisine, this area of Morocco is a must!
Take a look at some of the reviews from our March 2015 trip
“Moroccan adventure. Secret Spots and awesome waves March 2015”
Reviewed 18 March 2015
Rob and his team cater for all levels of Bodyboarders. I have travelled to Portugal with Rob as well as having attended a Bodyboard coaching weekend in Newquay and I have to say that I will be a returning customer for many years to come. The quality of coaching is second to none. And the accommodation in Morocco was excellent. The people also make the trip and I had the opportunity to spend time with some real characters, all of whom were likeminded and passionate about the sport. As always I would like to say thank you to Rob and the team and say I’m sure I will be seeing you again in the not to distant future. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!
Reviewed 19 March 2015
Amazing bodyboard holiday to Morocco. Exceeded all expectations! The coaching, as always, was great and catered for all abilities providing excellent tuition, support and encouragement. I can’t rate Rob and Bodyboard-Holidays enough and looking forward to booking the next trip!
Reviewed 21 March 2015
Quality trip with the BB Hols team. Coaching was great, made me realise a load of little things that I had been doing wrong for the past 15 years or so! Rob pushed you to try new things in the water and take on bigger surf than you might normally bottle (I only feared for my life on a couple of occasions). Great to be taken out of your comfort zone and challenged. The variety of the breaks we surfed was fantastic and without fail we were always the only crew out in the line-up! Great pictures were also taken in the water by Callum Morse. Great to be on a trip with a load of bodyboarders and top people. Nice accommodation, good food and classic bants in a beautiful setting… If you want to try something new and have a great time doing it, go and do it with these boys!