Surfing Taghazout Morocco: How to have a unique surf trip
Whether you’re an independent surfer or want to learn how to catch your first wave, Morocco is a great destination for a surf trip. Surf and Friends Lodge in Tamraght, overlooking Taghazout Bay, is the perfect place to start your surf journey. Taghazout is one of the most popular surf destinations in Morocco. It’s known for its long, consistent point breaks and sandy beaches that offer left and right-hand waves. Taghazout is home to the world-famous Anchor point, which is considered one of the best waves in the world. The World Surf League is hosting the Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay from 18-26 February 2023. Want to watch? Check out our availability.
Here are a few ways you can make the most of your surf trip to Morocco:
Have a surf lesson!
Of course, we’d love for you to surf with Surf and Friends Lodge. We cater to all surf abilities – from total beginners to advanced surfers. Even if you’re an independent surfer and can catch your own waves – surf lessons can be a great way to brush up on your technique and make the most of your surf trip.
Book surf guiding
If you’re unfamiliar with the surf spots in Taghazout, hire a local surf guide to show you the best surf spots and conditions. A local guide can help you find the best waves, take you to the best lunch spots, and it’s a great way to surf safely in a new destination.
Bring the right wetsuit!
The water temperature in Morocco varies depending on where you are and what season you visit. In the south, the water is typically around 22°C/72°F in the summer and around 18°C/64°F in the winter. A 3/2 is great for the autumn and spring, but you’ll need a 4/3 from November or a 5/4 if you feel the cold or plan to head further North. It’s also really affordable to hire a wetsuit if you don’t have your own. Having the right wetsuit is important so you don’t freeze or overheat and you can even explore different regions.
Come at the right time
If you’re a beginner surfer, it’s easy. Every month is the right time but summer is perfect for learning with smaller waves. If you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer, make sure to come in the high season from October to April, when the north Atlantic swells bring in consistent, long-period waves. Catch the swell! Even if there are flat days and no waves, Taghazout has two skate parks and you can go on day trips to the local souk or Paradise Valley.
Experience Moroccan surf culture
Surfing is still quite a new sport in the area. The towns of Taghazout and Tamraght have developed beyond recognition in the last 10 years. The surf culture is a combination of the old and new. There’s a strong emphasis on respect for the ocean and the local community. You’ll see surfers and fishermen at the same spots, surfers paddling out and blue fishing boats heading in. Most local surfers are also fishermen or from fishing families, especially in Taghazout. Our own surf coaches spend their free time spearfishing and sometimes they’ll catch your dinner while you eat your lunch.
Learn some basic Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
To be honest, this is a little tricky but a small effort goes a long way. Since Agadir is quite touristy, many people speak some English and often other languages like French, German, and Spanish. I’ve met some Moroccans who speak Dutch, Russian, Italian… The list is endless. Learning a few basic Moroccan Arabic phrases to communicate with the locals can make bartering more fun, and people always appreciate the effort. A few helpful phrases are “salam” (hello), “shukran” (thank you), and “la” (no).
Look out for wildlife
Morocco is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. Especially in the winter, it’s part of the migration route for many animals. We’ve seen dolphins and Orcas off the coast of Taghazout. That’s where the surf spot Killer Point got its name from.
Watch the World Surf League!
The World Surf League (WSL) is hosting the Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay from 18-26 February 2023, at Anchor Point just outside Taghazout. In 2019, it was a great way to see incredible surfers, and then after the competition…surf the same spot! The whole area comes to watch the event, everyone from tourists to locals so the atmosphere is buzzing. This year will be the second WSL event in Taghazout and coming to watch will make your surf trip unique.
Come with friends and family
The Surf and Friends Lodge is big enough to host large groups and we have many roof terraces and lounges. So bring your friends and family! Book out the whole lodge for your birthday and have a surf trip no one will forget.
Connect with the surf community
The Tamraght and Taghazout region is really diverse, with tourists, locals, and a large ex-pat community. But, it’s still got that small-town feel. Everyone knows everyone, so it’s really easy to see the same surfers at different spots and Moroccans are known for being hospitable and friendly. We also have specialty coffee shops, locally owned craft businesses, and an active yoga community so there are loads of different ways to meet people and connect with the local community.
We hope to see you soon at Surf and Friends Lodge and help you have a unique surf trip. Remember, it’s not long until the WSL is happening. Let’s surf together.