Central Morocco, Morocco, AFRICA

Immesouane, Patrice Touhar

The Surf

From El Jadida south, the Central Morocco coast becomes increasingly rugged with more cliffs and headlands and a far greater variety of waves. The northwesterly aspect catches all available swell but the year-round northerly wind flow can blow it out easily. Highlights include the many possibilities along the coast road from El Jadida, through Oualidia and on to Safi, where the first classic, Moroccan righthand points begin. Safi’s ‘Garden’ has been transformed from localised semi-secret spot into the government sponsored “Surfing Park Sidi Bouzide”. The main highway heads inland from Safi and rejoins the coast in Essaouira, the famous hippie town that Jimi Hendrix tried to buy in the late ‘60s. The town is now favoured by windsurfers, because this area suffers from strong cross-shore winds, but there are a few waves around and a good beginners’ beach as well. The coastline between Essaouira and Cap Rhir hides many quality reefs, points and beachbreaks, which receive more swell than further south, but also more wind. It’s a wild stretch with poor roads leading into tiny fishing villages, although development has already come to Immesouane and the freecampers will soon have to share with the tourists when the new beachfront hotel is built. Although Tamri and Boilers are essentially part of the Taghazout scene, which is only half an hour’s drive away, they still benefit from the far better swell exposure that the central coast enjoys. When Killers is struggling to break, Boilers is often head high and Tamri will be even bigger. There’s more to find in this area for those willing to look around. Central Morocco is a halfway house between the summery north and the wintery south. Any time from autumn to spring should provide the conditions to ride the headland-protected pointbreaks and get some exposed beach/reef action. It all depends on the strength and direction of the wind because swell size should be no problem.

When to Go

Morocco's coastline has the straightest swell exposure in the North Atlantic. The NW exposed beach breaks can suffer from a swell excess, but that's when the point breaks and sheltered spots are surfed. In winter, tradewinds from the NE will make light to moderate cross-shores at most spots, whilst SW facing spots like Tarhazoute will be offshore. Mid-April is the start of the strong NW "Chergui" that blows out most spots until mid-September. During this period, straight N winds blow for 40% of the time, with the relative lack of swell, this is the worst period to surf in Morocco. However, if you're into wave sailing, check out Essaouira. Tides vary from 2-6ft (0.5-2m).

Population
Agadir - 850,000

Coastline
3,446km (2,150mi)

Timezone
GMT

Travel Information

Weather Morocco’s central surfzone is a semi-tropical venue. The winter climate is warm days, chilly nights and some rainfall. In Agadir, you may see 40mm of rain a month in mid-winter, making the rivermouth breaks very dirty. Summer gets extremely hot with virtually no rain. With minimum watertemps at 16°c (60°F), a 2mm short-sleeve fullsuit is ideal or a springy either side of winter.

Nature Morocco is a sensory feast full of amazing natural and cultural beauty. Unforgettable sights close to Agadir include the edge of the incomparable Sahara desert, best seen around the small Oasis of Tata or to the east of Goulmine. Check the snow capped mountains of the High Atlas (ski resorts), or the Anti Atlas around Tafaroute. A trip around the ancient medina city of Marrakesh with its colourful souks is a must.

Hazards In the water the only dangers to worry about are urchins and rocks. On land, guard your possessions; there are a lot of thieves around. Smoking Moroccan hash is illegal for foreigners, and police regularly check tourist’s luggage or cars for it and dish out heavy fines and stiff prison sentences. Huge black scorpions live under stones and bits of wood. Touts and scamming opportunists are everywhere; beware the carpet shop scam! On the whole Moroccan people are very friendly.

Hints Respect the Muslim culture, which is tolerant and far from Islamic fundamentalist. Women should avoid wearing skimpy clothing in the old medina cities and small traditional villages. The month long Ramadan festival can see a lot of shops closed and a reduced public transport service. Only use your right hand to eat. Surf gear is available in Casablanca, Rabat and there’s a small shop in Tarhazoute. There are also rental boards at Tamraght.

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