Stormrider Guide to surfing Northern Morocco

Morocco, AFRICA

Mehdiya Rivermouth, Jean Pierre Bailliot

Summary

+ Swell consistency	- No world-class spots
+ Protected jetty breaks	- Cool winter water
+ Easy access	- Urban hassles
+ Fascinating culture	- No alcohol

Surfers arriving in Morocco in the winter surf season, usually head straight to the famous waves around Agadir. This is understandable when the weather in Northern Morocco is cold and the 1000kms of NW-facing beachbreaks are usually closed-out, cross-shore and uninviting. Despite being predominantly beach there are a few notable spots which offer wind and swell protection behind long, rivermouth jetties, plus a load of slabby reefbreaks and the rare opportunity to ride a left point, in a land of rights.

When to Go

There is every chance a travelling surfer will pick up a few decent waves in winter, especially at the protected jetty breaks, but Northern Morocco is generally considered a spring to autumn destination although high summer will be windy. Many beaches max-out in winter NW swells, but that’s when pointbreaks and sheltered spots come into their own. Tides vary from 0.6-2m.

Surf Spots

Medihya Plage, near the Kenitra army base, was first surfed in the late 1950s. The reliable, powerful Moone righthander breaks along the south jetty and is sheltered from northerlies. Chlihat, past the north jetty, or the town beachbreaks are a good summer bet, and when it’s big enough, Charatane’s left breaks deep inside the rivermouth. On the way to Salé is Plage des Nations, a wealthy resort with fast breaking, powerful beachbreaks and strong currents, so it is best in smaller swells. Rabat-Salé has a great combination of sensitive, small swell reefs, like Kbeir, a short, shallow and sucky left, and stormy condition spots inside the jetties, like Doura which had a Kirra-esque reputation before the rivermouth was dredged. There are eight spots around Rabat-Salé and the highest density of local surfers, serviced by the massive Oudayas Surf Club. There are several exits off the main highway south, leading to quality surf. Near Tamara, there’s a fabled right called Smuggler’s Point, but it’s pretty fickle. Skhirat is a small swell left off a jetty, preferring low tides while the adjacent beachbreak provides overflow for the crowds. Oued Cherrat is the most consistent year-round spot because it is sheltered from westerlies. Regularly overrun by bodyboarders and there’s a parking charge in summer. The neat fishing village at Bouznika, sits in a sheltered bay, hiding from the NW winds. At low tide there are chunky, long rights by the point; beware of the “table” rock section and urchins. Despite Mohammedia’s many oil refineries, it is a good option. Pont Blondin pointbreak requires a combination of large swell and low tide, while the Oubaha reef is a good righthander that works on all tides. Les Sablettes beginners beachbreak is complimented by a well-defined right and a lefthander towards the rocks of La Piscine. The Marhaba Surf School attracts summer crowds. Casablanca, the financial capital, has plenty of beaches like Zeneta or Monica, an intense but short right, ideal for bodyboarders. Many prefer No.23 beach in Aïn Diab for its consistency. Further south is Dar Bouazza, the best left pointbreak in Morocco. It’s a long, wrapping, cutback wave with two main sections working fairly regularly. Avoid zillions of urchins and the rusty remains of the La Bobine wreck on shore. When it’s too small, go to Jack Beach, a good, punchy beachbreak, and regular contest site.

Statistics

dominant swell

NW -N

swell size (ft)

5-6

3-4

5-6

consistency (%)

dominant wind

N -NE

NW -NE

N -NE

average force

F2-F3

consistency (%)

water temp (C)

wetsuit

3/2

springsuit

3/2

Travel Information

Weather
The climate is warm but desert nights get chilly. In Rabat, winter rainfall peaks at 70mm per month. Summer gets extremely hot with virtually no rain. Water gets down to 16°C (61ºF) which requires a 3/2mm fullsuit.

Lodging and Food
Budgeteers can pay from $5 for quite good quality hotel beds. Eating is cheap ($4 for a 3 course meal). Luxury is available at European prices. Tagines and couscous make for tasty local cuisine: no pork or alcohol.

Nature and Culture
Spectacular architecture includes the casbah’s in Rabat and Salé and the world’s tallest mosque (Hassan II Mosque) in Casablanca. Enjoy Sidi Bouknadel’s exotic gardens, Rabat Surf club and open-air markets in medinas.