Beyond exoticism, surfing discovers a new Morocco that is more ‘hippy’ and welcoming to wetsuits. 3,500 kilometres of coastline at the mercy of its famous long right-hand waves.
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Twenty minutes from Essaouira is one of the best destinations for surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. Thanks to its constant gusty winds, Sidi Kaouki is a magnet for experienced surfers in search of the most challenging waves. In the bohemian area par excellence of the Moroccan coast, people lead a Rastafarian and chilled out lifestyle. All set in the beauty of its wild beach, with white sand and over two kilometres long. A little farther north, close to the town of El Jadida is Sidi Bouzid, a spot that is renowned internationally as a point break. Its waves feature among the top ten in the world because of their frequency and power.
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The spots are dotted along the entire Moroccan Atlantic coastline and, although the waves are gentler in the north, they are perfect for those who want to learn. Between bustling Casablanca and the capital, Rabat, Bouznika Beach is a haven of tranquillity.
Photo: ©WSL/Masurel
Despite the quality of its waves, Morocco wasn’t part of the global surfing circuit until very recently. This changed in 2015 with the staging of the first professional surf competition: Quiksilver Pro Casablanca. The event was won by Pedro Henrique, the Portuguese – Brazilian surfer, who also took the title of European surfing champion in 2015. Ramzi Boukhiam, who is considered Morocco’s best pro surfer, highlighted the opportunity that having an event of this kind in his country represents, because “there are some very good surfers who don’t have the resources to compete internationally”. It was a historic day for Morocco, which is now officially recognised as a world surfing destination.
