Essaouira Surf School: Learning to Surf in Morocco's City of Alizés

Travelers picture point breaks and long sandy beaches when they think of surfing in Morocco. Taghazout, further south, takes a lot of that attention. Further north, Essaouira — the City of Alizés — puts a UNESCO medina, ramparts and an Atlantic bay in the same walk. It works for a first lesson and for surfers who already stand up.

The school to book is Book Surf Camp Essaouira. Solo travelers, friends and families use the same beach meeting point. Version française : cours de surf, kitesurf et camp.

Why Essaouira is a good place to learn to surf

Beginner conditions. The Island of Mogador shelters part of the main beach. The bottom is sand, and the whitewater is often small and regular. That is the spot for a first pop-up.

Other beaches nearby. Diabat and Sidi Kaouki are a short ride south: fewer people, more swell, dunes and argan trees. They are the next step, not the first hour in the water. Moulay Bouzerktoun, to the north, is for experienced surfers.

The town after the session. A morning in the water, then the ramparts, the medina and grilled fish at the port. The surf day does not end on an empty resort road.

The longer spot guide is Learn Surfing in Essaouira.

What a lesson includes

A coach shortens the trial-and-error. At this school the surf lessons are led by El Mehdi Foum-Errabah and Ouitman, ISA instructors. Salman, IKO Level 3, is on the same team for kitesurf and wingfoil.

The morning call. Instructors look at swell, tide and the trade wind, then choose the cleanest stretch for that level.

Sand, then water. Safety, currents, right of way and the pop-up happen on the beach first. Then the group goes in. Beginners stay in about 1 to 1.5 meters. You need to be able to swim. Groups stay at 6 students or fewer.

Gear. A stable soft-top sized to you, and a wetsuit. The Atlantic is about 16–22°C: a 3/2 mm from April to November, a 4/3 mm in winter. Both are provided.

Formats and prices

Group lessons. The social option, and the one most first-timers book. €30 for 2 hours, board and wetsuit included. See surf lessons in Essaouira.

Semi-private and private. Two people with one coach is €40 per person. One-to-one is €50 for 2 hours. A fit for couples, families, or anyone who wants the feedback aimed only at them. Children can start from age 6. The beginner page describes the first session.

Surf camps. Daily sessions, a place to stay, gear and meals, about 3 to 7 days. Camps start at €299.

Practical tips for a first surf trip

When to come. Surf is possible most of the year. September to March brings more consistent swell. June to August is smaller and softer, which suits a first lesson. Book the morning: the trade winds often chop the surface in the afternoon.

Sun and water. Water-resistant sunscreen, and drink. Reflection off the sand is strong even when the air feels mild.

How to book. Use the reservation page or WhatsApp +212 7 17 54 17 01. Say your dates and whether anyone has surfed before. Confirmation is within 24 hours, with the beach pin. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. In July, August and around Easter, message ahead for a morning slot.

Conclusion

A first wave in Essaouira is the sandy bay, then Sidi Kaouki when you are ready, then the medina. The school running those lessons is Book Surf Camp Essaouira.

Book your session and check the morning’s places on WhatsApp.