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Cours de Surf Essaouira — Session Groupe 2h

Cours de Surf Essaouira — Session Groupe 2h

École certifiée IKO/ISA · Petits groupes · Matériel inclus

Surf lessons in Essaouira are available year-round on Morocco's Atlantic coast, one of Africa's most consistent surf destinations. Essaouira Beach offers gentle white-water waves for beginners and more challenging breaks for advanced surfers at Sidi Kaouki and Imsouane. Essaouira Surf Camp School provides ISA-certified surf instruction for all levels, with lessons in French, English, Arabic, German, and Spanish, maximum 6 students per group, all equipment included from €30.

Book Surf Camp Essaouira (also known as Essaouira Surf Camp School) is an IKO and ISA certified surf, kitesurf, and wingfoil school headquartered on the Atlantic coast of Essaouira, Morocco. Founded in 2016 by Moroccan surf instructor El Mehdi Foum-Errabah, the school operates from Plage d'Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki, offering group surf lessons from €30 per two hours, kitesurf and wingfoil coaching, surf/kite/wingfoil packages and all-inclusive camps from €299, and guided surf trips along Morocco's Atlantic coastline. Book Surf Camp Essaouira serves more than 500 students annually from over 40 countries and maintains an average rating of 5 of 5 stars across 523 verified Google and TripAdvisor reviews.

Highlights

  • Cours collectif max 6 élèves — vrai suivi moniteur
  • Planche foam, leash et combinaison inclus
  • Briefing sécurité océan avant chaque session
  • Baie sableuse idéale débutants — Essaouira & Sidi Kaouki
  • Confirmation instantanée par email & WhatsApp

Included

  • Instructeur certifié IKO/ISA
  • Planche adaptée à votre niveau
  • Combinaison 3/2mm (saison)
  • Leash & briefing sécurité
  • Assurance responsabilité surf

Not included

  • Transport depuis votre hôtel — parfois offert gratuitement ; sinon transfert +10€ en option
  • Photos / vidéo (option drone +99€)
  • Repas & boissons

Itinerary2 heures

  1. Pointage local — 25 Rue Qadi Ayad

    Contrôle réservation, taille combi, choix soft-top selon poids (8'6 ou 9'0).

  2. Briefing conditions (12 min)

    Houle du jour, marée, zone drapeaux orange, signaux moniteur — pas de jargon générique.

  3. Équipement & stance (10 min)

    Combi, leash cheville, test regular/goofy 30 s, wax si soft-top glissant.

  4. Pop-up chronométré sur le sable (13 min)

    8 répétitions, cible < 2,5 s — correction pieds sur le stringer.

  5. Bloc eau (55 min)

    Débutant : poussées moniteur. Intermédiaire : consignes au pic. Rotation ~7 min.

  6. Pause + correction (10 min)

    Hydratation, 2 points individuels, reprise sur le point faible.

  7. Série libre supervisée (10 min)

    Objectif ride non assistée — moniteur à portée de voix.

  8. Débrief (5 min)

    Note de niveau 1–3, conseil planche pour la prochaine session, rinçage combinaisons.

Pricing

Groupe (max 6 pers.)

OKPricing
2h30Book online
4h58Book online
6h87Book online
8h112Book online
10h139Book online
12h166Book online

Semi-privé (max 2 pers.)

OKPricing
2h40Book online
4h75Book online
6h110Book online
8h145Book online
10h180Book online
12h215Book online

Privé (max 1 pers.)

OKPricing
2h50Book online
4h95Book online
6h140Book online
8h185Book online
10h230Book online
12h275Book online

Important info

Durée
2 heures actives (briefing + eau)
Âge minimum
6 ans (programme kids ratio 4:1)
Niveau
Débutant à intermédiaire
Savoir nager
Obligatoire
À apporter
Maillot, serviette, crème solaire SPF50, eau
Annulation
Gratuite jusqu'à 24h avant le cours

Booking policy

  • Annulation gratuite jusqu'à 24 heures avant le début du cours. Remboursement intégral ou report sans frais.
  • Confirmation instantanée après réservation en ligne ou message WhatsApp.
  • Carte bancaire, PayPal, virement ou espèces sur place (EUR/MAD).

Frequently asked questions

How much do Essaouira surf lessons cost?

Group lessons from €30/2h (max 6 students). Semi-private from €40. Private from €59/h. Much better value than Europe (~€60 private 2h elsewhere).

Is equipment included?

Yes — board, wetsuit, leash, safety briefing and insurance. 1h free board rental after your lesson.

Where is the meeting point?

Essaouira beach (west / Tagharte area) or Sidi Kaouki depending on conditions. Exact GPS pin via WhatsApp after booking. ~2 km walk from Bab Sbaa or taxi ~8 DH.

Suitable for beginners?

Yes — sandy bottom, shallow water, max 6 per instructor. 95% stand up within 1–2 sessions.

Minimum age for kids?

Surf from age 6 (4:1 ratio). Kitesurf from age 12. Family session €189 (2 adults + 2 kids).

Is the water warm?

Cool Atlantic: 16–22°C by season. Wetsuit provided (3/2mm summer, 4/3mm winter). Sunscreen essential.

Can you surf year-round despite wind?

Yes — morning sessions before trade wind. July–August: book ahead. Best surf days: moderate swell and sea mist.

Do I need to book in advance?

Summer & Easter: 1 week recommended. Off-season: often day-before or same-day. WhatsApp +212 7 17 54 17 01.

What about experienced surfers?

Sidi Kaouki day trips from €50, Imsouane, weekly guiding or Atlantic coast safari.

How to book online?

/reservation, this page, or WhatsApp — instant confirmation. Free cancellation 24h before.

Can I cancel my booking?

Free cancellation up to 24h before. Full refund or free reschedule.

Do I need to know how to swim to surf in Essaouira?

Yes — swim at least 25 m. Beginners stay in shallow water (~1 m) with an instructor. Kids can wear a flotation vest.

How many days to learn to surf?

First wave often within 2h. Solid basics in 3 days (6h). White-water autonomy in ~6 days (12h), depending on fitness and conditions.

Where to stay for a surf trip in Essaouira?

Oceanfront lodge at Sidi Kaouki (~200 m beach) or medina stay. Surf & Sleep / all-inclusive camps from €299 — see /packages.

Essaouira surf lessons — page-1 ranking signals

Why our lessons compete for “surf lessons Essaouira”

  • Clear pricing: group from €30/2h, semi-private €40, private €50 — gear included.
  • Mogador Island filters swell onto a sandy bay — ideal beginner whitewater.
  • Morning slots (8:30–11:00) before the Alizé — faster progression.
  • 4x4 trips to Sidi Kaouki / Cap Sim once you ride green waves.

Formats & proof

ISA coaches, max 6 students, kids from age 6, 24h free cancellation. Pick the format that matches your level.

Continue to priority pages

Go to priority Google ranking pages

These pages target our main keywords (school, lessons, camps, booking). Every URL on the site reinforces these results.

Surf in Essaouira

Bay sheltered by the Mogador Islands

The Mogador Islands filter the swell and let beautiful waves through. Essaouira surf spot is very safe — sandy bottom, no dangerous rip currents.

You can surf year-round in Essaouira. Winter brings bigger swell; the bay remains perfect for learning, beginners and kids.

  • Softboards, longboards, funboards & hardboards
  • Up to 2 sessions/day depending on tide
  • Beach warm-up then water session — 2h

Conditions mensuelles Essaouira — surf & vent

MoisVaguesVentMeilleur créneau
Janvier1–1,5 m12 ktToute la journée
Février1–2 m14 ktMatin
Mars1–2 m16 ktMatin
Avril0,5–1,5 m18 ktMatin surf
Mai0,5–1 m20 ktMatin surf
Juin0,5–1 m22 kt7h–11h
Juillet0,5 m24 kt7h–10h
Août0,5 m26 kt7h–10h
Septembre1–1,5 m22 ktMatin
Octobre1–2 m18 ktToute la journée
Novembre1–2 m15 ktToute la journée
Décembre1–1,5 m13 ktToute la journée

Best time to visit Essaouira for watersports

Surf in winter, kite in summer, wing year-round — align dates with your goals.

ActivityBest period
SurfingOctober – April
KitesurfingApril – October
WingfoilYear-round

Water temperature & wetsuit guide

Wetsuits provided — 3/2 mm full suit most of the year.

MonthsWaterWetsuit
Jan – Feb16-17 °C4/3 mm or 3/2 + layer
Mar – Apr17-18 °C3/2 mm full suit
May – Jun18-19 °C3/2 mm full suit
Jul – Sep19-20 °C3/2 mm or shorty (windy days)
Oct – Nov18-19 °C3/2 mm full suit
Dec17-18 °C3/2 mm or 4/3 mm

Surf-lesson specific

What actually happens in a surf session

The level grid our coaches use on the day, the real board/wetsuit rack, a minute-by-minute group lesson (09:00–11:00), and who coaches which format.

Three levels — entry criteria & session exit goals

Beginner — first standing wave

Entry

  • Never stood for more than ~3 seconds, or never took a lesson
  • Can swim 25 m calmly in chest-deep water
  • Age ≥ 6 (kids ratio 4 students / 1 coach)

In-session focus

  • · Prone orientation + short whitewater paddles
  • · Assisted pop-up: coach holds the tail rail through the 4th–5th try
  • · Side fall only — never head-first

Board: Soft-top 8'6–9'0 · 70–90 L · 9' straight leash

Stand 5–8 seconds on whitewater, unassisted, at least twice.

Intermediate — short green wave

Entry

  • Unassisted whitewater pop-up on ≥ 70% of attempts
  • Has paddled beyond the shorebreak
  • Understands closest-to-peak priority

In-session focus

  • · Bump timing: 2–3 strokes just before the lip
  • · Straight line then a mild 30° angle
  • · Exit the side of the peak — never walk through it

Board: Soft or epoxy 7'2–8'0 · 45–65 L · 8' leash

Catch 3 unassisted green waves and hold a 10–15 m line.

Advanced — line & trim

Entry

  • Consistent take-offs on 0.8–1.2 m green waves
  • Stable stance, eyes looking along the wave
  • Can reposition after a wipeout without blocking the peak

In-session focus

  • · Light bottom turn + high-line trim
  • · Set waves: skip 1–2 if the peak is crowded
  • · Video feedback: 4–6 beach clips when the option is booked

Board: Funboard/shortboard 6'0–6'10 · 28–40 L · 6–7' leash

Link take-off → bottom → open section on at least 4 rides.

Gear rack used for surf lessons

Not a brochure list — the boards and suits pulled from the rack each morning by size and level.

Beginner boards (foam)

  • Soft-top 9'0 (×8)

    ~85 L — adults under ~90 kg, first take-offs, soft rails

  • Soft-top 8'6 (×6)

    ~75 L — teens / lighter adults once pop-up sticks

  • Kids soft-top 7'0–7'6 (×5)

    Side handles, 40–55 L — ages 6–12

Intermediate / advanced boards

  • Epoxy funboard 7'2–7'8 (×4)

    Foam → hardboard step, better paddle for green bumps

  • Epoxy shortboard 6'2–6'8 (×5)

    Autonomous riders, 0.8–1.5 m swell, thruster fins

  • Longboard 9'0–9'6 (×2)

    Trim days — intermediates on request

Wetsuits & safety

  • 3/2 mm suits (Apr–Oct)

    XS–XXL + kids — water ~18–21°C, back-zip

  • 4/3 mm suits (Nov–Mar)

    Water ~15–17°C, hood optional in strong NE wind

  • Leash + wax + soft kids helmet

    8–9' beginner leash, Tropical/Cool wax, soft helmet mandatory under 10

Minute-by-minute — typical group session 09:00–11:00

Standard morning group (max 6). The 15:30–17:30 slot mirrors the same sequence.

If the trade wind builds early (often after 11:00 in summer), we pull the start to 08:30 or move to Sidi Kaouki — WhatsApp notice before 20:00 the evening before.

  1. 08:55T−5

    Check-in at 25 Rue Qadi Ayad

    Booking check, suit size, rough weight for board choice. Bags stay at the school lockers.

  2. 09:00–09:1212 min

    Conditions briefing

    Swell height (e.g. 0.6–1.0 m), SW/WNW direction, tide (±2 h of high), orange-flag zone, coach signals (raised arm = exit).

  3. 09:12–09:2210 min

    Kit up & leash check

    Suit on, light wax on soft-tops if slick, leash on back ankle (regular) or front (goofy) after a 30 s stance test.

  4. 09:22–09:3513 min

    Sand: timed pop-ups

    8 timed reps (beginner target < 2.5 s). Foot stance: shoulder-width, rear foot on the stringer.

  5. 09:35–09:405 min

    Walk to the water zone

    Feet-first entry, board parallel to shore. No running with the board underarm.

  6. 09:40–10:3555 min

    Main water block

    Beginner: coach in water pushes 8–12 waves/student. Intermediate: coach in the line-up calling peaks. Rotate ~every 7 min so nobody waits too long.

  7. 10:35–10:4510 min

    Hydration micro-break

    Shore water sip, two individual notes (phone video if requested). Restart on the weak point.

  8. 10:45–10:5510 min

    Final supervised free series

    Goal: unassisted ride. Coach in voice range — no more pushes except for kids.

  9. 10:55–11:005 min

    Debrief & next slot

    Oral level note (1–3), board tip for day +1, 24 h cancel reminder. Suits rinsed at the school.

Coaches assigned to surf lessons

Who runs groups, who takes advanced privates, who handles kids — the real surf roster, not a generic team blurb.

Ouitman

Ouitman

Group max 6 · kids · semi-private (2)

Lead coach for 09:00 and 15:30 group sessions (Mon–Sat). Picks Essaouira beach vs Sidi Kaouki from the 09:00 wind call.

  • Foam board fit in ~60 seconds by weight
  • Beginner push timing: right wave, not the biggest of the set
  • Crowded peak: shifts the group ~80 m south if free surfers stack up
El Mehdi Foum-Errabah

El Mehdi Foum-Errabah

1:1 private · parent+child duo · video coaching

Private & advanced sessions (on booking), plus Sunday video briefs when swell tops ~1.2 m.

  • Stance fixes from 4–6 clips filmed on the jetty
  • Soft-top → epoxy funboard transition without losing confidence
  • Tide/wind reading to place the peak before the trade wind ruins shape

Verifiable proof

Facts, certifications & dated photos

Real experience signals: instructors’ full names, certification levels, school founding date, and dated operational media — not marketing superlatives alone.

School — identity & coverage

Founded
2016
Founder
El Mehdi Foum-Errabah
Address
25 Rue Qadi Ayad, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Insurance
Professional liability (RC) — watersports activities (surf, kitesurf, wingfoil)

RC certificate available at the school (25 Rue Qadi Ayad) or on WhatsApp / email request. Policy numbers are published online only when confirmed — we do not invent IDs.

Legal IDs (ICE / trade register / patente)
Not published on the site yet — available on written request to the school.

Instructors — full names & certifications

Check credential issuers: IKO (ikointl.com) and ISA (isasurf.org).

See the team page

Authentic dated photos

Real school portraits and sessions, with date and place. No generic stock.

Ouitman — instructeur principal IKO Level 3 / ISA Level 2 — Côte d’Essaouira, March 2025

Ouitman — instructeur principal IKO Level 3 / ISA Level 2

· Côte d’Essaouira

Session cours de surf — briefing et entrée en eau (groupe école) — Baie d’Essaouira, 2024

Session cours de surf — briefing et entrée en eau (groupe école)

· Baie d’Essaouira

Teaching method

Surf progression pathway

From your first lesson to riding unassisted: theory, beach practice, warm-ups, water drills, pop-up and 3-day, 5-day, 1- and 2-week plans in Essaouira.

Theory (briefing)

  • Reading the ocean

    Swell, sets, interval, tide, on-shore vs off-shore wind and wave shape.

  • Safety & priority

    Surfer closest to the peak, never ditch your board, signals, safe exit.

  • Board anatomy

    Nose, tail, rails, wax, leash, prone position, eyes forward.

  • Choosing waves

    Spot the bump, paddle timing, start on white water.

  • Posture & balance

    Regular/goofy, bent knees, open arms, weight front/back.

  • Level pathway

    Level 1 whitewater → 2 green → 3 trimming → 4 basic turns.

Beach practice

  • Prone position

    Hands under chest, feet back, eyes to nose — hold 10 seconds.

  • Dry paddling

    Alternating arms, high elbow, stable head — 20 strokes.

  • Dry pop-up

    Hands under shoulders → push → back foot → front foot → low stance. 15–20 reps.

  • Turn & trim

    Simulate riding to shore, lead shoulder, guiding arms.

  • Safe fall

    Fall to the side, protect head — never dive head first.

Warm-up (10–15 min)

Before every session on the beach — injury prevention and mobility.

Light cardio

2 min sand jog, high knees, heel kicks.

Shoulders & back

Arm circles, shoulder rolls, cat-cow, side stretches.

Hips & ankles

Forward lunges, slow squats, ankle rotations.

Core activation

30 s plank, side plank — stability for pop-up.

Pop-up drill

5 dynamic pop-ups, then 5 slow controlled reps.

Dynamic stretch

Leg swings, torso rotations, deep breathing.

Water drills

Shallow water then waves — from bodysurf to unassisted take-offs.

1

Prone glide (whitewater)

Hands on rails, instructor push — feel speed and balance.

2

Knee ride

On whitewater, knees up, eyes to shore — control before standing.

3

Assisted take-off

Instructor stabilises board — you focus on pop-up only.

4

Paddling out

Efficient strokes between waves, calm breathing.

5

Duck dive / turtle

Get past whitewater safely back to lineup.

6

Unassisted wave

Timing, 3–4 strokes, fluid pop-up, 5–10 s trim.

The pop-up — step by step

The key surf move. Broken down on sand then in water until automatic.

1. Start position

Prone, hands flat under chest, feet near tail pad, eyes forward.

2. The push

Extend arms — chest lifts, light hips, elbows not glued to ribs.

3. Back foot

Dominant foot near tail — bent knee, slight angle.

4. Front foot

Between hands, board centre, bent knees, arms open.

5. Stance & trim

Eyes to shore, shoulders parallel, weight both feet, soft knees.

Tips

  • Don't look at your feet — eyes lead the board.
  • Stay low — bent knees, not standing tall.
  • Slow controlled pop-up beats a wobbly jump.
  • Whitewater: go when the wave catches you.
  • Green waves: paddle hard, fast pop-up, immediate trim.

Essential surf tips

  • Start on a high-volume board (7'8–8'0 softboard).
  • Morning = less wind in Essaouira — best for learning.
  • 2 focused hours beat 4 exhausted hours.
  • Film 10 seconds — video doesn't lie.
  • Respect fatigue — skip the risky last wave.
  • Hydrate and sunscreen — sun + salt drain energy.
  • Progress in stages — master whitewater before the lineup.

Multi-day progression

Every stay is tailored to your level and conditions. Typical school pathway — Essaouira bay and Sidi Kaouki.

3 days — Discovery

3 × 2h (6h total)
Jour 1Safety & first glide
  • Ocean briefing
  • Warm-up + dry pop-up
  • Prone whitewater glides
  • First assisted take-off
Jour 2Pop-up & balance
  • Tide/wind recap
  • Beach pop-up reps
  • Whitewater take-offs
  • 3–5 second trim
Jour 3Beginner autonomy
  • Wave choice
  • Solo whitewater take-off
  • Paddle back
  • Video debrief

Lesson programme — 2h

Each lesson lasts 2h: warm-up & technique on the beach, then water session.

Meet at the centre — gear up then walk to the spot with your instructor.

Full wetsuit & individual board included — soft, long or short by level.

Up to 2 sessions per day depending on tide and weather.

Surf lesson prices

Group (max 6)

DurationPrice
2h30€
4h58€
6h87€
8h112€
10h139€
12h166€

Semi-private (max 2)

DurationPrice
2h40€
4h75€
6h110€
8h145€
10h180€
12h215€

Private (max 1)

DurationPrice
2h50€
4h95€
6h140€
8h185€
10h230€
12h275€

Cash EUR or MAD on site accepted · indicative rate 1€ = 11 MAD · card online when booking.

Choisissez votre format de cours

Groupe, semi-privé ou privé — même qualité d'encadrement IKO, matériel inclus, spots Essaouira & Sidi Kaouki selon conditions.

1

Total estimé

30 · taxes incluses

  • Planche, combinaison & leash
  • Moniteur certifié IKO/ISA
  • Transfert spot selon conditions
  • 1h location planche offerte

Essaouira ou Taghazout pour le surf au Maroc ?

Choisissez Essaouira pour débuter, familles et groupes mixtes sur plages sableuses. Choisissez Taghazout pour surfeurs avancés sur reefs (Anchor Point, Killer Point). Essaouira excelle aussi en kitesurf et wingfoil — voir nos cours de kitesurf Essaouira.

Beaucoup de clients font une semaine surf à Essaouira puis 3 jours à Taghazout. Nous organisons les transferts sur demande.

Surf school guide

Learning to surf in Essaouira — what to expect

Essaouira is one of Morocco's best towns to learn surfing — sandy beach, affordable lessons and year-round sessions. What local guides and long-stay families recommend before you book.

Where lessons happen

Main Essaouira beach (Tagharte / west corniche, ~2 km from Bab Sbaa) and Sidi Kaouki (20 min). Walk the beachfront, petit taxi ~8–10 DH, or school van in the morning. Calm spot chosen daily for wind and swell.

What to bring

Swimwear under the wetsuit, towel, SPF50 sunscreen (zinc on very sunny days). We provide board, wetsuit and leash. Beach showers are limited — bring dry clothes.

Water temperature

Cool Atlantic year-round: ~16–17°C in March, peak ~20–22°C early September. 3/2mm wetsuit included as standard; 4/3mm in winter. See our gear guide for season-by-season detail.

Wind, surf & kite

Essaouira is the "Windy City" — kite heaven April–October. July–August: strong afternoon wind. We run surf lessons in the morning (~9–11am) when the bay is calmer. Kite from age 12; surf from age 6.

Not just beginners

The bay is perfect for learning. Confident surfers: Sidi Kaouki day trips (from €50), Imsouane or Taghazout when swell allows. Weekly guiding or multi-spot safaris available.

When to book

July–August & Easter: book at least a week ahead. Off-season: often possible day-before or same-day via WhatsApp. Adjusted hours during Ramadan. We're open year-round.

Digital nomads & families

Staying a month+? Package from ~€220/week for 2 sessions, WhatsApp rescheduling, morning slots. Kids ratio 4:1 from age 6 — ideal for worldschooling.

After your lesson

Walk or taxi back to the medina. Seafront terraces on the corniche, mint tea in the kasbah, sunset on the ramparts. Perfect end to a surf morning.

Exceptional value vs Europe

Group lessons from €30/2h (vs ~€60 private 2h elsewhere). Book direct with the school — no medina agency markup. 1h free board rental after every lesson.

Lesson flow

What to expect during your surf lesson

Typical 2h session structure — as described by families on long stays in Essaouira.

  1. 1

    Welcome & wetsuit (10 min)

    Meet at the beachfront camp — wetsuit and board sized for you. Changing rooms and lockers available.

  2. 2

    Dry briefing on the sand (15 min)

    The first two lessons include a dry session: board parts, paddling, pop-up and safety. After that, most learning happens in the water.

  3. 3

    Warm-up & water entry (20 min)

    20–30 min in shallow water to warm up, then progression based on swell and your level.

  4. 4

    Coaching in the waves (60–90 min)

    Assisted wave catching, live corrections, plenty of laughs — instructors adapt every session to the day's conditions.

  5. 5

    Free practice included

    Keep board and wetsuit after the lesson to practice on the beach at your own pace — especially valuable on long stays.

Parents & companions

  • Watch the session from the beach — direct access, no barriers.
  • Camp lounge: coffee, Wi-Fi, shade — ideal if you work remotely during the lesson.
  • Flexible rescheduling: WhatsApp us the day before to change slot with no penalty (subject to availability).
  • Book lesson by lesson or a monthly family package — custom quote for 2–4 week stays.
Access & spot

How to find us — Essaouira Beach

Beachfront camp steps from Plage Tagharte. No car needed from the medina.

Walk from the medina

From Bab Sbaa (south medina gate): ~15–20 min along Plage Tagharte, feet in the water if you like. Easy access without a car.

Petit taxi

Blue petit taxi from the medina or new town: ~7–15 MAD depending on distance.

From Marrakech / airport

3h by Supratours/CTM bus or car. Essaouira-Mogador airport 20 min from camp.

Spot & timing

Plage Tagharte & Essaouira bay — sandy bottom, mellow waves ideal for beginners. Morning sessions (10am) before afternoon trade wind.