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.
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.
Punti salienti
- 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
Incluso
- Instructeur certifié IKO/ISA
- Planche adaptée à votre niveau
- Combinaison 3/2mm (saison)
- Leash & briefing sécurité
- Assurance responsabilité surf
Non incluso
- Transport depuis votre hôtel — parfois offert gratuitement ; sinon transfert +10€ en option
- Photos / vidéo (option drone +99€)
- Repas & boissons
Programma — 2 heures
- Pointage local — 25 Rue Qadi Ayad
Contrôle réservation, taille combi, choix soft-top selon poids (8'6 ou 9'0).
- Briefing conditions (12 min)
Houle du jour, marée, zone drapeaux orange, signaux moniteur — pas de jargon générique.
- Équipement & stance (10 min)
Combi, leash cheville, test regular/goofy 30 s, wax si soft-top glissant.
- Pop-up chronométré sur le sable (13 min)
8 répétitions, cible < 2,5 s — correction pieds sur le stringer.
- Bloc eau (55 min)
Débutant : poussées moniteur. Intermédiaire : consignes au pic. Rotation ~7 min.
- Pause + correction (10 min)
Hydratation, 2 points individuels, reprise sur le point faible.
- Série libre supervisée (10 min)
Objectif ride non assistée — moniteur à portée de voix.
- Débrief (5 min)
Note de niveau 1–3, conseil planche pour la prochaine session, rinçage combinaisons.
Prezzi
Groupe (max 6 pers.)
| OK | Prezzi | |
|---|---|---|
| 2h | 30€ | Prenota online |
| 4h | 58€ | Prenota online |
| 6h | 87€ | Prenota online |
| 8h | 112€ | Prenota online |
| 10h | 139€ | Prenota online |
| 12h | 166€ | Prenota online |
Semi-privé (max 2 pers.)
| OK | Prezzi | |
|---|---|---|
| 2h | 40€ | Prenota online |
| 4h | 75€ | Prenota online |
| 6h | 110€ | Prenota online |
| 8h | 145€ | Prenota online |
| 10h | 180€ | Prenota online |
| 12h | 215€ | Prenota online |
Privé (max 1 pers.)
| OK | Prezzi | |
|---|---|---|
| 2h | 50€ | Prenota online |
| 4h | 95€ | Prenota online |
| 6h | 140€ | Prenota online |
| 8h | 185€ | Prenota online |
| 10h | 230€ | Prenota online |
| 12h | 275€ | Prenota online |
Punto di incontro
Book Surf Camp Essaouira
25 Rue Qadi Ayad, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Apri in Google Maps →
Info importanti
- 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
Politica di prenotazione
- 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).
Domande frequenti
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
Vai alle pagine prioritarie su Google
Queste pagine mirano alle keyword principali (scuola, lezioni, camp, prenotazione).
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
| Mois | Vagues | Vent | Meilleur créneau |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janvier | 1–1,5 m | 12 kt | Toute la journée |
| Février | 1–2 m | 14 kt | Matin |
| Mars | 1–2 m | 16 kt | Matin |
| Avril | 0,5–1,5 m | 18 kt | Matin surf |
| Mai | 0,5–1 m | 20 kt | Matin surf |
| Juin | 0,5–1 m | 22 kt | 7h–11h |
| Juillet | 0,5 m | 24 kt | 7h–10h |
| Août | 0,5 m | 26 kt | 7h–10h |
| Septembre | 1–1,5 m | 22 kt | Matin |
| Octobre | 1–2 m | 18 kt | Toute la journée |
| Novembre | 1–2 m | 15 kt | Toute la journée |
| Décembre | 1–1,5 m | 13 kt | Toute la journée |
Best time to visit Essaouira for watersports
Surf in winter, kite in summer, wing year-round — align dates with your goals.
| Activity | Best period |
|---|---|
| Surfing | October – April |
| Kitesurfing | April – October |
| Wingfoil | Year-round |
Water temperature & wetsuit guide
Wetsuits provided — 3/2 mm full suit most of the year.
| Months | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | 16-17 °C | 4/3 mm or 3/2 + layer |
| Mar – Apr | 17-18 °C | 3/2 mm full suit |
| May – Jun | 18-19 °C | 3/2 mm full suit |
| Jul – Sep | 19-20 °C | 3/2 mm or shorty (windy days) |
| Oct – Nov | 18-19 °C | 3/2 mm full suit |
| Dec | 17-18 °C | 3/2 mm or 4/3 mm |
Surf courses — all levels
Group, private, kids or day trip — full gear included
6 students maxGroup class
First surf experience in a friendly atmosphere. Beach warm-up, pop-up on sand, then first waves in the water.
Book →
1 person maxPrivate lesson
Personal coaching to the peak. Individual tips to progress faster — ideal for intermediates.
Book →
From age 6Kids surf
Instructor always beside children. Sand games, maximum safety, progress at their pace.
Book →
Sidi Kaouki & ImsouaneDay surf trip
2 sessions + fresh fish lunch. Transport, lesson, board & wetsuit included — all levels.
Book →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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 09:35–09:405 min
Walk to the water zone
Feet-first entry, board parallel to shore. No running with the board underarm.
- 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.
- 10:35–10:4510 min
Hydration micro-break
Shore water sip, two individual notes (phone video if requested). Restart on the weak point.
- 10:45–10:5510 min
Final supervised free series
Goal: unassisted ride. Coach in voice range — no more pushes except for kids.
- 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
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
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
- Phone
- +212 7 17 54 17 01
- Insurance
- Professional liability (RC) — watersports activities (surf, kitesurf, wingfoil)
- Legal IDs (ICE / trade register / patente)
- Not published on the site yet — available on written request to the school.
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.
Instructors — full names & certifications
El Mehdi Foum-Errabah
Fondateur & CEO · Instructeur Surf & Wingfoil
17 years experience · Taken
Certifications
- IKO Level 3
- ISA Level 3
- Sauveteur Mer
Ouitman
Master Coach Surf & Kitesurf
14 years experience · Taken
Certifications
Check credential issuers: IKO (ikointl.com) and ISA (isasurf.org).
See the team pageAuthentic 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
Session cours de surf — briefing et entrée en eau (groupe école)
· Baie d’Essaouira
Méthode pédagogique
Schéma de progression surf
De votre premier cours à l'autonomie en vagues : théorie, pratique sur le sable, échauffements, exercices en eau, take-off et parcours sur 3 jours, 5 jours, 1 ou 2 semaines à Essaouira.
Côté théorique (briefing)
Lire l'océan
Houle, série, intervalle, marée montante/descendante, vent on-shore vs off-shore et impact sur la forme des vagues.
Sécurité & priorités
Règle du surfeur le plus proche du pic, ne pas lâcher sa planche, zone de navigation, signaux moniteur et sortie de l'eau.
Anatomie de la planche
Nez, queue, rails, wax, leash, position allongée (poitrine levée), regard vers l'avant.
Choisir sa vague
Repérer la bosse, le moment pour ramer, éviter la zone de déferlement sur la tête — commencer sur mousse blanche.
Posture & équilibre
Stance regular/goofy, flexion genoux, bras ouverts, regard vers la vague, transfert de poids avant/arrière.
Progression par niveaux
Niveau 1 mousse → Niveau 2 petite vague verte → Niveau 3 ligne → Niveau 4 manœuvres de base.
Côté pratique (sur le sable)
Position allongée (prone)
Mains sous la poitrine, pieds à l'arrière, regard vers le nez de la planche — tenir 10 secondes sans bouger.
Paddling sec
Mouvement bras alternés, doigts fermés, coude haut, tête stable — 20 coups de rame fluides.
Pop-up (take-off sec)
Mains sous les épaules → poussée → pied arrière puis pied avant → stance basse. Répéter 15–20 fois.
Rotation & descente
Simuler le virage vers la plage, regard vers l'épaule avant, bras directeurs, genoux fléchis.
Chute contrôlée
Tomber sur le côté, protéger la tête, ne jamais sauter tête la première — réflexe avant l'eau.
Échauffements (10–15 min)
Avant chaque session — sur la plage, guidés par le moniteur pour prévenir les blessures et gagner en mobilité.
Cardio léger
Footing 2 min sur le sable, montées de genoux, talons-fesses — réveiller le corps.
Mobilité épaules & dos
Rotations bras, cercles d'épaules, chat-vache, étirements latéraux.
Hanches & chevilles
Fentes avant, squats lents, rotations chevilles — base de l'équilibre sur la planche.
Activation core
Planche abdominale 30 s, gainage latéral — stabilité pour le popup et la ligne.
Simulation popup
5 pop-ups dynamiques sur le sable, puis 5 lents en contrôlant chaque phase.
Étirements dynamiques
Balanciers jambes, rotations tronc, respiration profonde avant la mise à l'eau.
Exercices en eau
En eau peu profonde puis en vagues — du bodysurf à la prise de vague autonome.
1
Glissade ventre (white water)
Allongé, mains sur les rails, moniteur pousse — sentir la vitesse et l'équilibre.
2
Glissade genoux
Sur la mousse, se mettre à genoux, regarder vers la plage — contrôle avant le stand-up.
3
Take-off assisté
Moniteur stabilise la planche au bon moment — l'élève se concentre uniquement sur le popup.
4
Paddling en ligne
Ramer vers le large entre deux vagues, position correcte, respiration calme.
5
Duck dive / esquive
Passer sous ou par-dessus la mousse selon niveau — retour au lineup en sécurité.
6
Prise de vague seul
Timing du départ, 3–4 coups de rame, popup fluide, ligne droite 5–10 secondes minimum.
Le take-off (popup) — étape par étape
Le mouvement clé du surf. Nous le décomposons sur le sable puis en eau jusqu'à l'automatisme.
1. Position de départ
Allongé, mains à plat sous la poitrine (pas trop bas), pieds près du tail pad, regard vers l'avant.
2. La poussée
Extension des bras — le buste se décolle, hanches légères, ne pas coller les coudes au corps.
3. Pied arrière
Le pied dominant arrive près du tail — genou plié, pointe légèrement tournée.
4. Pied avant
Entre les mains, au centre de la planche, genoux fléchis, bras ouverts pour l'équilibre.
5. Stance & ligne
Regard vers la plage, épaules parallèles à la planche, poids sur les deux pieds, souple dans les genoux.
Tips
- Ne regardez pas vos pieds — le regard guide la planche.
- Évitez de vous lever trop droit : restez bas, genoux fléchis.
- Un popup lent et contrôlé vaut mieux qu'un saut déséquilibré.
- Sur mousse blanche : départ au moment où la vague vous attrape.
- En petite vague verte : ramez fort, popup rapide, ligne immédiate.
Conseils surf essentiels
- Choisissez une planche volumineuse au début (softboard 7'8–8'0) — plus de stabilité = plus de vagues.
- Matin = moins de vent à Essaouira — idéal pour apprendre.
- Une session de 2 h vaut mieux qu'une session épuisante de 4 h sans technique.
- Filmez-vous 10 secondes : le corps ment moins que la sensation.
- Respectez la fatigue : la dernière vague dangereuse n'en vaut pas la peine.
- Hydratez-vous et crème solaire — le soleil + sel fatiguent vite.
- Progressez par paliers : maîtrisez la mousse avant de viser la ligne.
Progression sur plusieurs jours
Chaque séjour est adapté à votre niveau et aux conditions. Voici le schéma type que nous suivons à l'école — baie d'Essaouira et Sidi Kaouki selon la houle.
3 jours — Découverte
3 × 2h (6h total)Jour 1— Sécurité & première glisse
- Briefing océan
- Échauffement + popup sec
- Glissades ventre sur mousse
- Premier take-off assisté
Jour 2— Take-off & équilibre
- Rappel théorie marées/vent
- Popup répétitions sable
- Take-offs en mousse blanche
- Ligne droite 3–5 secondes
Jour 3— Autonomie débutante
- Choix de la vague
- Take-off seul sur mousse
- Paddling retour
- Débrief vidéo & conseils suite
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)
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 2h | 30€ |
| 4h | 58€ |
| 6h | 87€ |
| 8h | 112€ |
| 10h | 139€ |
| 12h | 166€ |
Semi-private (max 2)
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 2h | 40€ |
| 4h | 75€ |
| 6h | 110€ |
| 8h | 145€ |
| 10h | 180€ |
| 12h | 215€ |
Private (max 1)
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 2h | 50€ |
| 4h | 95€ |
| 6h | 140€ |
| 8h | 185€ |
| 10h | 230€ |
| 12h | 275€ |
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
Welcome & wetsuit (10 min)
Meet at the beachfront camp — wetsuit and board sized for you. Changing rooms and lockers available.
- 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
Warm-up & water entry (20 min)
20–30 min in shallow water to warm up, then progression based on swell and your level.
- 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
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.