Massive thanks to Surf Star’s good friend Kat for writing and offering her Photography in this article. Thank you Kat, for your beautiful photography, here and on many other pages in this site.
Writing and Photography Credit: Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod
5 Reasons to Learn to Surf in Morocco
Tamraght, Morocco is a unique destination because it is a playground for pros while simultaneously offering the perfect conditions for those making their first foray into the sport of surfing. No mean feat. Here’s how it earned its place as one of the top ten best surf spots in the world for beginners, and how Surf Star maximises its potential.
-
Beach Breaks For Days
This translates to – a soft sandy bottom. Beach breaks are typically safer for beginners and offer long rides in the white water, ideal for finding your feet. There are also minimal aquatic hazards such as jellyfish, rocks and sea urchins. This leaves you free to bob about blissfully. Heaven!
-
Culture of Kindness
Moroccan hospitality extends to the water. Many of the best waves in the world are made inaccessible by hostile locals. Not here. Big smiles, encouragement and loads of patience epitomise the sunkissed surf citizens you’ll meet on your stay. Good vibes!
-
Consistency is Key
There are more breaks than you can shake a stick at, all of which work under different conditions. This means you’re not going to have to sit around waiting for waves. The key to progress is practice, and lots of it. The team at Surf Star is made up of local surfers with extensive knowledge of the coastline, so you’ll always have access to the conditions you need to take you to the next level.
-
Yes, Coach
Speaking of progression. Those who have travelled to surf before will be the first to tell you that the instructor set up here is out of this world. Mornings consist of formal 2hr lessons in small groups. You will be grouped with others at the same level as you and an instructor will be in the water with you at all times giving personalised advice and loads of encouragement. After lunch, everyone who wants to can head out again for another surf. The instructors stay with their groups all day, keeping an eye on you from the beach and are always on hand to answer any questions, dish out tips or indulge in some banter.
The morning session is professionally photographed and shown on a screen after dinner in a photo analysis session with one of the instructors. “Visual aids give you the opportunity to see yourself, which makes correcting any bad habits much easier,” says instructor Amine. “We can always see the results the next day in the water.”
-
Best of Both Worlds
It’s all about balance. Yes, you want to learn to surf, but you also want to be able to be comfortable afterwards and completely relax, you’re on holiday after all “Lots of our guests are concerned that they can’t soak up the sun in their bikinis or won’t be able to get an ice-cold coca cola after a surf,” says Amine. “Being a world-class surf destination means that the Western influence in the area is a big one and the beach in particular is very chilled and well supplied.” Don’t fret though, you’re not likely to forget where you are. The camels wandering past your beach towel take care of that.
Writing and Photography By Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod. Kat is an epic surfer yogi friend of Surf Star Morocco and runs an incredible Wedding Photography company called Heart Shaped Stone Photography