Surfing in Taghazout

Located about halfway down the coast of Morocco, Taghazout is a fishing village that was first surf in the 1960’s and now holds legendary status among surfers. There is a headland just North that juts out into the Atlantic, funneling the massive NW swells onto the SW facing coastline creating a myriad of right hand points and set ups. Most of these spots break over a sand and rock bottom, and there really is something for everyone. From the big and fast walls of Anchor Point to the mellow waves at Banana’s, beginners-pros will be happy here. The town has been steadily increasing in tourism since the 80’s and 90’s, and now plays host to a bunch  of surf tourism infrastructure. That being said, it is still Morocco, and you will get plenty of the culture here.

Surf Spots

This small area is host to some amazing and world class breaks. The best and most well known is the right point Anchor Point. The waves here can break for up to a kilometer (yes a kilometer) and when the conditions line up are ruler straight putting up both barreling and walling sections. This wave needs a bigger swell to start working and will be very crowded, although at size this becomes less of a problem. Killers is another right point, named after the orca dolphins that often swim by. Killers is much more of a swell magnet than Anchor Point and breaks more often, although it is more sectiony and less perfect. However, this combination makes it less likely to be as crowded as some of the other spots here. Banana Point is the most beginner level point in the area, which also hosts a mellow beach break. This spot is crumbly and mellow, perfect for longboarders or beginners looking to get their chops up. Many surf schools operate out of here, so expect some crowds. La Source is one of the only lefts in the immediate area, actually an a frame. This is a great small swell spot that is usually a performance based wave good for all levels of surfer, but especially goofy footers and intermediates.

Access to surf spots

Most of these spots are pretty easy to get to, but can be a bit spread out. A car is the best option for jetting around, especially of the 4×4 variety. Some of the more difficult to get to spots can only be accessed through iffy roads that will necessitate a good machine.

Seasons

There are two very distinct times here. Winter will bring warm to hot day temperatures and cool nights. There will be a little bit of rainfall and usually Northeast (offshore). The summer are extremely hot, and the temperatures do not drop too much at night. There is little no rainfall during this time and winds straight from the North howl. If you’re going in winter a layer or two is perfect. Summer try and be as little clothed as possible at all times.

Winter

This time of year is the ideal time to surf. From October to February massive NW swells wrap around the headland and are groomed by the predominant winds. These swells light up all of the spots here. Bring at least a 3/2 for the cooler water temperatures.

Summer

This is perhaps an unsurfable time here. The winds turn very sideshore, and blow strongly almost 100% of the time. There are some rare occasions that small swell will get into the smaller breaks, but this time is very difficult to find waves here. Boardshorts or a springsuit will do you fine this time of year.

Accommodation

There are a whole lot of surf camps here that offer lodging and lessons for cheap deals but also extend up to resort level. These are probably your safest and best bang for your buck. Houses are also cheap to rent here, especially if you are travelling with multiple people. If you are running on a very small budget or just love being in the outdoors there are also camping options somewhat close to the coast.

Other Activities

There is plenty of other things to get up to when the surf isn’t pumping here. First and foremost is the food. It is incredible here and you can get good to excellent meals for under 10 USD. It is a fun time just to walk around the centre of town and explore. If you have a car there is the Sahara to the South and the Atlas mountains with snow (yes snow) only a few hours drive away. There isn’t the biggest nightlife scene, but you can find a bar or two open late night.