Yalah Surf! An Exciting Week of Waves & Tajines in Morocco
I never thought I’d be eating tajine under the stars after a full day of surfing in North Africa, but here we are. In July 2023, I traded the pastel de nata and European coastlines of my last surf camp in Portugal for sand dunes, Arabic phrases, and the Atlantic shores of Tamraght, Morocco. Every morning started with a shout of “Yalah surf!”—a cheerful way to get us moving and out to the beach, where we’d chase waves and soak up the Moroccan sun.
It was off-season. Fewer crowds, smaller waves, even in Taghazout, the surfer hot spot. Perfect for a beginner still figuring out how to paddle into a wave without flopping off sideways.
And that’s exactly what I needed.

From Airport Confusion to Moroccan Hospitality
Let’s start with how this all began: we landed in Agadir, tired, excited, and totally disconnected (turns out African SIMs don’t magically work with your European data plan). Our driver met us at the airport, said a few words in English, and off we went… until he suddenly pulled over in the middle of nowhere, said “See ya,” and two strangers got in.
Cue nervous laughter, glances exchanged with my friend, and a brief mental check of our worst-case scenarios. Turns out it was just a driver switch—but no one explained it to us at the time. That 20-minute stretch was the only time I felt even slightly unsafe during the whole trip. The rest? Genuinely warm, welcoming, and calm—even for two women traveling alone.
CliSurf: Where Surf Camp Meets Family Home
CliSurf Morocco isn’t your typical surf lodge. It’s a big, cozy family house where the mom cooks (you guessed it—tajine), the dad waits tables with a quiet smile, one son drove us around when we wanted, and the other organizes your whole stay. It feels more like being hosted than being booked.

We had a two-bed room with a shared bathroom, and the real gem was the rooftop terrace. Most evenings, we’d hang out there—watching the sun dip behind the hills, sipping traditional tea (which unfortunately tastes best when it’s extremely sweet), and soaking in the stillness after a salty, sandy day. Yoga happened up there, too. It wasn’t fancy, but it felt good. Grounding. Real.
The days were hot, but surprisingly manageable. We were told we got lucky with the weather—temperatures stayed comfortable during the day, and the cooler nights meant we could sleep with the windows open (I was even a bit cold most nights!). Apparently, just a week later, the heat wave hit.
Tajines, Surfboards & “Yalah Surf!”
Days had a rhythm. Breakfast in the house, then off to the beach for our morning surf lesson. Waves were gentle, ideal for a beginner like me: standing up was now normal, turning was the next big challenge, and paddling… well, still working on it.
Lunch was delivered right to the sand—home-cooked, eaten with our toes in the warm Moroccan beach. Then, back into the water for a second session, or just lazing under the sun. Our group was small—just five of us at the start, then three by the end—so coaching felt personal, chill, no pressure. Every day someone would yell “Yalah surf!” and off we’d go again, boards bouncing under our arms.
Surfboards, wetsuits, and all gear were provided by the camp—super convenient and beginner-friendly. All you really need to bring is your own reef-safe sunscreen, some flip-flops for easy beach days, and a pair of sturdy shoes for any off-beach adventures. Oh, and layers—those breezy mornings and evenings might surprise you.

Beyond the Beach: Markets, Valleys & Sandboarding
Surfing wasn’t the only thing on the agenda. We explored a traditional market in Agadir—loud, colorful, and full of unfamiliar spices. We slid down giant sand dunes like kids, and hiked through Paradise Valley, where palm trees framed turquoise rock pools. Morocco has a way of sneaking beauty into every corner.

And yes, there were animals everywhere—dogs on the beach, goats in the hills, and a very persistent stray cat who seemed to believe she lived in our house. Honestly? She’s a cat so if she wants to live there, that’s where she lives.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
The main surf season in Taghazout runs from September to April, with consistent swell drawing in more experienced surfers. But don’t let the calendar stop you—summer has its perks too. Especially for beginners, off-season (like July) means smaller waves, quieter beaches, and a more relaxed vibe overall.
And thanks to the variety of surf spots in the area, you can actually surf year-round. There’s almost always a wave breaking somewhere nearby, whether you’re looking for mellow whitewater or something a bit more punchy.
Why I’d Go Back (And Why You Might Want To)
This wasn’t luxury travel. It was dusty flip-flops, sandy bedsheets, tajine on repeat. Feeling the Atlantic push you around, then laughing with people you met two days ago. It was also quiet rooftop nights and chaotic market afternoons. And it was exactly the kind of raw, real, active experience I crave.
If you want something slower, warmer, and a little wild—go to Taghazout.
Bring your sunscreen, your open mind, and your willingness to get wiped out by a wave (or six). You’ll leave with a stronger paddle, a full belly, and maybe even a few Arabic words you didn’t expect to learn.
Yalah surf.