At MZAB, we were fortunate to get in touch with the team at Local Surf Maroc, a locally owned Moroccan surf school and surf camp in Tamraght, along the Western Coast of Morocco in Taghazout Bay. In the interview, we explore the founder Rachid’s story, what it was like growing up an ocean child, and the transformative nature of water. Read on as we learn what to pack for a surfing retreat, the powerful moments water can bring to the word Rachid lives by.

---

Q1 Thank you so much for the interview! At MZAB we love adventure, modern day and adventurers and exploring cultural history, ritual and artefacts. Tell us more about yourselves (Christina and Rashid) and the inspiration behind Local Surf Maroc.

Rachid (the founder) grew up with the ocean always within view. His earliest memory of being an ocean child was when his family would go to Killer Point to collect mussels to cook for dinner that same evening. With his father being a fisherman, Rachid was introduced to swimming among waves and local ocean knowledge: tides, weather, and moon phases. 

Rachid’s introduction to surfing also happened while he was a child, seeing tourists camped around Taghazout Village with their caravans and surfboards. Not yet having a surfboard of his own, Rachid and his friends played along by learning how to body surf.  

At 9, Rachid’s father finally bought him a proper surfboard. He had already learned to surf and pop up on body boards and other broken surfboards left behind by campers. But this new surfboard started a habit of being late for school or skipping class completely when the waves were good. 

Rachid began working in surf shops and then later for various surf camps and surf schools in the Taghazout Bay area. Not only did he learn how to teach surfing, but he learned about the hospitality and surfing industry, refining his teaching and hosting skills. 

After 10 years, wanting to bring his own flavour of surf coaching and surf experience to the industry, Rachid started up his own surf business near his hometown. What started as a one man show has grown into a professional surf school and surf camp in Taghazout Bay, Morocco.

Rachid: The concept of Local Surf Maroc has changed over time. It was only when Christiana joined the team that I was able to find the right words to describe what I wanted to focus on: progression for every surfer. By focusing on learning and progression I was able to focus only on what’s important during a surf lesson. For beginners, it’s learning the fundamentals and the best technique for surfing and continuing their journey. For intermediates, it could be anything from correcting bad habits or finding the board that suits the surfer’s style the best. 

Q2 What is it about the Moroccan Western coast that is particularly special for surfers and sea lovers?

Morocco’s coastline is around 3500km long and spans the whole length of the country. While there are scenic views and surf spots up and down the coast, Taghazout Bay is particularly special for surfers: every 1-2km there’s a different surf spot that might be working on any given day. We are even lucky to have waves to play with during the summer months. For those not into surfing, the scenic drive is breathtaking. The coastline changes dramatically from North to South.

Q3: What activities do Local Surf Maroc currently offer?

A: We primarily offer surf lessons and all-inclusive surf packages for every level of surfer. In order to facilitate progression we also offer surf supportive activities, such as surfskate lessons and yoga classes. 

Q4: Has there been a memorable moment during your surfing adventures in Morocco that has stayed with you and why?

Rachid: I’ve got 4.

2006, Killer Point. 

Killer point is a heavy reef break and one that breaks pretty far out from shore. The long paddle out prevents a lot of surfers from attempting to surf there. I was 16 when I was out by myself and the sessions started off really well. It all went wrong on the third wave I caught: I fell off, was held down for a long time, and my board snapped. When I finally surfaced I had to swim nearly 3km back to shore. This experience is memorable because of the fear I felt in that moment: I was alone and panicking. I had never felt that fear before or since this surf. The best way I can describe this experience is that I felt I was reborn. 

2009, Anchor Point. 

Morocco is known for its right handed surf breaks and Anchor Point is one of them. But this September the wave was breaking on the other side of the point break, and with it, offering barrelling conditions. It was just me surfing and 1 friend taking photos. It was literally a once in a lifetime surf.

2021, Mysteries. 

During COVID my fiancée and I were locked down together in Morocco. Spontaneously we decided to go forward with getting married, in spite of the restrictive social conditions. Getting married in Morocco is not easy as it involves a lot of paperwork and we thought we would be tackling paperwork for at least 4-6 months. But 3 weeks later there was a cancellation at the courthouse and we took it. Just like that, we were married and not knowing what to do we decided to go surfing. The sun was setting and it was just the 2 of us at Mysteries that day. Looking back, I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding day.

2023, Banana Point. 

In March there was another big winter swell and it hit Morocco just right to make Banana Point work: the waves were big but glassy and perfect.  But the sets were heavy and created a lot of currents, making it difficult to get out to the line up, so there weren’t many surfers out. My wife had been surfing all season with me challenging her to go to one challenging spot after another. I knew she was going to be afraid on this day but it was a good opportunity to help push her past her comfort zone again. She made it to the line up with no problems, and I called her into 6 waves. After the 6th she was struggling to come back to the line up and all of a sudden an even bigger set of waves rolled in and crashed on top of her. Her board snapped and the leash broke, forcing her to swim back to shore. She was fine and actually exhilarated at conquering another round of big wave fear. Three weeks later she found out she was nearly 3 months pregnant with our first child.  

Q5: What should a newbie surfer pack on one of your surfing retreats for the adventure?

1 Travel Documents: Bank Cards, Passport, Flight Confirmation/Boarding passes, Proof of health/travel insurance

2 Daily Essentials: Travel medications (against headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc), Flip Flops x2, Flat, closed toe shoes x1, Beanie x1, Sweaters x2, Long pants x2, Shorts x2, T-shirts x4, Long Sleeve shirts x2, Short Sleeve shirts x2, Wind Breaker x1, Socks x4, Usual Toiletries & Cosmetics

3 Beach Essentials: After Sun/Aloe Vera skin product; Swimsuit x2 (minimum); Beach towel x1; Sun Glasses; Hat; Small bag for your beach essentials; Sunscreen SPF 50 and/or Zinc SunBlock

4 Extras: Feminine products, Cash, Reusable water bottle, Power bank, Charging cables, Power adaptor, If you’re a light sleeper: eye mask and ear plugs, Laundry bag, Downtime essentials: books, music, movies downloaded

Q6: Beyond Taghazout bay, are there other locations in Morocco that you hold dear? Why is this?

Rachid: As a surfer, Boilers and Mirleft. 

Boilers is a challenging reef break, from a difficult entry and exit along with a shallow reef. But when the swell hits, the wave is perfect. Aglou, Mirleft, and Sidi Ifni are areas with a less developed tourism sector. The beaches are more rocky and the waves are more difficult to learn on and surf. But when I surf these places, I am reminded of a time before surf tourism became so prevalent and changed Taghazout Bay so drastically.

Q7: (Rachid) Tell us more about what it was like growing up an ocean child and your personal connection with water

Rachid: I grew up always with the ocean within view so I’m pretty lost when I’m not next to the water. The few times I’ve travelled inland I’ve ended up pretty restless until I could see the ocean again. When I travel I end up picking places I can be next to the ocean, ideally with surf spots. Even in my day to day life, if I don’t jump in every couple of days, even if the conditions are poor, I am equally restless. In the water I leave everything behind. 

Q8: What is a favourite quote that you live by?

Rachid: Inshallah. (God willing)

A one word answer might come across as too simplistic, but my wife and I have faced a lot of obstacles and hardships over the last 7 years in business and in our personal lives. In our lowest moments, we have often reminded each other that the outcomes are ultimately not in our hands. 

---

Surfing along Morocco’s Western Coast: In Conversation with Local Surf Maroc

Tweet