Best Surf Spots Taghazout: Lessons for Beginners

Best Surf Spots Taghazout: Lessons for Beginners - Complete Guide

Taghazout is Morocco's surf capital: a laid-back Atlantic coastal village with consistent waves, excellent schools, and a vibrant international surf community. Perfect for beginners seeking lessons in a supportive environment, Taghazout offers quality instruction, affordable pricing, and beautiful beaches. This guide covers surf breaks, schools, lesson structure, costs, and the Taghazout scene.

Taghazout Overview

Location and Access

Where: Atlantic coast, 300km south of Casablanca Climate: Mild year-round (15-22°C), water warm (16-18°C) Best Season: August-October (warm, consistent swells) Access: Bus from Casablanca (6 hours), rental car from Marrakech (4 hours)

Vibe: International backpacker beach town, travelers and surfers, budget-friendly, bohemian atmosphere

Why Taghazout for Beginner Surfing

✓ Consistent waves (year-round, 3-6 feet average) ✓ Many beginner-friendly breaks (beach breaks, mellow) ✓ Established surf schools (professional, affordable) ✓ Cheap accommodation and food ✓ Large international surf community (motivating, social) ✓ Warm water (no thick wetsuit needed)

Best Beginner Surf Breaks

Anchor Point

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly Wave Type: Beach break, sandy bottom Swell Direction: West swells Wave Height: 2-4 feet (small, manageable) Best Tide: Low to mid tide Crowding: Moderate (popular) Bottom: Sandy (soft falls, forgiving)

Why Beginner Ideal:

• Consistent, mellow waves
• Soft landing (sand)
• Shallow takeoff
• Space to practice

Best Season: Year-round (reliable)

Paradise Beach (Taghazout Main Beach)

Difficulty: Beginner-intermediate Wave Type: Beach break Swell Direction: West-southwest Wave Height: 2-5 feet (variable) Best Tide: Mid tide Crowding: Low-moderate Bottom: Sandy

Why Beginner OK:

• Close to town (convenient)
• Mix beginner-intermediate waves
• Long rides possible (building confidence)
• Services nearby (cafés, rental shops)

Lessons Often Here: Most beginner schools use this beach

Taghazout Bay (Main Town Beach)

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly to intermediate Wave Type: Beach break Wave Height: 2-4 feet typical Best Tide: Low to mid Bottom: Sandy Crowding: Moderate-high (popular school location)

Notes: Closest beach to town; most accessible for tourists

Surf Schools and Lessons

Taghazout Surf Schools

Top Rated:

Let's Go Surf School:

• Reputation: Excellent (4.8/5)
• Instructors: Experienced, English-speaking, patient
• Group Size: 3-4 per instructor (personal attention)
• Duration: 2-hour sessions
• Cost: €30-40 per lesson
• Boards: Provided (soft boards, beginner-appropriate)

Taghazout Surfers Club:

• Reputation: Very good (4.6/5)
• Instructors: Friendly, beginner-focused
• Group Size: 4-6 (slightly larger)
• Duration: 2-hour sessions
• Cost: €25-35 per lesson
• Boards: Quality equipment

Wandering Surfers:

• Reputation: Great (4.7/5)
• Instructors: International staff, varied backgrounds
• Group Size: 3-5
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: €30-40 per lesson
• Boards: Well-maintained

Budget Schools:

• €20-25 lessons available (fewer amenities)
• Still reputable (reviews okay)
• Larger groups (6-8 people)

Private Lessons

Cost: €60-80 one-on-one Duration: 1.5-2 hours Advantage: Personal attention, customized pacing Best For: Nervous beginners, learning faster, specific technique

Lesson Packages

Best Value: 5-7 day packages (20-30% discount)

Beginner Lesson Structure

Session Breakdown (Typical 2-Hour Lesson)

0:00-0:15: Beach Instruction (15 min)

• Paddle technique demonstration
• Takeoff explanation (on board, pop-up motion)
• Safety briefing (ocean currents, etiquette)
• Board familiarization

0:15-0:45: In-Water Practice (30 min)

• Paddling practice (building shoulder strength)
• Lying on board, familiarization
• Wave selection introduction
• Waiting position (behind break)

0:45-1:30: Takeoff Practice (45 min)

• Instructor assists positioning
• Pop-up technique repetition (hands to feet motion)
• Multiple wave attempts
• Feedback and correction

1:30-1:55: Free Riding (25 min)

• Student surfs independently (instructor supervises)
• Attempted longer rides
• Wave strategy

1:55-2:00: Cool Down (5 min)

• Exit water, gather equipment
• Session feedback
• Next steps discussion

What to Expect Physically

Difficulty: Moderate-high (arms, core, legs worked heavily) Soreness: Day 1-2 shoulders/arms very sore (common) Exhaustion: 2-3 hours energy expended Confidence: By session 3-4, standing consistently possible

Timeline:

• Day 1: Mostly falls, possibly standing once
• Day 2-3: Standing, occasional unbalanced rides
• Day 4-5: Confident takeoffs, riding waves 10+ seconds
• Week 2: Able to catch own waves, basic control

Equipment and Costs

Board Rental (Non-Lesson)

Beginner Boards (soft top, 7-8 feet):

• Daily: €15-25
• Weekly: €70-100
• Monthly: €250-350

Better Boards (fiberglass, modern):

• Daily: €20-30
• Weekly: €100-140

Wetsuit Rental

Needed: August-May (water cold) Cost: €5-10 daily, €20-30 weekly Summer: No wetsuit necessary (water warm)

Board Purchase (If Staying Long-Term)

Budget Boards: €150-250 (soft tops, passable) Mid-Range: €300-500 (decent quality) Quality Boards: €600-1000+

Taghazout Accommodation

Budget Options (Dorms/Hostels)

Price: €15-25/night Vibe: Social, backpackers, communal dinners Amenities: Kitchen, common areas, beach proximity Examples: Taghazout Hostel, Bergsma, Shaka Hostel

Mid-Range (Private Rooms)

Price: €30-60/night Vibe: Relaxed, casual Amenities: Private room, basic comfort Examples: Riad guesthouses, small hotels

Luxury Eco-Lodges

Price: €100-200+/night Vibe: Upscale, wellness-focused Amenities: Yoga, restaurant, pool, views Examples: Treehouse Taghazout, Dar Zahara

Taghazout Costs (Weekly Budget)

Budget: €350-400 (dorm, group lessons, local food) Comfortable: €500-600 (private room, activities, better restaurants)

Best Season for Surfing

August-October (Best)

• Warm water (19-21°C)
• Consistent Atlantic swells
• Fewer tourists
• Perfect beginner window

November-May

• Good swells (cooler water, 16-18°C)
• Potential storms (less predictable)
• Cheaper accommodation
• Shoulder season good

June-July

• Water very warm
• Swells smaller
• Busy tourist season
• Still surfable but less ideal

Recommendation: August-September peak best (warm, waves, fewer crowds)

Taghazout Scene and Community

Surf Culture

International: Mix backpackers, expat surfers, locals Age Range: 20s-40s primarily; all ages welcome Vibe: Laid-back, supportive, non-competitive Activities: Sunset beach dinners, music, socials

Non-Surf Activities

• Hiking nearby (Toubkal base, local mountains)
• Yoga studios (meditation, wellness)
• Restaurants and cafés (international food)
• Hammam (spa)
• Fishing boats (daily excursions)
• Camel treks (nearby)

Duration Planning

First Timer: 1 week ideal (5-7 lessons, skill building, scene experience) Intermediate: 2 weeks (progression, independence) Advanced: 3-4 weeks (mastery, local waves, community integration)

FAQ

Can I learn to surf in one week?

Yes, basic competency possible (catching/riding waves). Mastery requires 3-4 weeks.

Am I too old to learn surfing?

No age limit. Beginners 40-60+ successfully learning. Fitness matters more than age.

What if I'm terrified of water?

Start with lessons (instructors patient, safe environment). Pool lessons possible alternatively.

Which board size for beginners?

7-8 feet soft top ideal (buoyancy, forgiveness). Instructor recommends appropriately.

Do I need experience swimming?

Helpful but not essential. Instructors teach ocean safety. Board flotation helps.

Is sunburn a risk?

Yes, sun intense. Apply SPF 50+ before lesson, reapply after. Rash guard recommended.

Can I bring my own board?

Yes, but rental more practical initially (no transport cost, school boards familiar).

Are group or private lessons better?

Group: Social, affordable, motivating. Private: Personal attention, custom pacing. Both effective.

What's the hardest part of learning?

Paddle strength (takes days). Once paddling smooth, pop-up/balance easier.

How long do lessons continue for?

Typically 5-7 days for competency. Extended courses available if wanting progression.