Surf Nomad: Taghazout, Morocco
Looking through the ruins to Anchor Point, Taghazout's world-class point break.
A favored spot along the European surfing trail, Taghazout's barren, rocky coastline offers up an endless choice of well-shaped, incredibly consistent waves. As you traverse the surf road that winds along teh shore, offshore winds will be howling thanks to a cape that funnels the northern winds in just the right direction. Add a dose of Berber culture, Moroccan cuisine and a youthful, adventurous crowd and you have the perfect mix for a Surf Nomad destination.
If it's been a while since your last time in the water, get your groove back at either Panoramas or Crocodiles, two beaches known for their beginner friendly breaks. From here, you can step up to any intensity imaginable, including the renowned world-class point breaks at Anchor Point and Killer Point. Fair warning: local surfers eschew calling them "waves," deeming these powerful swells "freight trains" instead. When conditions peak, you can surf 2km from village to village, brginning at Anchor Point, passing Hash Point and ending up at Panoramas.
Panoramas, along with Crocodiles, is one of Taghazout's most beginner-friendly waves.
Starting in '60s, free spirits have ventured to Taghazout to relax, ride waves and enjoy life. That sleepy spirit is still ingrained in the town and its identity. Wander through its small village to find a weekly market selling Moroccan carpets and locally produced argan oil renowned for its countless health benefits. There are four surf shops in town, so you won't be lacking in supplies. For a taste of big-city Morocco, you can reach Marrakech's markets, snake charmers and endlessly winding alleys in about 4 hours by car.
A gathering point for global nomads in search of great food, countless waves and interesting company.
A company called Surf Maroc rules the local surf world, having grown from 2 buddies with 5 surfboards to a staff of 40 and multiple locations. They offer accomodations ranging from the hostel style L'Auberge to Villa Mandala, which fronts Banana Beach and features a private oceanfront terrace as well as a traditional Moroccan hammam (sauna). You'll find authentic food and plenty of conversation with fellow travelers split into groups according to skill level. Their newest venture, Amouage, opens this fall at Anchor Point and boasts an infinity pool and yoga retreat. Surf Maroc will supply everything needed for a surf trip, from Land Rovers and directions for remote breaks to boards and wetsuits. They're not the only option, however. DFrost Surf House offers a similar set-up with traveling surfers all staying under the same roof. And for a more independent vacation, check out Surf n' Stay, which leases large apartments directly on the beach.
A room at Surf Maroc's Villa Mandala.
A lone surfer studies the surf along the rocky coastline of Taghazout.
Surf Maroc
http://www.surfmaroc.co.uk
Surf n' Stay
http://www.surfnstay.net
DFrost Almugar Surf House
http://www.dfrostsurfmorocco.
When to Go: Taghazout is surfable year round, but you'll find very different surf conditions depending on when you choose to visit. The summer months between April and October bring smaller swells on the more exposed northern beaches and are perfect for beginners and intermediates looking for uncrowded surf. Winter brings the waves that make this area famous, with swells reaching 15 feet in some locations. Other spots are still sheltered enough to offer user-friendly waves. How to Get Here: The closest airport to Taghazout is Agadir, which is approximately 45 miles north along the shore road. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and costs roughly $100 for 4 people. Flights to Agadir from New York City in December are available with a layover in Casablanca from $1,100.
