Rabat Beach Surf – A Guide to Riding the Waves in Morocco

rabat beach surf

Morocco has a rich and vibrant surf culture, with many small coastal villages offering a unique experience for surfers looking for complete cultural immersion.

These villages have preserved the hippie vibes and old-school influences from the 60s, creating a colorful and exotic atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.

Surfing in Morocco offers more than just great waves. It’s an opportunity to dive into a world of mint tea, old casbahs, camel rides, and stunning natural beauty.

From the rugged coastline to the rolling desert dunes, this is the real Morocco, and surfers can experience it all.

In many of these coastal villages, time seems to have stood still, creating an authentic and immersive cultural experience.

The small, colorful streets are lined with shops and markets selling traditional handicrafts, spices, and textiles. The locals are warm and welcoming, and visitors can enjoy the local cuisine and immerse themselves in the local customs and traditions.

Overall, Morocco offers an incredible surf experience that is unlike anything else in the world. With its unique blend of culture, scenery, and waves, it’s no wonder that more and more surfers are flocking to this North African gem.

What to know about surfing in Morocco?

If you’re planning a surf trip to Morocco, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

Firstly, it’s important to remember that Morocco is a Muslim country. While it is generally accepted for women to wear bikinis on the beach, it’s best to dress modestly when walking around in public areas such as markets or cities.

This means covering your shoulders and legs. Also, it’s important to note that alcohol may not be available on every street corner, but you can find liquor stores in bigger cities like Agadir, Marrakesh, or Rabat.

rabat beach surf

Secondly, be careful with what and where you eat. There are plenty of street food options available, but it’s important to choose quality restaurants or your surf camp for your meals to avoid getting sick with the notorious “Moroccan belly.”

Lastly, it’s worth noting that Morocco is a very safe and friendly country to travel in. Although pickpockets and tourist scams exist, the country is known for its warm and welcoming locals who are always happy to lend a helping hand.

In less touristic areas, you can expect to encounter friendly locals eager to assist you.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can have a fantastic surf trip to Morocco and fully experience the unique culture and beautiful waves that this country has to offer.

Best Time to Surf in Rabat

The surf season in Rabat starts in October and reaches its peak in January and February with the arrival of the winter swell.

While the waves in the spring can be of high quality, they are not as consistent.

During the summer, occasional surfable days can be found, but the local surf clubs often make more money from coffee and tea sales than from board or wetsuit rentals.

Rabat Beach: The Capital’s Most Popular Surf Spot

The most popular surf spot in Rabat is Rabat Beach, located at the mouth of the Bouregreg river dividing Rabat and Sale.

This spot is ideal for beginners due to its protection from rip currents, lack of reefs or rocks, and interesting rebound waves.

Depending on the day, experienced surfers can also find lefts, rights, and other challenging waves to ride.

Rabat Beach

Medina Surf Hostel: A Unique Place to Stay in Rabat

For those looking to stay in Rabat, the Medina Surf Hostel offers affordable accommodations and equipment rentals for surfers.

The hostel, funded by a professional surfer from Rabat, is located in the streets of the Medina Qadima or “Old City” and is just a short walk from Rabat Beach.

Surf Clubs in Rabat: Getting You into the Water

Surf clubs in Rabat are plentiful and diverse, with weekend surf schools attracting mostly Moroccans while one-day rentals are popular with international travelers.

The Rabat Surf Oudaya club, with its dark wooden beach house, has stood on Rabat Beach for 25 years and is a recognizable landmark.

Equipment rental prices vary depending on the owner’s mood and the time of year, but visitors can expect to pay around 100 dirhams for any sized board and a wetsuit.

Rip Curl Surf Shop: A One-Stop-Shop for Locals and Long-Term Travelers

For locals and long-term travelers, the Rip Curl surf shop in Agdal offers a wide range of surf equipment, including boards and chinos. The shop is just a short taxi ride away from Rabat Beach.

Conclusion

Rabat, the capital of Morocco, offers a unique and affordable surf experience for travelers seeking to ride the country’s famous waves.

With swells picking up in October and hitting full stride in the winter months, Rabat provides waves for all skill levels, along with a unique surrounding culture.

The most popular surf spot, Rabat Beach, offers ideal conditions for beginners due to its protected location and lack of reef, rocks, or animal hazards.

The area also boasts a diverse selection of surf clubs that offer similar services, including board and wetsuit rentals, with prices varying depending on surfing experience, mood of the owner, and time of year.

For those looking to stay a while, the Medina Surf Hostel, built by a professional surfer from Rabat, offers an affordable and cozy place to stay just a short walk from Rabat Beach.