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10 Reasons Why Every Surfer Will Fall In Love With Morocco

Get off the internet and grab your board - we've found the world's best surfing escape...

Going to Morocco is like heading back in time. Life runs at a slower pace there.

The cities aren’t full of towering skyscrapers. The people live off the land. There is far less reliance on technology. Life revolved around the tides and the sun.

Most surfers will pitch up in Morocco and head straight to Taghazout – for obvious reasons. It’s got the greatest selection of waves nearby.

But we wanted to head to a less touristy surf destination – so we hired a car and drove down to the small fishing town of Imsouane.

Let’s just say, we’re already planning our trip back.

1) It’s Only 3.5 Hours From The UK

Photo: Nina Zietman

The waves are consistent. The water is warm. You can sit out in the sun afterwards to dry off. Why the hell wouldn’t you go surfing in Morocco?

EasyJet have started running flights from London Luton to Essaouira. You could be in the water that afternoon. Just sayin’.

2) You Can Indulge In The Moroccan Tradition Of Doing Sweet F.A.

Photo: Nina Zietman

It is very easy to get into a lazy rhythm of surfing, eating, snoozing, drinking Moroccan mint tea, surfing again and going to bed after a few beers.

The Moroccans are masters at doing nothing. In the middle of the day, you’ll likely find them lazing under a tree, drinking tea, chatting – and that’s about it. Join in.

3) It’s Mega Cheap

Photo: Ed Howell-Jones

Well, at least for Europeans.

We paid £18 per night for two people to stay in a surf cabin overlooking Cathedral Point in Imsouane. You could buy bread from the town for 8 pence and a two-course meal for £5.

Alcohol, however, is not quite so cheap, because Morocco is a dry country. Saying that, booze prices are pretty similar to what you’d pay down the pub in the UK.

4) The Breaks Are Epic And Infamous

Photo: Ed Howell-Jones

We chose Imsouane, just south of Essaouira and north of the famous Taghazout, because of the Bay. It’s the longest wave in Morocco. One guy we spoke to claimed the longest ride was one minute and 45 seconds.

Just around the bay is Cathedral Point, a faster wave with a tendency to barrel, as well as a heavy reef for those who like brushes with death when they wipeout.

It definitely gets Tom Curren’s seal of approval – he was spotted paddling out on a foamie at Cathedral the day we left.

Just an hour or so down the coast, you can explore famous right-handers like Anchor Point to the fast hollow waves at Spider. The break choices are endless.

5) The Food Is Really, Really Good

Photo: Nina Zietman

Think fresh fish, lots of vegetables, warm bread fresh off the grill. Tagine is the local speciality – and damn, it tastes good.

It’s a terracotta pot filled with fish or meat, tomatoes, olive, potatoes, peppers – and left to cook for an hour and a half on a low heat. The result is the best tasting one-pot meal you’ve ever had – particularly if you like super tender meat.

6) Morocco Gets Sunshine In The Winter

Photo: Nina Zietman

We in November and it was 25 degrees celsius. As a damp, sun-deprived Brit, need I say more?

7) You Can Say Goodbye To The Real World

Photo: Ed Howell-Jones

Forget crowded trains, rush hour and your overflowing email inbox. In Morocco, you can leave everything behind.

Mainly because the wifi connection in rural places is really bad.

You’ll have more time to surf, talk, read and drink beer – without the temptation to check Facebook every two minutes. Now that’s a real holiday.

8) You Can Check The Surf From Your Bed

Photo: Nina Zietman

No, we don’t mean clicking on Magic Seaweed from a reclined position on your phone.

At Imsouane, you can see the waves breaking from your pillow. Which is probably the best way to check the surf anywhere.

9) There’s Time To Indulge In Small Pleasures

Photo: Nina Zietman

You know that feeling when you wake up early enough to catch the sunrise out back. Watching the birds swoop over the orange glow of the water.

It’s buying a really juicy melon for lunch from the local market. That cold shower in the midday heat. Catching waves until the moon comes out.

Life is a lot more simple out here. You’ll learn to appreciate the little things once more.

10) You Will Never Want To Leave

Photo: Nina Zietman

After slipping into the laid back rhythm of coastal life in Morocco, it is really hard to bring yourself back to the real world.

Trust me, you won’t want to leave. Particularly when you hear it’s sheeting down with rain and gale force winds are battering the UK.

Maybe extend your stay for another week?

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