Windsurfing in Morocco

Morocco covers an area of around 445,000 square miles and stretches all the way from the Mediterranean coast of the Straits of Gibraltar to Mauritania in the South. It is a country of great contrast and timeless quality with wonderful beaches, snow capped mountains ranges, cascading waterfalls, fertile plains and the oases and deserts of the Sahara. The country and culture are far removed from that of Europe and visitors are usually enthralled by the hospitality and generosity of the people and fascinated by the Islamic traditions.

 Wind statistics and weather links 

Essaouira

The picturesque eighteenth century town Essaouira is situated on Morocco's Atlantic Coast approximately 110 miles from Agadir and Marrakech.

The town is almost entirely surrounded by large battlements which face a group of offshore islands and nearly four miles of fine sandy beaches to the south. Inside the walled surroundings there is a charming array of whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, small shops selling local crafts such as the Thuya wood carvings, carpets and silver ware together with small cafes which serve traditional Moroccan cuisine and locally caught fresh fish dishes. Essaouira is Morocco's third largest fishing port and it plays a very important part in the local economy. Every morning sardines and shellfish are auctioned from the quayside and exported to Europe and the large cities of Morocco. From here it is also possible to sample the vast array of fish which is cooked to order and served on large open air tables.

The atmosphere in the town is very relaxed and uncomplicated and is the ideal location to unwind and explore an area untouched by mass tourism.

Essaouira - The Windsurfing

Most of the windsurfing takes place in the bay of Essaouira itself which is to the south of the town. It is a long curved 4 mile stretch of sandy beach where the wind is normally cross/offshore near the town and sometimes gusty but gradually becomes more cross shore (starboard tack) as you head south around the bay. The northern end of the bay generally remains fairly flat with some wind chop and swell further out offering conditions for ambitious beginners and intermediates. In the south of the bay there are good fun sized waves and swell offshore offering exciting conditions for intermediates and advanced sailors. During the early spring, late autumn and winter months, large Atlantic swells funnel into the bay creating some great wave sailing conditions in the south section of the bay. Challenging wave conditions can also be found about 16 miles to the South at Sidi Kaouki and Cap Sim or particularly at Moulay Bouzerqtoune about the same distance to the North which is "the"  African wave Spot with a small beach, reef, upwind cliff, downwind rocks, sand and cross shore winds from the right which is usually at least 5 knots stronger than Essaouira Bay.

Essaouira - The Weather

The annual wind pattern tends to be similar to that of the Canary Islands. The summer trade winds are accelerated by strong thermal action particularly during the spring and early summer when temperatures inland can be very hot. Generally the wind increases throughout the morning and by mid afternoon can often be blowing a solid Force 6 - 7. Between the months of October to April, Atlantic storms produce large swells which offer excellent wave conditions all the way up and down the coast from Oualidia to Agadir. The winds, however, are a little less consistent and predictable in direction although it should usually be possible to either surf or windsurf on most days during the winter at or within a 25km radius of Essaouira.

Temperature range 16 degrees in January to 27 degrees in August. The daytime average temperature in Marrakech in June, July and August can often be 12ºC - 18ºC higher than Essaouira.

Essaouira - Windsurfing/Kitesurfing and additional activities

Magic Fun Afrika

FANATIC Boards Freewave and TripleX from 85 to 125 liters and NEIL PRYDE Rigs Combat, Alpha and Hellcat from 3,7 to 7,2m²

A Magic Fun satellite centre is located at Moulay Bouzerktoun 20km North of Essaouira. It is a 120m² dedicated windsurf & surf centre with a Café/snack bar on first floor with a great view of the sea. Boards are from FANATIC Newave, Allwave and Freewave from 68 to 96 liters and rigs from NEILPRYDE Combat and Alpha from 3,3 to 6,2m²  together with Surfboards NSP from 6’4" to 8’2"

Kites BEST Waroo from 3,0 to 13m²
FANATIC Kite Boards from 138 to 168cm

G’Board 2007 Surfboards from 7’0 to 9’0
and ROTOMOD sea kayak are available

Tuition is available for all levels and equipment may be taken to other sailing sites for which a deposit is taken.

Hire cars with roof racks are available for rental from the airport or in the town on a pre-bookable basis.

Board Hire & Tuition Rates:

Freeride/Wave Board Range

1 week £125, 2 weeks £205, 3 weeks £265

4 days out of 7 £105, 8 days out of 15 £180

Intermediate Board Range

1 week £109, 2 weeks, £175, 3 weeks £230

4 days out of 7 £90, 8 days out of 15 £155

Mini Combination Wind surf/Kite surf - 3 days out of 7 wave board rental / 6 hours kite £180. 3 days out of 7 intermediate board rental / 6 hours kite £160

Combination Wind surf/Kite surf - 1 week wave board rental / 10 hours kite £275. 2 weeks wave board rental / 10 hours kite £350

1 week intermediate board rental / 10 hours kite £260. 2 weeks intermediate board rental / 10 hours kite £320

Windsurfing Tuition - 6 hours beginner windsurf class £70, 10 hours beginner windsurf class £105

Kite Surfing Tuition - 6 hours kite class £115, 10 hours kite class £175

Surfing Tuition -10 hours Beginner surf class £65

Multi Activities - 3 hours per activity £145 - Quad, windsurf, surf, Kite, horse riding. All activities are with an instructor or guide.

Equipment Storage

1 week £35, 2 weeks £55, 3 weeks £70

Club Mistral - Essaouira

The Club Mistral Windsurf and Skyriders centre in Essaouira is situated in the middle of a long curved sandy bay (4 km long), approximately 8 -10 minutes' walk from the Medina. It is centrally located on the southern edge of the town and in the immediate vicinity of several hotels on the seafront boulevard. Open all year the centre offers around 50 boards and 70 rigs and is situated next door  to the excellent Ocean Vagabond beach front bar and restaurant which serves delicious meals and snacks all day.  The restaurant is also open in the evening and in addition to the standard menu, freshly caught fish and succulently grilled meats are frequently served. The restaurant is reached by a pleasant terrace and is ideally placed for quick snacks during the day in between sailing sessions. Alternatively make an evening of it and take time to enjoy the food and the beautiful views across the bay.

A new more flexible pricing system has been introduced:

Windsurfers' requirements differ from one person to the next either travelling alone or with family and therefore more interested in dual use, therefore a more flexible approach has been introduced - the important points of the system are:

• Windsurfing and kitesurfing rental rates are identical!
• After the fourth day, each additional day costs 20 euros
• Every 7th day is free!
• A new feature are rates for "non-consecutive days", which can be combined freely
• Price reductions of 20% for youngsters aged 13 through 18 and 30% for children aged up to 12.
• Customised combinations of kite rental, windsurf board rental, wave riding board rentals and instruction.
• Select a dedicated board that will be reserved for your exclusive use during your stay.
• Inclusive variable foot straps and freely selectable fins.
• Change your rig as often as you want.

Standard Rates: 1 week (6/7 days) £139, 2 weeks (13/14 days) £225, 3 weeks £310

Special Offer Rates January, February and November, December: 1 week £125, 2 weeks £205, 3 weeks £279.

These special prices apply only if at least 50% of the entire stay falls into the month in which special rates are valid.

Please bear in mind that these prices apply only and exclusively for advance bookings. These prices or board availability guarantee is not available by booking in resort.

We recommend you to always book your services in advance because on-site prices are up to 20% higher and we cannot guarantee otherwise that there will be a board available for you.

Available equipment at Club Mistral, Essaouira

Expert Wave: Wave Pro 69, 76, 86 and 96. Freestyle: Joker 92 and 102. Wave Freemove: Syncro 94, 104, 114 and 124. Freeride: Screamer 104, 116 and 133. Explosion 140 and 155.

North Sails:
From 3.7m to 7.2m (Voodoo, Ice, Duke, Drive, and Natural)

Masts:
75% carbon masts on all rigs under 6.0m and 100% carbon masts on all rigs above 6.0m

Wave excursions to Moulay and Sidi Kaouki are also organised.

New Beginners Centre - Club Mistral

This centre is ideal for absolute beginners and children to learn windsurfing & surfing with lessons every day.

They use Malibu 160, 180 and 220 and mini Malibu 110 boards from Mistral and kiddy rigs + beginner rigs from North Sails.
Due to the centres' proximity to the Medina, the sea is much flatter due to the protection of the harbour and the wind is less strong than in the rest of the bay of Essaouira therefore the first steps into windsurfing are very easy & loads of fun.