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MOROCCO Situated on the northwest coast of Africa, Morocco is a cheap accessible destination with quality waves. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to go through a time warp and step out in the Middle Ages, here's your chance to find out! Culturally and climatically diverse, Morocco is the sort of place that tends to appeal to the more adventurous travelling surfer. Arabic is the principal language but most Moroccans also speak French. The waves Morocco is the land of reeling right-hand points, with a load of punchy beach-breaks thrown in for good measure. Generally the waves aren't as heavy or hollow as those in, say, the Canaries; however, on big swells the best pointbreaks can get epic, with waves up to ten-foot-plus peeling for hundreds of yards. Hot spots The fishing village of Tarhazoute, just north of Agadir, is the focal point for surfing in Morocco between December and March. When deep lows are spinning across the north Atlantic the swell will be big enough to wrap into this sheltered stretch of coastline and provide quality waves at Anchor Point and Killer Point. If they're flat, you just jump on a bus and head up to the beach at Tamri. Morocco's best break, the 'Wave With No Name', is a semi-secret spot with protective (to say the least!) locals; basically, if you want to surf here you have to wait for the mother of all swells to hit, and stay at the Surfland camp run by French-Moroccan Laurent Miramon (fax: 00 212 226 5054). Accommodation At Tarhazoute, the most you can expect is a prison cell type room - not very pleasant but extremely cheap, around £1 per night. The alternative is to get a package deal and stay in a tourist hotel in Agadir, 30 minutes' drive from the waves. Food and drink One of the tastiest Moroccan dishes is a tajine - a fish or meat stew cooked in a big clay pot. Cous-cous, kebabs and fish will also be on the menu. Alcohol can only be bought at hotels and tourist supermarkets because of Islamic law. The local wine is disgusting (but effective), while imported beer can be pricey. The Moroccan's favourite drink is sweet mint tea. Don't miss The opportunity to hear your mate bargaining like a lunatic for a rug to take home, and uttering the immortal line "Ahh, smell those Tuareg campfires - unmistakable..." as his purchase ignites on a gas lamp. Hazards World-class thieves and pickpockets, camels running havoc, scorpions, snakes, and Arabic men of dubious sexual orientation. How to get there Flight-only prices to Agadir (with Royal Air Maroc) start from £239; package holiday companies may offer cheaper deals. Additional info Don't even think about going to Morocco until you've had a good browse through the Rough Guide to Morocco (Rough Guides / Penguin); it's indispensable. For detailed surf info check out the Stormrider Guide To Europe, or The Surf Report volume 2 /1. |
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