FAQs
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
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General
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Where is Surf Maroc?
Surf Maroc is located in the Agadir region of southern Morocco. Taghazout is a unique gem on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Conveniently located 40 min from Agadir international airport it’s a short hop ( 2-4 hrs) from most central European cities. It’s the closest place for any European surfer to get year round warm water, perfect waves and a unique cultural experience.
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How do I get there?
Morocco is served by direct flights from the UK and other major European airports, with flight times to Agadir between 2-4 hours.
Guests traveling from the US, Australia, or North Europe can connect either in Casablanca or at a European airport as there are no direct flights to Agadir.
From Agadir airport, it’s a 45-minute drive southeast along the coast road.
Road transfers from Marrakech can be easily arranged and the new motorway has dramatically cut the journey times down to 3 hours and cost approx £100 for 3 people. Surf Maroc does not provide these transfers but can book one for you. Payments for the transfer are made directly to your driver.Skyscanner – a great site to see who flies where internationally.
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Do I need a visa?
EU and US passport holders do not require a visa to enter Morocco for tourist purposes. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. If you hold a passport from outside the European Union or the United States, we strongly recommend that you check with your nearest Moroccan Embassy.
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Can I bring my children?
Villa Mandala, our yoga retreat center, is an adult-only location (15+).
Taghazout Villa and Amouage, our surf camp and boutique hotel, welcome family all year round. As a surf holidays provider, please be aware that we prioritize guests who want to join the surf and book the surf package
We teach kids surfing from 8 years old (private lessons) and take them on full-day coaching from 12 years old (with an adult joining). From 15 years old, they can join any of our surf groups on their own.
During the festive season (Christmas and New Year weeks) we accept reservations on surf package only.
Our locations are all very special and welcome all types of guests: solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, and families. Nevertheless, they are not being designed for kids’ safety, and therefore children are completely under their parent’s responsibility.
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Can I hire one of Surf Maroc's locations exclusively?
Absolutely! Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, group trip, or if you would like to run your own weeks here with us. We can tailor-make a package for you.
We provide all the accommodation, surfing, logistical, catering, and concierge services allowing you to hang out and enjoy the sun, surf, and culture with your guests.
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Can I spend Christmas and New Year at Surf Maroc?
Absolutely! Spend Christmas or New Year on the beach in the sun and surf some great waves.
Every year, we organize a memorable New Year’s Eve party at Amouage, to which all our guests are invited!
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How about cash? What is the currency? Where can I get it?
The Moroccan currency is the Dirham. Exchange rates at the last time of checking were around 12Dh to the £1, 10Dh to the €, and 8Dh to the $.
Dirhams can only be obtained within Morocco. There are exchange facilities and ATMs in the airport. There are also plenty of ATMs in Agadir. There are no ATMs in Taghazout, the nearest is Aourir, a ten-minute drive from Taghazout. This machine and many other ATMs in Morocco do not accept Maestro and can be unreliable, if you have a VISA card we recommend you bring it.
We accept Visa and Mastercard in all Surf Maroc location
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Can I use my phone? Is there internet?
Nearly all networks work in Morocco and coverage is good. Contact your network for data roaming and call charges.
There is fiber optic in all our locations.
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Is the standard of the services the same at each location?
At all of our locations, the services are run at the same high standard with the same friendly hospitable staff, new vehicles, and state-of-the-art surfing equipment.
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What is the surf and the weather like? When is the best time to visit?
Morocco is an all-year-round destination for great surf and great weather. That’s why Surf Maroc is open all year!
The summer months (May– September) see small to medium swells with surf mostly on the beaches and reefs on the more exposed northwest coast. This is a great time for anyone looking for fun. There are some bigger days during this time for those looking for something more challenging.
During the winter months the waves, that have made Morocco famous, come to life. There is a huge variety of surf in this area of Morocco. There are not many places like it in the world. The region has something for everyone, from ideal beginner waves to challenging reef ledges. Intermediates and those new to the sport should not be put off or worried. Due to the nature of the coastline, there is almost always somewhere sheltered and manageable, and those looking for something challenging won’t be disappointed.
Morocco is blessed with well over 300 days of sunshine a year. Between the months of November to February, there is a small chance of rain, although statistically, it is unlikely.
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What boards should I bring, do you rent equipment?
With such a large range and choice of waves, you may want to bring a whole quiver of boards.
To generalize, the majority of waves are right-hand point breaks from soft, slow, rolling spots to heavy, fast barrelling spots. Bring equipment to suit your ability and what you want to surf. If you don’t want to go big, your everyday board will suffice, there’s nearly always somewhere sheltered. If you do want to charge the big stuff, bring something suitable for mid-winter waves that can get up to 15ft.
At the Surf Maroc surf shop, you will be able to hire standard and premium boards – check our selection here
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What amenities are there in Taghazout?
There is an abundance of restaurants and cafes in Taghazout. The are plenty of grocery shops selling fruit, vegetable and other essentials. There is a well-stocked pharmacy and four surf shops.
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Are there surf shops around, what can I buy there?
Surf Maroc surf shop offers a wide selection of surfboards, wetsuits, clothing, and a fair bit of hardware: leashes, wax, deck grips, etc
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What about clothing, what will I need?
Morocco is a liberal Muslim country, and men and women are welcome to wear shorts and T-shirts. Swimming costumes and bikinis are normal on the beach but it is advisable to cover up your arms and legs a bit when walking around town. Shorts, tees and flip flops are the norm. Trousers and jumpers are sometimes needed particularly in mid-winter when the evenings can be chilly so warm clothes are a good idea during that period.
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What food can I expect?
Our food is fantastic! The food served in all our venues is amazing, homemade with fresh and seasonal products, and we cater to all diets!
Our chefs will prepare a mixture of Moroccan and international dishes every day.
Breakfast is included in all our locations. All packages, apart from Room & Breakfast, include a packed lunch and communal dinner.
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Do you supply towels?
Yes! Both beach towels and bath towels are provided.
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What about alcoholic drinks?
Alcoholic drinks can be legally served and sold throughout the country. Morocco even produces its own range of wines and beers.
Amouage bar & kitchen is open every day from 1 pm – we offer a great selection of beers, wine and cocktails!
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Do you cater for special diets?
We understand that some people have special requirements. Let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to make sure we have exactly what you need.
All guests should be aware that not all ‘specialized food alternatives’ are available.
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Do I have to rent a whole room?
All our rooms are private, with the exception of our mix-gender dorms at the Taghazout Villa and the Amouage.
The dorm rooms are reserved for guests on a surf package.
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While staying in Taghazout Villa, can I go to Amouage?
The Amouage Bar & Kitchen is open to the public from 1 pm to 9:30 pm.
And since you are part of the Surf Maroc family, you get a preferential price on the Day pass if you want to treat yourself to a chill day by the pool (200 instead of 400dhs) and at the Spa (menu available on site)
Day pass availability is set daily by management depending on hotel occupancy – it is not always available
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What about the evenings?
We host communal dinners in all our locations. It’s the occasion for everyone to meet around the dinner table and dine on the terraces overlooking the surf while enjoying a drink under the stars.
The Amouage Bar & Kitchen is open to the public until 9:30 pm, you can treat yourself to an à la carte dinner and enjoy some of the chef’s specialty dish
You can also go and have a mint tea in the village and check out the scene in this bustling little fishing village or we can arrange taxis for those who fancy checking out Agadir’s nightlife!
Do not miss out our epic Surf Maroc bbq every Thursday!
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What voltage and plugs do you use?
Morocco is on 220 volts with two-pin round plugs.
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Arrival and departure details
You can arrive at any time.
It is not always possible to have your room ready before 4 pm. If you do want to arrive early and your room isn’t immediately available, start enjoying yourself anyway – we’ll take care of your bags and let you know what services are available. Check-out is officially 10 am, but if you would like a later checkout, let us know and we’ll do our best.
Please be aware that if you supply the wrong arrival or departure details and we send a transfer this will count as your transfer.
Please note that free transfers are only available from Agadir airport (if staying with us for 7 or more days on a package). If you would like to be collected from a different location, including the Agadir bus station and hotels, please make sure you book this through the Customer Portal.
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Medical information
No vaccinations are required for visitors to Morocco – and anti-malarial precautions are not necessary.
We have first aid equipment along with staff trained in administering first aid.
In the case of an emergency, there are hospitals and clinics in Agadir. Medical charges will apply according to the treatment received so make sure you have travel insurance before you arrive.
There is a well-stocked pharmacy in Taghazout which is open every day.
Morocco is a developing country that offers different foods, water, bacteria, and climate that you may not be used to. By taking some sensible precautions, you can help reduce the risk of getting an upset stomach which often occurs when traveling to rural areas in developing countries. Some guests have found that taking probiotics before traveling has helped to prevent gastro-related illness.
If you are pregnant, have any conditions or illness, or are generally concerned, we recommend you get in touch with your GP or travel clinic for advice before you travel.
Please note our advice is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute medical or other professional advice.
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Can I drink the water?
We recommend you do not drink tap water at all in Morocco, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of minerals than the water in Europe.
We provide free-of-charge, safe filtered water at all our locations. We recommend that you bring your reusable water bottle to refill on-site.
We do sell glass-bottled water for 30 dirhams at our locations to help eliminate plastic bottles.
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Agadir airport transfer are free?
Yes! We provide free Agadir group transfer for surf package stays over 7 nights. We collect groups of up to 8 in each vehicle. On occasions, it may be necessary to wait for flights to land at similar times ( up to 30 mins ).
Please note that free transfers are only available from Agadir airport (if staying with us for 7 or more days on a surf package).
If you would like to be collected from a different location, including Agadir hotels, please make sure you book this through the Customer Portal.
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Solo Travelers - do you get any?
We get a lot of people who visit Surf Maroc on their own and have a brilliant time – bookings for solo travelers and groups is roughly a 50-50 split. The set up at all our locations and within our surf services allows for such a truly social atmosphere that you’ll be making new friends in no time.
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Can I join the surf groups if I am staying as Room & Breakfast?
If you haven’t pre-booked one of our surf packages, and are staying on Room & Breakfast, but you’d like to go surfing: please let your host know by 1 pm the day before.
We will do our best to accommodate you. Please note that we can’t guarantee there will be space in any of our vans and you will be charged the local rate for those services.
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Can I get a credit or a refund if I don't use some of the services I booked?
We do not offer credit or refund toward pre-booked services or services part of a package but on request, we can provide you with all necessary documents you may need to claim it to your travel insurance.
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What are your cancelation policies?
If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by us at our offices and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.
Should one or more members of a party cancel, it may increase the per-person holiday price of those still traveling and you will be liable to pay this increase.
Since we incur costs in canceling your arrangements, you will have to pay the cancellation charges as follows:
- More than 6 weeks: Deposit only
- 4 – 6 weeks before arrival: 50% of holiday cost
- 2 – 4 weeks before arrival: 75% of holiday cost
- Less than 2 weeks before arrival: 100% of holiday cost
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Where is Surf Maroc?
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Surf Guiding
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Are surf lesson and equipment included?
Surfboards (standard or premium) and wetsuits are not included in this package, as some guests like to bring their own so we have made it an optional extra.
Surf lessons are not included in the surf guiding package. If you would like lessons, please see our Surf Coaching package for more info (also, equipment hire is included in this package!).
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What sort of waves will I surf?
Please see our levels section and also our spot guide on the Surf page.
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Can I go surfing later / can I do a half day?
We will always try to adapt to what you would like to do. If your group is surfing nearby your guide will come to pick you up. If they are more than 5 mins drive away it might be more difficult for the guide to leave the group for safety reasons. We will try to organize a car and driver in this situation, but it cannot always be guaranteed.
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Can we go on a excursion in place of our guiding package ?
If the surf is bad or all of your group want to go on a local excursion your guide can take you to Agadir. Please note even if only one person in your group wants to surf our priority is to the surfers. In this case, we can arrange excursion but costs will apply. Please see the excursion section on the About page.
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What's the surf going to be like?
Please see the season guide and the surf forecast section on the Surf Page.
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Whats the water temperature?
Please see the season guide and the surf forecast section on the Surf Page.
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What level surfer do I have to be?
We only allow surfers who are level 4 to level 6 to book Surf Guiding, whether that’s for a day or a full holiday package. Surfers that are level 1, 2, or 3 can only book Surf Coaching. If any inquiries or bookings are made for Surf Guiding by level 1 or 2 surfers, our reservations team has the right to amend the booking.
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Can I change my surf level group?
Absolutely! If you wish to move up or down a group or level, simply inform your host the day before who, after confirming with your instructor/guide, will take the necessary action to get you into the appropriate group the next day.
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Are surf lesson and equipment included?
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Yoga Surf Retreats
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Can we stay for less than a week ?
We prefer to create a great group vibe by everyone doing a full week together. It disrupts the flow if people are coming and going at different times.
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Do we need to have any surfing / yoga experience ?
No! Our experienced & talented yoga teachers & surfing instructors are very capable of teaching all levels. Complete beginners are very welcome. We instruct precisely & innovatively on all the basics & always offer advanced options so everyone may progress during their stay.
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What style of yoga do you teach?
We draw together our years of study, diverse influences and myriad trainings to create inspired Vinyasa flow classes. On a Yoga Surf Retreat the mornings are dynamic flow, themed with aspects of the yoga philosophy, chakra system and/or anatomy and physiology. The evenings are restorative, yin based meditative practices to unwind after a day in the surf.
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Is it compulsory to come to all classes?
Not at all, we encourage everyone to do as much or as little as they like, to create ‘their own’ perfect holiday.
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I'm a beginner at yoga. is this retreat suitable for me?
Yes, absolutely! Our experienced and extensively trained teachers create classes for all levels. We set solid foundations at the start of the week for complete beginners and there are always plenty of options and modifications to enable beginners and seasoned practitioners to deepen and develop their practice. Inspiration for everyone is guaranteed!
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Is the surfing suitable for beginners?
Yes – and we love getting people out on the waves for their first time!
Taghazout/Aourir is spoilt with beautiful surf spots that are perfect for beginners, and we have our great surf instructors to help get you to ride the waves. We welcome surfers of all levels, and our experienced surf coach will be taking you out on the waves each day (if you wish) and choosing the best places for everyone to have their lessons and safely practice surfing…and have lots of fun.
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What is the food like?
Our fantastic Moroccan chefs, inspired by Moroccan and international cuisine, prepare exceptional gourmet vegetarian food all day every day (with 1 fish option mid-week if requested). Feedback continues to be faultless, with 6 stars on numerous occasions!
A typical day: A bountiful breakfast after morning yoga with fresh juices, eggs, fruits, and fresh bread followed by a delicious picnic lunch on the beach (homemade falafels, hearty salads, etc.), home-baked afternoon treats after surfing, and a gourmet evening feast after evening yoga (heaps of beautifully prepared and varied veggie dishes, beetroot patties, tagines, guilt-free chocolate hazelnut and avocado tart, etc.).
The food is exceptionally good!
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What should I bring with me?
Yoga clothes, beach clothes, beach towel, sun cream (as it’s more expensive here), something warm for the evenings & early mornings (almost any time of year, just in case, especially between December and March), an adaptor for 2 prong European plugs sockets, a good book for the beach, something to cover shoulders/legs for markets/towns ladies (not essential but easier to respect local culture). Mostly bring an open heart.
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Do I need my own yoga mat?
The beautiful yoga shala is fully equipped with yoga mats, yogi toes, blocks, straps, bolsters, blankets, lavender eye pillows, and even sandbags!
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Are there any other activities on offer during the week?
During the week, as part of the Yoga Surf Retreat, we offer a day off from surfing to explore the souk of Agadir and the Argan oil cooperative.
If you wish, your host can also organize the following activities for you during your stay, in addition to your package: camel or horse riding, hammam, massage and other spa treatments. But also day trips to Essaouira (2.5 hours north), Taroudant (1.5 hours east), and Paradise Valley (25 minutes inland).
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I'm thinking of coming alone. Are many of your guests solo travellers?
Yes, lots of guests on our Yoga Surf Retreats are solo travellers. We’ve created a truly friendly, relaxed vibe at Villa Mandala. It’s very welcoming and easy for solo travellers to feel completely at home straight away!
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My partner and I are different surfing levels is this a problem?
Not a problem at all. We always have at least 2 surf instructors on our Yoga Surf Retreats. So we can split the groups as necessary according to differing levels and we’ll always go to the best spot for your level. If you or your partner wanted to miss some morning yoga classes to join a more advanced group from our other venues, we can arrange this too.
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Are there any extras that I'll need to pay for that's not included?
A load of laundry costs 100dh (£8.5)
Available activities include:
- Paradise Valley trip
- Day trip to Essaouira
- Day trip to Taroudant
- Horse and camel riding
- Souk tours and shopping
If you’d like further information about these before your stay, please contact us directly.
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Is this holiday good for couples?
It is a social, communal holiday in the sense that you practice yoga, surf and eat breakfast and dinner together as a group each day. So, it’s great for couples who are keen to socialize and meet other people. There are options to take time out alone too and the villa is spacious enough to find your own quiet corner to relax.
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Arrival and departure details
You can arrive at any time at Villa Mandala.
Your room will be ready by 4 pm.
If you want to arrive before 4 pm – we’ll take care of your bags and you can enjoy the pool or rest in the indoor lounges, or go explore the surroundings.Check-out is officially at 10 am, we will need you to free the room by then but can organize for you some activities if your departure is later, or you can also enjoy the communal area of the villa until your transfer arrives.
Please be aware that if you supply the wrong arrival or departure details and we send a transfer this will count as your complimentary transfer. Please note that free transfers are only available from Agadir airport (if staying with us for 7 or more days on a package). If you would like to be collected from a different location, including the Agadir bus station and hotels, please make sure you book this through the Customer Portal.
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Is the Yoga Surf Retreat always held at Villa Mandala?
Under 3 participants, we reserve the right to upgrade you to our location in Taghazout on Surf Coaching and daily yoga classes.
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What time will I have to depart?
On your departure day, we ask guests to vacate their rooms by 10 am.
This is so our staff can clean and change the rooms on time. We will host the group until midday. If your transfer is later than that, we have plenty of suggestions for you to fill the time beforehand.
Don’t worry, we will talk about this during the week!
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Can we stay for less than a week ?
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Girls Surf Maroc
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Can I stay for less than a week?
We prefer to create a great group vibe by everyone doing a full week together.
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Is it all girls all the time?
All of your coaching and surfing will be with the girls on the all-girls week. The accommodation (not the bedrooms, with the exception of the dorm), yoga, and dining are mixed with other guests.
*under 3 participants, we reserve the right to integrate you into a mix-gender surf coaching group of the identical level
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What about clothing, what will I need?
Morocco is a liberal Muslim country, and men and women are welcome to wear shorts and t-shirts. Swimming costumes and bikinis are normal on the beach but it is advisable to cover up your arms and legs a bit when walking around town. Shorts, tees and flip flops are the norm. Trousers and jumpers are sometimes needed in the evenings all year round. In winter (Dec-Feb) evenings can be chilly so some warm clothes are a good idea during that period.
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Can I stay for less than a week?
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Surf Coaching
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How long are lessons?
Coaching sessions are 2 hours long.
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When can I take my lessons?
Lessons are given in groups ( unless individual lessons have been pre-booked ) and take place in the morning, usually from 9: 30 am. However, the starting time remains at the discretion of the coach, that can modify it depending on the conditions of the day.
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How many people will be in my group?
We are very sensitive about the number of people we take to a spot, and there is a maximum of eight people in a vehicle. We are legally allowed to teach at a ratio of 12 students to 1 coach but our operational average is 6 to 1. On very rare occasions we have to combine groups due to the split levels.
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What kind of board will I use (beginners)?
Those new to surfing will use soft top boards, essentially these surfboards are designed with safety in mind. They function in much the same way as a normal surfboard and are what everyone on the team chooses when the waves are small (small is good when you’re starting out!)
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Can I do my lesson this afternoon?
In group sessions, lessons take place in the morning – if you decide to join the group after lunch you won’t be able to benefit from your 2hrs of lessons.
If your group is surfing nearby and are planning to stay, your coach may be able to pick you up. If they are more than 5 mins drive away it will not be possible for the instructor to leave the group for safety reasons.
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Coaching pack - is the board and wetsuit included only for the days I have lessons?
If you are on the surf coaching package, your board and wetsuit are included for all of your stay.
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Are individual coaching sessions available?
Yes, we offer private coaching, it needs to be pre-booked.
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How long are lessons?