THE TOP MOROCCAN SURFERS: PAST AND PRESENT
There’s something magnetic about Morocco’s coastline. It stretches for more than 1,800 km along the Atlantic, catching swells that travel thousands of miles to arrive in perfect, glassy form.
But Morocco’s surf culture isn’t just about the geography. It’s about the Moroccan surfers who have turned this paradise into one of the world’s most exciting surfing destinations. From beginners soaking in the sun to world champions competing at the highest level, the energy and breaks here always deliver epic surf experiences.
Today, Morocco is no longer just a stop on a European surfer’s winter road trip.
It’s a force in its own right, producing athletes who battle it out in World Surf League events and at the Olympics, while welcoming visitors to Moroccan surfing hubs like Taghazout… often described as a surfers paradise (by us and others!).
With iconic breaks like Anchor Point within walking distance of Taghazout village centre, surrounded by restaurants, shops and accommodation options ranging from simple surf houses to luxury apartments with balconies and pools and boutique hotels (like Amouage), the experience is more than just the waves.
It’s about community, culture, and adventure.
Keen to learn more about Morocco’s top surfers, past and present?
Read on below!
A quick dive into Morocco’s rich surf history
Surfing in Morocco didn’t emerge from within. It arrived on foreign boards.
In the 1950s and ’60s, U.S. military personnel stationed in Kenitra and wandering Europeans stumbled upon the country’s untapped coastline. The beach breaks were world-class, the ocean warm and the atmosphere relaxed… an irresistible combination for those chasing waves across the globe, from Hawaii to Australia.
By the 1970s, word was spreading. Somewhere south of the European continent is a country absolutely spoiled with waves and void of crowds!
Spots like Anchor Point, Killer Point and Boilers (nearby Taghazout) were drawing travelling surfers from as far as Brazil and Fiji.
These surf adventurers stayed in small houses near the shore, made early reservations by letter or phone, and often returned year after year.
In those early days boards were scarce and quality wetsuits even rarer.
Locals watched, curious, as visiting surfers glided toward shore. Some borrowed boards, others built their own.
That was just the beginning. The moment Morocco’s first generation of homegrown surfers emerged, setting the stage for future competitions and a thriving surf culture that would soon host events at the highest level.
Morocco’s most influential male and female surfers
Ramzi Boukhiam
Born in Agadir in 1993, Ramzi is Morocco’s most internationally recognised shortboarder and its first Olympic surfer.
Raised between Morocco and France, he trained for years to gain the advantage needed to compete at Pro Taghazout Bay, the World Surf League and ultimately the Tokyo Olympics.
His powerful yet stylish approach has made him a world’s top-tier competitor and an inspiration to young Moroccan surfers.
He’s competed all over the world, from the Gold Coast in Australia to the US.
Othmane Choufani
Known for riding the heaviest waves alive, Othmane is Morocco’s big-wave hero. Competing internationally, from Nazaré to Hawaii, he’s proved that Moroccan surfers can handle the biggest swells on the planet.
Brahim Iddouch
As far as bodyboarding world champions go, Brahim is legit!
A contender on the bodyboarding pro circuit, Brahim’s fearless aerials and deep barrels have earned him respect on the APB World Tour.
After all, surfing is more than just shortboards and mid-lengths. It’s worth mentioning Brahim given that his story is a reminder that Moroccan surf talent shines across all categories.
Tarik El Bassity
From Taghazout, Tarik is an eight-time Moroccan longboarding champion.
If you’re lucky, you might spot him guiding visiting guests along the beach. In our opinion, he’s an ambassador for classic surfing style.
Redouane Regragui
From Essaouira, Redouane has won multiple national titles and is known for his work in youth surf programs.
So, besides being an absolute shorter, he’s also heralded for bringing the sport to families and kids from all walks of life.
Simo Boukal (Mohammed Oualidi)
A pioneer who shaped Moroccan surf culture, Simo started with borrowed boards and went on to win numerous championships.
Today, he coaches, inspiring the next wave of Moroccan athletes. One of the OG Moroccan surfers!
Maryam El Gardoum
Morocco’s first female national surf champion (5x), Maryam grew up in Tamraght, training on borrowed boards and proving herself in male-dominated lineups.
Her victories have encouraged women, friends and families to join the sport, making Moroccan surfing more inclusive than ever.
Surf Maroc’s role in Moroccan surfing
Based in Taghazout, we’ve spent years refining a simple idea:
A surf trip should feel effortless and full of purpose.
At Surf Maroc, it’s not just about the room you stay in or the waves you ride (although that’s important too!).
It’s about feeling welcome, finding support and being part of a community that values connection as much or even more than performance. Our accommodation ranges from cosy beach chic villa where shared stories matter, to oceanfront boutique stays and stylish lodgings with yoga shalas, gyms, spa and everything you need to relax after a day in the sun – all with direct beach access.
It’s the kind of place where you can soak in the ocean views from your balcony, share a laugh with friends and still push your surfing further.
- Training and community: Our surf guides aren’t just instructors. They’re local surfers who grew up riding waves like Anchor Point. They guide guests from their first ride to confident performance in world-class competition settings
- Global exposure: Visitors arrive from Australia, Europe, the UK, Brazil, Fiji and beyond, keeping Morocco on the world’s surf travel map without losing the warmth and authenticity that define our culture
- Dining and culture: On-site restaurants serve breakfast and fresh Moroccan dishes daily, with evenings often bringing live entertainment and shared moments that feel like home
- Perfect location: With beaches, shops and restaurants within walking distance, you can spend more time exploring and less time planning
For travellers booking a surf trip here, we offer the best of both worlds. World-class surf plus cosy surf accommodation and a resort-style hotel experience. All in a surfers paradise where the waves meet world-class facilities.
Whether you’re here for the fun, the culture or to train alongside athletes preparing for the Olympics, here you can ride, rest and meet real people.
Final Thoughts: The Next Chapter of Moroccan Surfing
From first generation Moroccan surfers to Olympic heats in Tokyo, Morocco’s surf journey is just the beginning. And the only way it will go is up.
We’re stoked to highlight athletes like Ramzi Boukhiam, Othmane Choufani and Maryam El Gardoum among others. They’re the future of Moroccan surfing, and great individuals to boot.
So, whether you’re chasing waves, soaking in the sun or exploring the culture of Taghazout, this country offers something special. Check out our guest reviews to learn more about us or get in touch for availability!