When you stand on the shores of Tamraght today, surrounded by surf schools, vibrant cafes, and fellow wave riders from around the globe, it’s easy to forget that this was once a quiet collection of Berber fishing villages. The journey from humble beginnings to a world-renowned surf destination is a fascinating story of discovery, community, and the perfect geography of the Taghazout Bay.
At Morocco Surf & Stay, we’re proud to be part of this incredible legacy. Here’s a look at the history of surfing in Morocco, and how our local area became the surf mecca it is today.

The Early Days: The 1960s & 70s

Surfing was introduced to the region by a small handful of adventurous souls in the 1960s. These early pioneers, a mix of European travelers and local fishermen, discovered the incredible potential of the long, peeling point breaks that define the coastline.
  • Hippies and Vagabonds: The ’70s saw the first wave of bohemian travelers drawn by the promise of perfect waves, low costs, and a unique culture. They set up simple camps and surfed uncrowded spots, often living a true nomadic surf lifestyle.

  • The Discovery of Famous Breaks: It was during this period that legendary breaks like Anchor Point, Killer Point, and Hash Point were “discovered” and named. Local stories tell of how these breaks got their names—from a ship’s anchor that became a fixed landmark to the simple way surfers identified the breaks.

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The 1980s & 90s: Word Gets Out

As word of mouth spread through the international surf community, more surfers began to make the pilgrimage to Morocco. The infrastructure was still basic, but the surf was incredible.
  • Surfer Culture Takes Root: Local communities began to understand and embrace the growing number of surfers. Families started renting out rooms, and small local cafes became meeting points for surfers to share stories of the day’s waves. The seeds of a surf culture were planted, blending with the existing Berber hospitality.

UK Winter Escape Surfing Morocco

The 2000s to Today: The Surf Camp Era

The last two decades have seen the most significant growth. Improved roads, better communication, and the rise of the surf camp model transformed the area.
  • The Rise of Surf Camps: Camps like Morocco Surf & Stay emerged to cater to surfers who wanted a more structured, all-inclusive, and hassle-free experience. These camps provided expert coaching, quality gear, healthy food, and a sense of community that appealed to a new generation of surf travelers.

  • Tamraght’s Emergence: While Taghazout remains the historic heart of the surf scene, Tamraght has grown into its own unique identity. It offers a more laid-back, authentic village feel with a great mix of beginner and intermediate surf spots, making it an ideal base for learning and progression.

  • International Recognition: Today, Taghazout Bay is firmly on the global surf map, hosting professional surf competitions and attracting surfers of all levels from every corner of the world. The once-quiet fishing villages have become a vibrant, international surf community.

From the first adventurous pioneers to today’s diverse community, the history of surfing in Morocco is a testament to the region’s incredible waves and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people. We are honored to carry on this tradition and share this special corner of the world with you.
Join us and become a part of the Moroccan surf story!

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