This is a guest post from one of our surfers -Yulia trained with us in Tamraght and wanted to share her experience with beginner surfers considering surf holidays in Morocco. Her story offers valuable insight if you’re thinking about learning to surf and still have doubts about giving it a try.
I’ve wanted to try surfing since I was a kid. My sister and I used to watch Point Break-young Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze made it look so effortless and cool. But we lived far from the ocean, and surfing seemed out of reach.
If you’re like me and have wanted to try surfing for many years, but always face some doubts that stop you, here’s my list of 5 things I wish I knew sooner about surfing that would help me discover this passion earlier.
1. You’re Never Too Old to Start Surfing
As I grew up, I believed surfing was only for people under 20 who lived near the coast. If I hadn’t thought that, I might have started earlier. But here’s the truth: there’s no age limit to learn to surf. Many people in their 50s and 60s are now taking private surf lessons, discovering a new passion that keeps them fit and energized. All you need is a positive mindset, decent physical health, and a willingness to learn. Once you start, you’ll never feel like you’re too old to live this dream of yours as people of all ages are welcome in the surfing community.
2. Balance Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
Before my first surf trip to Morocco, I thought balance was everything. I even bought a balance board, thinking that mastering it would make surfing easy. But once I hit the waves, I realized that while balance helps, it’s just one part of the equation.
To become a good surfer, you need to understand wave patterns, learn proper positioning in the lineup, master quick pop-ups, and grasp ocean safety rules. If you’re planning a surf holiday in Morocco, especially in beginner-friendly spots like Tamraght, take time to read about surfing techniques and ocean conditions. This preparation will help you get mentally ready for your first session.
3. The Right Surf Coach Makes All the Difference
Another thing that I wish I knew sooner is that having a great surf coach when you’re only starting accounts for 90% or even more of your surfing success. My first surfing lesson was in Portugal. The coach was encouraging, telling me I was in great shape and would progress quickly. But when I came to Morocco for a week-long surf holiday, I didn’t see much improvement and started doubting myself, thinking that surfing wasn’t for me.
Then I met an excellent coach, Oussama. He noticed I was goofy-footed, not regular, and helped refine my pop-up technique. He provided land exercises and boosted my confidence in the ocean. Not only did he cheered me up for catching good waves but gave me tips on wave selection which increased my wave count and I could even jump on a smaller board after 2 weeks training with him.
Choosing the right surf coach is crucial, especially for beginners. A great coach doesn’t just surf well; he identifies your mistakes, offers tailored advice, stays with you in the water, and creates a safe, fun learning environment.
4. Focus on One Thing at a Time
As a beginner, there’s so much to learn that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Oussama taught me to concentrate on one aspect each day-be it a faster pop-up, better positioning, or improved wave selection. This focused approach accelerated my progress.So every day I would come to the beach with one main thing in mind that I wanted to practice with my coach and it really helped a lot with every aspect of my surfing.
If you’re taking private surf lessons, ask your instructor to help you set daily goals. This strategy will make your learning experience more structured and rewarding.
5. Progress Takes Time-Enjoy the Journey
Learning to surf as an adult can be challenging. It’s tempting to compare yourself to others, especially in group lessons or crowded spots. But remember, everyone has their own surfing journey.
Don’t rush your progress. Celebrate small victories, enjoy each session, and embrace the learning process. Tamraght offers a relaxed vibe and beginner-friendly waves, making it an ideal place to learn without pressure. Every time you’re there, you just live a life, very different from your day-to-day one at home, and it’s an amazing feeling, believe me!
Surfing is an adventure suitable for all ages and skill levels. This experience will enrich your life with unforgettable moments. As the saying goes, “Only surfer knows the feeling.”
Ready to start your surfing adventure in Taghazout? Drop us a message and we’ll contact you soon!
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