You need less than you think for a surf trip to Morocco. Boards and wetsuits can be rented at the school, and the villages around Taghazout have small shops for the basics. What matters is the small stuff that is hard to find when you need it: the right sun cream, a warm layer for the evening, a plug adapter. This list covers the water, the beach, the village and the excursions, plus what you can safely leave at home.
For the water
- Swimwear that stays on. A wave hits harder than you expect. Bring two sets, so one can dry.
- Sun cream, a lot of it. Water-resistant and high factor, for the face, the back of the neck and the backs of the legs. A zinc stick is easier to use on your face before a session.
- Lip balm with sun protection. Lips burn quickly on the water.
- A rash vest or surf T-shirt (optional). It protects against the sun and against wax rash on the chest.
- Earplugs (optional). Useful in the cooler months if your ears are sensitive to cold water and wind.
- Booties (optional). Helpful at rocky entries if you already surf the points.
Do you need to bring a wetsuit or a board? For lessons, no: they are included. If you already surf and want your own equipment, read the section on boards below.
For the beach
- A towel. A thin, quick-dry one is easier to carry and dries overnight.
- A refillable water bottle. Drink more than you think you need: surfing in the sun is thirsty work.
- A hat and sunglasses for the time between sessions.
- Sandals or flip-flops. The sand and the street can be hot in the middle of the day.
- A small dry bag for your phone, keys and cash.
- A light layer for after the session, when the wind picks up.
For the village
Taghazout and Tamraght are relaxed surf villages, but they are still Moroccan villages.
- Light clothes for the day and a warm layer for the evening. Evenings can be cool, especially from autumn to spring.
- Something that covers shoulders and knees for walking away from the beach. It is a polite habit, and appreciated.
- Some cash in dirhams (MAD). Small cafés, shops and taxis often prefer cash. ATMs exist, but not on every corner.
- A plug adapter. Morocco uses round two-pin plugs of the type common in mainland Europe (types C and E).
- Travel insurance that covers surfing. Check the small print: some policies exclude it.
For the excursions
If you plan a trip on a rest day, add a few things.
- Swimwear and a towel for the rock pools
- Shoes with grip that can get wet
- Extra water and a little cash for drinks
- A warm layer: the dunes cool quickly after sunset
- Shoes you can walk in on sand
- A small torch or your phone light
A small first-aid kit
- Plasters and something to clean cuts. Reef and rock cuts happen at the points and heal slowly in salt water.
- After-sun or aloe vera.
- Painkillers for sore shoulders in the first days.
- Any medication you take regularly, in your hand luggage.
Boards: bring, rent or buy?
Beginners: rent from the school. You will change boards as you progress, and you avoid airline fees for board bags.
Experienced surfers: if you love your board, bring it in a padded bag, with fins and a spare leash. Check your airline’s sports equipment rules before you book the flight. Otherwise, renting a board that suits the local waves is often simpler.
Packing by season
Autumn to spring: evenings and early mornings are cool, and the wind can be fresh on the beach. Add a fleece or a light down jacket, long trousers and a beanie for the evenings. In the water you will want a full wetsuit.
Summer: the days are hot and the sun is strong. Pack more sun protection, a wide hat and light clothes, but still one warm layer for the evening and for excursions like Timlaline.
Documents and money
- Passport valid for your whole stay.
- A copy of your insurance details.
- A bank card that works abroad, and a little cash for the first day.
What you can leave at home
- Heavy shoes. Sandals and one pair of trainers are plenty.
- Too many clothes. You will live in swimwear, shorts and a T-shirt.
- A wetsuit, for lessons. Unless you surf in cold water at home and prefer your own.
- Expensive jewellery. It does not mix well with waves.
Leave a little space
Many people fly home with more than they brought: argan oil, a rug, ceramics, spices. Leave some room in your bag, or pack a light foldable bag for the way back. Check the airline rules for liquids if you buy oil or cosmetics.
The short version
Swimwear, sun cream, a towel, a warm layer, sandals, a water bottle, a plug adapter, some cash and travel insurance that covers surfing. Everything else is optional.
Before you fly, send us your level, dates, height and weight on WhatsApp. We will have the right board and wetsuit ready and tell you what the waves are likely to be like on your dates. You can also read about the best time to surf in Tamraght and Taghazout.
