First Surf Trip to Morocco with Friends: What to Pack
Your first surf trip with friends is half the fun before you even leave: the group chat, the flight search and the endless "what do I bring?" question. This guide answers that last one, so you can save your energy for the waves.
Getting there
At Zenno you pick your own dates: arrive on any day and stay 5 to 14 nights. You fly to Agadir, and the transfer from the airport to Taghazout and back is included. Coordinate flights with your group so you all land around the same time on your arrival day. That makes arriving easier for everyone.
Documents and money
- Passport. You need a passport for Morocco. Check that it is valid for your whole trip and look up the current entry rules for your nationality.
- Travel insurance that covers surfing. Not every policy covers water sports, so read the small print.
- Bank card and some cash. The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, so you normally only get it in Morocco itself. Withdraw cash at the airport or in the village. Small shops and taxis often only take cash.
- Payment agreements. A 30% deposit was paid when booking and the rest is paid on arrival. Agree beforehand how you split that within the group.
Surf gear
- Sunscreen, SPF 50, water resistant. The Moroccan sun is strong, even when it does not feel hot. Reef-friendly if you can find it.
- Rash vest or surf T-shirt. Protects against the sun and against chafing on your board.
- At least two sets of swimwear. Wet swimwear is never dry in time for the next session.
- Board and wetsuit: check what is included in the package before you drag your own gear along. If you bring your own wetsuit, the season list below tells you which thickness.
- Earplugs if your ears are sensitive, and a towel or poncho for changing on the beach.
Clothes per season
Taghazout is mild all year round, but mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Winter (November to February): water around 16-18°C, a 4/3 mm or 3/2 mm wetsuit. Bring a warm jumper and long trousers for the evenings.
- Spring (March to May): water around 17-19°C, a 3/2 mm. Layers: warm in the sun, fresh after sunset.
- Summer (June to August): water around 20-22°C, a shorty or thin wetsuit. Light clothes, a cap and sunglasses.
- Autumn (September and October): water around 19-21°C, a 3/2 mm. Shorts during the day, a jumper at night.
Always handy: flip-flops, one pair of closed shoes for walking and a light rain jacket in winter. Morocco is a Muslim country: in the village shorts and T-shirts are fine, but cover up a bit more when you head into town or to the souk.
What to expect from your first surf lessons
In a week you get 4 surf lessons (3 for a stay of 5–6 nights). If it is your first time, you start with the basics: how to lie on the board, how to paddle, how to stand up and how to stay safe in the water. Most beginners start in the whitewater, the broken waves close to the beach, and build up from there.
A few practical tips:
- After the first lesson you will feel your arms and shoulders. That is normal. Stretch, drink plenty of water and sleep well.
- Eat something before you go in the water, but not a full meal.
- Do not compare yourself to your friends. One stands up on day one, another on day four. It says nothing about how your week ends.
- Sore muscles? Yoga is optional: 3 sessions for €30 p.p.
The short list
- Passport, travel insurance details, bank card
- Sunscreen SPF 50, rash vest, two sets of swimwear
- Flip-flops, closed shoes, a jumper for the evenings
- Cap, sunglasses, refillable water bottle
- Phone charger: Morocco uses European sockets (type C and E), so for most of Europe you do not need an adapter
- A waterproof phone pouch if you want to film each other
Curious what the whole week looks like? Check the week programme, or read how a surf week with your group works.