Windsurfing in the Windy City of Morocco

Essaouira, towards the north of Morocco wouldn't be most people's natural choice for a holiday destination. That is unless your holiday is going to consist of riding waves and indulging in some adrenaline-inducing water sports.

For the majority of people, a holiday in Morocco is about visiting the cultural hub of Casablanca, Tangiers or the developed tourist area of Marrakech. Instead, this quieter little town is proving to be a popular place for water sport holidays.

Perfect Wind Conditions

The town is fondly called the windy city because of the winds that whip in from the Atlantic Ocean. These create some of the best conditions in the world for windsurfing or surfing.

In fact the conditions are so good, people from all over the world head here to test their skills. During the summer and the height of season, winds can reach up to 40 knots. One little tip that the locals are happy to share with visitors is to look for the flags that can be found around the long stretch of beach.

These are a good indication of which way the wind is blowing, meaning you can approach the water in the right direction.

Plenty of Lessons and Equipment Available

There are many places where you can get equipment and lessons. A lot of the instructors, as you might expect, are devoted surfers or windsurfers themselves. Their passion is so strong it is infectious, which is probably one of the reasons that so many get hocked on the sports.

Their enthusiasm for the sport is transferred and they won't let you hit the waves until you can demonstrate an, almost, advanced level of skill.
You'll also notice a great variety of different water sports on show, from surfing to windsurfing in Morocco. In fact windsurfing in Morocco is arguably more popular than its 'cooler' cousin.

Making the Most of the Town

When the time on the waves is done, heading back to the busy medina is where like-minded tourists and locals can be found. This community feel is created through a close-knit group of riads, cafes and shops, all promoting windsurfing in Morocco - and other watersports for that matter.

There is a lot to discover around this town too, a lot that speaks volumes about the Moroccan culture whilst providing you with enough amenities for a comfortable holiday. Comfortable enough as it can be having tackled 40 knot winds on the open seas.