1. Wave height
The height (in metres or feet) is the size of the swell arriving from the ocean, not exactly the wave you will ride. For beginners, 0.5 to 1 m is ideal. Above 1.5 m, beach breaks get strong and the point breaks start to work for experienced surfers.
2. Swell period: the most important number
The period is the time in seconds between two waves. It tells you how much power the waves have.
- Under 8 s: a weak, messy wind swell.
- 8 to 11 s: a fun swell, good for most beaches.
- 12 s and more: a powerful ground swell. The same height feels much bigger, and the famous points of Taghazout come alive.
3. Swell direction
Each spot needs the swell to come from the right direction. On our coast, the big winter swells come from the north-west and wrap into the points of Taghazout Bay, while the beaches facing west pick up smaller swells.
4. Wind
- Offshore (from the land to the sea): clean, smooth waves. The best.
- Onshore (from the sea): choppy, messy waves.
- Light or no wind: glassy conditions, often early in the morning.
On our coast the mornings are often calmer, and the wind usually picks up in the afternoon.
5. Tide
The tide changes how the waves break. Some spots work best at low tide, others at mid or high tide. Our surf report shows the best window of the day for each spot.
Putting it together
A good day for beginners: 0.5 to 1 m, a period of 8 to 11 s and light wind. A good day for the points: 1.5 m or more, a long period and offshore wind. Every morning our coaches read all of this for you and drive you to the right beach.
