Spot guide
Surfing Aghroud: everything you need to know
The wave at Aghroud
Aghroud (you will also see it written Agroud) is a long, open stretch of sand a little north of Taghazout. Unlike the rocky points closer to the village, it is a proper beach break: several peaks shift up and down the beach with the sandbanks, breaking both left and right. Because the beach is so long, the crowd spreads out and it rarely feels busy, which is exactly why we like it.
Aghroud faces west-south-west and picks up a wide range of swell directions, from WSW round to N. It starts to be surfable at around 0.5 m, when gentle white water rolls towards the shore, perfect for first lessons. Between about 0.8 and 1.8 m it offers the best of both worlds: soft inside waves for beginners and cleaner green walls further out for improvers. Once it gets above about 2.5 m it tends to close out and the currents strengthen, and it is better left to experienced surfers or skipped altogether.
Best conditions for surfing Aghroud
| Factor | Best for Aghroud |
|---|---|
| Swell direction | WSW to N |
| Wave size | Works from 0.5 m, best 0.8 to 1.8 m, too big above 2.5 m |
| Period | No minimum, works with short and long periods |
| Wind | Light, or offshore from the ENE |
| Tide | Works on all tides |
| Best season | All year: small in summer, more swell October to April |
Aghroud is forgiving. It has no minimum swell period, so even a short, local swell can produce rideable waves, and it works on all tides, although the peaks change as the water moves over the sandbanks. The one thing it does not like is a strong onshore wind. It is exposed to the north wind, so mornings, with light wind or a gentle ENE offshore, are usually the cleanest.
Who should surf Aghroud?
Aghroud is an all-levels beach on the right day, and that is its biggest strength.
- Beginners: on small and medium days the inside is ideal for learning to pop up and ride white water, with soft sand underfoot and plenty of space.
- Improvers: the outside peaks give you your first green waves without the pressure of a crowded line-up. It is a great place to practise angling along the face.
- Intermediate and advanced surfers: on a clean medium swell you can find fun, punchy peaks to yourself. When it is bigger, the points around Taghazout, such as Anchor Point, are usually the better call.
Hazards and local tips
- Currents and rips. As on any open beach, channels form between the sandbanks. Watch the water before paddling out and look for where waves are not breaking, which is often where a rip runs.
- Stay between the peaks. Beginners should stay on the inside and keep clear of the take-off zone of surfers on the outside.
- Bigger days. Above medium size the white water becomes heavy and the paddle harder. If you are new to surfing, wait for a smaller day.
- Sun and water. There is little shade on the beach, so bring sun cream, a hat and plenty of drinking water.
- Etiquette still applies, even with lots of space. One surfer per wave and no dropping in; a quick read of our etiquette guide helps.
- Stay for sunset. The beach faces the sun as it drops into the Atlantic, and it is one of the best views on this coast.
How to get to Aghroud
Aghroud is about 25 minutes by car from our riad in Tamraght. Follow the coast road north through Taghazout and past the points of Anchor and Killer; the beach opens up soon after. From Agadir, it is simply further along the same road. It is an easy trip, and a good option to combine with a check of the Taghazout points on the way.
When to go
You can surf Aghroud all year round. Summer brings smaller, softer waves and water around 20 to 22°C, which is ideal for beginners in a 3/2 wetsuit. From October to April the swell is bigger and more consistent, which suits improvers, while the water drops to around 17 to 18°C from December, so a 4/3 is best. Whatever the season, the north wind often picks up in the afternoon, so plan a morning surf and come back later for the sunset. More on seasons in our best time to surf Morocco guide.
Surfing Aghroud with Surf Chill Vibe
Aghroud is one of the beaches our coaches choose when they want space for a lesson, or when the spots closer to Tamraght are crowded or too big. We run small-group lessons here for beginners and coached sessions for improvers, and on a good evening we sometimes stay on for the sunset. Transport and lessons are included in our surf packages, and a single lesson can be booked any day. Have a look at the surf report to see how Aghroud compares with the other spots today.
Coach's tip: Stay for sunset, it is worth it.
