Spot guide
Surfing Boilers: everything you need to know
The wave at Boilers
Boilers takes its name from the rusted boiler of an old ship that still sits on the reef, and it is the easiest way to recognise the spot from the cliff. The wave is a right-hander that breaks over a shallow rock reef, and it is one of the punchiest waves on this stretch of coast. It faces west, so it is wide open to Atlantic groundswell, and it needs real size before it starts working properly: under about a metre it barely comes to life.
From around 1.4 metres the wave stands up quickly over the reef and runs fast down the line, with steep take-offs and sections that reward a committed bottom turn and good speed. As the swell builds towards 3 metres it becomes heavy and powerful, with more water moving over the rock and stronger currents around the take-off zone. Beyond about 4 metres it is simply too big for the spot. This is not a wave that forgives a late or hesitant take-off.
Best conditions for surfing Boilers
| Condition | What works |
|---|---|
| Swell direction | W to NNW |
| Wave size | Works from 1 m, best 1.4 to 3 m, too big above 4 m |
| Period | 10 seconds or more |
| Wind | Light, or offshore from the E |
| Tide | Works on all tides |
| Best season | October to April |
The key ingredient at Boilers is a proper groundswell with a period of at least 10 seconds. Short, choppy wind swell does not have the energy to wrap cleanly onto the reef. The spot has no shelter from the north wind, so a morning session with light or easterly wind is where the quality lies. The tide is not the deciding factor here, but remember that the reef is shallow whatever the tide is doing, so check the forecast above and look at the wave before you commit.
Who should surf Boilers?
Boilers is for advanced surfers only, and we mean that honestly. You should be comfortable taking off on steep waves, duck-diving under sets, reading currents and surfing over rock. If you are a beginner, this is a spot to watch from the cliff while you build your skills on the beach breaks. Improvers who are riding green waves and turning with confidence will get far more from the right-hand points nearer Taghazout, such as Anchor Point or Killer Point, before thinking about Boilers.
For experienced surfers, it is one of the most rewarding waves in the region on the right day: fast, hollow sections and far fewer people than the famous points.
Hazards and local tips at Boilers
- Check it from the cliff first. Watch several sets, note where the waves break, where people paddle out and where they come in.
- Shallow reef. The rock is close to the surface. Fall flat rather than diving, protect your head, and consider booties for walking over the reef.
- Urchins and sharp rock are part of reef surfing in Morocco. Take care getting in and out.
- Currents. On bigger days water moves fast around the reef. Know your exit before you paddle out, and do not fight a current head-on.
- Surf with someone. Never paddle out alone at a heavy reef, and make sure someone on land knows where you are.
- Respect the line-up. The take-off zone is small. Wait your turn, never drop in, and give local surfers the respect they have earned on this wave. Our surf etiquette guide covers the basics.
How to get to Boilers from Tamraght
Boilers sits north of Taghazout, on the coast road that continues towards Tamri and Imsouane. From our riad in Tamraght it is about 35 minutes by car, passing Taghazout and the well-known points on the way. The wave is below the cliffs, so you will want to look down on it before walking to the water. If you are coming from Agadir, allow extra time for traffic through the towns.
When to go to Boilers
The season for Boilers runs from October to April, when North Atlantic storms send the long-period W and NW swells the reef needs. In summer it is often too small to break properly. Water is around 17 to 18°C in winter and spring, so bring a 4/3 wetsuit then, and a 3/2 in autumn when the water is warmer.
Plan on going early. The north trade wind often picks up in the afternoon and Boilers has no protection from it, so mornings are usually cleaner. Because it works on all tides, you can focus on the swell and the wind rather than waiting for a particular tide.
Surfing Boilers with Surf Chill Vibe
We only take guests to Boilers when the conditions and their level genuinely match the wave. For advanced surfers staying with us, our guides decide each morning which spot is best, and on the right days Boilers is on the list. If you are not quite there yet, our guided sessions and coaching at the points near Taghazout are the best preparation. You can see our surf packages, or get in touch to tell us about your surfing.
Coach's tip: Check it from the cliff first, the reef is shallow.
