Spot guide
Surfing Imi Ouaddar: everything you need to know
The wave at Imi Ouaddar
Imi Ouaddar is a small fishing village and beach further up the coast from Taghazout. It has a different feel from the busy surf towns to the south: quieter, slower and more local. The beach mixes sandy sections with patches of rock, so the waves vary along its length. The sandy parts give classic beach-break peaks, both lefts and rights, while the areas near the rocks can shape the waves a little more but also demand more care.
It faces west-south-west and takes swell from WSW round to N. At around 0.5 m it offers small, gentle waves that are perfect for a first go on a board. Between roughly 0.8 and 1.8 m you will find its best surf, with uncrowded peaks for beginners on the inside and improvers further out. Above about 2.5 m it becomes too big and disorganised for most, and the rocks become a more serious hazard. On completely flat days it turns into a pleasant place to swim.
Best conditions for surfing Imi Ouaddar
| Factor | Best for Imi Ouaddar |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Imi Ouaddar is an easy-going spot. There is no minimum period, it works on all tides and it picks up a broad swell window. The main thing to watch is the wind: it is not sheltered from the north wind, so it is at its best in the morning with light wind or a gentle ENE offshore. As the tide changes, the balance between sand and rock sections shifts, so check how the beach looks before choosing where to paddle out.
Who should surf Imi Ouaddar?
On the right day, Imi Ouaddar suits all levels, with the emphasis on relaxed surfing rather than performance.
- Beginners: small and medium days are good for learning, as long as you stay on the sandy sections and away from the rocks. It is a calm place to practise paddling and catching white water.
- Improvers: you can find your first green waves on the outside with few people around, which takes the pressure off.
- Intermediate and advanced surfers: it is more of a fun, mellow session than a destination. On bigger swells you are better off at the points, or further north at Boilers if you are experienced.
Hazards and local tips
- Know where the rocks are. Walk the beach first and choose a sandy stretch to paddle out from, especially at lower tides when more rock is exposed.
- Sea urchins can live on the rocky parts. Keep your feet off the rocks and consider booties if you surf near them.
- Currents can form on bigger days, as on any open beach. Watch the water first and keep checking your position.
- It is a village beach. Local families and fishermen use it too, so keep a respectful distance from swimmers and boats, dress modestly off the beach and take your rubbish with you.
- Etiquette matters even when it is quiet: one surfer per wave and a friendly greeting go a long way. See our etiquette guide.
- Make a day of it. Combine a surf or a swim with lunch in the village on a rest day.
How to get to Imi Ouaddar
Imi Ouaddar is about 30 minutes by car from our riad in Tamraght. Drive north on the coast road through Taghazout and past Aghroud; the village sits a little further up the coast. From Agadir it is the same road, just a few minutes longer. It is an easy, scenic drive with ocean views most of the way.
When to go
You can visit Imi Ouaddar all year round. In summer the waves are small and friendly and the water is around 20 to 22°C, so a 3/2 wetsuit or even a swim in boardshorts on a hot day is fine. From October to April the swell is bigger and more consistent, and the water drops to around 17 to 18°C in the depths of winter, when a 4/3 is the better choice. Morning is usually the best time to surf, before the north wind builds; after lunch, the beach is a nice place to relax. Our water temperature and wetsuit guide has more detail.
Surfing Imi Ouaddar with Surf Chill Vibe
We often bring guests to Imi Ouaddar on quieter days, either for an uncrowded lesson on a small swell or as a relaxed rest-day outing with a swim and lunch in the village. Our coaches choose the day and the section of beach that suit your level. Transport and lessons come with our surf packages, and you can contact us to plan a mix of surf days and slower days around the coast.
Coach's tip: Combine it with lunch in the village on a rest day.
