Spot guide
Surfing Tamraght beach: everything you need to know
The wave at Tamraght beach
Tamraght beach is a long, open sandy beach break right in front of the village, between Aourir to the south and Taghazout to the north. It faces west-south-west and is exposed to swell from a wide range of directions, from south-west round to north, so there is almost always something to ride. That is exactly what makes it such a good place to learn.
The bottom is sand, which is forgiving when you fall. On most days the waves break a fair way out and then reform into long lines of white water that roll towards the shore at a manageable pace: perfect for first lessons, practising your pop-up and learning to steer. Because the beach is long, the peaks shift with the sandbanks and there is plenty of space to spread out, even when several surf schools are in the water.
On small to medium days, the outside peaks offer fun, short rides for intermediates, with both lefts and rights depending on how the sand is lying. When the swell gets bigger, towards the top of its range, the waves start to close out and the white water becomes heavier, and that is when we move lessons to a more sheltered spot.
Best conditions for surfing Tamraght beach
| Condition | What Tamraght beach likes |
|---|---|
| Swell direction | SW to N |
| Wave size | Starts at about 0.3 m, best from 0.5 to 1.3 m, too big above 2 m |
| Period | No minimum; works on short and long swells |
| Wind | Light, or offshore from the ENE; exposed to the north wind |
| Tide | Mid tide |
| Best season | All year |
Tamraght beach is not fussy about swell period, which is why it keeps working in summer when the points go quiet. What it does not like is the north wind. The beach is open to it, so a strong afternoon wind can make the surface bumpy. Mid tide is usually best. Too low and the waves can dump on the sandbanks, too high and they can back off. The live forecast above takes all of this into account for today's rating.
Who should surf Tamraght beach?
- Complete beginners: this is the ideal place for your first surf lesson. The white water is safe and predictable, and the sandy bottom takes the fear out of falling. Our guides to how to pop up and learning to surf in Morocco are good reading before you arrive.
- Improvers: once you can stand up comfortably in the white water, the small green waves just beyond it are a great place to learn to catch unbroken waves and ride along the face.
- Intermediates: on small to medium days the outside peaks are fun for a relaxed session close to home.
- Advanced surfers: you will find better waves at the points, but Tamraght is handy for a quick session when the swell is small.
Hazards and local tips
- Although the bottom is sand, beach breaks can have rip currents, especially near the ends of the beach and in channels between sandbanks. If you are pulled out, paddle parallel to the shore until you are out of it.
- Beginners should stay in the white water and away from the outside peaks where more experienced surfers are riding.
- Soft-top boards are best while learning. They are safer for you and for everyone around you.
- Keep a good distance from other surfers and never let go of your board when a wave comes. Our surf etiquette guide explains the basics.
- Wear sun cream. The sun is strong here all year, and you spend a lot of time sitting in the water.
How to get to Tamraght beach
From our riad in the centre of Tamraght, the beach is about 2 minutes by car or around 5 minutes on foot. It sits between Agadir to the south and Taghazout, a few minutes to the north. The beach break at Devil's Rock is just up the coast and makes a good alternative when Tamraght is busy, and Banana Point is a short drive south.
When to go
You can surf Tamraght beach all year round. Summer brings smaller, softer waves that are ideal for beginners, with water around 20 to 22°C from July to November, so a 3/2 wetsuit is enough. From October to April the swell is bigger and more consistent, which suits improvers, but can be too big for first lessons on some days; the water drops to around 17 to 18°C, so a 4/3 is best.
Whatever the season, mornings are usually the best time, before the north wind picks up in the afternoon. Try to plan your session around mid tide.
Surfing Tamraght beach with Surf Chill Vibe
This is where most of our first lessons happen, a short walk from the riad. Our local instructors keep groups small so everyone gets proper attention, and we move to a better spot when the conditions change. Surf lessons are included in our surf packages, and you can book a single group or private lesson or rent a board and wetsuit for the day.
Coach's tip: This is where most of our first lessons happen, a short walk from the riad.
