Since this is my fourth time here, my friend Janina asked me to write a blog post about my stay. Honestly, a bit tricky to come up with something off the top of my head 😉 So let’s try a bit of structure and give this a proper title:
My First Surf Day:
8 AM – Breakfast on the rooftop terrace. What could be better than enjoying your coffee while gazing out at the ocean? It’s also the perfect chance to meet the other surf camp guests. Everyone seems really nice and open. But honestly, that’s kind of expected—surfers are always nice and open.
9 AM – Off we go ☺ Finally! Boards are strapped to the roof, wetsuits packed into the cars. With everyone lending a hand, it all goes pretty quickly. Aziz and Ismail, our surf instructors, quickly consult each other about where the best conditions are today so that every guest gets the most out of the session—and off we go!
Today we’re heading to Anza—yaaaaaay ☺
What time is it? No idea, doesn’t matter. High tide is here, quick quick quick into the wetsuit. Time to warm up. I’m a big opponent of warm-ups, to be honest. I hate running around the beach in a tight wetsuit—I’m here to surf, not jog 😉 But the rational part of me does see the point. AND: even the pros stretch and warm up. Aziz and Ismail are great coaches, but also relentless. Even on my fourth trip, whining doesn’t help—I have to warm up like everyone else. I surrender to my fate and push through the warm-up and technical drills on the beach. All while sneaking longing glances at the ocean!
Aziz says we’ll start by standing up in the whitewater a few times. Fine. I’ll take the next wave that breaks. That one! Paddle paddle paddle, and stand up… Slight bend in the knees, turn a bit, yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Still got it. Haven’t forgotten a thing. My body remembers it all!
And then—time stops. Paddle out, turn the board, catch the wave, stand up, enjoy. It really is that simple. I feel it again, like always: deep contentment, calm, a sense of freedom. Wow, I didn’t realize just how much I missed all of this!
After each wave, I get a few tips from Aziz and Ismail: “It was a good one, BUT…” ☺ I’m here to learn, to improve. And these two know exactly how to support and encourage each guest.
Eventually everyone starts getting tired—it must be lunch time. So we hop out of the water. Delicious sandwich! Janina makes the best sandwiches in the world! Honestly, the lunch packs alone are worth coming back for. And how sweet—she remembered I don’t eat tomatoes! I could kiss her for that!
That’s why I keep coming back to Westsurf Morocco. These little personal touches. At some random school with more guests, I’d probably have to remind them again that I don’t eat tomatoes. Here, they remember.
After lunch, a bit of a rest, let it digest. Then it’s straight back into the water for the second surf session. Time doesn’t matter anymore. All that matters is the ocean—and having fun. Until you physically can’t go on. Everyone seems to be having a blast, buzzing as they come out of the water, sharing stories of how strong the current was, the waves they caught, how much fun they had.
Eventually, we’re all sitting happily on the beach, eyes shining, but tired. Such a great atmosphere. I know I’m repeating myself, but: I really missed this.
Sometime in the late afternoon (I think it’s around 5 PM, but again, time doesn’t matter here), we head back to the villa. Shower, relax a bit, then yoga.
That’s honestly the best part: the combination of surfing and yoga. The stretching helps soothe sore muscles. The balance work is perfect for getting more stable on the board. And you learn to focus on the moment. And all of it during sunset on the terrace. Is there a more beautiful place to do it?
After yoga, there’s even more planned. All the guests from Westsurf Morocco head to Taghazout with Janina and Aziz for dinner. Such a lovely idea. The vibe is great, relaxed—you get to know everyone a bit better.
Around 11 PM I’m back in my room at the villa.
I let the day replay in my head.
And I think to myself: I’m happy here.
Namaste.
