Surf's Up Morocco

We arrived in Taghazout {one of Morocco's infamous surf spots} in the evening and by the next morning were already up bright & early for our first surf lesson. Luckily we were tipped off to sign up with Surf Berbere, one of Taghazout's most professional and welcoming surf schools. Being summertime the waves are quite tame compared to the notorious winter swells that make this a prime destination for all the pros... but perfect conditions for us beginners. After a lovely rooftop breakfast, gearing up {oh the comedy that is trying to get into a wet suit}, a few warm ups and coaching we were soon in the water trying it for ourselves. I'm proud to say that I was the first one in our group to stand on my board...and then several times throughout the day {such an addictive feeling}. All bragging aside though, I really do believe there's something to be said about the whole beginner's luck theory. After our day-long lesson the Brit and rented some quality gear from an awesome local surf shop called Imourane Surf Island and head out several times on our own to show off our new skills and... well... surf!... but I found it really hard to recreate the first day magic and get back up. We did also encounter much heavier waves then our pleasant first day in the water... which meant for some serious wipe outs. I'm talking flipping over my board, getting pummeled over and over and just generally looking like a drowned rat {much entertainment for the local kids though}. But that incredible first day did leave us with the impression that with much practice and some good coaching that liberating feeling of riding a wave is something we want to find again... that is, once I finally get the ten days with worth of saltwater out of my ears.

xo Ashi