SACKED Surf Tour is guiding in Morocco
- Ivo
- May 23, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 24, 2024
Late March and most of April, I found myself freelancing for an established surf camp in Tamraght (Mint Surf Morocco). With Moroccan and American owners, who have a very animal friendly attitude - they adopted several cats and dogs - this place showcased the love for the ocean, people and animals. A lovely place to work for, and with their hospitality came the luxury of a private room. This gig could not have come at a better time as Stan the Van was going to the garage, getting bodywork and a sprayjob done. The previous surf guide, New Zealander Kieran, and a visit to a Kirtan music night brought me in touch with the owners of this place. Kieran and I surfed Anchor Point together, had good laughs, and he recommended me (cheers dude!), and with his departure, and still a couple of weeks of the swell season left, I stepped in. One of the first guests that arrived, who had a guiding package, was a young man from the United Kingdom, and we knew each other. Max and I had done a week of Beach Lifeguard training in Croyde, a few years earlier. Stoked to see him, and stoked to go surfing together, this meant a good start to this gig. And the swell did not disappoint. We had a fun group of people, mixed levels to a certain extend, which makes it sometimes challenging to find the right spot for the day, but we did well. Many days we visited two or three beaches, so everyone could double-dip, and the froth-lords triple. The roadtrips, the many good conversations, laughter, and the many surf sessions truly brought me in my power as a person, surfer, coach, and guide.
Good vibes, sun and waves at Banana Point, Tamraght/Aourir with yet another surf guiding group.
Knowing a lot of people in Morocco, from the parking guys to other surf camp's instructors, makes that we are welcome wherever we go. This keeps the vibe high for everyone, and is a part of being a surf guide in Morocco. As I worked as a coach back in 2017 in this country, in 2018, and got back teaching yoga and surf for 2022 and this season 2023-2024, I know my ways. I lived with the locals, know a little Darija (Moroccan Arabic), and that helps. The landscape for coaching surf in Morocco has changed, and has gotten more competitive towards some foreigners. There is a certain protective atmosphere. Best is to have a business in Morocco, to be able to coach surfing officially. But no one controls this, it's all localism in the end. If you somehow get accepted, you show good character to them, and you're in their hearts, that's what makes the difference. Pinnacle of my guiding job with Mint Surf, was introducing my friend from the UK to Anchor Point. It was a solid day, Max had been talking about Anchors all week, and knew this was his chance. It was during Ramadan. Only a couple of good locals, and some core lords were in the water. We went in after deliberate preparation, and scored! First surfing some waves from the second peak, we found our rhythm, and Max went for the peak. He found some really fun rides! And me? I found some good ones too, but it was at the end of a 10-day guiding streak, surfing everyday, and I felt in my body I was tired. At the same time, I was so satisfied. I knew I didn't have the arms to go for more waves at the peak, but I knew I had solidified my position in surf guiding, introducing a fellow advanced surfer to an absolute magnificent wave. Also, Max taught me a thing about fear, to not let it get away with you. He sings Bob Marley's famous lines 'Don't worry, about a thing..' to himself whenever he faces a big wave. Maybe I should have ignored my tired arms, apply Max' lesson, and go for a few more from the peak, I ask myself now while writing. My self preservation was too strong though. I was on a high already, enjoyed the waves I had myself and saw ridden by Max and some others who were enjoying this epic session!
Me and Max, ready to jump off the rocks at Anchor Point.
