ION CLUB ESSAOUIRA
The Best of Surfing Elements
Location : Essaouira, Morocco
Season : All year round
Opening hours : Daily 10am – 4.30pm (except July and August, daily 10am – 7pm)
Essaouira is a coastal city with beaches as far as the eye can see and counts amongst the "model destinations" for windsurfers, kitesurfers and surfers worldwide. The architecture of the old town is strongly influenced by Portuguese, French, and Berber culture. The massive appearance of the walls gives the city a mystical sublimity and explains it’s original name “Mogador“ – small fortress.
Essaouira is a perfect all-round spot, with great conditions for windsurfers, Kitesurfers, and Surfers alike. The wind blows side shore from the right and especially during the summer months, the steady trade winds get reinforced by the thermic and often reach up to 6-7 Bft.
Our ION CLUB Center in Essaouira is situated around 20 minutes walk from the Medina and offers beside the latest equipment from Duotone, Fanatic, and ION all facilities you could wish for.
The Ocean Vagabond Restaurant and Bar next door, takes care of hungry and thirsty Surfers and offers sunbeds to relax on the terrace.
CHOOSE YOUr ACTIVITY
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Monday to Friday, 09.30 - 18.00
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Frequently asked questions
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Center Essaouira
International Bookings
Monday to Friday, 09.30 - 14.00
+49(881) 9254960
bookings@ion-club.net
WE OFFER THE BEST SERVICES
BAR
LUNCH
SHOP
A WORD FROM THE MANAGER
“I arrived in Essaouira more than 20 years ago now and the first thing which strikes me was the light and the special atmosphere of this beautiful city. Here people are relax and you‘ll quickly fell like you are part of this tiny city. All is easy and simple, full of all kind of restaurants and shops and almost every weekend you have an event in this city! On the spot side, for me it is one of the best of the world as you always have something to do. It is very windy of course but you also have beautiful waves and dozens of different spots around. If no wind you can surf or sup. Or you can canoe to the islands, play golf, have a walk, bike, horse or camel ride to discover the backcountry. If you are looking for a place where to relax and practice sports this is the place to be. If you are looking for party and night life better go to Tarifa !!”
Martin Rousson
best spots FOR KITESURFING AND WINDSURFING
ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira, on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is an outstanding surfing spot. International surfing competitions are held in the surf at Essaouira, Morocco’s windiest coastal town. Surf freaks swear by the wild, mountainous waves.
The Purple Islands (Isle of Mogador), off the bay, are the reason why the waves in the bay of Essaouira are smaller and less dangerous than at other spots. The bay of Essaouira is especially suitable for novice and intermediate surfers.
MOULAY BOUZERKTOUN
Little fishermen village where the beach is a unique wave spot for advanced windsurfers.
SIDI KAOUKI
Located 25 km south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is a long sandy beach wich provides ideal conditions for advanced surfers. The shore break is somewhat higher than at Essaouira, but the spot also offers fabulously long waves. You can start directly in many of the waves.
Attention must be paid to low and high tides and the currents.
BEST PERIODS
May, June, July, August
WIND
The wind blows sideshore from the right. Some days it is a bit gusty and turns slightly offshore at wind speeds of more than 7 Beaufort. Between June and August the thermal enforces the trade wind, creating more challenging conditions for kitesurfers.
WAVES
Downwind of the centre, the wave conditions are particularly great in spring and autumn (1-2 meters). Due to the strong wind, the waves are slightly smaller from mid June to August (0.5-1 meters). Beginners and speed surfers are in good hands further upwind of the bay.
CURRENT WEATHER
HOW TO GET TO ESSAOUIRA ?
From Marrakesh
Leave the airport and follow the road to the city center. On the first cross, you can see the sign "Essaouira" on the left side. Follow the road about 170 km till you arrive in Essaouira. The roads are well repaired and the trip will take you about 2 hours. When you arrive in Essaouira you take the coast street with the ocean on your left side. Follow this road till you see the ION CLUB Center. The center is built out of wood with blue and white colors and is called “Ocean Vagabond”.
From Agadir
Leave the airport and take the road to the city center. When you arrive at the main coast street you will see the sign “Essaouira". Follow this road about 180 km. It will take about 3 hours because there are a lot of turns in the road. When you arrive at the first crossing in Essaouira, go straight to the coast street, you will find ION CLUB Center on your left in the blue and white chalet called “Ocean Vagabond”.
Boulevard Mohammed V, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
WHAT TO DO AROUND ESSAOUIRA ?
HARBOUR & FISH MARKET
The lively harbor, directly southeast of the Medina, is also full of impressions: the fishing nets are spread out on the pier, the fishermen unload their catches, craftsmen build traditional wooden boats and roast seafood on grills. In Essaouira, the atmosphere is truly unique and easy going.
MEDINA
Narrow alleys, white chalked houses, blue doors, peaceful squares, cosy cafés, stalls and workshops out of which the characteristic smell of Thuja wood escapes.
ESSAOUIRA BAY
On Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is an outstanding surfing spot. International surfing competitions are held in the surf at Essaouira, Morocco’s windiest coastal town. Surf freaks swear by the wild, mountainous waves. The Purple Islands (Isle of Mogador), off the bay, are the reason why the waves in the bay of Essaouira are smaller and less dangerous than at other spots. The bay of Essaouira is especially suitable for novice and intermediate surfers.
A story of pioneer since 1985
YEARS EXPERIENCE
COUNTRIES
CENTERS
Sports
YEARS EXPERIENCE
COUNTRIES
CENTERS
SPORTS
The story of the ION CLUB tells of people who have turned their passion for windsurfing and kitesurfing into a profession. Since its founding in 1985, customer orientation, team spirit, innovation and professionalism have been the top priorities of our corporate philosophy.
The ION CLUB / Club Mistral has gained a lot of experience in the 38 years of its existence and has developed more and more into a company that focuses on communicating with guests and fulfilling their needs and wishes.
With 17 water sports schools worldwide, we are one of the leading companies in this field. ION CLUB has a network of international partners in different countries. We strive to be international and multicultural and express this through the selection of our employees, who currently come from 24 different countries.
Frequently asked questions ?
Should we need a wetsuit? What thickness?
Yes full wetsuit 3/2 or 4/3 all year long.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes Mastercard and Visa
How long does it take to come from the medina to your center?
15mn walk on the promenade or 5mn with a small blue cab.
Do I need boots?
No, there is no reef in the bay
Do you give foil lessons?
Yes for kiting, windsurfing, wingfoiling and supping.
Is there a flat area for freestyling?
No.
What can you do if there is no wind?
Surf, sup, kayak, sup downwinder, outrigger canoe, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, quad biking, camel or horse riding, golfing, playing tennis, swimming, shopping, yoga, pilates, cooking…
Do you offer surf lessons for kids?
Yes we do, group lesson from 8 years old and private from 5 years old.
Do you offer beginner windsurf lesson?
Yes but only semi private or private and not always available because sea condition can be too rough.