OCÉAN VAGABOND ESSAOUIRA
The Best of Surfing Elements
Location : Essaouira, Morocco
Season : All year round
Opening hours : June till August 10.00-18.30 / November to February 10.00-17.00/ Rest of the year 10.00-18.00
Essaouira is a charming coastal town of 78,000 inhabitants, located in the center of Morocco on the Atlantic coast, with endless beaches in and around the town. It has been a favourite destination for windsurfers, kitesurfers and surfers from all over the world for a very long time. The architecture of the old town is strongly influenced by Berber, Portuguese and French culture. The massive appearance of the walls around the old town gives it a mystical sublimity, and it is easy to see why it was once called "Mogador", which translates as "little fortress".
Essaouira is not only an incredible kitesurfing and windsurfing spot, but it also has a huge cultural potential and history.
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A WORD FROM THE MANAGER
“I arrived in Essaouira more than 20 years ago, and the thing that still touches me today is the extraordinary light, and the special atmosphere of this beautiful city. Here, visitors can really relax, and it’s guaranteed that you will quickly fall under the spell of the place and feel like you are home. Everything is easy, with all kinds of restaurants and stores … it is a very lively and cheerful city!
As far as surfing is concerned, it is for me one of the best spots in the world because you can do everything: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, wingfoil, surfing, and stand up paddle. It is of course very windy, and there are great beaches, waves and a lot of different spots in and around Essaouira. If it’s not windy, you can surf or stand up paddleboard, canoe on the islands, play golf, ride a bike, a horse or even a camel to discover the hinterland. If you are looking for a place and an atmosphere to relax and do sports, Essaouira is definitely the place to come for your holiday
Martin Rousson
best spots in essaouira
ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira, located on the Moroccan Atlantic coast, is a magical spot for kitesurfing, windsurfing, wingfoil and surfing, and is one of the best for the sports that we love so much. International surfing competitions are held in the area, and it is undoubtedly the windiest city in Morocco. Around Essaouira you can surf on wild spots, without too many people, and have a feeling of freedom on the water that is hard to find anywhere else.
Off of the city and the bay, you can see the Purpuran Islands where the waves are smaller and less dangerous than in other places. The bay of Essaouira is particularly suitable for kitesurfers, windsurfers and surfers of beginner and intermediate levels, as well as for experienced surfers.
Wingfoil courses are now offered at the OV Essaouira center, with rental also possible for the more advanced. Kitesurfing courses and windsurfing equipment rental are also on offer.
Essaouira is one of the best kitesurfing and windsurfing spots in Morocco, with the wind blowing frequently most of the year.
MOULAY BOUZERKTOUN
Moulay is a small fishing village about 30 km north of Essaouira, where the beach is in fact a unique wave spot in the world for experienced windsurfers. Underwater it is a rocky slab, not sand, so beware at low tide. The wind blows side-shore from the left and can be very strong in the summer. Waves are bigger during spring and autumn, reaching up to 2 or 3 meters. When there is no wind, it is also a very good spot for stand up paddle boarding.
SIDI KAOUKI
Located 25 km south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is a long sandy beach that offers ideal conditions for experienced surfers whether shortboard, longboard or stand up paddle, but more and more kitesurfers are using the spot thanks to the often strong side-shore wind. The size of the waves are a little bigger than in Essaouira, and they are longer and more surfable. The spot is accessible to all but pay attention to the currents. Sidi Kaouki is a very small village, however you will find something to eat or drink from the top of the cliff in one of the few bars and restaurants. There are also three grocery stores on site. Surfing in Morocco, and especially in Essaouira, is part of the local culture.
BEST PERIODS
May, June, July, August, September
WIND
The wind blows mainly side shore in Essaouira, and comes from the right when looking at the sea. Some days it is less regular, more gusty, and turns slightly offshore (from the land). Between June and August the thermal wind strengthens the trade winds, so the wind becomes stronger. The kitesurfing, windsurfing and wingfoil center of Essaouira does courses in the morning, and the thrill seekers mainly sail in the afternoon. You will find some of the same atmosphere of Lassarga or Dakhla Lagoon in the south of Morocco. Kitesurfing, wingfoil, surfing and windsurfing are sports that are very important in Morocco.
WAVES
Wave conditions are particularly good in spring and autumn (1 to 2 meters). Due to the strong wind, the waves are slightly smaller between June and August (0.5 to 1 meters). Otherwise, the spot in the bay of Essaouira is choppy/slightly choppy.
CURRENT WEATHER
HOW TO GET TO ESSAOUIRA ?
From Essaouira Airport
There are direct flights from Essaouira to Paris, Bordeaux and Marseille via Transavia, Easyjet and Ryan Air. There are also direct flights from Weeze to Essaouira via Ryanair. Weeze airport is located close to Dusseldorf and is also quite easy to access from Netherland. You can to have direct fly also from Madrid, London and Brussels via Ryan Air.
From Marrakesh
Leave Marrakech airport and follow the road to the city center. At the first roundabout, you can see the sign "Essaouira" on the left side. Follow the road for about 170 km until you arrive in Essaouira. The roads are well maintained and the trip will take about 2h30. When you arrive in Essaouira, take the coastal road with the sea on your left. Follow this road until you see the center, right next to the Ocean Vagabond restaurant. You will finally enjoy your Moroccan kite or windsurfing trip, in the generous and beautiful city of Essaouira
From Agadir
Leave the airport and take the road to the city center. When you get to the main road along the coast, you will see the sign "Essaouira". Follow this road for about 180 km. It will take about 3 hours as there are many curves on the road. When you arrive at the first intersection in Essaouira, go straight to the coastal road, you will find the center right next to the Ocean Vagabond restaurant.
Boulevard Mohammed V, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
WHAT TO DO AROUND ESSAOUIRA ?
PORT & FISH MARKET FOR LOCAL CULTURE
The port of Essaouira, directly southeast of the medina, is very lively. Fishing nets are spread out on the pier where fishermen unload their catch, artisans build traditional blue wooden boats and roast seafood on grills. The atmosphere in Essaouira is truly unique and it’s an easy place to live … plus the food is delicious!
THE MEDINA TO STROLL
Narrow alleys, white chalked houses, blue doors, peaceful squares, cosy cafés, stalls and workshops out of which the characteristic smell of Thuja wood escapes.
THE BAY OF ESSAOUIRA
The bay of Essaouira is very spacious, and has one area with more waves than the other. Everyone can enjoy the conditions here. Our ION CLUB Essaouira center offers kitesurfing, wingfoil and windsurfing lessons. The wind is side shore, light in the morning, but often strong up to 30 knots in the afternoon, mainly in the summer. The center also offers rental of kite equipment and any other type of water sports equipment.
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A story of pioneer since 1985
YEARS EXPERIENCE
Destinations
CENTERS
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YEARS EXPERIENCE
Destinations
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 39 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 16 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
Courses
IS KITESURFING ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE ?
Yes, like all sports, you have to be in good shape. Children must be a minimum of 12 years old in order to take part.
HOW MANY LESSONS DO I NEED TO LEARN KITESURFING (TOTAL BEGINNER)?
On average 12 hours.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING FOR MY KITE / WINDSURF / WINGFOIL LESSONS?
Included in the course: wetsuit, harness, leash, vest and helmet.
WHAT LANGUAGES DO YOUR INSTRUCTORS SPEAK?
French, English, Arabic
WHAT HAPPENS IF I PAY FOR THE LESSON IN ADVANCE BUT THERE IS NO WIND?
At the time of your departure, the center will take stock of the situation and you will be issued with an ION CLUB credit note corresponding to the number of hours not taken, valid for all ION CLUB destinations for 24 months.
CENTRE
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PAY BY CARD?
Yes
CAN WE WITHDRAW MONEY?
Yes in the medina and its surroundings.
Is there WIFI?
Yes
WHAT WINDLESS ACTIVITIES DO YOU PROPOSE ?
SURF, SUP and Kayak
DO YOU SUPERVISE THE CHILDREN ?
YES, we offer the SURF & PLAY course.
IS THERE FOOD AND DRINK AVAILABLE NEAR THE CENTER?
Yes.
IS THERE A SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM THE HOTELS TO THE CLUB?
ION CLUB does not organise a hotel shuttle. However, you can ask your hotel for more information.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GO FROM THE MEDINA TO THE CENTER OF THE CLUB ESSAOUIRA ON FOOT ?
15 min by foot along the promenade or 5 min by cab.
RENTAL
DO I NEED TO RESERVE EQUIPMENT IN ADVANCE?
It is recommended.
DO I NEED INSURANCE FOR THE EQUIPMENT?
It is recommended.
WHAT DOES A RENTAL INCLUDE?
Complete equipment + wetsuit, harness, leash, helmet, vest.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN WETSUIT AND HARNESS?
It is recommended if you rent your equipment.
CAN I STORE MY OWN EQUIPMENT AT YOUR CENTER?
yes
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT AND GO TO ANOTHER PLACE?
No.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I PAY THE RENTAL IN ADVANCE BUT THERE IS NO WIND?
You can use the SUP & SURF boards available at the center, without extra charge.
DO YOU HAVE A LIFEBOAT?
Yes
SPOT
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO KITE IN Essaouira?
The conditions are good from May to September.
WHERE CAN I CHECK THE WIND CONDITIONS?
On the Windguru website.
DO I NEED BOOTIES ON THE SPOT?
No
WHAT THICKNESS OF SUIT IS RECOMMENDED?
4/3mm full-body suit all year round.
IS THERE A FLAT WATER AREA FOR FREESTYLE?
No
EQUIPMENT
WHAT DOES THE EQUIPMENT BREAKAGE INSURANCE COVER ?
It protects your rental equipment from damage. However, it does not cover loss of equipment or damage caused by any negligence on your part.
CAN I LEAVE MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS AT THE CENTER ALL DAY?
Yes, lockers are available.