The Ultimate Guide to Anchor Point
They say if you have been in Morocco without surfing Anchor Point then you haven’t truly surfed Morocco yet. In this guide we will take you through a surf at the legendary right hander from how to get there, entry & exit points, conditions, and other helpful tips from our years of navigating the increasing popular & famous Anchor Point.
Anchor Point is called Almadraba by the locals. It is an Arabic epithet that signifies a good place to strike, and is also an old age technique for catching Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. At the spot, you can see a wall about 100 meters towards Taghazout from the tip of the rocks that used to be part of a tuna factory. The area around Anchor Point now has several accommodations and takeaway restaurants.
Logistics:
Anchor Point is 25 km from Agadir city 10 km from Tamraght (A 10 minute drive from Original Surf Morocco). It’s on the left side as you depart Taghazout en route to Essaouira on national Road N° 1. There is a large car park at Anchor Point where vendors are selling tea and coffee for a last minute caffeine jolt before the wave of your life. Original Surf Morocco’s Surf Guiding packages include a pep talk and proper hype up en route to the spot with an experienced local guide before hopping into the water.
The Wave:
We consider one of the world’s best point breaks wave the best wave in Morocco, It’s a right hand point break that needs a large Northwest swell to work. It is optimal in low tide, but sometimes can also break at mid-tide with a big swell. It’s significantly more crowded when it’s small (3-5 ft) because it becomes more user-friendly. When it’s big (6ft+) the crowd spreads into three distinct lineups as the ride is long and has several peaks, where surfers can kick out and pass the torch to surfers down the line. The first line up is parallel with the rocks at the end of the point and are where the biggest waves are, the second is closer to Taghazout – though a bit of a paddle from the shore, the lineup closest to the shore and holds smaller waves that have passed the first section. The last section is naturally the smallest, and is closest to the beach as seen on the pictures below. Surfers that can manage to link all three sections together either have a long paddle (or jog!) back to the top while they can think about the longest, and raddest wave of their life
Anchor Point is rocky, and with spots like this that work best on low tide; we have seen many surfers struggle with safe entries and exits. The next section will talk about the easiest ways to make it in and out of the lineup at Anchor Point for minimal stress and maximum shred.
1st: To jump from the rocks
The easiest way to get into the lineup is to rock off. You must stand at the end of the rocky point, and wait until a set is almost through so there is a bit of foam to pad you and your board, but you will not take a full set on the head. You then jump onto your board and paddle as fast as you can straight (south towards Tamraght) in order to avoid the breaking waves and the current that may take you to the rocks. We have seen many surfers try to paddle through the inside (closest to the rocks) and end up with poor surfs from all the energy used duck diving through the whitewash, or worse: injuries from rocks and dinged boards.
Look at the photo which direction you need to paddle to avoid unnecessary effort.
2nd: Walk in from the sandy bead behind Anchor Point (see the photo, there are some rocks):
Jumping off rocks into heavy surf isn’t an easy experience for everyone. Plenty of surfers would prefer to paddle a bit longer in order to avoid rocking off. This is a long paddle (roughly 300 metres) and although there are channels that can be used to help you into the lineup, you will still need to duck dive oncoming sets. Since Anchor Point is a spot that only works with bigger swell, the waves that will be coming in are large and will require a lot of energy to get through. While this option may seem like a safe play, the majority of surfers that enter from the beach use most of their energy paddling instead of surfing. We recommend that if you’re not comfortable jumping off the rocks that you practice rocking off with our surf guides at a more mellow spot like Devil Rocks before making your pilgrimage to Anchor Point.
The Lineup:
Finally, you’ve navigated the rocks, or paddled your way to the lineup. Time to paddle onto the first wave you see, right? Wrong! While Anchor Point is a spot popular amongst tourists, and Moroccan surfers do not play the whole localism game, there is still protocol to follow so that everyone has a good surf and catches plenty of waves while staying safe. Respect is the name of the game when it comes to surfing at places like Anchor Point. A point break is different from a beach break in which the lineup really means surfers must queue up for their spot to paddle on a wave. Priority is given to the surfer at the top of the lineup closest to the peak. If they miss the wave that they paddle on, other surfers down the line can try to hop on. Surfers will rotate to the top of the point so that everyone has a chance for the wave of their life.
Anchor Point only breaks one way: right. That being said, you will never have to worry about dropping in on someone coming from your right side as you’re paddling, only down the line on your left. When paddling for a wave, you must look to your left to make sure that someone else isn’t already speeding down the wall. Dropping in on someone at a spot like Anchor Point could mean serious injury for both surfers given the steepness of the wall and speed that the original surfer will have at the time of collision. If you are coming down the line and see someone about to drop on you, yell something to get their attention repeatedly like “yo”, “yup”, or “no”. This will signify that you are on the wave and they should put on the breaks. If they don’t hear and continue to drop on you, look to kick out over the wall and back to the line up. Dropping in on someone is an awful feeling, your negligence could have caused an accident or ruined someones wave. The best way to move on from this is to be an adult, apologize and move on. It was an honest mistake, and hopefully a learning experience that didn’t create a bad situation – not the end of the world. Accepting responsibility for your actions is crucial in everything in life, surfing is no different.
The wave itself at Anchor Point is one of the heaviest in the area. Since it needs so much swell to break and only works at low tide there is a tremendous amount of water in the sets rolling in over a shallow rocky bottom. This creates a wide, fast wave with hundreds of cubic litres of water. Surfers must be prepared for long hold down times under the water if they catch waves on the head or fall off the lip while taking off.
Exiting Anchor Point is something that many surfers struggle with. This next section will talk about how to successfully exit after a legendary surf at Morocco’s finest point.
The first exit point is one that requires little paddling to reach. It is close to the lineup, but you need to be vigilant and have good timing so that you aren’t trying to get out when a set is coming. If your timing is wrong, the oncoming waves will smash you into the rocks – almost assuredly causing personal injury, a broken board, or both. We don’t recommend exiting via the rocks the same way you entered. There are two safer ways to exit below.
The 2nd option is to paddle beyond the rocks during a lull, and exit via the beach opposite Taghazout. This beach is called Mysteries, and it is a combination of sand and a few stones that have been blown in by recent storms. This is the easiest way to get out quickly without risking hitting the rocks that form Anchor Point.
The last exit option a bit far from the peak, about 300 to 400 metres in a big swell. You will need to catch an exit wave when you’re ready to finish and ride it into Anchor Beach close to Taghazout. From there, you can walk out of the surf safely and back to the car park where we’ll bring you back to the house for tea and a chat about the session.
If you have any other questions about Anchor Point, or any of the world class breaks around Morocco – let us know in the comments below or shoot us an email! We are glad to share what we know about these spots, and take groups out for the waves of their lives. Please be advised, surfing at spots like Anchor Point takes a lot of practice and comfort in the ocean. It is not allowed for surf schools to take learners to Anchor Point, and we will never take surfers that are not fit for waves like this to heavy breaks like Anchor Point, period. Safety is our first concern, and if someone cannot hike a 100 metre hill we aren’t going to take them to Mount Everest. Surf with respect, a healthy mind & body, and awareness of the ocean and other surfers. Being mindful is one of the most important parts of surfing, and sometimes that mindfulness means surfing easier breaks until you are ready for a spot like Anchor Point.
Best Surf Spots in Morocco: 24 Breaks for All Levels
The Best Surf Spots in No Particular Order
Morocco has been the top priority of tourists from all over the world, especially during the ripe Morocco surf season. This piece of land is exquisitely famous for its lively shores, exhilarating waves, and impeccable surfing experiences. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to spend your surf holidays in Morocco, you’d better add it to your vacation goals right now, and below are the 24 best surf spots in Morocco to visit.
Owing to the rich legacy in surfing sport, Morocco has now established a widespread variety of surfing spots. People are often confused about and, hence, often end up wasting time figuring out the places to visit during the Morocco surf season. We cut you some slack here and finally make life easier for you in this respect. Already know which spot you want to surf? View all our surf spots on the map
We have made a list of 24 must-visit surfing spots in Morocco to help you orient yourself wisely before you step on the Moroccan land. Gear up for the roller coaster.
1: Sidi Ifni
Having roots in Spanish colonial history, Sidi Ifni is a mix of heritage and culture. The rushing waves of the Atlantis kissing the margins of Sidi Ifni beach welcomes thousands of surf enthusiasts to sniff the air of this marvelous place. The blue and white theme of the building and the turbans of the inhabitants of this area add to the aesthetic beauty.
2: Mirleft
The south of Morocco boasts the coast of Mirleft; a place you can blindly trust for a constant flow of all types of tide heights on the beach. Additionally, if you don’t like an overcrowded surfing experience, this is the best spot for you. The climate is pleasant throughout the year and synchronizes well with the tourist moods.
3: Tifnit
Appears to be an isolated place but offers one of the strongest high-tide experiences in the whole of Morocco. If you have been surfing for quite some time and have a good knack of how to handle such difficulty level well, this is the place for you. The atmosphere is calm and the previous surfers recommend coming here in groups rather than solo adventure.
4: Anza
Recently, the news that Anza has undergone a cleanliness drive of the shores and the beaches have revived the tradition of beginner-level surfing here. The tides are mostly low and offer you left too. This offers a perfect package for new entrants in the surfing sport in terms of weather, tides, and accommodation facilities in the immediate vicinity.
5: Km 12 (north of Agadir)
As the name suggests, this place is named after its distance from the Agadir- a famous reference spot. The waves here are healthy for both beginners and intermediate-level surfers. The easy-to-experience left and right-hand waves of this place make it one of the significant choices for people who want to practice more with their surfing skills.
6: Banana point
A place conceiving many surf schools in its heart, Banana Point comes in handy for beginners to access and exercise their surfing potential. Taking its name from the adjacent Banana village, this point is a fortunate receiver of the might Northern winds that evoke continuous low tide experience. The shore is ornamented with rocky architecture and pleases the sight of water waves clashing magnanimously with it.
7: Spider (between Banana Point and Devil’s Rock)
Flaunting its flat sandy floor with rocky consistency, the spider spot halts surfers while moving from Banana Point to Devil’s Rock. The wave type is a reef break and the direction is mostly rightward and breeds tailor-made opportunities for beginners and intermediates.
8: Devil’s Rock
Mostly serving as the weekend go-to surfing spot for the locals, Devil’s Rock capacitates a good mix of rights and lefts and accommodates beginners in its low tides. The atmosphere is serene, and the local café by the side is always the best relaxing haven after all day physical exertion on the beach. All 3 surf spots, Banana, Devil’s Rock, Crocro, and KM17, are a 20-minute walk from the Original Surf Morocco camp. Devil’s Rock is one of the best surf spots in Morocco for beginners, with consistent, forgiving waves just steps from Tamraght.
9: CroCro surf Spot
It lies almost 15 km North of Agadir and is a welcoming spot for both beginners and advanced surfers. With a bit of offshore wind, CroCro is equipped with luxurious accommodation hotels and restaurants to keep you engaged with the vibrant life on the beach.
10: Panorama
Marking the South end of the Taghazout village, the Panorama spot often offers tides that are difficult to peddle and, hence, invites expert surf groups with conquerable challenges. The beginners can also try their luck on smoother parts of the shore. Lunch at the Panorama café is a usual highlight for surfers coming from all over the place. A short trip to the Paradise Valley nearby deserves a shot.
11: Hash Point
The sun disseminates its setting beauty to the fullest at this point of the shore. The locals are extremely friendly and the restaurants in the ambiance are full of life. Those inhabiting areas of Taghazout village find it the most interesting place to surf. The tides vary for mid to high so you can fit in accordingly.
12: Anchor Point
This venue is famous for its speed walls and cutback hooks coming in successive waves to hit the shore. The spot often gets busy, and the aura it creates is worth living in. The difficulty level of surfing here is high, and legend has it that the first ones to surf Anchor Point were Australians back in the 1960s. So, if you are in the mood of a roller costar surfing ride experience, this is your spot. Anchor Point is arguably the most famous of all the best surf spots in Morocco, a world-class right-hand point break.
13: Mystery
The Mystery spot received offshore winds from the northeast owing to its central location in Morocco. Winter is the most suitable season to come and surf here. The surf is inconsistent and the rocky margins are to be taken care of while sporting.
14: La Source
A place embellished with fresh water springs around the rocky shores and the flexible A-frame lifts that entertain enthusiasts of all expertise levels; La Source is a gem of a spot. This place has this special aesthetic appeal in terms of architecture, beach resorts, people, flora, and heritage, entitling it as the heaven of the surfers in Morocco. It is situated 3 km away from Taghazout and is the most tranquil area of the shore.
15: Killer point
It owes its name to the group of occasionally approaching Killer whales at this part of the ocean. Receiving a major chunk of North-West swells, the tides approaching the shores often create an erroneous illusion of their magnanimity, but in reality, they sometimes have the capacity to host a great number of intermediate level surfers as well. The strength of the waves consistently hitting the rocky margins of the coast is often reported to have rumbled the rock walls to the target point.
16: Dracula
The overall testing surroundings at this spot invite the strong hearted only; the hardly rightward pushes, the tide heights, the vampire teeth resembling rock structures, all add up to the toughness of the aura here. The wonderful barrels of Dracula spot are not only picturesque but also worth witnessing personally. These features equate it to the Boilers spot and, hence, it is acclaimed as its Evil Twin.
17: Boilers
The marginal hills that bounce the trade winds at this powerful right-hander venue augment the thrilling theme. A ship boiler lying south of the lighthouse of Cap Rhir gives this signature title to this place. This place hosts one of the best waves in Morocco. The huge vertical walls plummeting down from the mountain slopes crash the bottom to generate typical advanced level surfing tides.
18: La Boue
A land piece famous for its agriculturally rich soil and its deeply rooted cultural heritage in the French architecture and occasional dialects, La boue is an inherent incentive for every surfer to explorer. Fair place that attracts experienced surfers more.
19: Tamri
Home to flamingoes and camels, Tamri is a constant fun throughout the year. The strong left currents are a salient feature of this beach break but beginners can enjoy slight rightward pushes as well. Tamri lies on the Northern side of the coast and it gives a beautiful bird’s eye view when seen from above the cliff tops surrounding this area.
20: La Bea (IMSOUANE)
You haven’t seen Morocco if you haven’t surfed here. This place is a hub of all-day surfing sessions with maximum variety of waves, esp. the famous longest wave of Morocco. Locally, this place is known to be a small fish village, but it hosts experienced surfers from around the globe. Your tour package to this place ought to include all-day surf, a trip to Agadir and Paradise valley, and customary Yoga sessions that prepare surfers for their real actions. Imsouane is one of the best surf spots in Morocco for longboarders, with the longest wave on the Atlantic coast.
21: Cathedral (IMSOUANE)
Famous for its right hand point break, Cathedral Spot in Imsouance exists in the north-west swells of the Moroccan coast. It is an intermediate beach spot for body boarders. The rightward winds are strong and powerful while left sided shoes a pleasing reef break.
22: Sidi Kaouki
This spot speaks much about Bohemian culture and white-washed walls. If you like some privacy and meaningful solitude garnished upon your self-scheduled surfing activities this year, you go for this place. In addition, what might add to the spice of your stay here are the popular camel and horse rides along the coastline.
23: Essaouira
The North Eastern winds have a strong hold over the surfing abilities in this region of the coastline. It appears that it has been preserved well after the European influence of seaport culture back in the 18th century. It is indeed an all-year-round consistent beach break and is seldom crowded. Hence, a fair place to inhabit during the Moroccan surf season.
24: Safi
Experienced surfers term Safi as the best right-hand surf spot in Morocco Those who know the potential of Safi will never miss a stay here during their surf tour. The best seasons to surf here are winter and autumn.
With so many options along the Atlantic coast, it’s easy to see why these are considered the best surf spots in Morocco by surfers from around the world.