Beginners friendly surf in nice spots

REVIEW · ESSAOUIRA

Beginners friendly surf in nice spots

  • 4.8129 reviews
  • 2 hours
  • From $34
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Operated by Essaouira surfing(surf and Yoga Retreat) · Bookable on GetYourGuide

First surf lesson, zero stress. I love the uncrowded beach feel and the fact that instructors like Adam or Momo are right there teaching the basics. One thing to consider: when the wind is up, you may share the water with windsurfers or kitesurfers.

This is a true beginner session in a safe, sandy setup. You’ll get picked up from the old medina area or meet at Bab Marrakech by Hôtel l’heure bleue, then drive to a calmer stretch where you can learn without constant chaos.

On the beach, you’ll suit up, warm up, and practice on the sand before you ever paddle out. The whole point is learning how to stand, not just taking one lucky wave—though you’ll still have plenty of fun trying.

Key things I liked about this beginner surf lesson

Beginners friendly surf in nice spots - Key things I liked about this beginner surf lesson

  • Small group (max 6): more attention and less waiting around.
  • Sandy start on the shore: you practice standing steps before you go in.
  • In-water support: your instructor stays close so you can correct what’s happening.
  • Uncrowded beach sessions: you learn in calmer conditions when possible.
  • Drinks during the break: a small touch that makes the session feel smoother.
  • English or French instruction: Adam, Momo, Simo, Simone, and others are praised for patience and clear coaching.

Where You Start: Bab Marrakech and Medina Pickups

Beginners friendly surf in nice spots - Where You Start: Bab Marrakech and Medina Pickups
The logistics are simple, and that matters when you’re trying something new. If your hotel is in the old medina or close by, you can get pickup. If not, you’ll meet at the entrance of Bab Marrakech, near Hôtel l’heure bleue.

Why I like this approach: it keeps you from getting tangled in the maze of the medina on your own. Surf lessons are hard enough without also playing navigation roulette.

Also, the meeting point being right at Bab Marrakech makes it easier for you to orient fast. You can arrive, check in, and move on with your day.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Essaouira.

The Full 2-Hour Flow: Wetsuit, Warm-Up, Sand Practice, Then Waves

Beginners friendly surf in nice spots - The Full 2-Hour Flow: Wetsuit, Warm-Up, Sand Practice, Then Waves
This is a tight schedule—2 hours total—but it’s built around learning in the right order.

After pickup, you drive to a surf spot with a long beach stretch that works well for beginners. Once you arrive, you put on wetsuits on the beach. The key practical note: wear a swimming suit underneath so you’re not stuck changing mid-process.

From there the rhythm is:

  • Warm-up on the beach (to get your body moving and your timing right)
  • Easy sand practice (step-by-step instructions for standing on the board)
  • Into the water with your instructor supervising closely

The session is designed so you don’t waste time guessing. When you practice the fundamentals on sand first, you reduce the panic moment that beginners often hit when they’re already cold, tired, and trying to balance.

Why the Sand Drills Matter More Than You Think

Beginners friendly surf in nice spots - Why the Sand Drills Matter More Than You Think
A lot of beginner surf lessons rush straight into the ocean. Here, the focus is on the basics in a controlled way.

You’ll practice easy steps to:

  • improve your stance
  • learn the sequence of how to move from lying or paddling to standing
  • understand safe body positioning before you’re dealing with waves

I like this because it turns surfing into a skill you can repeat. Instead of hoping a wave magically lines up, you learn what to do with your feet and balance—and then you test it in the water.

It also makes the session feel safer. Even if you’re nervous, you get a clear plan: do the steps, get the timing, then go out.

In the Water With Real Coaching: Close-by Safety and Quick Corrections

Beginners friendly surf in nice spots - In the Water With Real Coaching: Close-by Safety and Quick Corrections
Once you’re in the water, your instructor stays with you. You’re not just dropped off to figure it out.

That’s one of the most praised parts of the experience. People specifically mention instructors being near them while they’re swimming and helping with starting. You’ll also get support to help you do your best, rather than just telling you what might work.

Some sessions are described as very hands-on—there are mentions of one-on-one guidance for the full session, plus instructors taking photos so you remember what you actually learned.

And it helps that the instructors are described as patient and genuinely enthusiastic. When you’re learning something physically new, patience isn’t a nice bonus—it’s part of the safety system.

The Beach Conditions: Uncrowded Spots, but Keep One Eye on Other Water Sports

Beginners friendly surf in nice spots - The Beach Conditions: Uncrowded Spots, but Keep One Eye on Other Water Sports
The experience is aimed at beginners and highlights safe sandy surf spots, which is exactly what you want your first day.

That said, you should know that the ocean can get busy depending on wind and the time of day. One review mentions the water being crowded with windsurfers and kitesurfers, meaning you had to pay attention to other activities around you.

The good news: the provider chooses timing for better wind conditions, and the instructors guide you through what to watch for. In practice, this means you’ll still likely find a calmer learning setup, but you’re smart to keep awareness on the water.

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Price and Value: What $34 Buys You (and Why It Feels Fair)

Beginners friendly surf in nice spots - Price and Value: What $34 Buys You (and Why It Feels Fair)
At $34 per person for a 2-hour beginner session, the value comes from what’s included, not just the price tag.

You generally get:

  • Boards and wetsuits
  • Transportation to and from the surf area
  • Your instruction (including sand practice and close guidance in the water)
  • Drinks during the break

When you add those pieces up, it becomes less about paying for time on a board and more about getting a complete beginner package. Surfing has hidden costs—gear rental, getting to the beach, and paying for coaching—so bundling it into one clear fee makes it easier for you to say yes.

Also, small-group format (limited to 6) helps the math. You’re less likely to feel like you’re training in a crowd.

What to Bring and How to Show Up Ready

Beginners friendly surf in nice spots - What to Bring and How to Show Up Ready
You’re provided with wetsuits and boards, so you’re not hauling extra surf gear. But you should show up prepared so you can focus on learning.

Plan on:

  • wearing a swimming suit under your clothes (wetsuit change is on the beach)
  • bringing a towel and basic sun protection (even though the session is short)
  • having a swimsuit that stays comfortable once it’s wet

If you get cold easily, that’s also worth considering. Wetsuits help, but your body still needs a proper warm-up—which is part of why they start with it.

Who This Lesson Is Best For (and Who Might Want More)

This is ideal if you’re:

  • a true beginner who wants guidance on standing and balance
  • nervous about safety and prefers an instructor who stays close
  • short on time but still wants real instruction, not just a quick demo

You might want a different type of lesson if you already surf regularly and are chasing advanced skills, tricks, or longer sessions. This one is built to get you standing and moving safely, not to turn you into a pro in two hours.

For couples and friends, the small group format also helps. You can relax, learn together, and still get attention.

After Surf: Use Your Instructor for Local Tips

Beginners friendly surf in nice spots - After Surf: Use Your Instructor for Local Tips
One of the quietly useful perks in the reviews is that instructors don’t just teach surfing—they help you plan the rest of your day.

For example, you may get solid advice on where to eat afterward in the Medina, with mentions like Chez Raja coming up. Even if lunch isn’t part of the lesson, it’s a good reminder: your instructor is local and knows what’s worth your time after you’re done with the waves.

Should You Book This Beginner Surf Lesson?

Yes, if your goal is to learn surfing the safe, beginner-friendly way, this is a smart choice. The mix of sand practice, close in-water coaching, and a small group makes it feel well structured. The instructors are consistently praised for patience, and that’s a big deal when you’re brand-new.

Book it sooner rather than later if you’re only in the area for a short time, because the session is only 2 hours—enough to feel progress, not enough to kill your whole day.

Just go in with realistic expectations: conditions can shift with wind, and sometimes there are other water sports out there. If you can stay focused on what your instructor says, you’ll be fine—and you’ll likely come away with the best kind of souvenir: the first time you actually stand up on a board.

FAQ

How long is the surfing lesson?

The duration is 2 hours.

What is included in the $34 price?

It includes surfing boards, wetsuits, transportation, and instruction, plus drinks during a break.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is the entrance of Bab Marrakech, next to Hôtel l’heure bleue.

Do I need to bring my own surfboard or wetsuit?

No. Boards and wetsuits are included.

What languages are the instructors?

Instruction is available in English and French.

Is this lesson beginner-friendly?

Yes. It’s designed specifically for beginners, with warm-ups, sand practice for standing steps, and in-water support from the instructor.

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