Page 17 - The Gazette Autumn 2024

Morocco is known for its famous long righthand pointbreaks, and although summer isn’t peak season, we found swell-catching breaks for all levels.
Our visit welcomed individuals from across the Army, spanning all capbadges, ranks and surfing experience. After the feat of getting all personnel and board bags to Stansted, we flew into Agadir then drove to Taghazout – the surfing mecca of Morocco.
An interesting but sturdy breakfast of pancakes and boiled eggs fortified us, and we ventured daily from our launchpad, a surf hostel, to different parts of the coast. Tamri to the north and Anza to the south were our most surfed breaks, both exposed swell- magnets. Coming from the UK, paddle fitness was severely put to the test: as it turns out, daydreaming of surfing doesn’t quite prepare you for hours in the water.
At these locations, beginners progressed from catching white-water waves to ‘green waves’ and started to understand trimming, carving, and turning to stay in the ‘pocket’ of the wave. Advanced surfers benefitted from training in a completely new environment.
The highlight was on the penultimate day at the legendary spot of Imsouane – Africa’s longest wave. This iconic peeling pointbreak allows longboarders to glide for hundreds of metres – but not today! While unlucky with the swell, we still managed to get some
The exploration value was unbeatable, introducing our surfers to a stunning new coastline
long rides. Advanced surfers headed to ‘Cathedrals,’ a beachie on the northern headland for some advanced surfing.
Evenings in Taghazout were a cultural immersion, from joining the locals (and losing badly) in beach football to exploring markets. Evening yoga sessions helped release our paddling muscles, and at team dinners we discussed plans for the next day. When the swell was lacking, our ‘lay day’ featured a trip to the Agadir’s souks or self-exploring the local coast.
This trip wasn’t about guaranteed waves (anyone can take out a mortgage and go to the The Wave in Bristol), however the exploration value was unbeatable, introducing our surfers to a stunning new coastline to explore - one to venture back to when the pointbreaks are on.
If you want to get involved in Army Surfing, email the Secretary, andrew.ward395@mod.gov.uk
Cpl Helen Winpenny
The Gazette QARANC Association 17
A swell time was had surfing in Morocco!
Eighteen surfers from across the Army deployed to Morocco’s scorching deserts in search of summer waves to train for the Inter Services competition.