Morocco: Essaouira
ESSAOUIRA RANGE FINDER
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KITESURFING HOLIDAYS - MOROCCOTHE LUREMorocco is at the top of Northern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. A short hop from Europe, Essaouira is a picturesque traditional fishing town that has retained its culture with a charming, bustling old medina by the harbour. The icing on the cake is that it's also Morocco's windiest town with a vast sandy beach that stretches for three miles. THE SET UP:The best kiting is found towards the left side of the bay, away from the town, where the beach is less crowded and the wind is more constant. The curved shape of the bay and cross-on winds make it safe and kite schools offer safety boat assistance. Protected by the Mogador Islands and harbour, cross-shore winds from the right offer ideal conditions for beginner to expert. Find flat water up close to the medina (where the wind is a little gustier), open water in the middle of the bay and waves and clean winds in the downwind corner. In the summer this is a great spot for getting in to waves. There are also some other fantastic spots close-by. Advanced wave riders head to Moulay Bouzarktoune and Sidi Kaoki, both just out of town. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER:The huge temperature differences in land and sea accelerate the summer northeasterly trade wind in the afternoon. Generally blowing from the north / northeast 15 - 25 knots, during the summer months of July and August this increases considerably, up to 40 knots. Consistent winds from April – September. Out of the water it's very warm when the wind drops. Constant water temperatures 17 – 20°C / 63 - 68°F, but with the wind it's recommended you wear a wetsuit all year. Bigger waves in winter with the wind coming from the south. Conditions aren't guaranteed then, but still good for about 60% of the time. GET AROUND:The kite spots are just a ten minute walk from town. You may want a car for outside the medina or to get to other great spots. It's usually €30 per day. Car hire certainly isn't essential though as most things are walking distance and taxis are cheap and reliable. Daily kite trips to other spots can be organised by the kite schools. ACCOMMODATION:The character of accommodation is hard to beat; from local guest houses and stunning hotels to riads – from the basic to mini luxury palaces. Some riads come with your own cook! FOOD AND DRINK:There's everything from supermarkets to pharmacies here. Eating out is quite cheap and there's a great selection of restaurants serving international cuisine. Hot tip for traditional food: Ramsess. Lots of places don't serve alcohol, but you'll find some spots to slip a few down. Essaouira is more about great days and good food than all-night parties, but there are a couple of clubs. NO WIND:SUP and surf trips, camel riding, quad biking, horse riding, fishing and more. Take a traditional cookery course or go do some shopping - if you're short of a rug, you'll pick up a beauty here! AIRPORT:Marrakesh (RAK) airport is a two hour drive / taxi. Bus from the centre of Marrakech by Supratours of CTM cost around €10 each way. Agadir (AGA) is a little further. Explora and Kite Morocco both offer transfers if necessary. SCHOOLSKITE MOROCCO offers courses for all levels every day all year on North and Ion gear. All instructors are IKO and FFVL certified. SUP, kayak, surfing, transfers, gear rental, pro camps with world champs and more. Full safety boat cover provided. EXPLORA is a family run watersports centre open all year, teaching all levels and styles with safety boat cover. North and Best gear, storage and full package holidays offered: accommodation, transfers, guides, surfing, windsurfing etc. CLUB MISTRAL TRAVEL AGENTS:SPORTIF USEFUL LINKS:
Riders who have included Morocco, Essaouira as one of their Top Places to Ride are: Jo Wilson, Kirtsy Jones, Nick Jacobsen |
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