Surf Camp Packing List for Beginners: Morocco Winter Edition
A few years ago, here at Local Surf Maroc, we compiled an essential list of items to bring with you when traveling to our surf camp. This list proved to be helpful for most of our guests, offering them guide of necessities on what to pack for a memorable surfing experience.
However, we understand that every traveler has unique needs and requirements. And with this in mind, we have prepared a more comprehensive list specifically for our beginner guests who have never been to a surf camp before.
Travel Documents
Passport
Flight Confirmation/Boarding passes
Proof of health/travel insurance
Bank Cards
As we’ve brought up in our FAQ, make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity before flying out.
When you travel to Tamraght, Taghazout Bay, it's best to have both a debit and credit card with you. While Morocco is still largely a cash based economy, some places now accept debit cards. However, it's possible that your card might not work in certain places, so it's helpful to have a VISA and MasterCard option, along with a debit and credit card.
In Morocco, there is no public healthcare system, so it is important to have health and/or travel insurance. Make sure you keep extra money in case you need to go to a private clinic. Many insurance companies may not pay your bills directly if you need medical help during your surf trip and will only reimburse you later.
Daily Essentials
Flip Flops x2
Flat, closed toe shoes x1
Beanie x1
Sweaters x2
Long pants x2
Shorts x2
T-shirts x4
Long Sleeve shirts x2
Short Sleeve shirts x2
Wind Breaker x1
Socks x4
Usual Toiletries & Cosmetics
Travel medications (against headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc)
The surf season in Morocco is mainly during the winter, from October to March. Even though it's winter in Taghazout Bay, it doesn't feel like it because the days are bursting with sunshine. But remember to bring some warm clothes because when the sun dips, so does the air temperature.
While there are pharmacies close by selling many cosmetics, toiletries, and essential medications, if you’re after a particular brand it’s best to bring your tested and true products.
For some people coming down with gastrointestinal problems can come on suddenly and you’ll want to have a few things on hand instead of stressing how to get to a pharmacy and if you’ll be able to communicate with the staff. Thankfully, a lot more Moroccans do speak English and you’ll be able to get what you need with no problems.
Beach Essentials
Swimsuit x2 (minimum)
Beach towel x1
Sun Glasses
Hat
Small bag for your beach essentials
Sunscreen SPF 50 and/or Zinc SunBlock
After Sun/Aloe Vera skin product
If you have room for additional swimsuits like bathing suits or board shorts, we strongly suggest it. Changing out of wet and cold swimwear quickly is nice to warm up, especially if we end up surfing multiple times everyday. Dry swimwear is also more comfortable when you take a break for a snack or coffee.
Extras
Cash
Reusable water bottle
Power bank
Charging cables
Power adaptor
If you’re a light sleeper: eye mask and ear plugs
Laundry bag
Downtime essentials: books, music, movies downloaded
Feminine products
Morocco is a Muslim country and with that comes the presence of mosques. Regardless if you stay at the Surf House, the Surf Villa, or the Surf Riad, a mosque won’t be too far away ringing out 5 times a day the call to prayer. If you’re a light sleeper we highly recommend ear plugs.
Just as with cosmetics, if you are used to a particular brand of feminine products it’s best to bring those with you. The pharmacies and local shops do have some supplies, but they tend to be basic and with a very small selection of choice.
We hope that you find this list useful as a guide to pack for your first surf camp. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re here to answer any questions about your upcoming surf holiday.
Please note, while this is a comprehensive list, it is not exhaustive. It is your responsibility to pack what you feel you need for the week.