Before the world went on lockdown, Morocco looked like the place to be.
From Ramzi Boukhiam, to Koa Smith and Billy Kemper's score, and Toryn Martin's recent keg, it had been an incredible run of waves in North Africa.
Morocco has attracted traveling surfers for decades, many of whom make the trip overland from Europe. While a North African surf trip is nothing new, there has been renewed interest in this land of long right-hand points and rugged, windswept coastlines.
"I think Morocco, we have huge potential, we have like 3,200 kilometers of coastline so we have a bunch of waves, from [the] north all the way to the Sahara, to the desert.
"If you're motivated and willing to drive you can find so many different spots," Moroccan pro Ramzi Boukhiam recently told the WSL.
Learn more about Moroccan surfer Ramzi Boukhiam ahead of the Pro Taghazout Bay.
For decades, surfers have been traveling through Europe -- hitting French beach breaks and some famous Basque spots along the way -- and then continuing on a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow stretch of water that separates two continents.
It's almost a right of passage, and one of the most iconic overland surf trips there is. But right now it's having a real moment in the surf world. So why is it all the rage?
It's a real adventure, with thousands of untapped waves just waiting to be found.
The surf and scenery are a contrast to the tropical saturation that dominates so many clips.
And it's a cultural experience, exploring a land that has been at the crossroads of many different cultures for thousands of years.
There have been some high-profile Moroccan scores recently, and this has put the destination on the proverbial map for a new generation of surfers, looking for new parts of the globe to explore.
Billy Kemper, before his injury, was one of them, along with Koa Smith and Luke Davis.
We've been cooking up something with Billy Kemper, Luke Davis and Koa Smith somewhere in the Northern Hemisphere this week. More to come…
And Australian freesurfer Torren Martyn, who has spent months exploring the Moroccan coastline, just dropped this clip which showcases what's got to be the wave of several lifetimes.
There's also a rapidly growing competitive surf scene in Morocco, which was on show at the recent Pro Taghazout Bay, which was treated to some pumping waves.
One thing is for sure, there's so much more waiting to be enjoyed in Morocco, and it's set to play an even bigger role in the surf world for years to come.
Have you had enough of the Pro Taghazout Bay action? We haven't either, so we're stoked to bring you a final recap of the inaugural QS5,000 in Morocco with more behind-the-scenes and comments!
Why All Your Favorite Surfers Wanted To Go To Morocco
Ben Collins
Before the world went on lockdown, Morocco looked like the place to be.
From Ramzi Boukhiam, to Koa Smith and Billy Kemper's score, and Toryn Martin's recent keg, it had been an incredible run of waves in North Africa.
Morocco has attracted traveling surfers for decades, many of whom make the trip overland from Europe. While a North African surf trip is nothing new, there has been renewed interest in this land of long right-hand points and rugged, windswept coastlines.
"I think Morocco, we have huge potential, we have like 3,200 kilometers of coastline so we have a bunch of waves, from [the] north all the way to the Sahara, to the desert.
"If you're motivated and willing to drive you can find so many different spots," Moroccan pro Ramzi Boukhiam recently told the WSL.
For decades, surfers have been traveling through Europe -- hitting French beach breaks and some famous Basque spots along the way -- and then continuing on a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow stretch of water that separates two continents.
It's almost a right of passage, and one of the most iconic overland surf trips there is. But right now it's having a real moment in the surf world. So why is it all the rage?
It's a real adventure, with thousands of untapped waves just waiting to be found.
The surf and scenery are a contrast to the tropical saturation that dominates so many clips.
And it's a cultural experience, exploring a land that has been at the crossroads of many different cultures for thousands of years.
There have been some high-profile Moroccan scores recently, and this has put the destination on the proverbial map for a new generation of surfers, looking for new parts of the globe to explore.
Billy Kemper, before his injury, was one of them, along with Koa Smith and Luke Davis.
And Australian freesurfer Torren Martyn, who has spent months exploring the Moroccan coastline, just dropped this clip which showcases what's got to be the wave of several lifetimes.
There's also a rapidly growing competitive surf scene in Morocco, which was on show at the recent Pro Taghazout Bay, which was treated to some pumping waves.
One thing is for sure, there's so much more waiting to be enjoyed in Morocco, and it's set to play an even bigger role in the surf world for years to come.
Koa Smith
In "BILLY: Chapter 4," the story of the big wave World Champion continues to unfold as he remains in unbearable pain after suffering a
From coveted magazine covers to Big Wave contest wins to a memorable run in the Pipe Masters, Billy was riding an incredible wave of
2019 foi um ano que definiu a carreira de Billy Kemper.
From coveted magazine covers to Big Wave contest wins to a memorable run in the Pipe Masters, Billy was riding an incredible wave of
The Smith Brothers recently took a microphone and camera out at Pipe to show you what it's really like to deal with the crowd on a big day.
Africa
Anastasia Venter and Daniel Emslie come out on top!
Lily Heny and Luke Thompson Win WSL Africa Regional Junior Titles
A big opening day to the final JQS of the season!
Upsets and big performances shake up rankings.
The third and final stop on the regional JQS for 2024.