A morning of surfing in Casablanca

Learning to surf can seem a daunting task, especially if you're completely new to the sport. But it doesn't have to be that way! With the right mindset, dedication and by following the right instructions, you can become a surfer in no time.

To progress, try out different types of surfboard for different conditions - shortboards for faster turns and longboards for more stability in big waves. Given your low level, most surf schools will give you a longboard, which is reputed to be easier. Your surf instructor will teach you the "Eskimo Roll" technique, also known as the turtle technique, which consists of flipping the surfboard over, letting the wave go by, then coming back to the surface of the water.

If you want to take lessons with a reputable school, we recommend the Tahiti Beach Club, the largest private beach resort in Morocco. It was created by André Suire, a surfer who had spent time in the Pacific Islands. In 1950, he brought the first surfboards from Polynesia to Casablanca. So it was only natural that the resort should have its own school: the Tahiti Plage Club, which gives lessons (as its name suggests) on Tahiti beach.

Whatever your level or age, teams of instructors offer a wide range of surf packages and courses every week. The day's schedule is dictated by the sea, the waves and the tides. During the lessons, the instructors provide surfers with a wide range of high-performance equipment (boards and wetsuits) to suit their level and size.

If you're used to surfing, and just want to enjoy the swell in complete freedom, opt for the beach at Aïn Sebaâ. Located to the east of the Hassan II Grand Mosque, it is a favourite spot for surfers and bodyboarders.

For thrill-seekers, make the trip to Mehdia, 30 km north of Rabat, close to the town of Kénitra. It's a pretty beach break on the edge of an estuary. There's some great surf here, and it's pretty intense at high tide, especially in summer.