|
Moroccan Bombs "No trip to morocco is complete without an evening in Marrakesh's main square"
Some words of advice passed to us by a friend who has spent quite a bit of time in Morocco.
So it was with trepidation that we set of from Northumberland and headed north to Edinburgh airport all packed up for our Ryan air flight to Marrakesh. Surf boats paddles and warm weather kit all squeezed into the baggage allowance and plenty of sun cream. This was to be our treat for braving the NE winter surf and snow. We couldn't wait for some warm weather paddling. As we landed we had big grins as it was about 30 degrees and very sunny.
Taxi hailed and boats tied to the roof we headed to our Marrakesh hotel and then on into Place Jamaa el-fna to be greeted by snake charmers, medicine men with their own take on Viagra for sale, monkeys, market stalls selling fresh dates, veiled women with henna tattoos on offer, camels, mopeds and madness all round. Welcome to Marrakesh. As the sun went down the place got even busier as food stalls are set up against the deep red backdrop of the buildings around offering fresh foods ranging from tagines that have been cooking all day in a city oven to kebabs grilled in front of you to sheep and goat heads brains n all ready to sate the keen appetite.
After another day taking the souks and sights we headed west for Taghazoute taking the local coach to Agadir and a taxi to taghazoute which sits north of Agadir and was to be home for the next 7 days. Arriving in Taghazoute we met a local guy on the street who sorted us accommodation in the form of a beach front apartment right in front of Hash point and the local fisherman's boats with a vista of anchor point in the distance. This meant we could hop in our boats right out front and paddle over to Anchors to take a ride on the most famous wave in Morocco.
We did just that. Sitting out back to get the feeling for the waves and work out the lineup gave us a chance to work out takeoff spots and check a few rides.
As a big set came through the surfers headed out wide allowing me to drop in and take the first wave of the set. A good solid head an half high with a fast steep wall to play on. Perfection a few turns and a nice roundhouse cut back and I'm flying along as the wave just walls and walls, I should kick out but the wave re sections and it looks good. I stay on and just as I hit the lip boom………. Too late I'm sat deep inside of the impact zone and take the next two waves on the head all the time aware that I'm being pushed closer and closer to the rocks. The waves come down with so much intensity the water is very aerated and sucks your boat and paddle down. After some reminding of who is boss the waves let me back out to the takeoff spot ready for round 2. I look up to see Tamsin on a bomb with a face of about 12ft she's setting her line and flying along before turning back to the shoulder and round housing back up high. A great wave on which to start the day.
After a couple of hours surfing and some great waves we head back to our place on the beach shower and hit the town... we'll have a pizza and coke as Taghazoute is a dry town being a Islamic place. This sets the pace for the next couple of days when we get up eat surf and sleep. Not much more you need in life really.
A couple of days in and were keen to check out some other spots so we hire a car and head out north, this coinciding with a dropping swell means that Tamri Plage is the spot of choice. We pack up our beach kit and drive laden up through the Moroccan countryside. Passing palm trees, cacti, huge craggy rocks, camels, goats climbing trees and arid landscapes makes for a great drive and it's hard to keep an eye on the road when you want to be looking everywhere. "LOOK OUT FOR THE CAMEL" shouts Tamsin as a runaway beast crosses the road and I brake hard to avoid it. I can bet that I won't be doing that many times in my life. Camel avoided we end up stuck behind a lorry carrying live cattle on the top of it. Driving here is fun.
We surf Tamri which is a nice beach break and feels a bit remote with hardly anyone about other than the inquisitive locals looking over now and again. Great waves though and it's nice to feel the warm sun on the face and the wet salty air as you paddle out to empty waves.
On the way back we spot an empty reeling right hander which we promise ourselves will be tomorrow's fun.
Setting out for the empty right hander we find a spot to park climb down the cliffs and make our way over the rocks. Urchins litter the rocks and you have to be wary of stepping on them and getting spines in your feet. We truly are alone here any mishap is going to have to be totally self-contained. No search and rescue here to pluck you from the water. It's a sobering thought as we kit up and head out. 6ft waves are picking up and peeling along the reef giving us a chance to work hard on our surfing. It really does leave you feeling alive and if you haven't done it yet, Pack up your kayak book a flight and go see something different……………
The rest of the time flew past and before we knew it we we're back in the cold North Sea. Luckily though the suns out and the water temp is on the up.
From here on in its down to hard training in preparation for the worlds in September with a west coast France trip thrown in for summer.
Many thanks
Dan and Tamsin
(Posted on the 6th May 2011 by Pete) |
RSS 2.0