Who we are
5 minutes with Tamara and Nicolas, founders of Zen Surf Morocco
Nicolas has been a surfing enthusiast for almost 20 years. Together with his partner Tamara, they welcome you to a unique surf and yoga retreat on Morocco’s beautiful Banana Beach. Let’s take a look at their story, which led them to create Zen Surf Maroc. Surf & yoga: the perfect alliance!
Why did you decide to set up Zen Surf Maroc? What were you doing before?
Great question! Tamara and I both had office jobs before we decided to change everything and try the Moroccan adventure. I’d been to this magical spot in southern Morocco several times before, and had many fond memories. My dream has always been to live by the ocean and do what I love most: surf. Tamara is a certified yoga teacher and I’m a qualified surf instructor myself. We decided it was the right time to go ahead and do what we loved! Plus, I think it’s always good to try something different, a new challenge offers you the opportunity to become a better person. Not to mention the fact that I grew up in Africa my whole childhood, so coming to Morocco was a kind of homecoming 😉
Do you remember your first time on a board? How old were you?
I’m lucky that my mother lives on Reunion Island, which is one of the most beautiful surfing paradises in the world. I decided to try surfing at the age of 17, which is quite “late” compared to many people who started as children. I remember that the surf school didn’t have any boards for beginners, so they gave me a shortboard, a totally unsuitable board. I struggled for 3 hours in the broth without being able to get up. But I was so determined to succeed that I came back soon after and rented a longboard, which I was able to stand up on my first attempt. I’ll always remember it as the best thing I’d ever felt! The obsession with surfing has never left me since, and I’ve had some memorable sessions in Reunion, often crashing into the reef but always coming home with a big smile on my face.
If you had just one piece of advice to give to someone learning to surf, what would it be?
Look where you want to go! The only thing that’s easy about surfing is that your board will go where you look. Many beginners make the classic mistake of looking at their board instead of looking far ahead. This tip is a great help in keeping your balance and speed.
What’s the most difficult thing about surfing?
I’d say reading the wave is the one thing you can’t be taught. You’ll learn it with experience, which is also great because you’ll spend a lot of time in the water trying to read the swell lines and get in tune with the rhythm of the ocean. Being in the right place at the right time is essential for catching lots of waves and putting yourself in good conditions for the take-off.
What makes Taghazout the perfect place for surfing?
So many things! First of all, the water temperature, which rarely drops below 18° even in the middle of winter, is exceptional for a place that’s only 3 hours by plane from Europe and offers over 300 days of sunshine a year.
It’s a paradise for beginners, as our beaches are somewhat sheltered from the big swells, which means you can learn to surf in very safe conditions, with waves that are very easy to ride. We also have world-class point breaks for the more experienced (one of which is Banana Point right across from the surfcamp!). The wave quality in winter in our area is pretty exceptional, and many customers have told me they’ve caught the best wave of their lives during sessions where I’ve guided them, which incidentally makes me very happy! Not to mention the delicious local cuisine, warm Berber welcome and rich Moroccan culture.
Where do you hold your yoga classes?
We’ve built a beautiful rooftop terrace where you’ll have a front-row seat to admire the magnificent sunsets over the ocean and surrounding banana fields during your “asanas”. We’re also one of the only “real” surf & yoga retreats, offering daily classes with our talented resident yoga teacher.
What type of yoga do you offer?
We teach mainly Hatha yoga, which is the most accessible type of yoga. Our classes are adapted to the level of the participants and are suitable for all levels, with everyone going as far as they can in each pose (asana) proposed.
What does your home look like? What makes it different from the others?
We’re the only surfcamp located directly on the beach in the entire region. This may seem strange for a coastal area, but the topography of the region means that beachfront houses are very rare, and we’re lucky enough to be on the beach opposite a superb surf spot, making it a perfect and unique place to spend a sporty and relaxing vacation in our little oasis of peace while remaining very close to picturesque Berber villages. Our typically Moroccan beach house has been furnished for your comfort and decorated to bathe you in a soothing ambience.
What else is there to do besides surfing and yoga?
We can organize a multitude of different activities. At the top of the list are, of course, the traditional hammam and a massage at a nearby institute. You can also visit Agadir’s souk, one of the most famous in Morocco. We’re also close to the Aourir Wednesday souk, which is a colourful local market with mountains of fruit, vegetables and handicrafts. We’ll also be happy to arrange a visit to the Paradise Valley, a beautiful valley 30 minutes away with a lovely canyon at the bottom of which you can swim in beautiful natural pools. You should also not miss a sandboarding trip at sunset on the magnificient sand dunes North of Tamri. We also work with a local ranch that will take you on horseback or camel rides along the beach and through the surrounding hills.
Anything to add?
Tamara and I started the Zen Surf business in 2014 and are now very proud of how far we’ve come. The concept has been widely validated by a large number of customers who have returned home refreshed and with a big smile on their faces. We work hard every day to offer the best possible cultural and sporting immersion. We get exceptional customer feedback, and nothing makes us happier than hearing customers tell us they’ve had the best vacation of their lives! Many of them come back, which makes us feel a bit like a big family who like to get together to have fun in the waves, do yoga on the terrace and be Zen 😉
Book your session at Zen Surf Morocco
Visit the Packages page to find the perfect package to suit your taste and find out more about the unforgettable surf & yoga vacations that Tamara & Nicolas organize
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