Kitesurfing Lesson in Essaouira with a Moroccan Champion (IKO)

You are taught by Mohamed Achhibat, Moroccan National Kitesurf Champion 2025 and Moroccan Strapless Champion 2026. He is IKO certified and has taught on this coast for over eight years — you are learning from someone who competes at national level, not a seasonal instructor passing through. Lessons run at Diabat rather than the town beach. It is wider, emptier, free of rocks, and the side-shore wind is noticeably cleaner. It is where locals send beginners for a reason. Essaouira's northeast trade winds blow 15 to 25 knots from March to October and build like clockwork around 11am, so sessions rarely fall through for lack of wind. If a day does not deliver, you can reschedule or switch to a surf lesson. Groups stay small, every student wears a helmet and impact vest on a quick-release system, and the kite fleet — Duotone, Reedin and North — is renewed each season.

We pick you up in central Essaouira and drive eight minutes south to Diabat, a wide sandy beach with no rocks and steadier side-shore wind than the town beach. Your instructor checks the day's forecast, fits your gear and runs a safety briefing before anything leaves the ground. You start on the sand, learning to fly the kite: the wind window and its power zones, the quick-release safety system, and how to relaunch the kite off the water. Once you can steer it one-handed, you move into shallow water to body drag — pulling yourself through the water with the kite and learning to recover your board. From there comes the water start: feet into the board, timing the power stroke, and standing up for your first rides. Most people body drag in their first session and water start within 6 to 9 hours, usually spread over three sessions. If you already ride, you skip ahead. Sessions focus on going upwind, transitions, jumps or strapless technique, with video feedback on request. Every session ends with a debrief on what to work on next, then we drive you back into Essaouira. Bring a swimsuit, sun cream, a towel and water. Kite equipments are all provided.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.