Ananas Kitesurfing runs kitesurfing lessons in Essaouira, on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. People have been chasing wind here since this stretch of coastline first put itself on the kite map. Our school is based right on the beach in Essaouira, on the north-western coast of Morocco, a few hours south of Marrakech. The wind here is reliable and consistent, and it’s extremely rare to spend a full week without good conditions.
At a glance:
- We are an IKO and VDWS-certified school in Essaouira, Morocco
- Kitesurfing lessons and wingfoil lessons for all levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, children, and refresher sessions
- Group lessons: 2-4 students per instructor, one kite shared between each pair; semi-private: max 2 students, one kite each; private: 1-on-1 with dedicated kite
- Radio helmet communication during all lessons
- Equipment: Duotone kites (primary), North, Core, Mystic harnesses, Billabong and Hurley wetsuits
- Instructors: IKO and VDWS certified, lessons in English, French, and German. The only school in Essaouira with native German-speaking instruction
- Accommodation: selected riads in the medina (breakfast included), or beachfront Sofitel Mogador; packages from €610 per group
- Up to two sessions per day (late morning and afternoon)
- No-wind guarantee: only completed hours are charged
About our kite spot in Essaouira
Essaouira sits on a wide, open bay facing the Atlantic. The beach is long and sandy, the water is relatively shallow close to shore, and the wind blows in from the north and north-west at a slight angle to the shore. Safe for learners, and rarely crowded. There’s plenty of space for beginners to work without worrying about obstacles, and enough flat water further out for riders working on upwind.
The town sits right at the edge of the beach. After a session, you’re back in the medina within minutes.
Our kitesurfing season in Essaouira
The wind runs almost year-round, but the main kite season is April through October. During peak season the Atlantic trade winds blow strong and consistent from the north and north-west, typically 15-30 knots. July and August are the most reliable months. The wind tends to build through the day: mornings can be light, afternoons stronger. We schedule sessions to match the best conditions. Water temperature is cool compared to the Mediterranean but manageable with a wetsuit; air temperature in summer sits in the low-to-mid 20s.
Essaouira is the windiest spot on the Moroccan Atlantic coast, and we rarely cancel sessions for lack of wind.
Kitesurfing lessons we provide
We offer group, semi-private, and private kitesurfing lessons, plus children’s courses and refresher sessions for riders coming back after a break.
Group lessons run with 2-4 students per instructor. Students share a kite within the group, and all sessions use radio helmet communication so the instructor can guide you from the beach without wading out each time.
Semi-private lessons are capped at 2 students with one instructor. Each student gets their own kite. More time in the air, faster progression through body dragging and first rides.
Private lessons are 1-on-1: one instructor, one kite, entirely at your pace. For riders who want the most direct path through the progression, or have specific goals to work on, this is the cleanest option.
Our structured progression follows IKO and VDWS methodology. Safety briefing, kite setup and ground handling, body dragging, board control, and first rides. Each stage builds on the last. Sessions run from 2 hours up to 12, depending on your level and how far you want to go in a stay.
We also run wingfoil lessons in Essaouira, available as semi-private or private sessions. The bay works well for wingfoiling. Consistent wind and open flat water give beginners room to work on balance and wing control step by step.
Our equipment
We use Duotone kites as our primary kit. North and Core kites are also in rotation. Mystic harnesses, Billabong and Hurley wetsuits, and boards are all included. Radio helmets are standard in every lesson.
Our accommodation
We work with a small selection of riads in Essaouira’s old medina and one beachfront option. The riads are traditional Moroccan architecture with modern interiors: recently renovated, quiet, with rooftop terraces and daily breakfast included. Centrally located in the medina, close to the port and the main squares.
For those who want to be closer to the water, the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa sits right on the beach. Our packages combine accommodation with lessons and can be customised to your timeline and preferred lesson format. Packages start from €610 per group, including 6 nights in a riad and 10 hours of kitesurfing lessons.
No-wind days in Essaouira
It genuinely doesn’t happen often. But when it does, only the hours you actually complete get charged. The medina is worth a full day on its own. The port has good fresh seafood. There are hammams if you want to slow right down. Essaouira is easy to be in, and a wind-free day rarely feels wasted.
