Windy Essaouira is an IKO-certified kitesurfing school led by Mohamed Achhibat, a multiple-time Moroccan kitesurfing champion. We run mobile kitesurfing lessons in Essaouira, Morocco, adapted to daily wind conditions. You always learn at the right spot, not a fixed one. Beginners to advanced riders are welcome, all equipment included. Our school is mobile. We teach around 15 minutes south of the medina, where the second beach offers more space, fewer crowds, and cleaner wind than the main city bay. Essaouira’s trade winds are what put this place on the map, and they’re the reason the wind chasers from across Europe and the world keep coming back.
At a glance:
- We are an IKO-certified kitesurf school based in Essaouira, Morocco
- Kitesurfing lessons for all levels — complete beginners to advanced; private, semi-private (2 people), and group (up to 4 students) options available
- Mobile school: we take you to the best spot for that day’s conditions, transport included
- Wind: Atlantic trade winds, 18–30 knots, side-onshore; April to October is the main season
- Lessons led and supervised by Mohammed Achhibat, IKO-certified instructor and Moroccan kitesurfing champion
- Languages: Arabic, French, English
- Accommodation available: Villa Amwaj, a 3-bedroom private villa with a pool, between Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki
Our spot in Essaouira
We teach on wide, sandy beaches south of the Essaouira bay — mostly around the Diabat area, roughly 15 minutes from town. The bottom is sandy throughout, which keeps things forgiving for beginners. Wind comes in side-onshore from the Atlantic, giving riders a safe angle without sending anyone offshore. There’s space to launch properly, and we adjust which stretch of beach we use based on that day’s wind direction and sea state. This flexibility is the main reason a mobile setup works better than a fixed kite school tied to one spot.
Sidi Kaouki, further south, is another option for riders who already have solid skills. The conditions there run stronger and suit experienced kiters looking to push their riding. Beginners stay closer to Essaouira until they’re ready for more.
Our kitesurfing season in Essaouira
The main season runs from April to October. Spring brings moderate, regular wind — good for learning, and beaches are quiet. June through August is peak season: the wind is strong, consistent, and almost daily. On busy summer afternoons it regularly hits 25–30 knots, so lessons are timed carefully, often earlier in the day when conditions are smoother and more controlled. September and October ease off slightly, giving cleaner, lighter wind that many instructors consider the best learning window of the year.
From November to March, the wind becomes patchy. Kitesurfing is still possible on good days, but the season is more suited to surfing. If kitesurfing is the priority, April to October is the reliable window.
Kitesurfing lessons we provide
Our lessons follow IKO methodology. The progression is structured: we start with kite control and safety on land, move to body dragging in shallow water, then on to water starts and first rides. Most students reach controlled riding within 6–10 hours. Some progress faster — there’s no rush either way.
We offer private lessons (one instructor dedicated to you), semi-private sessions for two people sharing an instructor with individual equipment, and group lessons for up to four students. Private lessons are the fastest way to progress. They’re also the option we recommend for kids, who generally learn better with undivided attention in a more controlled setting.
Surf lessons are also available for riders who want to spend some sessions on the waves rather than under a kite.
The crew
Mohammed Achhibat, founder and head instructor, is an IKO-certified coach and multiple-time Moroccan kitesurfing champion. He leads or supervises all lessons. He speaks Arabic, French, and English, and knows every corner of these beaches in every season.
Our accommodation
Villa Amwaj is a 3-bedroom private villa with a pool, situated in the countryside between Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki — about 15 minutes from either. It sleeps up to six guests across three double bedrooms, with two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor dining, a fire pit, a BBQ, and 200 Mbps Wi-Fi. Moroccan home-cooked meals are available on request from a local cook. Kitesurf and surf lessons can be arranged directly through Mohammed for guests staying at the villa.
