When a family contacts me about learning to surf in Agadir, the first question is never about technique. It's almost always "is it dangerous?"
Honest answer: no, not if you do it properly. Surfing is one of the safest outdoor sports in the world when you choose the right wave, the right board and the right moment. That's exactly the coach's job — and it's even more true with a family, because I look after each person according to age and level, with nothing left to chance.
I've been teaching surfing in Agadir since 1982. I introduced the sport into Moroccan schools in 1994 — PE classes, Wednesday afternoons, week after week. Teaching children has been a big part of my career. And teaching parents who are learning at the same time as their children has grown naturally over the last twenty years.
Three age groups, three approaches
Gentle discovery, play in the whitewater, sensations on a stable board. No solo wave-catching yet — the goal is happy contact with the ocean.
Real initiation: paddling, standing up, catching a small wave on their own. Dedicated slot Saturday mornings as a group of children.
Real progression, technique, wave reading. Either in a family group or in the standard group lesson depending on level.
The Saturday-morning Minis slot
For twenty years, Saturday morning has been the kids' rendezvous in Agadir. Special group lesson for ages 3–10: play, safety, first thrills of riding, in an atmosphere children love. 150 Dh per child. Parents who'd like to surf in parallel can take an adult lesson at the same time — we work it out together.
Why family surfing works so well
Surfing together creates something no other sport does. You're in the same element, but each at your own pace. The child who catches their first wave alone sees their parent clap from the beach. The parent who stands up after ten tries hears their child cheer. The learning is shared, but individual — it's rare.
For parents who hesitate: no, you don't need prior surfing experience. Most families I work with are everyone starting at the same time. And it's often the parents who are more intimidated than the kids — children just go for it without thinking, that's their strength.
Safety, how we handle it
Safety is my job. But here's what happens in practice, so you can arrive with peace of mind:
- Choice of spot. For a family, I always pick a sandy-bottom location, no rocks nearby, with a wave that breaks far out and rolls in for a while. Not the pro spot next door — the one that suits your group.
- Choice of board. Foam boards for the small ones, wide soft-tops for the bigger ones, sized to each rider. A board that fits is 80% of the safety.
- Wetsuit. Provided for everyone, in the right size. Agadir's water is mild but we take no risks.
- Marked zone for kids. Children surf in a zone where they can stand. No entering the water unsupervised, no wave-catching without my go-ahead.
- The briefing. Before every session, we talk about the day's currents, what to do if there's a problem, and what to do if you get tired. Kids and parents alike.
I've had no serious accidents in forty years of teaching. That's not luck — that's attention.
Family pricing
Three options depending on what suits you:
Option 1 — Everyone in the group lesson
| Lesson | Price | When |
|---|---|---|
| Adult / teen group lesson | 150 Dh / person | All week |
| Minis group (ages 3–10) | 150 Dh / child | Saturday morning |
Option 2 — Private lesson as a family group (recommended)
| Composition | Total hourly cost | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | 400 Dh / hr | 200 Dh each |
| 3 people | 400 Dh / hr | ~133 Dh each |
| 4 people | 400 Dh / hr | 100 Dh each |
The whole family with me in a private lesson, at 100 Dh per person for an hour if you're four. Hard to do better.
Option 3 — Mixed (kids in Minis, parents in adult lesson)
| Family member | Goes into | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Children 3–10 | Saturday Minis class | 150 Dh / child |
| Parents | Adult group lesson | 150 Dh / pers. |
| Ideal if the kids want their own group and the parents want their own progression. Can happen in parallel on Saturday mornings. | ||
In all cases: board, wetsuit and photos included for everyone. Cash payment on site at the end of the lesson. See the full pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can a child start?
Age 3. At that age it's not really surfing yet — it's getting used to the water, the board, the coach. But it's precious: a child who has met the ocean early and well comes back to it for life. For real solo wave-catching, count more on 7–8 years old depending on size.
My child is afraid of the water — is that a problem?
Not necessarily. We start very gently, in the whitewater, ankle-deep, with lots of patience. If the fear is too strong, we never force — we wait, we laugh, we try differently. The rule is simple: no child leaves the water more shaken than they came in.
We're three (two parents, one child). How does it work?
Plenty of options. Simple one: all three in a private family group (400 Dh per hour for the three = 133 Dh per person). Mixed option if levels really differ. We discuss on WhatsApp beforehand to settle on the right format.
Do children need to know how to swim?
Yes, that's the basic rule. No need to swim far, but they need to be comfortable underwater and able to get back to the beach on their own. For the very small ones (3–5), I stay very close to them in a zone where they can stand.
What if my child doesn't enjoy it?
It happens. Better one failed lesson than a forced week. We talk about it, we adapt, and if necessary, we stop. No commitment — you only pay for the lessons you take.
Can I just rent a board and wetsuit?
Not from me — I don't do rentals. But Agadir and Taghazout are full of decent rental shops. For families who want to surf without a coach, I can recommend good addresses if you ask.
How do I book for the family?
WhatsApp +212 689 101 319. Tell me the number of people, the ages, the levels, and your dates in Agadir. I'll suggest the right format, with no commitment. You pay on site at the end.
First wave as a family?
WhatsApp, the kids' ages, your dates. We sort out the right format together in a few messages.
WhatsApp +212 689 101 319 h.pignoges@gmail.com