A surfing trip with the girls to a spot called Aourir in Morocco to learn how to surf stand-up paddle with an Itiwit 9’ inflatable surf sup
"I have been paddle boarding since I was 7, but have never had the courage to give surf sup a go. I’m scared of injuring myself, scared of not being any good, a bit scared of everything in fact.~
We left from Nantes on 09 March (really low cost flights to Morocco). Katia took her rigid surf sup with her and I had my inflatable surf sup. We had to load her board onto the roof of the car to go to the airport, whereas my sup bag was in the boot with the luggage. I also took my detachable and adjustable 900 carbon paddle and double action hp pump. And it all fitted in my sup bag with my wetsuit as well.~
I rode my first waves the very next day at a perfect Sup spot in Aourir, between Agadir and Taghazout. Instructed by my coach Jonathan, I managed to position myself correctly and to do several take-offs (when you start off in the wave). I love it!~
Our accommodation was at Riad Imourane in Tamghat. Jonathan came to collect us every morning at 9 AM. We spent between2 and 3 hours in the water and then he took us to one of the small restaurants overlooking the ocean for lunch, which was absolutely amazing! Every evening we had a photo and video debriefing to work out what we were doing wrong to try and correct it the next day.
Physically, it was a bit tough. I discovered muscles I didn’t know I had. My shoulders were like jelly despite the fact that I do a lot of touring sup. I fact, I realised that we were paddling just as much in surf sup, but even more vigorously to catch the wave. ~
Our group of girls aged between 45 and 69 was of varying levels in terms of skill, but we all shared the same aim: having a great time without too much hassle. Two of my friends, who are pretty good at surf, sup gave me the benefit of their advice and experience, as well as that from the coach. It was a really great girls’ week, without any discrimination in terms of level, and characterised by sharing : lots of laughter in the water when one of us took a nose dive. I think I was definitely the champion for the most impressive falls!
I am so pleased that I took the Itiwit 9’ inflatable surf sup board. It is ultra stable, handling is great, and it makes it possible to stay on the crest (point at which the wave is breaking ) without too much effort. This board is also very reassuring when you know that you are going to get thrown around regularly by the waves. It is an ideal board for beginners and those wanting to progress. I’m looking forward to being able to handle it even more skilfully and to do little rollers (turns at the top and bottom of the wave). After the week away, I was definitely rid of any apprehension I had about going into the waves on a surf sup.
In fact, I just lacked strength, especially for energetic paddling. I had just finished a week of seasonal relocations at my Decathlon store in Anglet. So I was pretty tired before we left.
I can’t wait for the summer and its little waves so that I can get back out on the water and have fun with my friends!"
Pascale
