Suggested standard
It's the open ocean so you need to be a 100% waterstarter, able to sail a 100 litre board on the plane up and downwind AND, very importanty, be a confident swimmer.

About the Place.
Essouira lies on Morocco's west coast approximately level with the Canaries and is caressed (battered) by the same trade winds and Atlantic swells. Originally just a Bohemian town on the hippy trail, Essouira has developed into a chic multicultural resort. It comprises a fascinating mix of east and west - great hotels and restaurants and a unique atmosphere. The town spreads out along the bay so all the accommodation is just a short walk from the sailing area and the Club Mistral.

The Sailing Area
Depending on where you launch around the bay (and of course the size of the swell), you find either classic bump and jump/freestyle conditions or proper breakling waves. The wind is predominantly side-shore from the right. As you can see from the pics, the waves are beautifully formed but not death-defying. The orientation is perfect for cracking 'down-the line' riding.

Hotel Riad Medina
It's a really cool, Moorish, courtyard style hotel just back from the beach in the middle of town. Check out its glorious beauty on www.riadalmadina.com