The O Surf Lodge holds many happy soulful moments for me personally before its conception into the O surf Experience it is now. Back to pre-covid when there was still empty days in the Magic Bay. The Tayourt accommodation that offers laidback classic surf experience, minimal, simple but something special. With one of the best views in Imsouane, the simplicity, the raw energy of surfing, and the calming sound of the waves not only relaxes you but pulls your soul into the surreal moment that cocoons your whole being. The chaos of life falls away and your mind drifts into the rhythms of the waves. Since those days, I have watched The O Surf Experience has come into its own magnificent era. Offering an intimate and classic surf vibe that stays true to surf culture and slow living. While influencers and the instagram fame create the justified hype around O surf, it maintains it’s down to earth, laidback and unassuming energy.
[Ō] –eau
water
inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless substance.
Slow Down at O Surf Club
Classic long boarder surf vibe is one that is calm, with a balance of art & grace. The O Surf Experience is a similar energy. The lodge has a serene calm tone, while it is in the prime location, nested between the fishing port and the surf entrance in the bay, it still maintains a private and secluded feel. The sound of the waves muffling the sounds of the passers-by or people nearby. A real vis en vis with a private terrace, almost a one way mirror looking out into Imsouane. With a modest entrance, you step into the quaint & quiet garden and reception. The staff is welcoming, quiet and professional but of course that laidback surfer vibe obviously.
While it was a “quiet” day in Imsouane with small waves and long breaks between sets, I still found myself escaping the world for a minute sipping a tea, while watching & photographing the surfers. Even on a foggy day, the view in Imsoaune holds this mystical magic, the one that keeps bringing people back and made it world famous. It is what this chaotic world is craving. A moment of peace and tranquility, null of pandemonium. A place in the cosmos.
Sustainability at O Surf – The O values
One thing I love most about O Surf, is their dedication to sustainability and value system. Right there on the homepage they showcase this and the simplicity of the lodge maintains this, that simple, quiet decor that provides that calming effect, that subtly showcases the culture, beauty and development of Morocco itself.
- Save Water – No swimming pool for guests & water conscious (especially with Morocco’s limitations and minimal rainfall). Save the water for surfing.
- No Plastic Bottle – There is a water refill station & guests are encouraged to use reusable bottles instead of buying smaller disposable water bottles.
- Moroccan Artisan Furniture – All interior furniture is crafted by Moroccan Artisans, avoiding buying from large international retailers. Supporting local artisans, the domestic economy and reduce emissions.
- Refillable Soap & Shampoo – Rather than consuming single use plastics, toiletries and excess waste, O Surf provides refillable quality soap and shampoo in each bathroom.
- Local Food – We travel to experience local cuisine, and Morocco has an abundance of fresh and healthy options, while Chef can create traditional, modern and experiemental menus with sourcing locally only. Reducing emissions, food waste and transport while providing the freshest ingredients.
- Support Local Community – All staff are legally employed and O Surf does to offer volunteer positions, participating in social economical development of the Moroccan growth and surf industry. While they may collaborated with foreign influencers and featured globally, they very much value encouraging local growth and Moroccan business independent growth.
Slow Food Corner at O Surf – Healthy, Delicious, Local
O Surf offers an affordable, healthy and a mix of modern and traditional menu options highlighting what makes Moroccan food one of the best in the world while incorporating world travels into small accents within the menu. A definitely satisfying variety that is a foodie and surfer favourites like post surf smoothies and light but protein focused healthy and satisfying Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner options. The worst part of this menu…is choosing what you want to eat!
As mentioned, ingredients are as local and fresh as possible, supporting the local farmers, reducing food waste and transport emissions. However, the menu is anything but boring, the creative use of ingredients and using global inspiration to re-invent local ingredients but still providing those Moroccan favourite classics like Amlou, Harcha and Moroccan Mint Tea.
Those who practice Slow Food have one thing in common: an insatiable love for truly good food…
O Surf
Slow Food is not only about eating – it encompasses a lifestyle that is enjoyable, pure and just. It goes beyond eating “organic” – we serve food that is not only healthful and natural but also local.
Read more on their website to learn more about Slow Food and its sustainable and ecological benefits. Check out their menu here.
Surfing with O Surf, more than a surf school
While the influx of Surf Camps, Surf schools, hostels, etc. that have taken over Imsouane in the last decade, and the foam boards that pollute the bay into a sea of primary colors, O Surf is dedicated to sticking to its origins and values that reflect the slow learning, quality low impact surfboards and longboard classic style. Of course, they still offer safe learning experiences for beginners with foam boards and first time surf lessons for guests and the public, they are more focused on surfers looking for a more elevated experience that goes beyond surf lessons and yoga classes. They do offer daily lessons, welcoming those looking to progress and first timers too.
Read more or book your surf package here.
The Quiver at O Surf in Imsoaune
They offer high quality, and shaper made options for all styles and levels of riders. Longboard options from log, nose riders and more. Shortboards for more agressive styles like Thrusters, Pintail, Quad or more Freestyle like a selection go Fish or mid length options for those softer, smaller waves. With these options, you can surf all day switching from long boarding across the bay or carving the reef or point break on Cathedral. They offer a quality lineup of surfboards in their quiver, you can browse here.
Our quiver is unique in Morocco with some worldwide unique pieces shaped
L’eau
by legends and artists of their craft. We gathered them over years of surfing around the world.
Workshops & Retreats at O Surf Lodge
\Surf Retreats are pretty much the reason for Imsoaune becoming one of the most famous surf spots in the world. Once a local and exclusive group of surfers knew about the secret surf spot. But now that the cat is out of the bag, it is definitely not going back in. O surf embraces this with curated selected surf retreats and artisan workshops. Some past workshops include pottery, yoga and sound bath retreats, embracing O surf’s tranquility and viewpoint. O Surf has collaborated and is partnered with some of the most talented surfers such as longboard legend Kassia Meador from Kassia+Surf and local legend Jerome Sahyoun.
Interested in a collaborating Retreat or Workshop? Contact O surf to discuss or read more about them here.
Brand Shooting & Venue Rental
Want to rent the space to host your own Retreat? They offer Venue rental at O Surf. Create an unforgettable experience at O Surf for your surf brand or business with a specialized and custom surf retreat.
As mentioned, O surf has collaborated with many surf travel businesses and foreign surf groups looking to experience Imsoaune while supporting the local community and businesses. The surf lodge also offers the perfect backdrop for your surf, yoga, fitness brand or business. Another favourite of mine Salty Souls have shot here as well as a ton of luxury surf brands and surf influencers.
Contact O Surf Directly to discuss your brand shoot ideas or interest. Fill the contact form here.
Accommodations Only – Escape to O Surf Lodge
Bringing your own board? Or just looking for a surf lifestyle vacation without actually jumping in the water? You are more than welcome, you don’t have to be a nose rider or expert surfer to stay and benefit from this surf escape. They offer various rooms and stays that anyone looking for an escape from the grind and unwind seaside. While it was fully booked when I passed by to grab some images, you can check out their instagram, or website for photos of the rooms. The prices are slightly higher than some of the local rooms, it is a modest and high value cost for oceanside and the level of comfort and sustainable options they provide. You can check your dates and rooms directly on their booking system, but better to plan ahead, O Surf is always in high demand!
Follow O Surf on Instagram for daily updates and more photos, reels, events and more.
