The Boiler Surf Guide

The Boiler Surf Guide

The first spot heading south as you round the headland of Cap Ghair is a zippy right-hander visible in the distance from the road. The prevailing winter winds blow offshore, making the area the capital of Moroccan surfing with several world-class waves within an hour's drive of each other, all centered around the town of Taghazout.

The right pointbreak called The Boiler is named for the rusty hull of a ship that sits just underwater at the top of the point. Its boiler is visible and gurgling at low tide. The wave is a quick runner that breaks along the urchin-covered rocks with a lot of speed and punch. Lower tides are best as they give it more zip but be careful at the paddle-out as the rocks are covered with sea urchins.

The place works from waist high to double-overhead and bigger, and when the swell is solid and the crowds spread out over the region's various waves. The Boiler can offer a dream session of offshore winds and overhead sets that will have you hooting your friends as you paddle back up the point.

Located on the far west end of the cape, it picks up more swell than the famed Anchor Point and is a good option if the swell is small. Camping in the dirt on the cliff will have you out at dawn, but there's nothing out there at night but stars.