Overview
Mehdiya is the cradle of surfing in Morocco, first ridden back in 1964 when a board turned up at the nearby US military base. The waves break over sand and peel right, and the pick of the bunch is the Moone righthander running along the south jetty. Sheltered from northerlies and happy to take some size, it is the most reliable option here.
When It Works
Mehdiya draws its swell from west to north and is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, so it has a broad working window from small days up to solid, sizeable swells. Beyond the Moone, there is more to explore: Chlihat sits past the north jetty, the rivermouth switches on when it gets big enough to fire up Charatane's left, and the town beachbreaks are a good summer bet.
Wind and Tide
Look for southeast offshore wind to clean it up. It comes in on mid and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers. The lineup can get crowded when it is working, and strong rips run through here, so pick your moments and keep an eye on the current. After rain, expect some pollution around the rivermouth.
Access
Mehdiya is a busy resort through the summer. There is camping and a lifeguard on hand, plus free parking and roadside spots to leave the car.
