Flights and airport transfers: We do not book your flights but we will recommend specific flights to Agadir or Marrakech airports for you to purchase. The free airport transfer supplied by your
host is to/from Agadir there is also the offer of a low cost transfer from Marrakech so that you can take advantage of cheaper fares. If you have any questions about these transfers or coming to the villa via
another route just drop us a line. You can fly to Morocco from London, Manchester and Birmingham. Easyjet flights from Gatwick to Agadir is often the cheapest route.
Visa’s
Visas are not required for British and European passport holders for stays up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for three months from the date of entry into Morocco. South African passport holders
need to obtain a visa from the nearest Moroccan embassy.
We are happy to recommend some great Riads in Marrakech if you wish to stay there for additional days, it is also possible to extend your stay in Taghazoute, please ask when you book.
Communications
Nearly all European mobile phone networks work in Morocco. Contact your network for call charges. Coverage is good. There are also an abundance of public phones, coin and
cards, in Taghazout. International call charges are relatively cheap. There is wifi in the villa and an Internet café with a good connection in Tagahzoute,a few minutes walk from the Villa.
Currency
The Moroccan currency is the Dirham. Dirhams can only be obtained within Morocco. There are exchange facilities in the airport as well as ATMs. We recommend you get money out of the ATM in the airport on arrival. There are also a number of ATMs in Agadir and
one in Bananna Village (5 minutes drive). There are no ATM’s in Taghazout. Please note: traveller’s cheques cannot be exchanged at the airport or in Taghazout and only in a few places in Agadir.
Apres Surf
You cannot buy alcohol in the village however it is ok to drink in the privacy of the villa. Remember to pick up some duty free!
Clothing
Morocco is regarded as one of the most tolerant of all Muslim countries and women don’t get hassled too much particularly in tourist cities like Agadir or relaxed villages like Taghazout. Swimming costumes and bikinis are normal on the beach but it is advisable to cover up arms and legs when walking around the village and town. Shorts and tees and flip flops are the norm. Trousers and jumpers are sometimes needed particularly in the evenings which can be chilly. A hoody is recommended for the evening. A 3/2mm full wetsuit is recommended.
Non Surfers/Bodyboarders
If you have a non- surfing partner or friend - no problem! We can organise day trips to Essouira, yoga, trips to the souk, quad biking, horse riding, and of course there is the beach and the villa is a great place to relax and sunbathe!
Baggage and Equipment:
PLEASE CHECK YOUR BAGGAGE SIZE, NUMBER AND WEIGHT ALLOWANCE WITH YOUR
AIRLINE.
Essentials (Please remember all products required for the trip - just about - are available through Bodyboard-Depot.com!)
One clothing bag — suitcase or backpack One summer weight (3/2mm) wetsuit or if you prefer a ‘shorty’ wetsuit will be fine (if you feel the cold bring a full suit!).
A couple of pairs of well fitting boardshorts/ bikini/swimming costume.
A Lycra rash vest. One or two bodyboards in a bag with a leash. (Pack in a protective, padded board bag. Write fragile and Top Load Only on it in permanent marker, If you’re travelling with a wetsuit, wrap it around your board inside your board bag, then wrap towels around as well for added protection, if you can lock the zips with a travel padlock then do so).
One pair of swim fins (plus spares if you have them).
A pair of flipper slippers or fin socks.
Wax.
Money/Debit/credit card.
Tickets/ Travel itinerary.
Make sure that you pack any medication needed during the coaching week.
Make sure that you advise Rob and his coaching staff of any medical complaints/conditions prior to the trip.
Bedding is supplied (sleeping bags are not required.)
No jabs are required for Morocco.
Toiletries and First Aid (Optional but recommended):
First aid kit containing: Scissors, bandages, plasters, antiseptic, sting cream, burn cream, steri- strips, Betadine, pain killers, Compeed pads for fin rubs (available from the chemist).
Sun protection — cream, hat, after sun etc. Toiletries — including Vaseline for wetsuit rubs and talcum powder for sweat rash. Place shampoo etc. in a separate sealed carrier in case of leakage. Ear plugs / Blue Tac (if required). Bottle or flask to carry water at all times.
Documentation
Passport,Guide Book/destination info — photocopies are easier to carry. Health & safety Online medical advice for travellers can be found here: atwww.doh.gov.uk. Otherwise, for medical advice regarding
your journey, please contact your GP or the Department of Health, Health Literature Help Line on
freephone 0800 555777. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issues up to date information on safety issues for many countries world-wide. Contact the FCO Travel Advice line on 020 7238
4503/4504, BBC Ceefax or www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
Randoms
Travelling entertainment — iPod, books, copy of ThreeSixty(!) etc.
Swiss Army knife — Ensure all sharp objects are put in your main luggage bag that is to be placed in the hull. Alarm clock. Camera,
memory card and journal. Mobile phone: change answer phone
message on your mobile to say that you’re away so to send text messages if possible. Also ring up your service provider and make sure that your phone will work abroad (if you require it). Pack a couple
of bin bags. Often not available in foreign countries, they’re handy for transporting wet gear around or protecting your dry kit from the rain.
Final Checklist
The next thing to do is choose the week/s that you want to spend with us, Check out Flight prices and availability (booking early means cheaper flights!). Fill in the online forms and email them to us. Feel free to call us with any questions: 01637 879571.
