Ready to move beyond The Bay? Cathedral Point is Imsouane’s punchier, more exposed wave, a favourite of intermediate and advanced surfers. Discover where it is, how it breaks, which boards work best and the safety tips to know before you paddle out.
Most visitors to Imsouane come for The Bay, the famous long right-hander. But on the other side of the village there is a second wave that many intermediate and advanced surfers prefer: Cathedral Point. Faster, punchier and more exposed to swell, it is where you go once you have outgrown the gentle bay. Here is what you need to know before paddling out.
Cathedral Point sits on the opposite side of the headland from The Bay, below the cliffs at the northern end of the village. It takes its name from the tall rock formations on the hillside that, seen from the water, look a little like the outline of a cathedral. It is a short walk from most accommodation in the village, and you can watch the waves from the cliff top before deciding whether to go in.
Unlike The Bay, Cathedral faces the open Atlantic and picks up much more swell. The result is a more powerful wave with steeper faces, shorter rides and more sections to work with. It can offer both rights and lefts depending on the swell direction and the sandbanks, and it handles bigger days well.
If you are still learning to turn and read waves, stay at The Bay. Its slow, long rides are perfect for building skills. If you can comfortably take off on green waves, trim along the face and duck-dive or turtle-roll through white water, Cathedral will give you more speed and more challenge. Many surfers in Imsouane split their day: a long session on The Bay in the morning, then Cathedral when the tide and swell line up.
Cathedral changes a lot with the tide and the sandbanks, so conditions can vary from week to week. Local surfers generally watch it from the cliff before committing. Ask a local surf guide or your instructor which tide is working best at the moment. Wind matters too: mornings are often cleaner, before the afternoon wind picks up.
If you are an improving surfer, a guided session or coaching at Cathedral is the best way to discover the wave safely. A guide knows the channels, the best tide and how the banks are working. Video coaching is especially useful here, as the faster waves quickly show weaknesses in your stance and turns.
After a session at Cathedral, walk back into the village for a grilled-fish lunch at the port. Our guide to what to eat in Imsouane has the best dishes. Not sure what wetsuit to bring? Read our month-by-month wetsuit guide.
Cathedral Point is the natural next step after The Bay. Book a surf guiding session or coaching package, pick a good swell and enjoy one of the most fun waves on the Moroccan coast.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our friendly local team knows Imsouane inside out and is happy to help you plan your trip.
+212 613 373 911
hello@imsouaneguide.com
