Kite or surf with the family in Essaouira: what you need to know

Which sport for which age, which accommodation to choose and how to organize the days without overloading the children.

Par Équipe KSE Mis à jour le 30 avril 2026

Which sport for which age

Surfing from 6-7 years old

Surfing is one of the most accessible water sports for children. With a suitable softboard and a dedicated instructor, a 6-7 year old child can take their first foams from the first session.

Minimum condition: be comfortable in the water and know how to swim at least 25 m. The central bay of Essaouira is interesting for families because the bottom is sandy and the waves can be gentle at the right times.

Kitesurfing from 12 years old depending on size

For kiting, the threshold is higher. A child under 12 often lacks the weight and strength to manage the traction of even a small kite.

From the age of 12, and depending on the size, apprenticeship becomes possible. For teenagers aged 14-16, kiting can become an excellent choice if they are comfortable in the water.

And the little ones?

Between 4 and 6 years old, we're talking about a fun mini-discovery in shallow water, with a parent nearby. This is not yet a real technical lesson.

Adapt lessons to the family

Parallel parent-child lessons

While a parent takes an adult lesson, the child can take a child lesson on the same beach with another instructor. The logistics remain simple and everyone meets up at the break.

Family lessons

For families with teenagers or for quiet surf lessons, a family format with a single instructor can work. It's more user-friendly and more economical.

Mixed program during the week

Most families alternate 2 or 3 lessons, land activities and quieter days. It's more relaxing for the children and more pleasant for the parents.

What accommodation for a family

Pour les familles avec jeunes enfants, la villa est souvent la solution la plus simple. La cuisine équipée permet de gérer les repas et l'espace extérieur fait la différence les jours sans vent ou après une session fatigante.

Riad Villa Apartment

Type	For which family	Atouts	Limites
Riad	Couple + 1-2 teenage children	Charm, Medina immersion	Less outdoor space
Villa	Family 4-6 people	Space, possible swimming pool, kitchen	Often further from the medina
Apartment	Family 2-4 people, long stay	Independence, controlled budget	Comfort varies depending on address

Security: what we put in place

For children we are even stricter than with adults.

Anti-UV Lycra in addition to the suit depending on the season.
Helmet for kite sessions.
Vest for the first sessions.
Surf leash checked at each session.
Shallow water during the first hours of surfing.
Dedicated instructor close by.
Age-appropriate briefing, with simple words and visual instructions.

Out-of-session activities for children

Camel ride on the beach from 5-6 years old.
Horseback riding from 7-8 years old with suitable supervision.
Visit to the fishing port and blue boats.
Moroccan cooking workshop for teenagers.
Beach and games in the sand.
Medina on a short visit with a concrete objective: gift, fruit juice, crafts.

What we recommend for your family planning

Do not overload: one lesson per day is often enough for children.
Include a 100% off day in the middle of the week.
Leave room for the weather.
Eat early with the children, around 7-7:30 p.m.
Plan for rest: marine climate, sun and wind tire quickly.

Family budget: some guidelines

Beyond the KSE package, provide a margin for meals, activities and unforeseen events.

Meals excluding breakfast: around 60-100 EUR per day for a family of 4 depending on the addresses.
Children's activities: walking, horse riding, family hammam or excursion.
Souvenirs and purchases in the medina according to your budget.

Prepare a family stay

Give us the ages and levels of each member, we will build a realistic program adapted to the family rhythm.

Give ages and levels View packages