Oued de Kaouki (Sidi Ahmed Essayeh)

Oued de Kaouki is a windy, sandy Atlantic beach spot south of Essaouira that’s strongly associated with kitesurfing and also offers a distinctive river-mouth surfing setup. The water is described as crystal clear and cold year-round (around 16–19°C), with a beach that’s large enough for kiting launch and setup, though it can narrow at high tide near the river mouth. For wind sports, the dominant pattern is the Alizé trade wind from the North/North-East, typically reinforced by summer thermal acceleration later in the day. In the main season (spring through early autumn), winds are described as high/reliable, with moderate gusting. The reported thermal window is mainly afternoon in summer months (June–August), aligning with an overall best kitesurfing period from April into September. Kitesurfing is presented as versatile: long sandy shoreline, consistent exposure, and strong wave potential when conditions build. Spot-level guidance includes both beginner-friendly expectations in calmer periods and stronger wave riding for more advanced riders. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are more specialist activities here, with advanced-level descriptions tied to managing surf/waves and the shorebreak. For surfing, the river mouth can form sandbanks that produce a long, peeling right-hander (with faster lefts at times). The break is exposed, and strong North winds can blow it out, so morning conditions are often favored. Safety planning is critical: there are reports of strong currents/rip currents (especially in winter swells), shore break, and rocks near the southern end and river mouth area; the spot is remote with no lifeguard service, and medical care is available in Essaouira.