Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Skhirat Plage at the Oued-Cherrat river mouth is an exposed Atlantic sand-beach break where both left and right waves can be found, with conditions shaped by swell, tide, and river-mouth currents. Surf quality is described as generally good to powerful, with punchy wave energy and a shore break that can become heavy as swell increases. For wind sports, the area is also reported as wave-capable for kitesurfing, with sessions commonly linked to Northwest or Southwest wind patterns. In summer, a sea-breeze/thermal component often develops in the afternoon, which supports more consistent wind conditions. The beach is generally suitable for launching, though the launch zone may become narrower near the river mouth at higher tide. The main safety concerns are scattered rocks and strong currents/rip-current activity around tidal changes and after heavy rain near the river mouth. Onshore or cross-onshore winds can reduce surf quality, and kite activity may be restricted in crowded swimming zones during July and August. Because the spot can be busy on weekends—especially in peak summer—staying aware of swimmers and designated swimming areas is emphasized. For planning, multiple sources point to year-round operation for waves, while also highlighting that the best wind/swell combinations tend to show up in the warmer months and around low tide/falling tide for surf. A spring wetsuit with optional neoprene boots is commonly recommended for colder-season comfort, while a lighter summer suit may be sufficient later in the year.
- Exposed beach-and-point wave spot at the Oued-Cherrat river mouth
- Sandy beach launch area for kite sessions (may narrow at high tide near the river mouth)
- Good surf quality with offshore south-southeast wind preference
- Waves can hold usable size as swell increases (with heavier shore break on bigger days)
- Punchy, wave-capable beach-and-point break with both left and right waves
- Kitesurfing can be wave-focused and works with Northwest/Southwest wind patterns
- Sandy beach supports kite launching (launch area can narrow near the river mouth at high tide)
- Good overall surf/wave quality is reported for many sessions
- Exposed setting with scattered rocks near the river mouth and along some beach sections
- Currents/rip-current risk around tidal changes and after heavy rain
- Surf can be heavy on larger swell at the shore break
- Sometimes crowded, especially on summer weekends
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SSE
- Offshore directions
- S, SSE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Kite/wave conditions are reported with Atlantic weather in winter and summer sea-breeze influence.
- Reliability
- Regular surf and kite-oriented conditions are reported, but historical wind statistics were not provided.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gustiness is described as moderate, with some turbulence near buildings/dunes and around the river mouth.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Surf/kite sources describe medium-sized waves, with swell starting under ~1 m and holding up to 2 m+ / 3 m+ on larger days.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach area suitable for kite launching; it can get narrow at high tide near the river mouth.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch area can be constrained near the river mouth at high tide; moderate technical demands due to rocks/currents.
Through the year
Extremely crowded during summer weekends (July and August); quieter in shoulder seasons.
Rain is most frequent from November to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wave-capable kitesurfing with a sandy beach launch; reported to work with prevailing Northwest or Southwest winds, especially for wave riding near the Oued Cherrat mouth.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
More technical wave windsurfing when swell and wind align; described as less commonly frequented than surfing/kitesurfing.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
Possible in open water, but rocks and breaking waves make it more technical for foilers.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited due to rocks and wave/shore conditions.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed Atlantic beach-and-point surf with right-and-left waves, known to hold usable size when swell increases; river-mouth currents and scattered rocks are key hazards.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Best conditions are reported around low tide and falling tide; other sources indicate all-tides can work.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open beach-and-point setting.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore south-southeast winds are reported as best for surf quality; onshore or cross-onshore wind reduces quality.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold significant size up to around 3 m; the shore break becomes heavier on larger swell.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good wave quality / punchy fun waves are reported.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Also described as having peeling/punchy waves near the river mouth.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Short rides are typical, with better days reaching normal-length rides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides are reported as short, and other guidance places normal rides around 50–150 m on good days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat) in the full forecast view.
Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–10 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- NNE17°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.3 m11s period
- Temperature
- 13–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.9–2.3 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Jetty
- Currents
- Strong river currents
- Rip currents
- Heavy shore break
- Kiteboarding may be restricted in crowded swimming zones during July and August
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard coverage is reported (peak summer months).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited in the region, with seasonal lifeguards managed during peak summer months.
- Emergency Info
- Local clinics are available in Skhirat town; major hospitals are in Rabat and Casablanca. Emergency numbers: 15 (ambulance) and 19 (police).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism is reported.
Rules of the spot
Standard international right-of-way rules apply. Respect designated swimming areas during peak summer season.
- Kiteboarding may be restricted in crowded swimming zones during July and August.
- Check the river mouth sandbars, but be wary of rocky sections.
- Southwest winds can bring larger waves but may also feel gustier.
- For better surf quality, offshore south-southeast winds are preferred; avoid onshore/cross-onshore conditions.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Rabat
- Nearest Town
- Skhirat
- Nearest Airport
- Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA) ~35 km away; Casablanca Mohammed V International (CMN) ~75 km away.
- Parking
- Public parking is available near the beach and along the promenade.
- Public Transport
- Connected by the ONCF national rail network with a station in Skhirat; plus grand taxis serving the Rabat–Casablanca corridor.
- Access
- Easily accessible by car via the coastal road (RR322) between Rabat and Casablanca; located in the Skhirat area on the Atlantic coast between Rabat and Bouznika.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Arabic
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Accommodation options range from major nearby resorts to guesthouses and rentals in Skhirat town.
- Food & Drink
- Several beachfront cafes and restaurants serve fresh seafood and traditional Moroccan tea.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through local surf clubs and independent shops along the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage facilities are described via local surf associations and some beachfront hotels.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs may be available at local surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A coastal area along the Rabat–Casablanca corridor with beachfront promenades, local beach culture, and nearby Rabat attractions.
Quiet Atlantic seaside area with a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Convenient coastal corridor for beach stays and short regional trips.
One of the summer residences of the Moroccan Royal Family, located prominently on the coastline.
Historic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site in nearby Rabat.
Open beach sector described as having surfable waves.
Horse riding excursions along the expansive sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast.
Local dining spot known for fresh Atlantic seafood and traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Paved walkway ideal for families with easy access to beachfront cafes and safe swimming areas.
Family-friendly shoreline exploration mentioned in travel content.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat)?
The best overall months at Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat)?
Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat) works with SSE winds. Offshore directions are S, SSE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat) suitable for?
Skhirat Plage (Oued-Cherrat) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.