What size wing in Essaouira?

What size wing in Essaouira?

Adapt your wing to the wind, the weight of the rider, the foil and the actual level on the water.

In practice

The wing size depends on the wind, the weight of the rider, the volume of the board and the level. In Essaouira, the wind can really pick up in the afternoon. To avoid going through the session, it is better to seek advice on the same day rather than relying solely on a rough forecast.

The right size is decided on the beach

The forecasts give a direction, but the final choice is always made with the real wind. We look at the average strength, bursts, your weight, your level and your session objective. A beginner who wants to maintain stability will not choose the same wing as an advanced rider who goes to work the waves in strong wind.

In Essaouira, the classic trap is to rig too big because the wind still seems reasonable at 10 a.m. Two hours later, the same wing can become tiring. Plan for a fallback size that changes throughout the day.

Deux wings préparées sur la plage pour choisir la bonne taille à Essaouira

The reference table (intermediate rider)

Wind (knots)60kg70kg80 kg90 kg
12-166-7 m²6-7 m²7-8 m²7-8 m²
17-215-6 m²5-6 m²6-7 m²6-7 m²
22-264-5 m²4-5 m²5 m²5-6 m²
27-323-4 m²4 m²4-5 m²5 m²

Logic according to level

Beginner

Always take bigger than you think. A larger wing is more stable and generates more lift at low speeds.

Intermediate

If you have trouble staying on the foil, your wing is too small. If you have trouble controlling the power, it is too much.

Advanced

The choice depends on the style: wave riding with a smaller wing for control, freestyle with a wing that generates real power.

The ideal equipment for a week in high season (rider 75 kg)

4 m²

For long days in the afternoon (25-35 knots).

5-5.5 m²

For versatility (20-28 knots).

6-7 m²

For mornings and lighter days (15-22 knots).

A single wing

The 5 m² is the most versatile for a rider weighing 70-80 kg on this spot.

Moniteur aidant un rider à ajuster sa wing sur la plage d'Essaouira

A suitable wing is less tiring

The right size is not just for moving forward. It allows you to keep your arms fresh, to better control gusts and to progress for longer without suffering the session. For the students, this comfort is decisive: a wing that is too small prevents them from taking off, a wing that is too large requires force and degrades the support.

Read the wind before changing wings

Choosing a wing is not just about reading a number on Windguru. You have to look at the beach, the other riders, the color of the water, the regularity of the gusts and your current fatigue. Two sessions with the same wind average may require two different sizes if the gusts do not behave the same way.

At the start of your stay, let the team guide you. After two or three sessions, you will better understand how your weight, foil and level react to the local wind. You will then be able to anticipate more precisely: one wing to start early, another for the thermal peak, a smaller size for the really strong days.

The right size is the one that allows you to maintain control. If you spend the session opening your wing to survive, you're too big. If you pump without being able to take off when the wind is established, you are too small or your board lacks volume.

Practical benchmarks

Light wind

The larger wings help to get going but quickly become physical if the wind picks up.

Strong wind

A smaller wing gives control and reduces fatigue.

Rider weight

A heavier rider will often need a little more surface area.

local advice

The team adjusts according to the bay, the time and the actual forecast for the day.

Frequently asked questions

Essaouira riders guide · Local guides by the Seagull team

See all guides

A question about the conditions of your window?

Send your dates and your weight: we will tell you what to expect.

Google Reviews · Seagull Club Essaouira

What riders say after their sessions

A few reviews left after kitesurfing, surf and wingfoil lessons with the team.

Guillaume Gehot

4 reviews · 1 photo · 2 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Great place to start learning kitesurfing! Ayoub gives clear explanations, goes at his students' pace and helps you progress quickly."

Raphael Regi

Local Guide · 15 reviews · 3 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Thanks to the team and to Soufiane for his professionalism. He explained the basics of kitesurfing with a lot of technique."

Nass

17 reviews · 4 photos · 8 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Ayoub is a very good instructor and truly passionate about kitesurfing. He passes that passion on with a great mood."

S13

4 reviews · 3 months ago

Google
5 stars

"I had an excellent lesson with Ayoub, an instructor I highly recommend. He encouraged me and showed a lot of patience."

Jeanne Delpech

1 review · 2 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Very good experience here, good atmosphere, the instructors listen to us and give very good advice to progress in surfing."

Charlène LEGALOIS

Local Guide · 15 reviews · 1 photo · 3 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Thank you Ayoub Toulaoui, who was a great instructor! He is patient, gives good advice and knows how to spot the best waves."

Bryan Chaumé

6 reviews · 4 photos · 7 months ago

Google
5 stars

"First kite lesson with Sofiane. Very educational and friendly, he made us feel comfortable and we progressed quickly."

hakim

10 reviews · 2 photos · 8 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Amazing club! Thank you Ayoub for your teaching and advice. A real enthusiast who easily makes you feel comfortable."

Marc Cochard

9 reviews · 4 photos · 7 months ago

Google
5 stars

"We came to do wingfoil with friends. Faycel and his team welcomed us warmly, just like the previous year."

andréa buffet

2 reviews · 2 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Perfect for surf rentals. Very kind and cheerful people, I recommend Ayoub."

Steven Gueguen

6 reviews · 2 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Ayoub is a great professional. A huge thank you for the welcome and the advice."

thomas géhot

5 reviews · 2 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Great kite lesson, and thanks Soufiane for the advice!"

Joachim Sojae

3 reviews · 2 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Great experience with Soufiane, a top instructor. We'll come back!"

Charlotte Chefaroudi

10 reviews · 10 photos · 2 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Very kind, professional and attentive. Well located, ideal for surfing."

rad louda

1 review · 4 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Soufiane, the best of the instructors! Very friendly and educational."

Quentin Viala

9 reviews · 2 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Ayoub is great, very good session."

Malo Gueguen

1 review · 2 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Thanks to Hamza and Ayoub for these surf sessions."

Valentine Chevreux

3 reviews · 2 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Ayoub was excellent! Thank you for this moment."

Elena Vidyapina

2 reviews · 1 photo · 7 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Soufiane, top experience! Thanks for the kite explanations."

Pierre Archambault

Local Guide · 20 reviews · 9 photos · 7 months ago

Google
5 stars

"Thank you very much Ayoub for the explanations to discover the sport, it was great."

virginie guffroy

8 reviews · 1 photo · 1 day ago

Google
5 stars

"Hamza and Youns, great instructors! Thank you for everything."

Mathilde Bénézet

13 reviews · 1 day ago

Google
5 stars

"Best surf and kite instructors in Essaouira, we love them, we're coming back tomorrow."

Hélène Vincent

3 reviews · 1 day ago

Google
5 stars

"A great place to learn surfing. Thanks to Abdou, who was clear and encouraging."

Theo Inzirillo

4 reviews · 12 photos · 1 day ago

Google
5 stars

"Wonderful lesson with Ayoub, top instructor. Quality kitesurfing lesson."

Prune JULLIEN

6 reviews · 2 photos · 1 day ago

Google
5 stars

"Thank you very much for the kitesurfing lessons with Ayoub. Great instructor, attentive, patient and smiling."

Perier Romain

3 reviews · 2 photos · 2 days ago

Google
5 stars

"Fantastic kitesurfing sessions with Ayoub. Super clear instructions and a very nice atmosphere to progress quickly."

Farah Zeroual

1 review · 3 days ago

Google
5 stars

"I loved this surf session. Top team, top equipment, perfect for a good session."

G 1997

3 reviews · 3 days ago

Google
5 stars

"I had never surfed before and thanks to them I learned quickly. Good atmosphere, equipment in good condition, they take the time."

Marie Le Houarner

5 reviews · 1 week ago

Google
5 stars

"Great lesson with Youssef, I progressed a lot in a short time. Thank you."

lilian ponsolle

2 reviews · 1 month ago

Google
5 stars

"Great surf lesson and good advice with Soufiane. I recommend Seagull Essaouira."

Stefan Schröder

Local Guide · 34 reviews · 102 photos · 1 month ago

Google
5 stars

"I had booked a wingfoil lesson. The very friendly team adapted the session to the day's conditions."