I’d heard many a story (maybe true, probably not) regarding young females travelling in Morocco. It had made me nervous and yet as I sit slightly burnt on a roof top terrace four weeks after that initial presumption I can’t believe I had any doubts.

Taghazout is filled with wonderfully crazy individuals, most vying for attention but always in a charming and unobtrusive way. It is an invaded village taken over by the rest of the ‘Western world’ and although you know you are in Morocco- the burning heat, the camels, the melodic chant of the mosque- it is still predominantly geared towards the influx of tourists looking for winter sun and consistent surf. It is not surprising that when you walk through the streets the locals hoot, whistle and barter all for a little slice of your wallet. You feel like everyone is looking at you, you might feel a little self conscious but if you just take a look around you realise it is not just you it is everyone.

I am a beginner and surfing in Morocco is great fun, long sandy beaches make it ideal for me.  The Moroccan instructors have grown up surfing this area they know the rips, currents and tides better than anyone. It makes you feel at ease even if you are a little nervous to start with.

I enjoy being in the ocean but I’m not an everyday surf kind of girl, I like variety. Although Taghazout is a surf village and that really is about it, there are plenty of activities to participate in if you are like me. From quadbiking to camel riding, maybe an overnight stay in the desert under the stars; there is so much to see and never enough time.

I spent one very interesting afternoon in the Souk trawling from stall to stall fascinated by the colours and vibrancy. My friend and I were invited for tea in a spice shop which was dubiously accepted and subsequently spent the next 30 minutes being talked through various herbs and their remedies something I will certainly never forget and would definitely recommend.

Many people have written about travelling in Morocco and mostly about the surf, the culture and pitfalls of this incredible country. I have seen the worst of this area but also the best, the oasis that is Paradise valley, the perfect peeling waves rolling off Anka Point and the taste of fresh sardines on the barby. All in all I have not had a better four weeks and very much looking forward  to my return trip.

- Don’t be too scared to take the first step – because the first step is always the hardest.

- Look deep inside and find that inner confidence, if you can’t find it; simply pretend – just take a leap of faith and give it a go!

- The only way you build on confidence is by putting yourself through a challenge and proving to yourself that you can do it. 90% of the time if you think you can do it; you do… and if you happen mess up you realise that is isn’t that hard after all so are much more inclined to give it another go.

On my first day in Morocco, everybody was surfing Anchors, the infamous pointbreak in Morocco where you want to avoid rocks and locals at all costs (although I thought the locals were lovely!)

However I didn’t have time to hesitate, and certainly couldn’t come across nervous as I was the new surf coach! I paddled straight out and managed to get some nice rides. I had to swallow the lump in my throat several times, but the persoal reward for going out there was priceless and that session took me to the next level of confidence in my surfing. I love Ankas now!

Try to take a different approach; instead of checking the waves for how big they are check out how small it is…. Instead of being intimidated by crowds tell yourself to go out there and dominate…..if the conditions are crap use the session to remind yourself to appreciate it when it’s good. See situations as a challenge, a lesson waiting to be learnt rather than something fearful or uninspiring

Everyone has their own path so try not to compare yourself to anyone else, just focus on trying to do your best, seeing how your own natural style develops and embracing it.

Surfing is trying to make you a better surfer; a better person; unfortunately this takes perseverance…so just keep trying. There will be a point when you get the next breakthrough; whether it’s getting a green wave, connecting your turns or getting barrelled off your tits! And that’s when all your hard work becomes worthwhile, you just have faith that you’ll get there eventually.

It’s not hard to draw on the similarities between surfing and life, and for me it’s been as much about a philosophical and spiritual journey as a progression of my surfing skills. Surfing has a way of breaking you down, to a point where you really doubt yourself and your existence. When you’re ‘this close’ to jacking it all in or you feel like the sea REALLY has it in for you it can seem like it’s you versus nature…but I can tell you now, it’s not. It’s you AND nature, coming together to move forward, to grow, to evolve. Nature is simply testing you, trying you make you stronger, more committed, more focussed.

There’s a lesson in every single step of your surfing, when you fall off or go over the falls it’s just the water teaching you to concentrate on what you’re doing, not to hesitate, making you learn from your mistakes, making sure you improve. Don’t be scared you have to go through the process to get better.

So when things go wrong; and if you make mistakes; Don’t get disheartened. Don’t think about the surfer you want to be, be proud of the surfer you are already, of the hard work you’ve already put in and know deep down that you will get to where you’re going…. Its just a case of focusing on the current situation and being patient until you reach the next one.

Nat Fox surf coaches on our Surf Girl Surfing & Pilates week’s in Spain.