Chasing Horizons: Issam Naamalik of Classic Surf Studio Captures Ikram Jabbari on the Shores of Imsouane
On the coast of Morocco lies the picturesque fishing village of Imsouane, a coveted destination for surfers that boasts some of the longest waves in the country.
We caught up with Issam Naamalik, Photographer and Surfer of Classic Surf Studio, who captured these stunning visuals of Surfer/Model Ikram Jabbari in our Keramas Hooded Rashguard for women and Trestles Springsuit with an integrated surf hat.
Issam's journey into photography began during a challenging yet transformative period of his life. "I started surfing at an early age, about 10 years old," Issam recalls. "When I was 13, I got into a motorbike accident, which left me in a wheelchair for a couple of years. During that time, I couldn't do what I loved, but being in the hospital made me realize I wanted to be around the ocean and the people I love, but I didn’t want to be there without doing anything. So, I grabbed a camera and started filming my friends."
This newfound passion for photography grew rapidly. "I got my first camera, a Canon 100D, with money I saved up," Issam continues. "I just went to the beach with my friend and started filming him. Soon, people began asking, ‘Hey, can you film me for a session?’” Issam began by filming people at the beach for a small fee. Gradually, his work gained more recognition and demand, eventually turning his passion into a full-time career.
“Photography really changed my life and gave me the opportunities to travel and see the world." - Issam Naamalik
Imsouane, with its unique charm and long, rolling waves, offers a surfing experience unlike any other.
"It just feels like heaven. There are long waves, beautiful sunny weather, and great people. There's a wave for everybody, even if it’s crowded and you have an incredibly beautiful background while you're surfing, surrounded by mountains. It’s truly special to be in the water here, especially early in the morning during sunrise and at sunset." - Issam Naamalik