Lensed by Issam Naamalik of Classic Surf Studio.

At the edge of Morocco’s Atlantic coastline, where dusty cliffs meet glassy waves, the village of Imsouane is defined by its long, right-hand point break and the quiet persistence of its surf culture. It’s here that two local surfers, Marouane El Haimer and Youssef Erraji, are helping to shape a new chapter in North African surf culture.

We connected with both surfers through Instagram. What followed was an organic collaboration, captured by Issam Malik of Classic Surf Studio. We sent them a few questions. They sent back pieces of their world.

Here’s what they shared:

Marouane El Haimer 

Skater turned surfer, vintage collector, part-time musician

“I didn’t grow up surfing, I discovered skateboarding first. Through it, I met so many cool people, some of them surfed, and eventually I followed a friend to Imsouane, that’s how I discovered surfing. After COVID, I decided to move here and really focus on surfing.”

“I started longboarding because the waves in Imsouane are right for it… and I stayed with it because I found more freedom in longboarding than other surf styles.”

When asked about sun protection, Marouane states: “To live by the sea in weather that’s mostly sunny — you always need protection. The sun and the reflection affect your skin and eyes long term.”

When he’s not surfing? “Skating, collecting vintage clothing… and playing music.”

"you always need protection. The sun and the reflection affect your skin and eyes long term."

Youssef Erraji

Longboarder, dreamer with a plan

Youssef’s connection to the ocean runs deep. “I’m from a small village in Morocco called Imsouane. I come from a family of fishermen, that’s why I feel very connected to the ocean and I grew up spending a lot of time in the water. My cousin Ayoub was one of the best surfers in our village and every time I saw him riding the waves I was in awe and wanted to be just like him. He inspired me, so one day I bought a surfboard and I tried surfing for myself. Surfing makes me happy and full of energy. For me, a day without surfing is a day without purpose.”

Youssef prefers longboarding — no hesitation, but the connection he found in the lineup left the deepest impression: “Imsouane brings people from all walks of life. I had the privilege to talk and learn from many different people over the years. This has changed my mindset on a lot of things. That’s something I carry beyond surfing.”

As for sun protection? “I didn’t have any protection for a long time. In the winter I surf with a wetsuit, so I don’t have to worry. But now I also have a really good rash guard to keep me safe in the summer months, thanks to you guys!”

What’s his dream? “To become the best surfer in Morocco and open my own surf camp for pro surfers. And of course to keep surfing till I die.”

"For me, a day without surfing is a day without purpose.”

Protect the Ride

We believe that surfers everywhere deserve high-performance gear that doesn’t compromise on sun safety. Marouane and Youssef’s stories remind us that the soul of surfing isn’t found in the mainstream — it’s in the real lives of those who paddle out every day for the love of it.

Both surfers wear our Pipeline UPF50+ Hooded Rashguard, designed for long sessions under a relentless sun. Made from Hydra-Fit Italian fabric with ECONYL® regenerated yarn, it delivers UPF50+ protection, an enlarged peak to cut glare and shield the face, flatlock seams to prevent chafing, thumb loops to hold sleeves in place, and a low-profile utility pocket for essentials — built to keep you in the lineup longer — without the burn.

At Vampire Surf Club, we’ve got your back — literally.