Surfing & Nutrition: The Best Moroccan Post-Surf Food

We’ve all been there: that raging hunger that hits the second you step out of the water. I definitely have, there’s not a single session where I don’t find myself in the shower, starving and dreaming of all the Moroccan food. It’s no surprise really, because surfing is an intense full-body workout. And when you burn calories, you’ve gotta replace them! But let’s be honest, smashing a Big Mac after every session doesn’t exactly fuel recovery the right way. Even though, yes, carbs are essential post-surf.

So... what should you be eating after a surf session? I dove into the internet (and my own nutrition knowledge, I know a little!) to find the best, most realistic answers. Because who seriously wants a sad salad after getting pounded by waves? Not me.

Carbs = Fuel for your body

Let’s be real. After a few hours in the water, your body feels like it’s been drained. That’s where carbs come in. They refill your glycogen stores and help you recover. But that doesn’t mean diving into a plate of fries or smashing a chocolate bar (even though, yes, I do that sometimes too). Try these instead:

• Chicken & Vegetable Tagine with Couscous or bread – Light, filling, and packed with goodness.

• Harira Soup with Bread – Full of protein and fiber to help you recover.

• Date & Nut Oat Bowl – Perfect if you want something quick and energizing after a morning surf.

Protein: Your muscles will thank you

Surfing works your muscles hard, so a bit of protein goes a long way to help recovery. No need for fancy shakes, just enough to let your body repair itself:

• Eggs with Kefta (meatballs) on bread – Scrambled or in an omelet, Moroccan-style preserved meat gives a flavorful protein boost.

• Loubia (white bean) stew with bread – Full of protein and fiber, hearty but not heavy.

• Grilled sardines with lemon – Fresh, simple, and packed with protein.

• Greek-style yogurt with Amlou (almond butter) and honey – A sweet, light option to refill after a morning surf.

  
  

Fats: The long-lasting energy source

Fats might not be the first thing you think of after surfing, but they help you stay full and give your body steady energy. Moroccan-style options:

• Amlou on bread – A delicious spread made from argan oil, almonds, and honey. Sweet, nutty, and full of healthy fats.

• Avocado with olive oil and lemon – Simple, nutrient-dense, and fresh. Perfect on bread or as a quick snack.

• Nuts and seeds – Almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds, easy to snack on or sprinkle over yogurt.

• Grilled sardines or mackerel with olive oil – Packed with healthy fats and omega-3s for joint recovery.

  
  

Don’t Forget to Hydrate

After a session in the waves, you’ve probably lost more fluids than you realize. Water is always best, but if you’re feeling wiped out, try:

• Coconut water – Sweet, refreshing, and full of electrolytes.

• Amlou smoothie with milk or almond milk – Nutty, energizing, and uniquely Moroccan.

• Mint tea with a touch of honey – Hydrating and soothing after a hot surf.

Me? Sometimes I go for an ice-cold Coca-Cola Zero. Not the healthiest, but sooo satisfying, especially when it’s freezing and fizzy.

Cheat Meal? Absolutely.

Let’s be real, sometimes you’ve earned that burger, fries, chocolate bar or pizza. Balance is everything. If you surf most days, stick to nourishing Moroccan foods most of the time: tagines, couscous, harira, eggs with kefta… But once in a while? Go for your favorite treat.

So next time you get out of the water and your stomach’s growling, skip the sad salad and go for something that actually refuels you and makes you happy.

Eat well, surf better… and maybe head back out for another session!

Stay stoked,

@onthewayve