October 2025 — Our journey to North Africa’s surf capital
Morocco has quickly become one of the world’s most exciting surf destinations. With year-round waves, a growing surf culture, and a surge of new surf schools, it’s a natural fit for sustainable innovation. When Turtl joined the Taghazout Surf Expo this October, we had one goal: bring high-quality, eco-friendly wetsuits to a market ready for change.
Why Morocco?
Despite its booming surf scene, Morocco faces three major gear challenges:
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Limited access to modern, high-quality wetsuits
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High import costs driving up prices for petroleum-based gear
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No local availability of sustainable alternatives
If our mission is to eliminate petroleum wetsuits from surfing, expanding beyond Europe isn’t optional—it’s essential. Emerging surf communities need sustainable gear as much as established ones.
Three Days That Changed Everything
The expo buzzed with energy from surfers, instructors, and businesses across Morocco and beyond. Our booth was simple: showcase our wetsuits, explain limestone vs petroleum neoprene, and let people feel the difference in flexibility and durability.
It took less than an hour to realize how big the demand truly is.
Conversations That Revealed the Problem
Surf school owners were the first to approach us. Every conversation pointed to the same issue: low-quality wetsuits that break down fast.
Houcine, who runs a surf school with +10 instructors, shared his biggest operational struggle:
“I’m replacing wetsuits constantly. It’s expensive and wasteful. I need something that lasts.”
This is exactly why we created Colwey—for surf schools that need gear built for daily use. By the end of our conversation, Hassan was ready to place an order.
Breaking the Import Barrier: Local Distribution
One of our primary goals in Taghazout was securing distribution partners. In Morocco, surf shops and schools often pay heavy customs fees just to access gear.
During the expo, we met distributors with established infrastructure and a clear understanding of the market. By day three, we had signed agreements with two major distributors, unlocking:
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Faster delivery
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Better pricing
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Consistent local availability
For Moroccan surfers and schools, this changes everything.
What Surf Schools Told Us
Across the expo, we consistently heard:
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Wetsuit replacement is one of their biggest recurring costs
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Students dislike stiff, uncomfortable rental gear
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Importing from Europe individually is too expensive
This feedback wasn’t just helpful—it validated the urgency of bringing sustainable, durable gear to Morocco.
What We Learned
1. The challenge is universal.
Petroleum wetsuits dominate globally, especially in developing surf markets.
2. Surfers value durability over low prices.
People want gear that performs and lasts.
3. Local partnerships are non-negotiable.
Real impact comes from being present and building trust.
4. Morocco is ready.
Surfers are actively looking for sustainable alternatives—they just haven’t had access until now.
Market Opportunity
Expo Results:
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+200 conversations
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+15 serious business inquiries
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2 distribution deals signed
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+10 surf school quote requests
Why Morocco matters:
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+300 km of surfable coastline
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Rapidly growing surf tourism
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Expanding local surf community
Replacing even 10% of petroleum wetsuits in Morocco would mean:
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Thousands fewer petroleum suits produced
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Less landfill waste thanks to longer-lasting gear
What’s Next for Turtl in Morocco
Short term:
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Finalize logistics with distributors
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Allocate Moroccan inventory
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Follow up with all expo contacts
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Plan a return trip to deliver first orders
Long term:
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Establish Turtl as Morocco’s leading sustainable wetsuit brand
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Launch a Moroccan Wetsuit Recovery Program
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Expand across North Africa
This Is Only the Beginning
The petroleum wetsuit problem won’t wait. Our mission crosses borders, and Morocco’s surf community deserves the same access to sustainable gear as any other.
Thank you, Taghazout—for the conversations, the energy, and the hospitality. Turtl is officially in Morocco, and we’re just getting started.