Morocco is definitely one of the top powerhouses in the world right now when it comes to surfing and bodyboarding. That’s why, here at IBC, we want to share this interview with you, which offers a lot of great info about their incredible growth.
They’ve got a fantastic team of pros who, through hard work and a real passion for the sport, have put Morocco on the map as one of the best destinations in the world to surf. Plus, they’re focused on training both coaches and athletes to keep reaching the highest level.
So, without further ado, here’s an exclusive interview with:
MOHAMMED KHILAJI (Technical Director of the Royal Moroccan Surf Federation “FRMS”)
- When was the FRMS founded? Tell us a little about its beginnings.
The Royal Moroccan Surfing Federation (FRMS) was founded in 2003 by a group of former surfers and passionate pioneers who wanted to structure, promote, and grow the sport of surfing and related disciplines (such as bodyboarding, longboarding, and bodysurfing) in Morocco.
Before its creation, surfing in Morocco was still underdeveloped: there was only one national competition per year, which was far from sufficient for a country blessed with world-class beaches, consistent waves, and a vibrant youth population.
It took time to properly structure surfing in Morocco and to find the right balance between organization, coaching, and competition systems that truly met the needs of Moroccan surfers.
- Who are the main members of FRMS, and what is the main goal of this federation?
The Royal Moroccan Surfing Federation (FRMS) is supported by a strong administrative board, composed of individuals with extensive experience in both public administration and sports management. Alongside this, the technical direction is led by a team of dedicated and seasoned professionals who work tirelessly to give their very best for the development of surfing and bodyboarding in Morocco.
At the head of the federation is Mr. Mohammed Kadmiri, President of the FRMS, a former surfer and senior state official. He is also one of the founding members of the African Surf Confederation, alongside other African federation presidents. His leadership and vision have been key in establishing Morocco as a major player in African and international surfing.
Supporting him:
- Mr. Amine Afal, Administrative Director of the FRMS, is the architect of the federation’s digital transformation, bringing innovation and modern management tools to the heart of its operations.
- Mr. Laaleg Lkebir, Financial Director, ensures the federation’s activities are managed with integrity, transparency, and efficiency.
- Myself, Khilaji Mohammed, as Technical Director, I lead an incredible team committed to advancing the sport and supporting athletes and clubs across the country.
Together, we form a dynamic and passionate team that works relentlessly to develop and promote surfing and bodyboarding in Morocco, from grassroots to elite levels.
- The Taghazout Bay Prime Series in Agadir has now been held for two consecutive years, and the evolution has been incredible in every aspect.
-What does this event mean for Morocco?
The organization of an IBC (International Bodyboarding Corporation) competition in Morocco was a natural next step in the evolution of the sport in the country. It followed a series of successful international events already hosted on Moroccan shores, including WSL (World Surf League), ETB (Euro Tour Bodyboard), and ETL (Euro Tour Longboard) competitions.
Hosting the IBC event not only showcases Morocco’s capabilities on the world stage, but also validates years of development, federation planning, and athlete dedication. It marks a new chapter in positioning Morocco as a true capital of bodyboarding in Africa and beyond.
- What’s your opinion on the level of bodyboarding in Morocco across all categories?
The level of bodyboarding in Morocco is constantly improving, driven by a new generation of young riders inspired by the achievements of earlier trailblazers.
Pioneers like Brahim Iddouch, Adnane Benslimane, and Anas Haddar have played a crucial role in shaping the sport nationally. Through their international performances, dedication, and visibility on the world stage, they have paved the way for a new wave of talent that is more ambitious, better trained, and aiming higher than ever before.
This new generation:
- Trains regularly with better access to coaching and competitive experience.
- Follows the footsteps of their role models, learning from their successes and challenges.
- Has a clear goal of reaching the international stage, with some already competing abroad and gaining recognition.
Thanks to these combined efforts—from the veterans to the youth, from clubs to the federation—Morocco is building a solid future in bodyboarding, establishing itself as a rising force on the global scene.
- FRMS covers the registration fees for the top finishers in the national circuit across all categories.
– Can you tell us a bit about this initiative and what it brings to local athletes?
During the first edition of the IBC event in Morocco, the Royal Moroccan Surfing Federation (FRMS) made a powerful commitment to support its athletes by covering the registration fees for:
- The Top 32 male bodyboarders in the national ranking
- The Top 4 female bodyboarders
- The Top 4 junior boys
This gesture ensured massive local participation, gave Moroccan riders a chance to compete against international athletes, and helped showcase Morocco’s talent on the global stage.
For the second edition, the FRMS further focused its support by covering the fees for:
- The Top 16 male bodyboarders
- The Top 4 female riders
- The Top 4 junior boys
This reduction from 32 to 16 in the men’s division sent a clear and deliberate message to athletes: to benefit from federation privileges, you must rank among the top seeds. This initiative reflects the FRMS’s ongoing commitment to performance-based merit and the professionalization of bodyboarding in Morocco.
The FRMS initiative is a strategic and supportive move aimed at empowering Moroccan athletes and encouraging high performance.
Recognition and Reward
Financial Relief
Access to Higher-Level Events
Strengthening the National Team Pool
In short, this initiative is about rewarding performance, reducing inequality, and helping Moroccan surf and bodyboard athletes take the next step in their careers—from national success to international recognition.
- This year, IBC created the Rising Series format to reduce travel for athletes. Taghazout Bay in Morocco was the first Rising event, and the upcoming Everyday Mehdya Rising Series for Junior Men is scheduled for August 11-17.
– Describe this new event, your expectations, and what you think about IBC’s Rising Series initiative.
The FRMS organizes numerous events throughout the year, despite the challenges posed by the coexistence of two different school systems—French and Moroccan—with their own calendars, holidays, and academic obligations.
Nevertheless, we make it a priority to engage the younger generation without disrupting their education, striking a balance between sport and studies.
The Rising Series was conceived as a perfect example of this approach: a dynamic event designed to keep young athletes active, sharpen their competitive edge, and prepare them for the upcoming season, including key international fixtures such as the European Tour in November.
- After the great results of Moroccan athletes, who currently hold many top spots, we just saw 9 Moroccan surfers registered for the Itacoatiara Pro in Brazil. That’s fantastic news!
What are your thoughts on this, and what do you think is behind this success?
As I’ve mentioned before, Moroccan riders have immense talent. What they need is just a little push—the right support—to show the world what they’re truly capable of.
The FRMS is fully committed to helping them reach that success, using every tool and resource at its disposal. And the results are already showing: we now have 9 Moroccan riders competing in Brazil, and two will continue to Chili, a powerful sign that the new generation is rising.
- Several members of FRMS are IBC representatives for all of Africa.
– What does this partnership with IBC mean for you? What actions have been taken as promoters, and what future projects are planned?
I may not have all the answers, but one thing is certain: it’s up to us to build something truly great in Africa.
Through commitment and collaboration, we can develop surfing and bodyboarding across the continent.
Morocco aspires to be the driving force—the locomotive that pulls other nations forward, igniting a movement that will make Africa shine on the global stage of water sports.
- FRMS has a very professional technical team, and we know it’s been years of hard work. They also have their own infrastructure, a large database, a new scoring system, streaming, and ongoing training for judges and technical staff.
– Can you describe the main goals and foundations of this work?
First of all, we firmly believe that putting the right person in the right place always leads to great results — that’s a universal truth. And at the FRMS, this principle is at the heart of how our technical team operates.
Secondly, many of us are fortunate to have jobs that allow us the time and flexibility to research, innovate, and constantly improve. We’re also lucky to have a responsive and supportive executive board that truly believes in the strength and vision of the technical team.
And most importantly, we are surfers ourselves. We’ve competed. We know what it feels like to be out there, and we understand the needs of today’s young riders. That’s why we’re committed to offering them the tools, support, and opportunities that we didn’t have, so they can go even further.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the IBC members for their continued interest and hard work in developing bodyboarding around the world. Your dedication is making a real difference for the sport and its global community.
A heartfelt thank you as well to the board of the Moroccan Surfing Federation, especially Mr. Mohammed Kadmiri, whose ongoing efforts continue to make surfing, in all its forms, shine across Morocco.
I also want to recognize Mr. Amine Afal for his commitment and for constantly raising the bar in terms of management and professionalism within our federation.
And of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible work of the FRMS technical team, who dedicate themselves throughout the year to building solid structures, running high-quality competitions, and supporting our athletes at every level.
Thanks to all the riders who took part — your passion, performance, and spirit are the true soul of this sport.
A big thank you to our sponsors, Rip Curl and Red Bull, for their continued trust and support.
We are also deeply grateful to the Ministry of Education and Sports in Morocco for their ongoing support and recognition of our efforts to develop water sports and youth programs throughout the country.
Together — athletes, institutions, and partners — we are building something meaningful for the future of Moroccan and African surfing.
Mohammed Khilaji
Technical Director of the FRMS
