Morocco's Surfing Scene Thrives at the Junior Qualifying Series
In an exciting development for the world of surfing, Casablanca is set to host the inaugural event of the 2026 Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) for Europe and Africa. The Morocco Mall Junior Pro, taking place from May 6 to May 10 at Ain Diab Beach, will feature an impressive lineup of 184 young surfers representing 15 different countries. This event marks a significant milestone in showcasing Morocco's burgeoning presence in the international youth surfing arena.
The competition is being organized collaboratively by the European and African surfing circuits, allowing participants to earn ranking points that are essential for their careers. This year's edition is expected to attract considerable attention, especially following the successes of the previous year's tournament, where notable athletes such as Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri from the Basque Country and France's Noa Dupouy emerged victorious. The current lineup promises to be equally competitive, with several rising stars eager to establish their names in the sport.
Highlighting Local Talent and International Rivals
Among the participants, Morocco is proudly represented by nine surfers, including five men and four women. Notable competitors such as Maria Elouedhiri, Agouri Inass, Driss Makoua, and Tareq Tehraoui have received special invitations, further emphasizing the growth of surfing culture within the country. Their participation not only highlights local talent but also positions Casablanca as a significant hub for international youth surfing competitions.
Internationally, Spain's Carla Morera De La Vall and Alfonso Suarez are entering the competition as strong favorites. Suarez, who clinched the European junior title in 2025, and De La Vall, a finalist in the previous season, are both expected to deliver compelling performances. South African surfers Ben Esterhuysen and Levi Epenetos are also among the top contenders, having finished in the top ten last year, and their performances will be closely monitored as they strive for regional supremacy.
This event represents more than just a competition for Morocco; it serves as a platform to highlight the country's evolving surf culture while drawing global attention to Ain Diab Beach. The Morocco Mall Junior Pro is an opportunity for young Moroccan athletes to challenge themselves against elite competitors from Europe and Africa, reinforcing Casablanca's emerging status on the global surfing map. With nearly 200 surfers participating, a strong local presence, and a wealth of international talent, this event is poised to set a dynamic tone for the 2026 JQS season.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
