Among the athletes representing Morocco at the 2024 Olympics is Ramzi Boukhiam, the handsome surfer. By qualifying for the Olympics and climbing to the 15th place in the world surf rankings, he continues to make headlines. Determination, preparation, and dreams for the future—he tells all.
When we met Ramzi Boukhiam, he had just returned from Rio de Janeiro, where he participated in the 8th stage of the WCT (World Championship Tour). In his early thirties, with an athlete’s build, a perfect tan, and a contagious smile, the Moroccan surfer is currently at the peak of his career. After spending a few weeks in his native region of Taghazout, he will soon fly to Tahiti. There, he will participate in the first qualifying round of the Men’s Surf Shortboard category on July 27th. The events will take place on the legendary waves of Teahupo’o. In the surfing world, it is one of the most technically demanding waves. It is also where Ramzi Boukhiam achieved one of his best performances, reaching the semi-finals of the Shiseido Tahiti Pro last May — a good omen for defending Morocco at the Olympics! While we wait to watch the spectacle on Saturday, July 27th, starting at 6 am, let’s learn more about one of Morocco’s most prominent athletes.
First of all, can you tell us about the significant moments of this competition year and your qualification to represent Morocco at the 2024 Olympics?
It all started when I learned that I had a Wildcard (a kind of special invitation or authorization that allows three surfers each year to join the competition) to join the WCT (World Championship Tour). I had injured my ankle during the previous season in Hawaii. Even though it was a tough decision, I chose to withdraw from the championships and so I could heal properly.. The idea was, of course, to come back stronger!
Getting the Wildcard and being able to get back in the water was an incredible opportunity. I jumped at it!
I then passed the mid-season “cut,” which allows me to continue on the WCT circuit both this year and in 2025. The cut selects the top 22 men and the top 10 women who will continue the world tour after its 5th stage. There are still four more stages to go, with the last one taking place in Fiji.
Another important moment was last May during the Teahupo’o Pro. I finished 3rd while surfing on the waves where this year’s Olympics will be held. The qualifications for the 2024 Olympics took place in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, at the end of last February. I secured my qualification for Morocco at the Olympics by finishing as the world runner-up.
The Olympics will be held on the waves of Teahupo’o, a very demanding spot that you know quite well. If you could dictate the perfect scenario, what would it look like?
The perfect scenario would be having a big swell that allows me to showcase my surfing; performing as well as I did in my last competition there, but this time reaching the finals… and winning the gold medal, Inshallah…
What does a typical day in the life of a pro surfer look like?
If I’m not competing, my routine involves checking the surf conditions the day before to know where the best surf will be the next day. Then, I go for one, two, or even three surf sessions depending on the tide. After that, I follow a physical training regimen and finish with a sauna session. Additionally, I attend many physiotherapy sessions.
Otherwise, I travel a lot by plane, often on long-haul flights. This means I also spend a lot of time waiting in airports and dealing with jet lag. It’s not always easy. But I still believe I have the best job in the world !
You have the opportunity to surf all over the world. How do you see the evolution of surfing and sports more broadly in Morocco?
Surfing has evolved enormously in recent years, especially in the Taghazout region, where I am from. Surfers from all over the world come to the Moroccan coasts for the quality of our waves, especially in winter. Many hotels, surf camps, and surf schools have sprung up. A lot of jobs have been and continue to be created.
Surfing also attracts more and more young Moroccans. In all coastal cities, you can find surf schools or associations for young people to get started and then improve their skills. Additionally, it seems to me that since surfing became an Olympic event and Morocco is represented at the Olympics, this sport is taken much more seriously by Moroccans. More national and regional competitions are being organized. All of this will definitely help create new champions !
Read also : MOROCCANS AT THE 2024 OLYMPICS: WHAT ARE OUR BEST CHANCES TO MEDAL ?
If you had one piece of advice for young Moroccan surfers, what would it be?
Anything is possible! Goodwill, hard work, and the right support can bring out the best in you. Never give up on your dreams !
What are your future projects? How do you see yourself in ten years?
I hope I will still be surfing! Maybe not in competition, though. My dream is to help young Moroccans improve, to pass on my skills and experience to them. I have a few ideas in mind… We’ll see !
