- WSL / Damien Poullenot
- WSL / Damien Poullenot

The first QS5,000 in Morocco's history is right around the corner at the upcoming Pro Taghazout Bay and local surfers have obviously seized the opportunity to fight it out with some of the world's best surfers. Here's a few names you should keep in mind as the event draws closer.

Ramzi Boukhiam

Boukhiam Solidifies Advance With Nine-Pointer
Ramzi Boukhiam earns a 9.07 on his last wave in Round 2.

If there's one Moroccan surfer you have to have heard of, it's Ramzi. Undoubtedly the most successful surfer coming out of Morocco, the powerful goofy foot has collected more dinstinctions than any other surfer from the kingdom. A former European Junior Champion, multiple winner on the Qualifying Series: Zarautz, Anglet, Lacanau; Boukhiam has recently provisionally qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

And if that's not enough on its own, Anchor Point is here Ramzi grew up and honed his skills, he'll know the ins and outs of the wave better than anyone else in the event draw. Ramzi is definitely any Moroccan's number one pick for a big result in Taghazout.

Othmane Choufani

2019 Ride of the Year Entry: Othmane Choufani at Nazare
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2019 Ride of the Year Entry: Othmane Choufani at Nazare, Portugal on April 18, 2018. Video by Antione Chicoye.

It's highly likely you've seen Othmane's name around as well, but for a different reason. Not quite the QS warrior that Boukhiam is, Choufani on the other hand has made a name for himself on the big-wave stage. A former XXL Big Wave Awards nominee that chases large swells all over the globe, he's another goofy foot that could do some damage among the high seeds on home turf.

Selyann Zouhir

Selyann Zouhir (MAR) Selyann Zouhir (MAR) - WSL / Laurent Masurel

One of the youngest in the field, 17 year-old Zouhir has been the Moroccan surfer on a rampage last season, racking up excellent results on his way to a fourth place on the European Junior ranks. He also posted back-to-back Semis and Quarters on the Qualifying Series in Lacanau and Anglet to finish his season strong.

Aboubakar Bouaouda

Aboubakar Bouaouda (MAR) Aboubakar Bouaouda (MAR) - WSL / Laurent Masurel

The warrior of the crew, a 20 year-old kid who fought hard for a chance to compete on the QS and has shown his potential last year when he reached the Final in the inaugural Senegal Pro. Boubker will be more motivated than ever to shine on home turf and his deadly backhand attack is poised to shine on the long rights of Anchor Point.

Abdelkhalek El Harim

Abdel El Harim (MAR). Soöruz Lacanau Pro 2015 Abdel El Harim (MAR) - WSL / Laurent Masurel

A legend of Moroccan surfing, El Harim had a record 10 National Champ titles and years of experience on the QS worldwide. He may have quit the tour full time a few years back but an event on home turf will sure re-kindle his love for competitive surfing.

Youngster Neil Aboufiras, Soufiane Charoub, Yassine Ramdani and Chadi Lahrioui will complete the home roster at the upcoming Pro Taghazout Bay.

Read the full article in French, on Surf Report Maroc's site.

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