Kitesurfing Dakhla

So here I am on this pic above, mastering my water-start and riding my first distances (thank you Julie for the pic). Makes me so happy to see the progress in my kitesurfing adventure and just felling in love with this sport. It combines all the elements to feel emerged with nature: water, wind and sun. While being focused on the kite and wind, the past and future do not exist, it is only this present moment; what a rest for the mind! I get the same feeling when skiing down in a fresh snow, just flowing in a soft powder, with mind shut down and just taking the exhilarating joy of the moment. Feeling really lucky and grateful that I can experience both worlds, mountains and ocean.

And after a day with a kite when the body feels so exhausted, eyes hurt from salt water but the soul feels so happy, I just drop on my bed and have no minute to think, instantly asleep. Can not wait for more. 

Momo, my kitesurfing instructor. He was such a determined and engaged teacher; he would get upset if I failed his instructions. And he would get so happy if I made a perfect water-start. He helped me to trust myself in this adventure and not to be scared. We had a few great laughs together - the best.

Omar (in his Swiss cap for windy days). There are not enough words for this incredible guy. He would monitor at least twenty kite-surfers at the same time making sure everybody is safe and well. He saved me so many times and motivated me constantly. Each time I lost my board and found myself in the middle of the lagoon he would suddenly appear on his zodiac, making sure I am well and getting OK to the beach. He was the most fun, genuine and motivating spirit and his is my inspiration of this trip.

The spot in Dakhla was ideal to learn; flat water, shallow lagoon, constant wind. The lagoon is immense, 45 km so there is a lot of space. Wind is usually lighter in the morning and increases at lunch break until dropping off again at sunset, so it possible to kite all day until 7 pm.

To Dakhla

Another thing to be thankful for is 9 days of holidays that start just today. Europe is wraped in autumn clouds and as I mentioned earlier, it felt right for me to end the summer and chilly evenings feel so refreshing. But as opportunity comes to take a week off I am nothing more than happy to pack and head to the Ocean and warmer parts of the world. A little moroccan town of Dakhla in Western Sahara is 4,000 km away from Geneva, and even by plane it takes some time to get there with an overnight in Casablanca. Dakhla offers a vast, blue lagoon which is perfect for kitesurfing. A regular wind blows constantly and I am hoping to nail the waterstart. This will be "back to basics" experience, staying at the kitesurfing camp, going to the water every day, sleeping in a tent, having no electricity and limited comforts. I have been yearning for this kind of simplicity since months, having just a few clothes with me, a camera and a book. Nights in desert are so special with stars looking so bright and so close. Will come back with some stories to tell.

kitesurfing in Leupung beach

The spectacular Leupung beach was the spot where I took my kitesurfing lessons and often I was distracted by the beauty of this place.  The beach is very wide and long (plenty of space for your gear but also great for walks) and surrounded by the mountains and the jungle.  Leupung is located 5 km south of Aceh-kitecamp, and it is actually great fun to pack your gear and go there by a motorbike. Regis (IKO certified instructor) uses a corner of this beach for the beginners like me because of its shallow and quiet waters. More experienced riders had a blast there as you can see on these photographs. There are many more spots, also closer to the camp, and all of them are stunning, be sure there will be no crowds, and you will have a place to yourself. The wind blows continuously from May to the end of September, facing South/ South-West, the strength of the wind can vary from 12 to 25 knots. Here is the video that Regis&Alice posted recently with highlights of this season, have a look how much fun there was.