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.