For the second consecutive year, the sky above the Indian Ocean transformed into a vibrant display of colours as the C Kite Festival returned to Mauritius. This highly anticipated event, held in collaboration with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) and Air Mauritius, drew kite surfing enthusiasts from all over the world to join in a reverie of salt, sand and sun.
Over the past three decades, kitesurfing has risen in popularity as one of the most thrilling water sports worldwide, combining speed, balance and a touch of adrenaline to create a mesmerising spectacle of skill and resilience.
Picture: Sara Hayward
Held from 14 to 16 July, this year’s C Kite Festival treated its attendees to a combination of high-speed kitesurfing competitions, expert demonstrations and an array of non-stop daytime and evening activities.
Picture: Sara Hayward
One adage holds true when it comes to organising an event such as this: ‘Location, location, location.’ C Mauritius stands out as an unrivalled paradise in this regard, serving as the ideal landing point for the intrepid traveller seeking more than just a typical holiday.
Located on the east coast of Mauritius, the resort faces the paradisiacal Palmar Beach, offering an ideal setting for experiencing island life by the sea and for observing the thrill of kitesurfing in action.
Picture: Sara Hayward
The festival was captained by Antoine Auriol, a television director and host, an onboard reporter for the 2023 Ocean Race and former kitesurf world champion.
Born in the east of France, Antoine discovered wind and kite surfing at the age of 15. The two water sports suited his creative and adventurous spirit, combining elements of his previous disciplines such as trampoline aerial rotations, artistic gymnastics’ power and style and knowledge of wind and sea.
Picture: Sara Hayward
Alongside Antoine, the star-studded lineup of professionals participating in this year’s festival included Youri Zoon, a two-time world champion; Victor Hays, a pro kiteboarder; Paul Serin, the French champion and Big Air pro; Tom Hebert, a two-time vice world champion; Hay Katz, holder of the 9.0 best score in the Big Air category and a three-time silver and two-time bronze Israel champion; and Arthur Guillebert, the reigning freestyle kitesurfing world champion and two-time European champion.
Picture: Sara Hayward
The festival also welcomed an impressive roster of VIP guests, including Yarden Sax, an international saxophonist, DJ and music producer; Thomas Frake, the UK’s MasterChef Champion of 2020; Soufiane Hamaini, an international kite surfer ranked 4th overall in the world and the first Arab athlete to participate in the world championship, as well as the founder of the Moroccan Association of Kite Surfing and owner of Dakla Spirit kite school; and Alice Le Moigne, a kite surfer holding multiple world titles.
Picture: Sara Hayward
Downwind Event
On day two of the C Kite Fest, riders of varying abilities voyaged from Palmar to Lafayette Beach. Participants took full advantage of the wind’s whims, painting the sky above the glistening Indian Ocean with dancing kites.
While this event draws an impressive lineup of participants, its beauty lies in its inclusivity, welcoming anyone who wishes to participate in the thrilling experience.
Picture: Sara Hayward
Big Air and Best Trick Competitions
Day three marked the Big Air and Best Trick competitions, judged by a panel of pro riders.
The Best Air event was all about reaching for the sky and nailing that epic boost, with riders striving for maximum altitude in every move. The Best Trick event brought out the riders’ creativity as they unleashed their finest freestyle manoeuvres, showcasing an array of rolls, spins, jumps, loops and toeside tricks to keep spectators on the edge of their beach chairs.
Picture: Sara Hayward
Picture: Sara Hayward
With memories of this unforgettable event etched in the hearts of all who experienced it, the C Kite Festival is sure to become a beacon of anticipation, eagerly awaited for its return year after year.
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