Dahab, situated on the Sinai peninsula on the Red Sea in Egypt, is mainly known for its amazing diving locations and sea life, but to many it is a windsurfing mecca.

It would be the kind of place any penny-less, student windsurfer worth his salt would dream of spending a week or so of the Easter vacation, and for over forty of the Southampton University Windsurf Club this would become a reality. The week spent away would be a never tried before holiday at Club Dahab, and it would be an experience that none would forget.

The 22nd March 2009 finally came around and the group successfully car-pooled down to Gatwick and piled onto two flights bound for the sunnier climes of Egypt, all in eager anticipation of the crystal blue ocean, nuking winds and partying hard in the sun.

On arrival the excitement was high for getting out on the water, but for the first evening a few beers were cracked open, whilst watching the awe inspiring sunset surrounded by old and new friends alike.

On the morning of the first day groups were set out for all abilities with the full gamut of Beginners, Improvers, Intermediates and Advanced, with the advanced guys being catered for by the clubs professional instructors including the UK freestyle number one Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers, Ollie Scott and Colin ‘Whippy’ Dixon. As we were all eager to get involved in windsurfing we all hit the water, and not a wetsuit in site!

The clubs location on the Red Sea is ideally suited for all abilities, with different areas boasting conditions for each level and with the white sand and Saudia Arabia on the horizon, there is no better place to learn, improve or hone the freestyle moves.

In amongst these sweet sessions on the water the partying kicked off. Nights out were organised in the near by town, at the Hilton (a stones throw down the beach) and at Club Dahab. Suffice to say we dominated every dance floor found, with breakdancing (and crabbing) keeping the crowds amused and a great atmosphere was created with the students and instructors on form.

The week had good consistent winds, though on the exceptions Snorkelling and Bedoin excursions we’re arranged, to see the colour and culture in the surrounding area.
For the final night we raved out the resort, the edited video of the tuition footage was shown and everyone made a sweet effort on the ‘Egyptian Bling’ theme. The club partied until the late hours of the morning, putting off the thoughts of the days transfer back to the U.K.

The S.U.W.C trip to Dahab was a massive success, the week was epic with interclub banter escalating to an entire new level and everyone returned content with their tans or improved technique. I cannot think of a better way to wind down after a long stressful term than windsurfing, partying and relaxing with laid back, like minded people.

An awesome time was had by all and we wish everyone luck in the up and coming Nationals. If anything you’ve read leaves you yearning for one of the coolest sports around; and you want to get involved with the oldest and most successful University Windsurf clubs in the country; then check out the website below!