Steve Palier introduces The Dakhla Festival in the extreme south of Morocco: an incredible encounter between sea and desert, between music and boardsports…
The concept
Dakhla, with its open bay on the Atlantic has become in recent years, one of the most famous spots in the world of watersports. For the 5th consecutive year, amateur and professional of windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing and stand up paddling disciplines will meet again on a festival that intelligently mix sport and culture. Action, sport, music, sharing and discovery are the key words of this dynamic festival.
The spot
Crossroads between sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and Europe, Dakhla offers the perfect playground for all the practices of boardsports. On the land side, the bay is the ideal spot for “full speed” runs on a kiteboard or a windsurfboard. It will be the scene of the Long Distance. On the sea side, the Foum Labouir spot offers a perfect arena ideal for beautiful curves lovers, ready to tear the waves while surfing, windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Stand Up Paddling on this superb right that breaks to perfection !
Disciplines
This year, if the wind is up, the bay of Dakhla will see kitesurfers and windsurfers compete on the longer sprint in the world, a long distance of more than 37 miles ! Meanwhile waveriders will battle with style on competitions launched in the waves of Foum Labouir. Challenges for shortboard, longboard, SUP, windsurf and kitesurf are also programed. Ultimately, the most complete rider in each discipline will win the “2011 Dakhla Waterman” title !
Stars
If the Dakhla Festival is a mix of sport and culture, it is also a great melting pot! This year we will have the opportunity to welcome famous stars in each discipline. In windsurfing, American Kevin Pritchard will inaugurate its new Ezzy sails on the Long Distance and in the local waves. Venezuelan Diony Guadagnino will also do the trip to prove he can be a serious contender for the title of « Dakhla Waterman ». The Dutchman originally from Bonaire, Ruben Petrisie, manager of the EFPkT circuit, will do his first trip to Morocco and will also be present to play in the waves or run in slalom. Patrice Belbéoc’h may be the competitor to watch on the Long Distance, as the Slovak Tine Slabe or the old speedmaster, Jochen Krauth ready play again alongside frenchies Gerald Pelleau and Yann Nguyen. But beware, Bieuzy Mauffret the Speedrider with the « magic glide » remains a 1st class outsider while Bruno Andre will show off on his foil board! In the waves, is announced the presence of the French Wave Champion 2010 Fred Jézéquel and the “rock’n’roll rider Julien Taboulet. Stephane Etienne will do the trip with his buddy Dario Ojeda from Canary islands, to officiate in the disciplines Wind, surfing and SUP. Boujmaa Guilloul, the Moroccan star, will of course be part of the show to rip the local waves alongside young locals from Essaouira and Moulay, highly motivated. On the girls side, are expected Sarah Hebert, Nicole Boronat, Faustine Merret and of course Marion Raisi, totally involved in this Festival. The full list of riders is attached in this mail.
The Program
Tuesday, February 22
Long Distance recognition
Free sessions
Wednesday 23 – Friday, February 25
Waveriding Contest (windsurfing, kitesurfing, longboarding, surfing, sup)
Long distance (windsurfing, kitesurfing)
Friday, February 25
Official presentation of the riders
Saturday, February 26
Exhibitions & initiations (windsurfing, kitesurfing, longboarding, surfing, sup)
“Dakhla Waterman” – Stand Up Paddle combined contest by team
Announcement of the best riders of the day
Interviews and autographs of athletes
Sunday, February 27
Exhibitions & initiations (windsurfing, kitesurfing, longboarding, surfing, sup)
Dakhla Festival Official Prize Giving
Website – www.dakhla-festival.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/Festivaldedakhla
Twitter – www.twitter.com/festivaldakhla
You Tube – www.youtube.com/user/dakhlafestival
Flickr – www.flickr.com/photos/dakhlafestival
