Out for the season...

Well, if you're a (more or less) regular visitor to this blog, you probably noticed I haven't been writing for some time. You might think it's just because I haven't been finding the time to ride... If that was the case, I would actually be happy! The real reason is actually worse...
A month and a half ago, just a few days after my last sessions, an acute pain to the left leg forced me to do an emergency visit to the hospital. Initially diagnosed as a sciatica, it was discovered a week later (through a new and even more painful episode that led another doctor to order a MRI scan) that I suffered from an herniated disc in the lumbar region (don't think you'll be able to spot it on the image, but that's just to illustrate this post with something else than my rambles).

No to bother you more with my medical history, let's just say what's important in terms of kiting: quite probably, at least six months out! It was very painful to hear the doctor saying this... But, some time after the fact and with a cooler head, I can say I've been lucky: no surgery was needed and I've been recuperating faster than the doctor thought in the beginning.
I've already set my mind at ease and made peace with the fact that I won't be snowkiting this winter (or snowboarding, or doing any sport or activity that might put my recovery at risk, for that matter), so I'm taking the time to enjoy other stuff and get my spine back into shape as fast and as good as I possibly can. The goal now is to be able to hit the water again next Spring or, at least, next Summer! I'll be back with a vengeance!
As for the blog, I still haven't figured quite how to handle it, but I've been thinking about feeding it from time to time with nice stuff related to kites and the passion of kiting, so keep visiting...

Pimp my board!

Well, using as an excuse the fact that my RRD pads we're giving signs of getting old, I decided to offer my feet a nice gift. When I tried the Brunotti GSS pads that come with the Youri Zoon board, some months ago, I was amazed at how comfortable they were.

Riding in choppy conditions was totally different, it felt like riding through butter! The choice was then easy, when I decided to pimp my ride. I didn't much like the straps (in terms of looks, not comfort), so I was glad to discover you can buy any Brunotti pads and straps separately. Not doubts there, I took the "bling bling" option, with the straps that come with the Low Rider board!

As soon as I got the kit, I mounted the new upgrade on my RRD Poison board and loved the result! I can't wait to go and try it on the water, 'cause I'm sure my feet and legs will notice the difference. As for the looks, tastes are always "to each his own", but I do love my restyled ride!

Sand dunes and smiles

If you consider going to Dakhla, even if just for a week, there is something you absolutely should not miss: the Dune Blanche (White Sand Dune). If the wind is strong enough, you can do a downwind from the camp, it will take you 1h/1h30m to get there. Alternatively, you can get there by 4x4, going around the lagoon and through a nice patch of desert. It is probably the most beautiful place to kite in the region and it's completely worth staying for a couple of nights (Auberge des Nomades proposes a downwind with a night on a traditional tent for a cheap price, meals included).

Want to know what they're looking at? Just click on the panoramics below to see in detail a couple of views from the top of the dune...

Not that Dakhla has many problems with getting to crowded, but another advantage of the Dune Blanche is that there's no one else around. Here's some views from the other side of the dune, with the Dragon Island as background.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip and one that we want to repeat as soon as the opportunity arises. We have a bunch of good "souvenirs" and, as most good trips, we've made new friends, like Olivier and Jean-Yves, and all the guys at the Auberge, a crazy team of Moroccans that made our stay there even more magic: Mohammed, Mahfoud, Salem, Faiz, Ahmed and Omar. Shukran for the wonderful time and I hope to see you again soon!

Windless in Dakhla...

During our Moroccan escape, we had a couple of days with no wind. A torture that had devastating consequences...

But no problem, there was a range of other activities we could do to occupy the time when the air was still. For example, a mere 25 minutes walk from the camp (through a desert landscape), we found a nice surfing spot (and a wonderful wave spot for kiting, by the way!).

If you don't feel like surfing, you can always get an old board and try hitting the slopes on the dunes. Or you can get a taxi and go for a tour in the port and the old part of Dakhla. It's a refreshing change from the usual "harassment" that greets foreigners in the medinas of Fez or Marrakesh.

And if you get really, really bored and already tried doing pretty much everything there is to do, dig into your imagination, 'cause a silly idea will surely pop-up!

Easy living under the sun

Coming back to the Dakhla trip, I must say that it's with great ease that you get into the "daily routine" of this place... When you wake up a nice breakfast awaits you, giving just enough energy for the first "task" of the day.

After pretty much the same thing until lunch time, you're greeted back in the camp with a tasty and copious meal. Topping the "far too much to eat" feeling with a glass of sugary mint tea, what else can you do?

Of course, this precious moment of "introspection" is then used to decide, with great care, in which way you're going to occupy yourself until sunset. No wonder that everyday finishes with everybody showing clear signs of fatigue... And a big smile!

Beauduc - Kitesurf Sessions 73 and 74

Not even the cold could stop us from a wonderful sunset session... With winds at 27 to 35 knots, perfect for testing the 7m Switchblade once again, thanks to my good friend Julos!

(photos by Baptiste)

The morning after it was difficult to get the motivation to jump in the water, mostly due to the freezing temperatures at sunrise... But a couple of hours later, after a good breakfast, a big coffee (thanks Remi!) and with the wind picking up a bit, it was a different story. Just stopped to do a couple of photographs... Beauduc still as some good sessions left to offer before the snow season, even if it's Viking style!