You will probably go there for its rustic charms, but Rodrigues has some other aces up its sleeves. Fancy some kitesurf? You’re in luck: the island, with its huge, crystal-clear lagoon, is a hot spot for the sport. There’s even a festival for those who want to be wowed!
Rodriguan skies are normally a blue without blemish. Sometimes though, they turn a patchwork of bright colours. Kitesurf is to blame. The sport, which was first introduced in Rodrigues back in 1997, is now well established on the island.
After a first kitesurf school opened on Mourouk beach, a number of others followed suit. So in 2012, Jean Christ Spéville decided to bring them all together to form the Rodrigues Kite Surfing Association. That was followed by the organisation of a festival which attracted the very best kitesurfers.
“Each year, big names attend the International Kitesurf Festival held in July. We are very proud of that,” says Jean Christ Spéville.
The dream is to take kitesurf in Rodrigues as high as it will go. Climatic conditions are ideal with kitesurf possible on no less than 220 windy days per year. That allows beginners to get initiated in the art nearly all year-round on Mourouk beach. And it only takes a few days to get going, thanks to the instructors.
“It’s a sport anybody can learn and which gives you incredible sensations. You need to be trained, but once that is done, it really is magical!” says Jean Christ Spéville.
Photos: Serge Marizy
