Dakhla Fest, Nicole Boronat Wins Sup Title

Nicole Boronat from the Canaries Islands finished first in front of Sarah Hebert and Fabienne D'ortoli.

Women stand up paddle boarders exploring the Western Saharan Country. All Photos Courtesy: Jean Souville.

Have you seen what's coming up on the events page?

DAKHLA, Morocco – The women Stand up paddle competition took place in Foum Labouir beach, Dakhla  and was runned in solid 1 to 1,50m (3-9.5ft) waves. Nicole Boronat from Fuerteventura, Canaries islands finished first in front of Sarah Hebert and Fabienne D'ortoli. "I m happy to have shared this last week the line up with all the riders from diferent Ocean activities, nationality, and diverse cultures. I m honored to surf with all the women who took part in this event. I hope we all inspire some Morroco girls to surf and with the help of Fetha and his group who provide surfing clinics we can come back one day and enjoy the waves with some North African girls and women." (Join the Destination Group.)

The harmony between sky and sea, desert and singing proved the exceptional potential of the Dakhla Festival, celebrating in 2011 its 5th anniversary. Real haven of safety, the town of Dakhla definitely positioned itself not only as a famous international water sports station, but also as a Mecca of cultural exchanges during the Festival. The festival is becoming an annual rendez-vous for international athletes and artists, all friends of Oued Eddahab-Lagouira inhabitants who can’t wait to welcome their stars. In addition to the cultural development of the region, the Dakhla Festival significantly revitalized the economic fabric of the town where prestigious touristic complexes emerged in the last decade. Numerous investment projects are actually investigated and will consolidate this perspective of sustainable development, and reinforce the existing structures. High level sport exhibitions once again brightened the event: the Dakhla lagoon hosted the longer windsurfing and kitesurfing race ever and was proud to welcome the legendary American water sports icon Kevin Pritchard. (Watch Stand Up Paddle Surfing in Cabo San Lucas on Sup TV.)

During four days, bright young Moroccan music artist and famous international artists were side to side to offer the best show ever. This year the Festival had the huge pride to welcome a great artist, ambassador of Moroccan music Abdelwahab Doukkali, the South African star Johnny Clegg and the talented Ivorian Alpha Blondy. Still in this context of sustainable development, the Dakhla festival renewed the experience of “Women from here and there”, sharing meeting between Sahraouian women of Dakhla, water sports women champions and African women artists. The young community of the region was not ignored as this year, once again, they were able to benefit from various art and sport working groups, leading to some interesting callings. With its four editions, the Dakhla Festival managed to gain people’s heart and reputation as well. Then, I really want to thank all the social and economical forces who support this unique responsible initiative, emphasizing on the fact that Dakhla is definitely a dynamic and innovative town, focused on its future development. (Join the Sup Surfing Group.)

Welcome to Dakhla!
Hamid Chabar, Wali of the Oued Eddahab-Lagouira region

What do you think about traveling to Morocco to do some stand up paddling?

.