(Posted 05th June 2026)
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Pictures and article courtesy of Mr. Joey Nicles
Ride the Wind: Rodrigues Unveils a New International Kite and Wingfoil Festival
From 92nd to 05th of July 2026, Rodrigues Island is set to write a new chapter
in its sporting history with the inaugural Rodrigues Kite Festival,
taking place at Anse Mourouk. More than just a sporting event, the
festival carries a clear ambition: to establish Rodrigues as a premier
destination for kitesurfing and wind sports in the Indian Ocean.
Held under the slogan “Ride the Wind,” the first edition is organized
by the Mourouk Wind Sports Club (MWSC), now led by Andy
Albert, with the support of local institutions. The initiative reflects a
collective effort to further develop and structure wind sports on the
island while showcasing one of its greatest natural assets: its
spectacular lagoon.
“This transition is an opportunity to better organize water sports in
Rodrigues and offer more complete experiences for both riders and
visitors,” says Andy Albert, who is committed to further
professionalizing the island’s wind sports scene.
Local authorities share the same vision. Jean-Alain Wong So,
Commissioner for Tourism, emphasizes the goal of making this
inaugural edition a sporting event with a strong identity while
preserving the warm and friendly atmosphere that Rodrigues is known
for.
Anse Mourouk was a natural choice for the venue. Located opposite C
Rodrigues Mourouk, the site boasts a vast lagoon, consistent trade
winds, and flat-water conditions that are ideal for kitesurfing. These
unique features have already earned it a reputation as one of the
region’s premier wind sports locations.
Starting on July 2, local and international riders from Mauritius,
Réunion Island, Madagascar, and the Seychelles will gather for
several days of competition, networking, and shared experiences in an atmosphere
that blends high-level performance with a vibrant festival lifestyle.
The program, designed by the MWSC, will focus on three flagship
disciplines: Big Air, Mini-Raid, and Slalom. The objective is to
showcase both the athletes’ technical skills and their ability to perform
in the unique conditions offered by Rodrigues’ lagoon.
One of the major highlights of the 2026 edition will be the
introduction of wingfoiling, one of the fastest-growing disciplines in
the world of wind sports, making its official debut in Rodrigues. Its
inclusion reflects the island’s commitment to embracing emerging
trends and expanding its wind sports offering.
The festival will also benefit from the presence and expertise of
renowned regional riders, including Seychellois athlete Alain
Alcindor, who is involved in the event’s technical development and
represents a new generation of Indian Ocean riders helping to raise the
international profile of the sport.
Beyond the competition, Rodrigues continues to captivate visitors
with its authenticity. Wild coves, coastal trails, and unspoiled
landscapes create a unique setting where adventure, sport, and
contemplation come together.
With this first edition, the Rodrigues Kite Festival is doing more than
launching a new event. It is laying the foundations for a broader
vision: positioning Rodrigues as a leading wind sports hub in the
Indian Ocean.
