When the young riders from Naish Team Europe get together, it's guaranteed to be a great time! Their latest trip to Dakhla brought the crew together to ride, progress, and learn what it takes to be an international athlete. Read all about their adventure in the desert in this article!

A mix of fun, sand and constant wind awaited Naish Team Europe as they went on their latest adventure. Packed with excitement and ready to experience the 'Naish Team Europe-vibe', the team boarded the plane to Dakhla. The crew welcomed them at Habitas Caravan Dakhla, a brand new Naish centre located on the shores of the Dakhla lagoon. 

To complete the crew, international rider Stig Hoefnagel accompanied the Naish Team Europe riders to share his valuable experience as a professional kiter and offer insights on how to reach the top. Stig has been part of Naish Team Europe since its establishment and brings a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the team. 

It was definitely more than just a vacation for the riders; the schedule was packed with exciting activities and training sessions. After a quick get-to-know-each-other and breakfast, the riders were ready to hit the water to explore the spot and warm up. The vibe was immediately there, and they had a blast together. Videographer Floris Tils and photographer Arthur Samzun joined the riders in the water, capturing all the action. 

The day after, we woke up with light winds, making it an ideal opportunity to capture additional content for Habitas, including breakfast scenes, lifestyle shots around the accommodation, and a yoga session. That evening, the riders gathered for a video analysis and a workshop conducted by Arthur and Floris, who provided valuable insights on riding in front of the camera. 

While the trip was already filled with many hilarious moments, getting stuck with a car in the desert could also be added to this list. After an incredible session at the White Dune in 40 knots of wind, the team encountered loose sand and a very inexperienced driver, which led to getting stuck in the sand multiple times. The group tried to push the car through the sand, with blowing sand skimming their legs in the high winds. It became an unexpected adventure as the evening drew in. Drivers usually don't want to travel to this spot after sunset because they don't want to get stuck in the dark. We already imagined how it would be to sleep in the desert and wake up as a sandman… 

Amidst the training sessions, water antics, and unforgettable moments, the crew decided to organise a competition, offering the riders an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for a Golden FIFA Cup, which the crew scored at the local market. Although the competition was just for fun, it left a lasting impact on the riders. The Golden FIFA Cup became a cherished symbol of their shared passion, representing not only victory but also the bonds formed and the joy of their journey together.

Reflecting on the trip, the Naish Team Europe riders shared their heartfelt experiences.

Jeanne Vanderick (Belgium)

"I had such an amazing time in Dakhla with the whole crew. The vibe was there; the wind was there; the stoke was there. We were shredding together as a solid team, and it was just incredible. We all felt comfortable with each other right from the start, even though some of us didn't know each other beforehand.

"The thing I remember most is one of the last sessions at the Speed Spot, where we all pushed each other while shouting 'Naish gooooo!' at sunset. It's sure to be a lasting memory…"

Julian Meijvogel (The Netherlands)

"The thing I remember the most was the session at the White Dune because we had the perfect strong 35+ knots of wind, and it was the first time riding a spot with a crazy dune which we all jumped off. 

"The funniest moment for me, and I think also for the other riders, was the moment when we drove back from the White Dune, and one of us was on top of the car, and everyone was hanging out of the window while riding truly in the middle of nowhere.

"I learned how to ride and show tricks in front of a camera. A shooting session is way different than a normal kite session."

Noël Grassl (Austria)

"I was blown away by the whole spot, starting from where we stayed, a luxurious resort in the desert surrounded by the best kite spots. 

"It was magical to get into the car with the team and drive through the desert to a spot, and everyone hyped to kite - especially when we went to the White Dune, a massive sand dune surrounded by water, which makes it possible to do all sorts of jumps, slides and other tricks on and off the sand."

Naïs Balbinot (Italy)

"I start by saying this experience will always remain etched in my heart; I met special people and new friends.

"Every session, we were pushing each other to give it our all and try, try, try. This served me so much to let go with some manoeuvres, and I feel improved thanks to the team. I experienced epic moments, did things I had never done before and kited in amazing spots. 

"I hope to come back soon with this fabulous team and collect new crazy memories together!"

Mathys Rumelioglu (France)

"The wind was on every day, so we shot a lot of content and learned how to do it since it was totally new for some of us. We had a lot of fun together and pushed our limits. One day Julian, Jeanne and I even landed a new trick. We all ran out of the water with a huge smile!

"It was the best way to start this crazy Naish Team Europe adventure, and I can't wait to meet all these new friends again. We have even planned a three week trip later this summer and have all our flights and our accommodations arranged, so that's really cool, and I'm looking forward to it."

With the journey to Dakhla etched in their memories, the Naish Team Europe members eagerly look forward to their future adventures. United by their love for kitesurfing and the remarkable experiences they shared, their trip to Dakhla served as a testament to the lasting friendships formed along the way. As they plan their next trip, the team eagerly anticipates creating new, extraordinary memories together.

By Linda.van.Lakwijk

Comments