Mostafa Abbas spent a month scouting kiteboarding spots and exploring his bucket list travel location: Oman. If you love the desert, nature, adventure and kiteboarding, then this destination might just be the place for you! Read all about his trip to Oman in this write-up!

Growing up in Egypt, I was lucky to have a flat water spot near my house, where I was allowed to take my first kite lessons. That's where the love for the sport began. After years of training, teaching and coaching in the Egyptian Suez Canal, it was finally time to explore kitesurfing spots abroad. 

From a young age, I have had a list on my phone of places I'd love to see. Oman was at the top of this list, and the dream finally became a reality this year. In October, Marcelo and Jamal, the owners of Majan Sea Sports in Oman, reached out to me. They invited me to come to Oman in return for clinics, and that was the start of a great partnership and friendship. 

Oman is a small country set in the south of the Middle East. Surrounded by seas on many sides and covered in both desert and towering peaks, it's known for its stunning scenery. Besides the beautiful nature, the locals make Oman one of a kind. It's safe, warm, and trustworthy; even though there is a lot of poverty, all locals are fair. When my good friend forgot his kite on the beach, he found it at the exact same spot the next day! 

There is a special magic about this country, and I'm proud to share a bit about my experience with you. Through these words, I hope you can imagine the beauty of Oman.

1 - Masirah Island

Our first stop was Masirah Island, the place to be for all nature lovers. This ultimate wildlife destination is a famous turtle breeding ground but is also the home for many other animals and ocean creatures. Besides, this Island is known for its never-ending wind conditions, which made it an appealing first destination! With many flat water and wave spots, it is a must-see for all kiters out there. 

The only way to get to Masirah Island was by ferry, and this crossing took us about 1 1/2 hours. I stayed at an apartment close to the spot for the next ten days. The harbour is next to the village, which turned out to be our favourite kitesurfing spot. Every session, the harbour became a local meeting point for people from around the village who came to enjoy the kitesurfing show. 

I can't forget to mention Monkey Bay in Masirah! It was a perfect photoshoot spot, or at least that is what we called it. It has this magical, lofty wind that makes it perfect for jumping, hangtime and loops.

2 - Assilah

After ten days in Masirah, we travelled by Jeep to Assilah, a place that felt like home almost immediately, probably because the locals were so friendly and helpful! Assilah is a well-known wave spot, perfect for goofy-footed riders. The point break is right in front of the city, offering insanely long waves. Note to self: bring a strapless board next time because those waves are just begging for an epic session! 

I spent the next week camping along the coast of Assilah and exploring different spots where the dunes meet the sea. We had the chance to experience camping life that was as good as it gets; we slept by the beach, cooked our meals in nature and spent every windy moment kiting along the dune-covered coastline.

3 - Barl Hekman 

Barl Hekman, often called Maldive Oman, was the 3rd stop on our journey; being in this place actually looks like being in the Maldives! The turquoise water, untouched nature, and empty lagoons gave the place a magical touch. With our Jeep and tent, we had the opportunity to build a campsite right on the beach. Waking up in the middle of Oman's nature was a completely new experience for me, and it's definitely something I'd recommend! 

4 - Ras Madrakah 

It was a long road to reach our last spot of Ras Madrakah, 600km south of Muscat. It took us six hours to drive to this spot, but it was well worth it once we saw the beautiful white sand beach. Once we arrived, we found hidden lagoons between the mountains, which are absolute treasures of nature, if you ask me! When we entered the water, we discovered it was salty, and everything floated. Kiting, therefore, was only possible for a short amount of time, but it was a kiting experience I will never forget.  

When it wasn't windy, we had the chance to see the beautiful green nature of Oman. Taking the time to enjoy the waterfalls, trees, and lagoons is a must to get the most out of this incredible experience.

This was my first trip to Oman, but definitely not my last. I have already decided to return to Oman next year to host a kitesurfing camp, and I am looking forward to going back to this beautiful place. Looking back, this trip has had a huge impact on my point of view in life, and I am excited to encourage others to discover the beauty of Oman. One day, I hope to see you there!

By Mostafa Abbas

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