Egypt is full of hidden kite gems, in the form of both spots and people. Who would have guessed a 16-year-old would catch the attention of the kite industry, turning their heads towards the young talents of Egypt? In this article, Nicole Lambrecht introduces Rising Star Hamza Ismael and shares some background on this inspiring project!

The beautiful Bedouin city of Dahab is located in the northern part of Egypt, one of those raw places you won't find anywhere else. In addition to providing stunning scenery, Dahab offers a perfect environment for big air kiting. It is the favourite playground and backyard of international kiters and many up-and-coming Egyptian riders, one of whom we'll introduce you to today!

First, a little background: I'm Nicole Lambrecht, and I have been enjoying the "kite bubble" for the past few years. But, as most of the community knows, the lifestyle is unique. I grew up in El Gouna, Egypt, my home since 2001. My family got involved in the kite community when we created the Makani Beach Club. It's been a beautiful project that came to life with many individuals coming together and putting their magic into creating a home away from home.

In recent years, I've also supported my amazing sister Nathalie Lambrecht by working as a part-time caddy, or "nanny," around her when she competes in both Freestyle and Big Air. Through that and Makani, I found myself having this network in the kite world and connecting with inspiring people. Many of these people are now friends who have helped to support and participate in our projects and ideas to make them even better!

Looking back, I know I am one of the lucky kids who lived barefoot all year and grew up in a magical place with the most impressive surroundings and people. I wouldn't have the open mind I have in life and would not be who I am today if it were not for growing up in Egypt. I always said I wanted to give back to my home in whichever way I could, bringing us to the next part of the story…

Last year, Nathalie and I went to Dahab for Kite Mania, a local Egyptian competition, to explore more of Egypt and to meet and see the young shredders we had heard so much about. In Dahab, we connected with Mostafa Abbas, a local rider from Ras Sudr. Before we arrived in Dahab for the first time, Mostafa had described the kids in Blue Lagoon and how they would share one kite, throw leashes between each other, and make do with so little.

It's hard to describe it until you see it for yourself—the passion and warmth of the people out here are just different. If you ever go to Dahab, you will see the creativity these kids have in finding ways to be on the water, improve, and have fun together. Even the youngest had plastic bags as 'kites' on the beach, pretending they were out on the water!

"Everybody deserves a chance," is what Mostafa Abbas expressed when we first met. He is a fantastic role model to the kids here in Egypt, and we could not have asked for a better partner in this journey. Mostafa's vision is for the kids to be happy and to be part of an organisation that he wishes existed at his age. He pushes the kids to take it into their hands and work hard so that they can reach their goals. Being a part of the kiteboarding community, Nathalie and I combined our knowledge and connections, laid out the vision, and made a plan with Mostafa Abbas of how we could support the kids in the best way.

Together, we created Rising Stars, a non-governmental organisation designed to support young talents in Egypt within the kite world—a platform to help kids reach their dreams. Rising Stars aims to support the kids with gear, funds for national and international competitions, and transportation in line with those goals. We aim to host camps and bring kids together to inspire and push each other. We focus on education, community, and inspiration, and providing stability through equipment. The aim is also to invite them into this lifestyle by inspiring and guiding them into finding their routines, setting goals, and motivating them to grow and evolve physically and mentally. Within education, we focus on English, social media, coaching on and off the water, and being a good ambassador—all the skills that play a big role in a kiteboarding career.

Today, we're so excited to introduce Rising Star, Hamza Ismael, a 16-year-old from Dahab, Egypt. When we first met Hamza, we were reminded that one smile can tell a lot about a person. His big smile, crazy talent using whatever gear he can find, and humbleness at such a young age, are inspiring.

As a 13-year-old, Hamza started kitesurfing with his uncle Awda in Dahab, who owns a kite school and encouraged him to learn to kite. Hamza was inspired by the riders jumping high and doing crazy tricks, motivating him to continue practising and progressing every day. Once he started doing his own high jumps and tricks, he fell in love with being in the air. He's gotten better and better, but the more he achieved, the more motivated he was to go even further!

A few months ago, Hamza joined Mostafa Abbas to travel to Cape Town. Mostafa is the first Egyptian rider to join an international kitesurf competition and an inspiration to the younger riders that they too can dream big. Supported by Makani Beach Club, Hamza spent a month in Cape Town training for the Big Air Kite League's 2nd division. While he was happy to simply be in Cape Town, meet all the riders, get inspiration from them, and make new friendships along the way, he performed amazingly well. Hamza claimed 3rd place on the podium in his first-ever international competition, representing Egypt.

The beauty of travelling is that it can evolve a person so much. Seeing Hamza grow, his English progress, his confidence excel, and his kite skills rapidly improve in just a few weeks is a highlight of the year. Since then, Hamza has locked down his first international support from Brunotti, which will be a fantastic chapter and is getting help from North Kiteboarding and the excellent Adrian Kerr. He is ready to push himself to become a world champion! Most pro riders always mention that it is all about following the wind if you want to be the best. So let's see where the wind takes Hamza next! 

Seeing Hamza achieve his goals in Cape Town and take the next steps in his kitesurfing career reminds us of what the Rising Stars project is all about. My sister Nathalie is genuinely one of the most inspiring people I know, and she shares her story behind Rising Stars:

"In honour of Tim, Josh, and Nico - Three beautiful souls that I will forever remember—short-lived stars are the ones that shine the brightest, is what I've heard—when a young star dies, all the matter spreads across the whole universe, and I believe that the qualities we admire in these beautiful people apply to their surroundings. They live on through you and with you. Josh told me he wanted to make the world a better place, and honestly, he did and hoped to do the same in the ways we could. I discussed with my sister that I wanted to make a difference, and she brought the idea to life and executed it until where we are today; Rising Stars would not exist if it weren't for her; it was like a domino effect where one person started helping too, just seeing how so many wonderful people came together for the exact cause. Nicole, Mostafa, and my dad have worked hard to get this together. The size of their hearts is indeed an inspiration, and I admire them for bringing this to life. I am so happy we can give these children opportunities that were a privilege in my upbringing." - Nathalie Lambrecht.

To have been able to shift pain into power is one of many things I admire about Nathalie. We are so thankful for our parents, who always inspired us and supported this project with open hearts, for Mostafa's wisdom and kindness, for Alaa Bedewi for being our right hand, and for many more.

No matter what path the kids decide to take within the kite world, whether it is competing, becoming a brand ambassador, or being a kite instructor, being part of this industry opens doors into a different world for the kids to grow into and take a different path in life than what they were born into. The kids do the hard work; we're just a platform to educate them and give them contacts so they can get out there and be their authentic selves. When one kid can do it, the dream of representing your country by doing something you love can become a reality. And that's precisely what Hamza proved was possible, shining light on himself and Egypt.

 

Videos

RISING STARS Introduction
By Nicole Lambrecht

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