From July 2 to 5, 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.
