Tim Harper | Blog

What a contrast, Beautiful blue water, Rough hard dry desert, and fat russian tourists.
Flying into hurghada the blue coral reefs are simply amazing from the air and coming into land we spotted kites up and polesurfers cruising across the water.
Had an airport holdup – prayer time – so we couldn’t interrupt the customs officer, to be expected really.
Driving through the town of Hurghada it reminded me that we were still on the african continent, unfinished building works and rubbish all over the place, but definite signs that they were trying to spruce the place up, although failing quite miserably.
Our transfer driver tried to sell us a trip to Luxor, at a ridiculous price, we declined.
The hotel reception reminded me of something out of a russian spy movie, shady characters smoking in the corners trying to look inconspicous, awful interior decor and well, fat russian tourists.

Eventually got to our room after almost murdering a reception monkey, a bellboy and the transfer driver, 22 hours worth of travelling will do that to you. (Did I mention Egypt Air is stuck in the 80’s?)

Headed to the Kite center, boards assembled and all sorted to get on the water, go out on my 11m and end up far downwind. Disaster. First lesson learned, wind is up at 9 / 10am and ends by 3 everyday, like clockwork.

I was on my 9m and 11m for almost every single day, I had to borrow a 14m for one day and had one session on my 7m. So 12 days later I was absolutely poked, body ached, hands were falling apart and I cracked a bone in my foot, but had one of the best kiting experiences ever, super flat water out at the sandbar, with consistent wind and warm warm water.
We didn’t venture out of the resort much, but after having 3-4 hour sessions every day, sometimes with another afternoon session, we didn’t have much energy, so stuck to a few beers at the shisha bar on the premises.

I read a review about the all inclusive restaurant before we went and it said the staff were like bolivian prison gaurds, this is totally not true, they were all fairly attentive (as attentive as an egyptian can be) and some were even friendly. The food was average but not bad by any standards, the variety was fine for a week, but after day 13 I couldn’t wait for something other than cafeteria food.

The Colona Watersports kite center was ok, a little bit pricey (45euro for the week for rescue / beach access and 70euro for 2 weeks), but the staff were easy going and always willing to help. The launch and land area was really tiny, and gusty and if it gets busy it can be a nightmare, but if you aren’t experienced enough, just dump your kite and they’ll come fetch you.

All in all a great holiday, just remember you are still in Africa and watch out for the fat russian tourists. (or Aim for them if they are in the water!!)

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