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!!)

Pics on:
Tim Harper Facebook.

We are staying at the Magawish hotel in hurghada, in a room that is practically on the beach! The wind looks seriously sweet for that time of year so here’s hoping that we get a good run, I’ve heard that it can blow 14days straight around that time, all of it perfect for 7m or 9m kites.  (Did I mention the clear blue water that is nice and WARM!!)

I’ll keep this blog updated with pics and hopefully some vids (If Coopz buys the camera), so watch this space!

Staying at: http://www.magawish.com/

Magawish Hotel Location on google maps.

There’s a massive amount of flatwater, or at least thats what it looks like from the photo’s and from google earth, so I’ve got a few moves to work on: Flat 3, F16 and any other starter moves I may get in!!

Egyptian Embassy in Pretoria seemed very helpful, although they weren’t too impressed with the courier company I used to get the passports and visa applications there from Cape Town, they arrived at 3pm when they only accept applications 9-11am!

I was looking at doing a Diving course either there or here in SA before I go, but it seems to be about the same price:

bubbleblowers in Cape Town, 4 day Padi open water certification: R3200

colona 300 euro for the same.

Any suggestions? Leave them in the comments.