1 Ride,1 Ocean: Mauritius-Réunion Daring Kitesurfing Expedition Launch

In a bold and audacious venture, the Kite Cross Mauritius-Réunion project has been unveiled, promising to challenge the limits of human endurance and environmental consciousness. Spearheaded by the intrepid kitesurfers Jean Anaël “Lolotte” Leopold and Christopher Corneille, this ambitious undertaking aims to traverse a staggering 174 kilometres of the Indian Ocean in a relentless seven-hour journey, commencing from the picturesque Morne and culminating at the serene shores of Ste Rose.

Scheduled for the 4th of June, this event awaits the crucial nod from the authorities, a decision that hangs in the balance.

This initiative is not merely a sporting event; it is a clarion call for the preservation of our precious oceans.

A coalition of seasoned kitesurfers, maritime safety professionals, event coordinators, and fervent environmental advocates have united to champion this cause.

Their mission is twofold: to raise awareness about the ecological fragility of the Indian Ocean and to showcase Mauritius as a premier destination for water sports, while simultaneously celebrating the deep-rooted connections between these two sister islands.

The organisers are resolute in their belief that fostering collaboration and exchange among participants—whether local or international—underscores the vital importance of unity and shared experiences within the kitesurfing community.

They express a fervent hope that this year, the authorities will heed their plea and grant approval for the project, unlike the previous two years when their requests were met with rejection.

“Our commitment transcends the mere organisation of a sporting event,” asserts the team.

“This is a genuine collective endeavour that encompasses all stakeholders within our ecosystem—from passionate professionals to local communities, both human and animal.

By working in concert, we can forge a positive and lasting impact, safeguarding the natural resources that enrich our islands.

The oceans, which we share with athletes from around the globe, are not only our playground but also our common heritage.

Through the Kite Cross Mauritius-Réunion, we aim to amplify the voices of future generations, instilling in them the importance of environmental stewardship while celebrating performance and respect.

This project is an invitation to unity, where locals, athletes, and nature enthusiasts converge around a shared passion to protect the invaluable treasures of our seas and territories.”

“Let us safeguard what ignites our spirits,” implored Jean Anaël “Lolotte” Leopold, a professional kitesurfer hailing from Rodrigues.

“The ocean is our playground, but it is also our greatest wealth. To cross it is to send a message: let us protect what makes us come alive.”

With a change in government, these athletes harbour hopes that kitesurfing will find its rightful place within the Ministry of Sports, enabling countless Mauritians and Rodriguans to proudly represent their quadricolour on both local and international stages.

Yet, they remain perplexed by the repeated refusals they have encountered, especially when recalling the successful crossing in 2019 by a group of Russian kitesurfers alongside Mauritians, who received the necessary approvals from the authorities.

This is reminiscent of Réunionnais Sébastien Coupy’s record-setting crossing on the 2nd of July 2010, which he completed in a remarkable 7 hours and 14 minutes.

As the countdown to this monumental event begins, the call to action is clear: islanders unite in passion for the ocean and strive to protect the irreplaceable beauty that surrounds us.

Source: l”Express