In early January, as trade winds brushed the turquoise lagoons of Mauritius, something quietly special took shape on the beach.
From January 5 to January 9, 2026, the Global Kitesports Association (GKA) hosted the very first Ocean Roots Kiteboarding Camp — thanks to Eva Schmitter, a five-day youth initiative was designed to spark curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong connection to the ocean through kiteboarding.
More than a training camp
Ocean Roots was created with a simple mission: introduce more young people to kiteboarding, and inspire the next generation of ocean-minded athletes. And in Mauritius, that mission came to life.
A Week Built Around Learning, Play, and Progress.
Each day ran from 9am to 5pm, blending focused coaching with the kind of energy only kids on a beach can bring.
Thanks to the expertise of ION CLUB Mauritius, the camp delivered a high-quality learning experience from day one. The format was intentionally personal:
two kids per instructor, half a day of semi-private kite lessons, ensuring every participant received individual attention, encouragement, and steady progression. The second half of each day shifted gears. Beach games, team challenges, and free play filled the afternoons — building friendships, confidence, and that effortless joy that defines great youth sport experiences.
For many of the kids, it was their first time holding a kite. By the end of the week, it was already clear: some had discovered a new passion.
Discovering the Ocean Beyond the Board.
Midweek, the camp paused competition and technique for something even deeper — ocean awareness. In collaboration with Scuba Caribe Mauritius, the group headed out by boat for a guided snorkeling session. Beneath the surface, the kids encountered vibrant reefs and even swam alongside turtles — a moment that quickly became one of the highlights of the entire week.
Back on land, the afternoon continued with a one-hour educational talk focused on marine life, coral reefs, and mangrove ecosystems. For many, it was the first time learning how closely their sport is connected to the health of the ocean itself.
The message was simple and powerful:
if you love the ocean, you protect it.
A Community Effort
Ocean Roots would not have been possible without the support of local and international partners who believed in the vision.
- RIU Hotels welcomed all participants with daily buffet access, keeping young riders energized and well cared for throughout the week.
- Down South Shop and Decathlon added a special touch by gifting each child sports bags, lycras, and kiteboarding goodies — souvenirs that will likely travel far beyond Mauritius.
Together, these partners helped create an experience that felt professional, welcoming, and memorable from start to finish.
Planting the Seeds for the Future
For the GKA, Ocean Roots is more than a one-off camp. It represents a long-term commitment to youth development, accessibility, and sustainability in kiteboarding — building pathways into the sport while nurturing respect for the ocean that makes it possible. In just five days, friendships were formed, fears were overcome, and confidence grew — not only on the water, but in how these young riders see themselves.
Some may one day stand on World Tour podiums. Others will simply carry a lifelong love of wind, waves, and ocean stewardship.
Both outcomes matter. And this, in many ways, is exactly where the future of kiteboarding begins.
Interested in hosting future Ocean Roots camps or youth initiatives with the Global Kitesports Association?
Stay connected — the next generation is already taking flight.
📸Camp Images: Max Gifted