Showing posts with label le morne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label le morne. Show all posts

Monday, December 1, 2014

Mauritius, a paradise for water lovers!



Its breathtaking surf spots are world renowned, international kitesurfers consider the island as a reference, and snorkeling enthusiasts only swear by its turquoise lagoons ... But Mauritius is much more. Today it hosts yet another water sport: Stand Up Paddle!


Stand Up Paddle was born in 1960 in Hawaii. The board, rather long, is quickly forgotten, giving way to shorter ones. Although today, it is increasingly common to see these boards since Stand Up Paddle can overcome the lack of waves ... The board, 2.5 to 5 meters, varies depending on the use made of it. Indeed, the SUP (for short) is a discipline that can be exercised for leisure or competition, for a stroll or to surf. A wide, long and flat board is recommended for beginners who will learn to find their balance while a streamlined and aerodynamic one is recommended for competitions. Today you can even get inflatable SUP boards that allow you to reduce the rather large size of your equipment to that of a backpack. Convenient for those who travel light and want to indulge in a water activity!

As for other nautical sports, Mauritius has quickly become a favorite spot for Stand Up Paddle fans. The swell when breaking on the coral reefs offers the lucky few, waves of exceptions. Multiple spots such as Manawa, ilot Sancho, île aux Cerfs and many more (closely guarded secret ...) allow aficionados to enjoy Stand Up Paddle in Mauritius. Consider the scenery one only finds on postcards and the regular water temperatures all year round as a bonus! This is why Mauritius remains the favorite destination for water sports lovers.

Just imagine: Your leash (lanyard) attached to your ankle, your paddle in the hands, feet secured on your board, you glide over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. During your stroll, you can get a tan while exercising. And most importantly, you will discover secluded and unspoiled places... One advantage of Stand Up Paddle is that you can practice it anywhere, as long as there is water! Whether on the calm lagoon or on the many spots of the island, the conditions are always ideal. In the vicinity of île aux Cerfs, you can navigate between the islands quietly reaching Trou d'Eau Douce and its natural fresh water supply... Around the ilot Sancho, the most adventurous can brave the apparent reefs and strong currents. From Manawa to Little Reef through One Eye, let yourself be carried by the waves...


And if you still need convincing, know that Stand Up Paddle is the perfect way to get away from the crowds of tourists and the excitement of the busiest places in order to enjoy the peace and beauty of the islands...

Monday, November 24, 2014

Kitesurf - JC Galey, Your Personal Coach



Are extreme sports your thing? Have you tried kitesurfing? Not yet? Well, no need to wait any longer. Concierge Hotels has partnered with JC Galey, certified kitesurfing  instructor, and his school, Son of Kite, which is based in Mauritius. And, as a result tailor-made kitesurf packages are awaiting you.

JC Galey Son Of Kite

It’s early morning in Le Morne. The sun is already up and so is the heat.  Kitesurfers (some of which are pros) are twirling above the lagoon; behind them, the majestic Morne mountain. Every day, the kitesurfers of Mauritius enjoy this picture perfect setting while indulging their favorite sport. “Here, we have the best conditions in the world throughout the year” confides JC Galey with enthusiasm.

A little over six years ago, JC Galey, professional sportsman settles on the West coast of Mauritius, board in hand. His passion for kitesurfing dates back to 1998. Two years later, in 2000 it had also become his professional occupation.  I have been a kitesurfing instructor since 2000” recalls JC. “I have been among the first Frenchmen to be trained”. JC holds a “Brevet d’Etat Français” in kitesurfing. As a result, choosing JC and his school Son of Kite, also means choosing to be trained by a professional. And to make things even better: this pro is also passionate.


After getting his diploma and after teaching kitesurfing for some time in France, JC travels. Following the tides, he settles in various places where he puts down his bags for a while before setting sail yet again to another location.  Along the way, he teaches kitesurfing in in Miami, in the U.S. and in various Spanish towns. Between 2003 and 2004, he spends a year in Mauritius. He likes the country, and loves the weather conditions which are ideal for kitesurfing. Later, in 2008, while kitesurfing is taking off in Mauritius, JC decides to move to the island and to launch Son of Kite – a kitesurfing school and store – in La Gaulette.

Two other instructors are also in charge of classes at Son of Kite. And, since the conditions at Le Morne are so ideal, lessons are taught nearly 365 days a year. “This site is so special because, for a start, the wind is regular and strong. We have the chance of having all the wind directions. Added to that is the fact that the lagoon is not too deep. And since it is protected by the reefs, there are no waves”, explains JC.

Son of Kite offers two types of packages. In the first type, which is available to all customers, classes are carried out in the lagoon – where the other kitesurfing schools also hold their courses. For these sessions. Son of Kite’s tariffs amount to 75 Euros for a private lesson, and 40 Euros for a group lesson with a maximum of three persons per instructor. The other package available is, on the other hand, exclusive and made-to-measure.  This is the package you want, the one you deserve and definitely the one you need to choose!

Just imagine… You are staying in one of those hotels on the West coast – St Regis, Dinarobin, Lux * Le Morne or Le Paradis – and you have made a reservation for Son of Kite’s tailor-made package. In the morning, JC Galey will come pick you up at your hotel… by boat, and most probably right in front of your room! You will then head off to a sandbank where only Son of Kite holds training sessions. If you are the discrete type, and if you would rather enjoy a unique kitesurfing experience away from prying eyes, this package is meant for you.

Not only will the spot be yours and yours only, but so will your private instructor, JC Galey. For three whole hours, JC’s attention will be focused on you. The icing on the cake: JC speaks French, English, German and Spanish! It will up to you to decide on the number of sessions you wish to have – twice a week, more, or less. Prices for a three-hour session start at 390 Euros. If additional hours are required, charges are applied on a pro rata basis calculated using the tariff of the chosen package.

Whether this will be your first try at kitesurfing or whether you are already well versed in this sport, Son of Kite will be sure to meet your individual needs. Thanks to their international experience and exposure, Son of Kite will offer personalized training as well as spot-on and reliable advice. And, as Son of Kite is also a specialist store, the instructors will also be able to guide you when choosing and purchasing your first-ever kitesurfing equipment. Once you will have mastered the basics, the coaches will also give you advice in regards to the best spots. After all, Son of Kite’s mission is simple; their aim is to turn you into a wholly independent kitesurfer.

Good news: no prerequisites are required for beginners. They simply need to be able to swim for at least 15 minutes and to be in good health condition. As a thrill seeker, you are probably already conscious of the risks associated to extreme sports. You will be required to sign a discharge statement relieving Son of Kite and its instructors from any responsibility. Each person is responsible for their own actions.



You now know what your  next move needs to be ! Why not kill two birds with one stone (figuratively speaking of course) and enjoy a sunny escapade to Mauritius while also discovering a sport which you have had always dreamed of trying? You may rely on Concierge Hotels and our privileged partner JC Galey from Son of Kite, to make sure that kitesurfing no longer holds any secret for you.