The Indian Ocean Witnesses the Rise of Outdoor Sports

Sit still and do nothing, that’s definitely not something you would do ? You're the sporty type, a thrill seeker? If over and above all of that, you like to travel and explore distant lands, we have for you the ideal destination. With its idyllic surroundings, fantastic scenery and lush green mountains, the Indian Ocean islands offer a perfect field for all adepts of racing in nature, those who do not fear obstacle races.

Many trails are now organized in the Indian Ocean islands throughout the year and whatever the type of athlete you are, there’s something out there for you. Mauritius, Reunion Island and Madagascar are the most active in this niche. For 2015, no less than 140 races, marathons, trails and other endurance sporting challenges are programmed for runners of all backgrounds and levels.

This year, the most difficult races will once again be on the calendar, amongst which , the Dodo Trail, in the south of Mauritius, which is more than 50 km long with an elevation of 3500m. Well enough to satisfy climbers... Meanwhile, the UTRB offers a 120km journey in the east of Mauritius with gradients of more than 4500m. More and more of these ultra trails are organized in all the Indian Ocean islands. While some take place on a day, others turn into obstacle races. They force the athletes participating in these races to push their physical and psychological limits. Among these events, the Sri Lankan Wild Elephant Trail offers participants six days of intensive competition, during which they cover over 210Km. In the same line, the Trail of l’Ile Rouge in Antananarivo also runs on six days over 135 km.

It goes without saying that the safety of the participants is taken very seriously and that these technical races are targeted towards seasoned athletes and those already accustomed to extreme conditions. However, beginners and average riders rest assured. The trail remains an open challenge to all. Many more relaxed and much less long runs are available for all to enjoy the wonderful environment of these islands. The Ferney Trail and the Royal Raid Mauritius offer 4km and 15 km races* for beginners.

The next trail on the calendar is the Mauritius Adventure Raid Trophy (MART). It will take place on February 7 and 8 in the "wild" south of Mauritius. This is a challenge for those who want to try a multi-sport competition and test their team spirit. In teams of three, you can share the challenge. Running, cycling, archery, water crossing and paddle, pick your sport. It should be noted however that the MART is dedicated to trail specialists. Two accommodation options are available to international athletes. They can sleep in the comfort of a Lux* hotel or in the wild, in tents installed in the Domaine Chazal.

These races allow participants to excel physically and mentally while discovering the islands in another aspect, with another eye. They draw you in fact to beautiful and fascinating landscapes on the mountain heights of Mauritius, Madagascar and Sri Lanka as well as inland areas sometimes inaccessible otherwise...

Here is a list of some trails to come in the Indian Ocean islands for 2015:

Adventure Raid Mauritius Trophy (30Km) - Mauritius: February 7-8

Marathon Eco Friendly (42Km) - Seychelles: February 22

The Wild Elephant Trail (210Km) - Sri Lanka: 6-14 March

Trail Grand Bassin (60Km) - Reunion: March 28

Trail of 2Rivières (60Km) - Reunion: April 11

UTOP (30/60/120) - Madagascar: 01-03 May

Royal Raid (15/35 / 80Km) - Mauritius: May 9

Arc en Ciel Course (63Km) - Reunion: June 27

Isalo Raid (22/42 / 80Km) - Madagascar: July 25-26

Dodo Trail (5/10/25 / 50Km) - Mauritius: July 26

UTRB Mauritius (10/42 / 120Km) - Mauritius: August 1-2

Ferney Trail (4/10/17 / 35km) - Mauritius: September 5

Trail of the Red Island (135km) - Madagascar: September 22 to October 4

Trail of Rodrigues (7/22 / 42Km) - Rodrigues: November 8

Nosy Be Trail (30 or 60km) - Madagascar: December 12

Credit Photo: Stephan Laï-Yu & Lux*Sports

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...