Imagine kitesurfing in one of the most remote and untouched corners of the world, where emerald seas meet pristine beaches, and the wind never stops blowing! This past June, Ellie Dimitrova’s emerald dream finally came true. She teams up with Val Garat and spent eight unforgettable days riding the winds of Sakalava Bay and Babaomby, two of the most breathtaking kite spots you could ever imagine. Read all about it exclusively in IKSURFMAG!

This June, I had the incredible opportunity to lead a kitesurfing trip to Madagascar, a destination that had been on my list for years but one I had never had the chance to visit until now. The event featured the professional French kitesurfer Val Garat and was organised through my travel agency, Kite The World. We were a group of 14, spending eight unforgettable days exploring two stunning kite spots—Sakalava Bay and Babaomby, another incredible location on the Emerald Sea.

Our first stop was Sakalava Bay, where the lagoon offered smooth waves and strong, steady winds. It’s an ideal spot for beginners to practice wave riding since the waves here aren’t too fast or rough. What made Sakalava truly unique were the varying conditions in one place. A sandbank would appear at low tide, giving you the perfect mix of flat water and gentle waves. There’s even a secret spot just five minutes downwind, which works only at high tide. It felt like having our own private kite paradise, with hardly anyone else around.

Next, we made our way to Babaomby, situated on the Emerald Sea. Just getting there was an adventure! We took a local boat from a village called Ramena, and after about 45 minutes, we arrived at the breathtaking Emerald Sea. The crystal-clear water and untouched beaches were beautiful. You can only kite here at low tide; otherwise, there’s no beach to launch from. The wind was everything you’d expect from Madagascar—consistent and strong. The colours of the water were mesmerising, shifting from deep blue to bright emerald. It’s easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever kited.

After an exciting kitesurfing session, we visited Nosy Suarez, an island near the main kite spot at the Emerald Sea. The locals treated us to a meal of freshly caught fish, which was the perfect way to unwind after a day on the water. One of the highlights of the trip was the warmth and kindness of the Malagasy people. They greeted us Everywhere we went with open hearts and smiles, ensuring we felt welcome. At Nosy Suarez, for example, they organised a bonfire for us during one of our last nights in Sakalava Bay. We had an amazing time, and they even painted our faces with traditional designs, making us feel part of their celebration. It wasn’t just the kitesurfing—the people of Madagascar made the trip unforgettable.

While the group part of the trip lasted eight days, I wasn’t quite ready to leave Madagascar just yet. After everyone else had flown home, I stayed a bit longer to explore Nosy Anko, a private island that you can only reach by helicopter. The flight over was mind-blowing. I could see the entire coastline, dotted with tiny islands below, and we even spotted whales and hundreds of turtles along the way. Nosy Anko felt like a secret hideaway. With only one hotel on the island, it was totally secluded. I spent my days kiting around the island’s lagoon, which I practically had to myself. The water was so calm and clear, and the wind kept blowing, making it perfect for long, peaceful kite sessions. We even did a downwind run to the nearby smaller islands.

Looking back, this trip to Madagascar was one of the best adventures I’ve ever had. The combination of perfect wind, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters made it a dream destination for any kitesurfer. Sakalava Bay was ideal for learning new skills, while the Babaomby Emerald Sea was everything you could want in a kite spot—beautiful, windy, and wild. And of course, the private island experience on Nosy Anko was the cherry on top!

For me, kitesurfing is all about exploring new places and sharing those experiences with others, and this trip allowed me to do both. We discovered some of the best kite spots in the world, and I got to share them with an amazing group of people. Madagascar is definitely a place I’ll return to. There’s something magical about the wind and waves there, and I’m already thinking about my next adventure.

 

By Elena Dimitrova

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