THE LURE Imagine a huge lagoon of warm, clear, flat, shallow water... Rodrigues is a kitesurfers paradise. This tiny island which is north east of Maurituis is just 11 miles from top to bottom and 5 miles across has a charm and a beauty found very rarely anywhere in the world. The whole island is ringed by the lagoon that controls the whole nature of Rodrigues and its truly creole inhabitants. From the moment you set foot on terra firma, you can feel the rhythm of the atmosphere; the warmth and freshness of the trade winds; the friendliness of the people and the simplicity in the way they live. It feels as though time and the modern world has past this secret hideaway by.
THE SETUP: Tucked away along the road to no where on the south-east coast is the tiny village of Mourouk which borders the edge of the lagoon. Here you can wake up, step outside your hotel and kite right there! The sailing area runs for 3-4 kms with shallow water up to 1.5m deep to reef. This really is the watersports heaven, with constant cross-shore winds, flat warm water, dive spots that have never been seen and water playground that goes on for ever. There is also a world class speed strip where kiters have reached speeds of 40 knots plus.
ISLAND DE COCO: There is an amazing sand bar here which creates mirror smooth flat water in the huge shallow lagoon. In fact the water is so smooth the Island De Coco speed strip is thought to be a potential speed record breaking site. Also of course perfect for beginners to learn, flat water blasting and for all levels to master their next trick.
WIND & WEATHER: SE trade winds are created by high pressure zones in the Indian Ocean and are best during the months May to October. The trade winds are clean and consistent usually gradually building through the day. Rodrigues has a tropical climate so temperatures are pleasant all year round.
WATER: Rodrigues lies in the world's third largest body of water, the Indian Ocean and has a year-round water temperature of 25ºC.
KITESURFING LESSONS: There are kitesurfing schools at the main beach offering full instruction at all levels.
OFF THE WATER: There are plenty of other activities to try on the island such as windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, mountainbiking, surfing and big game fishing. The nightlife is limited limited but the local restaurants serve great food. Rodrigues is certainly one of the best places in the world to chill out.
ACCOMMODATION: There is various accomodation options including Creole style hotel complexs 3-4 star quality which cater for your every need.
GETTING ABOUT: The island is small so mountain bikes and scooters, which can be hired are a great way to explore. Taxis are also available for longer journeys or there is the option of car hire.
AIRPORTS: Rodrigues Airport
GETTING TO RODRIGUES: Air Mauritius are the only operator of the short flight from Mauritius. They have regular flights from all over the world to Mauritius including a daily schedule from major European Capitals. It also has frequent flights from Australia and South Africa.
Riders who have included Rodrigues as one of their Top Places to Ride are:Fabienne d'Ortoli
