Some events come and go.
Others become part of a destination’s story.
The 5th edition of C Kite Festival brought together everything that makes Mauritius such a special destination for water sports: incredible conditions, world-class talent and a community united by a shared passion for the ocean.
Held at C Mauritius, the festival returned for another unforgettable edition, welcoming professional riders, kitesurfing enthusiasts and curious spectators to the beautiful lagoon of Palmar. With the Indian Ocean as the backdrop, guests enjoyed several days of exciting action on the water, unique experiences and the unmistakable island atmosphere that makes C Kite Festival so special.
Over the years, C Kite Festival has grown into more than just a kitesurfing event. It has become a celebration of Mauritius’ connection with the ocean, showcasing the island as a world-class destination for riders of all levels while bringing together people from around the world.
The 5th edition marked an important milestone for C Kite Festival, celebrating five years of bringing together riders, guests and the wider kitesurfing community.
From its first edition, the festival has continued to grow, attracting more participants and introducing new experiences while staying true to its original spirit: celebrating the freedom, excitement and community that surround the sport.
The 5th edition welcomed Lorenzo Casati, renowned for his spectacular Big Air performances; Zara Hoogenraad, recognised for her technical ability and dynamic riding style; Hannah Whiteley, one of the most respected female riders in the sport; Louka Pitot, Mauritian professional kitesurfer and C Resorts’ Kitesurf Brand Ambassador, proudly representing both the island and the brand on the international stage; and Giel Vlugt, celebrated for his freestyle skills and creative approach to riding.
The festival also welcomed back Antoine Auriol, former Kiteboarding World Champion, environmental advocate, and one of the founding figures behind the C Kite Festival. Since the festival’s inception, Antoine has played a pivotal role in helping shape the event into what it is today. His continued presence at this milestone fifth edition celebrates a journey that began with a shared vision: creating an event that brings together world-class riders, local talent, and a passionate community united by their love for kitesurfing and the ocean.
Their presence added an exciting international dimension to the festival, with spectators enjoying incredible displays of jumps, tricks and technical manoeuvres. Beyond the action, the riders also shared their passion for the sport, creating memorable moments with guests and inspiring the next generation of kitesurfers.
The 5th edition also introduced a brand-new experience that quickly became one of the highlights of the festival: Kite by Night.
As the sun went down, the lagoon took on a completely different atmosphere as riders took to the water with illuminated kiteboards, creating a spectacular display against the backdrop of the sea.
The glowing boards moving across the water brought a new dimension to the sport, combining technology, creativity and the excitement of night-time riding. Guests gathered along the shore to watch this unique experience unfold, making it a memorable addition to the C Kite Festival programme.
The first-ever Kite by Night reflected the festival’s ambition to continue evolving and offering experiences that go beyond traditional kitesurfing.
While the performances on the water were a major attraction, C Kite Festival has always been about bringing people together.
The event created opportunities for riders, guests and the local community to connect through a shared love of the ocean and outdoor adventure. Whether watching the professionals, discovering the sport for the first time or simply enjoying the atmosphere by the lagoon, everyone became part of the festival experience.
This balance between sport, lifestyle and island culture is what makes C Kite Festival unique.
The 5th edition of C Kite Festival was a celebration of everything that has made the event successful over the years: great riders, incredible conditions, unforgettable experiences and a passionate community.
