If you missed last year’s Moroccan Strapless Kitesurf Championship then you bet not miss this years!
Watch Full Video & Documentary on Youtube (in French & Darija – Moroccan Arabic)
Association Jeunes Essaouira Sports Nautiques (AJESN) Presents Morocco’s Top Strapless Kitesurfers to Essaouira for the 2026 Championship
When it comes to kitesurfing in Morocco, few destinations are as iconic as Essaouira. Known as the “City of Wind,” this UNESCO-listed coastal town has earned an international reputation for its consistent Atlantic winds, quality waves, and vibrant watersports community. Every summer, these world-class conditions attract riders from around the globe, making it the perfect stage for Morocco’s premier strapless kitesurf competition.
At the heart of this growing movement is the Association Jeunes Essaouira Sports Nautiques (AJESN), a local non-profit organization dedicated to developing watersports, supporting young athletes, and promoting environmental awareness through sport. Through competitions, youth programs, and community initiatives, the association continues to strengthen Essaouira’s position as one of Morocco’s leading watersports destinations.
Building a Future Through Watersports
AJESN was created with a clear mission: to make sailing and board sports accessible to local youth while encouraging healthy lifestyles, education, and respect for the marine environment. By introducing children and teenagers to watersports, the association helps develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the ocean.
Beyond athlete development, the organization regularly incorporates environmental education into its events, teaching children about protecting marine ecosystems, reducing coastal pollution, understanding wind and weather, and respecting the unique natural environment that makes Essaouira such a special place to ride.
A Successful First Edition
The inaugural edition of the Championnat du Maroc de Kitesurf Strapless in Essaouira marked an important milestone for both the city and Moroccan kitesurfing. Bringing together many of the country’s top riders, the competition showcased Morocco’s rapidly growing level of talent while highlighting Essaouira’s exceptional wave-riding conditions.
The event quickly became much more than a sporting competition. Families, local businesses, visitors, and watersports enthusiasts gathered along the beach to experience the excitement of professional competition, creating an energetic atmosphere that celebrated both sport and community.
The success of the first edition demonstrated that Essaouira is not only one of Morocco’s best kitesurf destinations—it is also capable of hosting national-level sporting events that attract visitors while supporting local tourism and businesses.
2025 Champion – Ismail Adarzane & Finalists Amine Rossafi & Mohamed Achhibat
Last year’s first edition of the Championnat du Maroc de Kitesurf Strapless concluded with an exciting showcase of Morocco’s top talent. In spectacular wind and wave conditions, riders delivered impressive technical performances and high-level competition that captivated spectators throughout the event. Ismail Adarzane claimed first place after an outstanding final against Amine Rossafi, while Mohamed Achhibat secured third place. Their performances set a high standard for future championships and helped establish the competition as one of Morocco’s premier strapless kitesurfing events.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Championship
Building on last year’s momentum, the 2nd Edition of the Championnat du Maroc de Kitesurf Strapless returns to Essaouira from 14–17 July 2026, promising an even bigger celebration of Moroccan kitesurfing.
Organized by the Association Jeunes Essaouira Sports Nautiques under the auspices of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Voile (FRMV), the competition will once again welcome many of Morocco’s best strapless riders to compete in one of the country’s most challenging and rewarding wave locations. The event also enjoys the support of local authorities, tourism partners, sponsors, and volunteers who work together to deliver a professional championship while promoting the region.
Spectators can expect four exciting days of high-performance wave riding, impressive aerial manoeuvres, technical surf-style riding, and close competition as athletes battle for valuable championship points.
More Than Just a Competition
One of the defining characteristics of the championship is its strong community focus. Alongside the competition, visitors can enjoy a lively event village featuring sponsor exhibitions, local businesses, family-friendly activities, and educational workshops for children.
Environmental awareness remains an important part of the championship. Interactive activities encourage younger generations to learn about ocean conservation, protecting Essaouira’s coastline, understanding wind conditions, and preserving the natural environment that makes watersports possible. These initiatives reflect AJESN’s commitment to combining sport with education and sustainability.
Why Essaouira? City of the trade Winds…
Few places are better suited to strapless kitesurfing than Essaouira. The city’s reliable trade winds, long sandy beach, and quality Atlantic waves provide ideal conditions for both competition and progression. Riders benefit from side-shore winds, varied wave conditions, and an energetic watersports culture that has developed over decades.
Away from the beach, visitors can explore the historic UNESCO-listed medina, enjoy fresh seafood, discover local artisan workshops, or simply experience the relaxed atmosphere that has made Essaouira one of Morocco’s most beloved coastal destinations. Whether you’re visiting as a competitor, spectator, photographer, or traveller, the championship offers the perfect opportunity to experience both world-class kitesurfing and authentic Moroccan hospitality.
Join the Stoke – July 14-17th 2026 – Essaouira Beach
As the countdown begins for the 2nd Edition of the Championnat du Maroc de Kitesurf Strapless, excitement continues to build across Morocco’s watersports community. The event represents more than a national competition—it showcases the passion, talent, and dedication of Morocco’s kitesurf athletes while highlighting the important work of the Association Jeunes Essaouira Sports Nautiques in developing future generations of riders.
From 14–17 July 2026, the beaches of Essaouira will once again come alive with spectacular riding, community spirit, environmental education, and unforgettable summer energy. Whether you’re cheering from the shoreline or competing on the water, everyone is invited to be part of one of Morocco’s premier kitesurf events. Stay tuned to their instagram page @associationejeunesessaouira for live and daily updates as wind conditions and scheduling can change at any time!
