The 11th edition of the Dakhla Downwind Challenge links Dakhla to Lagouira along 500 km of coast, with mobile camps and 4x4 support.

A sporting expedition, not a classic camp

From 14 to 20 August 2026, the Dakhla Downwind Challenge is set to bring together more than fifty riders for a crossing of roughly 500 kilometres along the Saharan coast, from Dakhla towards Lagouira. According to the official presentation, this eleventh edition also celebrates the anniversary of the recovery of Oued Eddahab. The principle is to ride with the wind, set up camps in isolated areas and rely on 4x4 ground logistics. The experience is therefore closer to a travelling expedition than a kite camp on the lagoon, with markedly higher physical, technical and mental demands.

The level required to consider the route

A multi-day downwinder demands complete autonomy: launching and landing safely, holding a course, relaunching the kite, performing a self-rescue and riding for long stretches on sometimes choppy water. You must be able to follow the guide's instructions even when tired. Registration should only be considered once the organisation has validated your level. Ask about the daily distances, the exit points, the regrouping procedures and the capacity of the support vehicle. If your goal is simply to discover downwinding, first choose a short supervised outing with one of the Dakhla kitesurf schools.

Equipment and physical preparation

The equipment must cover several wind ranges and withstand intensive use far from a workshop. Check the required list: kites, board, harness, helmet, impact vest, suitable leash, means of communication, spare parts, sun protection and a water reserve. A comfortable wetsuit prevents repeated chafing. On the fitness side, work on endurance, core strength, shoulder mobility and the ability to string several days together. Test all the equipment before departure and label every bag. A trivial failure on the lagoon can become a real problem when you are moving along an isolated stretch of coastline.

Camping responsibly

The route crosses a fragile environment where resupply and waste-disposal options are limited. Every participant must follow the organisation's rules, reduce packaging, leave nothing behind and respect the sensitive areas. Pack clothes for the cooler nights, a head torch and protection against the sand. Tell someone close the general programme, without counting on a permanent connection. The exact routes may be adjusted according to the wind, the sea or the permits: the official source and the on-site briefing always prevail over any description published in advance.

Planning the rest of your stay in Dakhla

Before booking, compare the total cost, the cancellation terms and the required level. To build a coherent stay, browse our full calendar of events in Dakhla, the accommodation, the restaurants and the activities. The lagoon centres can be far from town: confirm the airport transfers, the shuttles and the board arrangements before departure. A free day also lets you discover the White Dune, Dragon Island or the market without sacrificing the recovery needed for sports activities.

Source and information updates

The dates and services in this article were checked on 11 July 2026 from the source published by Dakhla Downwind Challenge. A programme, a price or an availability can change after our check. Always contact the organiser before buying a plane ticket or booking non-refundable accommodation. Guide de Dakhla does not sell this event and can confirm neither a place, nor the required level, nor that a weather-dependent activity will go ahead.