Cover Victory lap after completing the Atlantic crossing after sailing off from Dahkla chased by the local authorities (Photo: Eddie H Zobel)
Victory lap after completing the Atlantic crossing after sailing off from Dahkla chased by the local authorities (Photo: Eddie H Zobel)
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Join global nomad Eddie H Zobel as he guides us on an unforgettable trip across the Atlantic to a stunning oasis at the Sahara’s edge! Travel from the breathtaking Canary Islands to the majestic dunes of Dakhla, immersing yourself in authentic connections and the thrill of exploring the unknown
As I settle into the night under the bed of stars leading me on my beloved Kaikoa across the Atlantic, I hear a whisper from a warm desert wind that a family from my motherland has come across the globe to ride in the Sahara desert. The anticipation of this journey, not the kind of travel plans you sign up for on the fly, you know, is about setting full sail and making a few extra thousand miles to come into unknown territory without knowing what you are going to expect. My intuition kicks in, however, and I feel like I have most everything I need on me. Plus a couple of good friends whom I consider brothers and mentors, together with riding equipment, and tuna we have fished on our way.
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Above Zobel riding an empty break at a local spot
Above Arrival incense ritual at Habitas Caravan
Zobel riding an empty break at a local spot
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Above Sharing flavours from the sea and land, food becomes a celebration of journey and friendship
Above Zobel barefoot riding on a secret beach
Sharing flavours from the sea and land, food becomes a celebration of journey and friendship
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The whispers in the wind turn into voices, and the imagination of what we can find starts flooding my cravings and desires of docking among dunes with an endless supply of good vibes, wind and waves. The crew and I get excited, and so does Kaikoa. She’s been sailing us at an average speed of eight to ten knots, but she seems to have caught onto the excitement of the new planned route and starts averaging close to 12 or 14 knots, hitting top speeds of over 21 knots. Whether awake, asleep or somewhere in between, I feel the energy and the momentum building up. The adrenaline and explorations start becoming our bread and butter, and we continue giving our vessel whatever it needs to keep on galloping, brave and steady.
Above Resident yogi instructor at Habitas Caravan
Above Kitesurfing hut at Habitas Caravan
Resident yogi instructor at Habitas Caravan
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Above Travelling not just to see, but to feel, experience and become part of the world
Above Adventure is found in moments of connection, discovery and stepping beyond comfort
Travelling not just to see, but to feel, experience and become part of the world
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We rode so fast and light that we hit our entry port in Dakhla Bay a day before schedule. It is Sunday, and it is also Ramadan in this part of the world. A local tradition and practice where everyone fasts for one month from sunrise until sunset with the intention of a deeper spiritual connection, reflection and purification. The big rewards of such practice and sacrifice come with a steep effort that is both borderline painful and draining. Regardless of all this, the team from the Burning Man birthed hotel in the bay by the name of Habitas Caravan Dakhla makes all the arrangements necessary to get us cleared to sail into the magical further end of the bay where, surrounded by dunes and stars, a pocket in space and time is set for magical people to come together as a family. Professional riders, philanthropists, architects, filmmakers, storytellers, yogi masters—all bound together by the passion and the drive to travel beyond the ordinary and find ourselves immersed in something way beyond the extraordinary. This sense of community, of being part of something bigger, is what makes this journey truly special.
Above Travel is an experience beyond places—where connection, growth, and inspiration become the true treasures
Above The best adventures are those that challenge us to see the world with fresh eyes
Travel is an experience beyond places—where connection, growth, and inspiration become the true treasures
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Above 'Fish for the Cats', Zobel’s sketch during the tour for the fishing crew
Above Zobel with his catch of the day in the Caribbean after two weeks at sea
'Fish for the Cats', Zobel’s sketch during the tour for the fishing crew
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The warm welcome with local incense rituals and the family-style banquet set the mood for the week of riding that is waiting ahead. The crew and I spent the night and morning nothing short of mesmerised by every detail and beautiful simplicity of this luxury commune that has been embedded into the dunes of the Sahara Desert in the northern part of the bay. We soak in the welcome, the laughs, the stories, the inspiration and share dreams by a bonfire until the last pieces of wood pulverise into the sand. The beauty of our surroundings, the vast expanse of the desert and the starry sky, is truly inspiring. At this point, we rest like never before on big beds with huge glass window fronts overlooking the scenery and get ready for the endless froth session that awaits us the rest of the week.
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Every step into new places opens a new chapter of discovery and wonder
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Speed spots, free style spots, wave spots— it’s all there! Even the day that seems calm turns into a foiling day, a term used in kiteboarding to describe a day with perfect conditions for foiling, a technique that allows the board to lift out of the water and glide smoothly. The vibe is right, the energy is inspiring, the people are smiling—and we ride, we ride our brains out day after day, sharing the wind, our tricks, inspiring each other. There are no trophies and competitions while I’m there, and that gives us all the motivation to do it for the fun of it! Riders from all across the globe with different backgrounds, all gathered together. It’s beautiful, it’s energising and it’s unforgettable. Even at the end of the day, when there is no wind and we all gather in the day beds by the pool while sipping on local Moroccan tea, there is a surprising event that keeps everyone on the same frequency. It’s the massive moonrise shining its light on us from behind the dunes across the bay. Sahara, I hope to see you soon; until until then, I will keep you in my heart.
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Credits
Photography: Eddie H Zobel
