Empowering the Future of Kitesurfing

Hosted in one of the world’s most iconic kitesurfing destinations, Dakhla provided perfect conditions for a mix of disciplines, from freestyle to big air. The event featured returning Young Blood riders Max Tullett and Davi Ribeiro, joined by a crew of talented newcomers, including Noah Nicolas, Eliott Panet, and Pierfrancesco Rizzello. With wind blowing strong throughout the week, the riders had ample opportunity to push their limits.

But, as always with Young Blood, it was about more than just kiteboarding. The camp combined athletic training, media coaching, and mental fortitude development to prepare the kids for life as professional riders. Being a professional kiter today means mastering more than just your tricks, It’s about knowing how to perform on camera, how to handle media, and having the physical and mental toughness to stay at the top

The week kicked off with a focus on physical conditioning, guided by longtime athletic coach Luis de Dios. He emphasized the importance of strength training and injury prevention, teaching the young athletes routines that would help them build endurance and resilience—essential in a sport as demanding as kitesurfing. "Without a solid physical foundation, athletes risk injuries that can limit their progress," said Luis, underlining the need for balance, flexibility, and strength in the young kiter`s training programs.

Media training also took center stage, with industry veterans Carlos Guzmán Ortega, Toby Bromwich and Julien Leleu offering insights into photography and videography. The young athletes were schooled on how to work with cameras—learning how to position themselves for the best shots and convey their personalities through the lens. "In today’s world, being media-savvy is almost as important as winning competitions," Carlos explained. "Sponsors are looking for riders who can not only perform but also engage with audiences and build their brands."

Between the coaching sessions, the riders tackled various kiteboarding challenges, adapting to Dakhla’s shifting wind conditions. Whether it was mastering high jumps in strong winds or finessing freestyle moves in lighter conditions, the week offered plenty of chances for progression. "Max and Davi were already impressive riders, but it was incredible to see how much they had grown in just a year," Toby added. "Their versatility was evident, and watching them embrace both big air and freestyle disciplines was inspiring."

Beyond the technical and physical aspects, mental preparation was a key component of the camp. The riders faced simulated pressure scenarios to help them cope with competition stress and learned strategies to maintain focus and composure in high-stakes situations. "Success in kiteboarding is as much about mental strength as it is about physical skill," said Philipp Becker, pointing to how the ability to handle pressure can be a game-changer in competition.

The unique backdrop of Morocco also played a major role in the event’s success. "Dakhla is a dream for kiting," said Julien Leleu. "It has everything—flat water, waves, and the most beautiful desert landscapes. The location gave us amazing visual content and an inspiring environment for the riders."

While the camp was focused on progression, there were also plenty of moments of fun and bonding. The riders spent a windless afternoon exploring a local village, immersing themselves in the local culture and connecting with the community. These moments of team-building helped forge lasting friendships, creating a strong sense of camaraderie among the riders. "They didn’t just leave as better athletes; they left as a real team," remarked Luis de Dios.

As the week came to a close, it was clear that the future of kitesurfing is in good hands. The Porsche Young Blood camp provided these young athletes with all the tools they need to pursue their dreams of becoming professional riders. From mastering their craft on the water to learning how to build their brands off it, they are now more prepared than ever to tackle the challenges ahead.

As Philipp Becker, Duotone’s International Marketing Manager, aptly summed it up, "This camp is about more than just finding new talent. It's about shaping the next generation of riders—teaching them the value of professionalism, preparation, and perseverance. With the support of brands like Duotone and ION, these young athletes are on the path to greatness."