Morocco Spot X – Day 7 recap and interview with Soufain Sahil

by Sarah Hauser - International Windsurfing Tour on 14 May 2017

Day 7 - Morocco Spot X Si Crowther / IWT

No wind today in Moulay. The riders were very busy though, giving interviews in Essaouira for different French and Moroccan national TV channels. Without the wind on their sides, the organizers of the IWT Morocco Spot-X were creative, and many fun activities took place around the beach like a fitness bootcamp, a zumba class, and some tow-in sailing.

Day 7 - Morocco Spot X © Si Crowther / IWT

Soufain Sahil
Soufian Sahli is a great example of the amazing potential that exists in Morocco. He made it to the finals of the single elimination in the Pro division and left a big impression on the judges that day. We stopped by Bouj X Sports (Boujmaa’s windsurf center, where Soufian works) in Moulay and asked him a couple questions.

Soufian, how did you start windsurfing?
I started with my friends Fetta Lamara and Boujmaa Guilloul 12 years ago. I was 16 years old. Boujmaa and Fetta were partners of Bouj Windsurf Adventure and I was working with them. Tourists would come here and leave a mast or a board. That’s how I was getting equipment, but here in Moulay it’s a wave sailing spot so you break gear. Boujmaa, who already had sponsors, has always helped me. Otherwise I would not have been able to continue.

What does windsurfing represent for you?
I feel good when I am in the water, when I sail I feel good energy. I don’t know how to explain it. I just love it and I never want to stop.

What can you tell to people who are hesitant to come sail in Morocco?
I would tell them not to hesitate because here we have really good conditions. For jumping and surfing. We have a good spot.Yes there are a few rocks but it’s not the most dangerous, they are actually really flat. I know a lot of people say “Moulay, be careful with the rocks!” but it’s really not that bad. It’s a great place to improve and attack the waves.

What is your favorite move ?
The cheese roll backloop because it’s a rotation that is completely different than anything else. You turn in every direction. I hope I will land it soon! The move that I prefer to land is the cheese roll planing, I love the sensation it gives me.

Do you have sponsors ?
Right now I use the sails and the masts that Boujmaa lends me, and for boards Sailboard Tarifa shapes custom boards for me.

How did it go for you during the competition ?
I am really happy because I went all the way to the finals. There were some really strong and stylish riders like Russ Faurot, Julien Taboulet, Federico Morisio. I’m so happy I made it against those guys.

Have you done some windsurf trips before?
I’ve been to Cape Verde and to the south of France with Boujmaa. I hope I will be able to go to Hawaii for the Aloha Classic this year if I find enough support. It will be my first time there. It has been one of my dreams to go there, to ride those waves, to see how it is. Boujmaa told me so many stories about Maui. I really hope I will be able to go there with him.

'Thank you Soufian and good luck if the double elimination runs tomorrow. We really hope to see you in Maui!' - IWT