About us
Meet the KiteTripping crew
A crew of ocean-obsessed locals and instructors who turned Essaouira's wind and waves into a way of life, and who can't wait to share it with you.
Our story
KiteTripping was born out of a love for water sports and a passion for sharing it. Founder Achraf Laamiri grew up with the waves of Essaouira, and since 2011 the school has been teaching kitesurfing and surfing at home in Essaouira and Dakhla, and around the world in Brazil, Cape Verde, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Holland.
Today, KiteTripping is a true family affair. Achraf leads the coaching, his sister Oumaima organises your trips and packages, his cousin Yassine welcomes you at the shop, and Abika, a friend from their Dakhla teaching days, shares instructor duties. Between them they speak English, French and Arabic, and they all live by the same golden rule: safety first.
The mission has never changed: to share the wind, the waves and the warmth of our home town with visitors from every corner of the world. Whether it is your very first white-water ride or your first big jump, we want you to leave Essaouira with new skills, salty hair and a huge smile.
What we stand for
The KiteTripping way
Safety first
Certified coaches, radio helmets, rescue cover and conditions checked every day.
Pure stoke
We do this because we love it, and that energy is contagious.
Local knowledge
Born on this coast. We know every sandbank, swell and wind shift.
The team
Your coaches & guides
The people who will teach you, keep you safe and organise your perfect trip.
Achraf Laamiri
Founder & Head Coach
Achraf has been surfing since he could walk, started kitesurfing at 15 and began teaching both at 18. He earned his VDWS kitesurf instructor diploma in 2013, followed in 2014 by qualifications from UCPA, the French air sports association, and from the IKO. He has taught in Essaouira, Dakhla and Cape Verde, and speaks fluent English, French and Arabic. His golden rule is “safety first”: by the time you get in the water, you will be prepared for anything.
Abika
Kitesurf & Surf Instructor
Abika has been kitesurfing since he was a kid, learning old school tricks in the wavy bay of his home town, Essaouira. He met Achraf while they were teaching together in Dakhla, earned his IKO certification in 2018, and has ten years of teaching behind him. Coming home to Essaouira also lets him pursue his second passion: fishing. Off the water, you will find him in the local music clubs, chilling to or playing the sintir (a guitar-like instrument) and entertaining crowds with traditional Gnawa music.
Yassine Holtari
Shop Host & Kitesurf Support
Yassine is Achraf’s cousin and the youngest member of the crew, helping out at weekends and through the summer while he finishes his last year of school. He has been kitesurfing since he was 11 and dreams of turning professional someday soon. For now, he will be waiting to greet you at the KiteTripping shop, and works as your shadow on the water: helping you set up, launch and land your kite, and making sure you stay safe.
Oumaima Laamiri
Operations Manager
Oumaima is Achraf’s sister and the person who keeps KiteTripping running: she books your trips and classes, helps put the holiday packages together, and knows how to give our guests exactly what they need. With her background in administration and communication, she speaks English, French and Arabic, so feel free to send us a message in your preferred language. Oumaima loves the ocean but is an artist at heart: when she is not organising your trip, she is creating incredible paintings and embroideries.
Come ride with us
Join us on the water. Your first session could be this week.