Between Dakhla’s lagoon and the first dunes of the Sahara, White Dune Canyon is now one of Morocco’s must-visit kitesurfing spots. Built with natural materials and powered by solar energy, the ecolodge enjoys a unique location at the heart of the triangle formed by the White Dune, Secret Spot and Dream Spot. But since 2025, it has also been home to another project, less visible from the beach: training a new generation of female kitesurf instructors from the local area.
FOUR WOMEN FROM DAKHLA, ONE YEAR OF LEARNING BETWEEN THE HOTEL AND THE KITESURF SPOT
The program is called the WDC Female Fellowship. It was created by White Dune Canyon to give young women from Dakhla real access to training, professional experience and watersports, three opportunities that are still often out of reach in the region.
The first edition began with a call for applications that received more than 80 responses, mostly from the local area. After a selection process, a group of participants joined the program for a year of learning split between the hotel and the kitesurf center. Four of them are continuing on this journey today: Dounia, Hind, ShaĂŻma and Soumaya. Each has her own background and motivation, progressing month by month, from their first experience with a kite to taking on their first responsibilities at the hotel.
FROM THE WATER TO THE RECEPTION DESK: A PROGRAM BUILT ON REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
The Fellowship is not a traditional training program. Participants are involved in the hotel’s day-to-day operations while regularly training at the ION CLUB kitesurf center. This combination gives them first-hand experience of both hospitality and watersports: they develop practical skills, build confidence and learn to work as a team in two very different environments.
The program also includes English lessons, masterclasses and ongoing support. Some of the Fellows have already reached an important milestone by earning their IKO Assistant Instructor certification, a first step towards a career in kitesurfing.
A NEW CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2026
Following the first edition, White Dune Canyon has opened a new call for applications for the 2026 WDC Female Fellowship. The program is open to young Moroccan women who are motivated to learn, work and commit to a one-year experience in Dakhla. The next edition is scheduled to run from October 10, 2026 to September 15, 2027, with a selection process that includes in-person interviews in Dakhla.
A PLACE DESIGNED FOR THE LONG TERM
This focus on local training is not just about image. It reflects the values promoted by the hotel, from protecting Dakhla’s unique desert and lagoon environment to equal access and empowerment through sport. The ecolodge itself follows the same philosophy, with bungalows built from natural materials and powered by solar energy. The property also includes a spa, hammam, a yoga shala overlooking the lagoon, and a canyon used for dinners and hikes.
THE SPOT: FLAT LAGOON, STEADY WIND, THREE AREAS FOR ALL LEVELS
White Dune Canyon’s kitesurfing spot stretches along the Dakhla Peninsula, facing the White Dunes. There are three main areas: the home spot, where conditions vary with the tide, White Dune, and the Secret Spot. The prevailing north and northeast winds are at their most consistent between April and October, while the flat-water lagoon is ideal for both learning and improving your skills.
WHAT DOES THE ION CLUB CENTER AT WHITE DUNE CANYON OFFER?
The ION CLUB Dakhla White Dune Canyon center offers direct access to the spot from the hotel. It provides kitesurfing for all levels, wingfoiling from beginner sessions to more technical maneuvers, as well as surfing and SUP, with Duotone equipment and instructors who speak French, English and Arabic. Between sessions, guests can enjoy the bar, restaurant, spa and yoga.
This is also where the Fellows do their kitesurf training, making White Dune Canyon a fairly unique place: the same instructors teach both visiting guests and the future female professionals of the sport.