They speak very little English but we manage to exchange some words and all enjoy the tasty flavoured drink. I noticed that one of them is still around the boards, visibly eager to give it a go. I invite him to give it a try, giving him a few tips on where to stand on the board and how to grap the paddle. These inflatable boards are stable and surprisingly stiff so they provide a good glide even for a total beginner like him. The rest of the group is cracking up and screaming as their friend gets his first strokes. I like the image of a silouhetted Abaya (the traditional Egyptian men outfit) moving on such modern craft. After a good effort paddling back against the current to the island he gets my board back with a great smile on his face. We thank everyone for their hospitality and once again I learn from those who are able to drop everything at any given time to welcome some strangers in their home, expecting nothing else in return.
It has been a week now that we are paddling and sailing along some of the most beautiful landscapes Africa has to offer. The Nile travels more than 4000 miles through the continent to end in Egypt making it the longest river on earth. How many more SUP adventures does it hide in Sudan, Eritrea, Uganda…? SUP
