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"Yulia Kalenova: Pushing limits at the Dakhla Downwind with KOH Sunglasses"



An unforgettable adventure: Yulia Kalenova and her Downwind challenge in Dakhla


When it comes to overcoming obstacles, few challenges can compare to a downwind ride across the Atlantic in conditions as extreme as those Yulia Kalenova recently experienced in Dakhla , Western Sahara . An athlete who constantly seeks to push her body and mind to the limit, Yulia managed to complete a 500km downwind , a challenge that tested her in ways that only true athletes understand.


An ambitious goal


“Every time I go to Dakhla, for me it is a moment of pure life. It is the moment when you feel everything at your fingertips. Every moment is unique and transformative,” Yulia shares. This trip, however, was not like the others. With a clear goal in mind – to complete 500 km of downwind – Yulia prepared during the summer, although her training was limited due to a busy schedule.


The challenge begins


The first day of the downwind was not easy. Yulia apparently forgot her water and energy gels in the rush of preparation, which made the day tougher than expected. But it was not all negative, as she soon began to enjoy the challenge. “From the second day, I started to enjoy the downwind much more. The time in the water was the best time for me. I was alone with my thoughts, being a small dot in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean,” she says.


The hardest day


Day 4 was, without a doubt, the hardest. Yulia and her team had to sail 80 km upwind without a break, with huge and terrifying waves that almost made her give up. “I will remember this day for a long time because I honestly thought I could die. The whole course was surrounded by gigantic rocks instead of beach, and any mistake could cost me my life,” she says. Despite her fears and extreme fatigue, Yulia kept going, not letting anything stop her.


Overcoming the challenge


Finally, Yulia managed to reach the shore after 4.5 hours of constant struggle. “This downwind was a real challenge and I am happy to have made it through alive,” she reflects. Once again, her determination and her experience in kitesurfing proved that there are no obstacles impossible for her.


Acknowledgements and recognition


Yulia also thanked the entire team that supported her both in and out of the water, and her KOH Sunglasses team. “My KOH sunglasses were a lifesaver during the @dakhla.downwind.challenge . 4-7 hours of kitesurfing a day would have been impossible without proper sunglasses. I’m so happy to have mine. They’re almost invisible, lightweight and provide excellent sun protection,” says Yulia.


At KOH Sunglasses, we are incredibly proud to support athletes like Yulia, who inspire us to keep pushing our own limits. Congratulations, Yulia, on this incredible achievement!












 
 
 

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