One Session at a Time: Hamza Ismail on Representing Egypt at the Highest Level

Between the flat water and the consistent winds of Dahab, Hamza Ismail grew up with the Sinai Peninsula as his training ground. Now 19, he is representing Egypt and the Bedouin community on the international stage, backed by North and Red Bull. We sat down with him to hear how he got here.

How did kitesurfing come into your life, and when did you realise it had become something bigger than a hobby?
 My uncle awda had a kite van and this is how kitesurfing started in my life, I realized it became something bigger than a hobby when I got first place in a local competition and it was my second competition ever.

Growing up in the Sinai Peninsula means you had world-class conditions on your doorstep. How did that shape you as a rider, and do you think it gave you an edge over athletes who had to travel to find good wind? 
I’m blessed to grow up in a place like Sinai peninsula because we have very good conditions for big air like flat water and consistent 25+ knots wind and this shaped me very well and gave me confidence to ride in strong wind in other countries but still I think you need to ride in different kite spots to gain more experience and to progress because every spot is different than the other.

Big Air is where you've made your name. Was that always the discipline that called to you, or did you explore other styles before finding your direction?
 It was always big air but I tried a little bit of freestyle, actually my first competition ever was GKA FREESTYLE in Saudi Arabia that didn’t go well because the wind was super strong so they turned into a big air comp and I got 3rd place.  

Who has had the biggest impact on your development as an athlete, and what have they taught you?
 Honestly there has been two people that majorly impacted my development as an athlete and they are Awda and Nicole. Awda is the person who introduced kiteboarding into my life and made me grow in the kite community in Egypt. Nicole helped me with all my international travels and experiences. 

What is your preferred setup when you are competing?
 9m Orbit full send with Atmos pro.

Can you tell us about your best kitesurfing memory so far?
The magic gust in Red Bull winds of Sinai while I was doing the interview and then winning Red Bull winds of Sinai for the first time ever.

Competition puts a lot of pressure on athletes. How do you handle the mental side of it, and what is going through your head in the moments before a heat? 
I try to visualize the tricks I’m gonna do in the heat and get mentally prepared for it.

How would you describe your riding style? Is this something you feel like you’re still developing?
 My riding style is aggressive I like to pull early powered loops, I always think there is room to improve on power and technicality.

 
You represent not just Egypt but the Bedouin community on the world stage. What does that mean to you personally, and how does it drive you?
I’m really fortunate to be able to have this experience and represent Egypt and the Bedouin community. Personally this means a lot to me because not many get this opportunity and I am very grateful for everything that has happened. This not only motivates me to push my limits but also the limits of big air kiteboarding. 

Do you have any secret talents or hobbies outside of kitesurfing?
I enjoy spearfishing, free diving, rock climbing and running.

What is your main goal for the future and what do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
 My biggest goal is to bring big air kite surfing in Egypt to new limits and represent my country at the highest level. Sponsored by North International and Red Bull Egypt, I want to be the one who brings the real North experience and vibes here. I want to create a thriving community, coaching kids and newcomers, and showing the world what Bedouin athletes are capable of.

Being a Red Bull sponsored athlete puts you in a very small group of riders globally. What does that recognition mean to you, and how has it changed what you can achieve in the sport?
Being a Red Bull athlete is a huge honor that I never take lightly. It puts me among a very small group of athletes worldwide, and for a Bedouin kid from Dahab, that feels unreal. 

It means I get to train harder, travel to bigger events, and push my big air riding further. Most importantly, it’s opened doors to represent Bedouins and inspire other young riders back home. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and focused on making the most of it, one session at a time.

 
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
My greatest achievement to date is winning the Red Bull Winds of Sinai in 2023 and making the podium there consistently as a young Bedouin rider from Dahab. I’m very proud of representing Egypt and my community on the international stage, all thanks to the wind, my family, and the support from North and Red Bull. I still have a lot to learn and bigger goals ahead.