If you haven't put a pin in Greece as a kiteboarding destination, you may want to reconsider. The ancient Gods may not have been kitesurfers, but they did create some breathtaking scenery, steeped in culture and surrounded it with some of the best riding spots on the planet. The people of Greece are a patriotic and passionate group, which shows in their spirit and riding. This heritage and passion keep Dimitri Maramenides and the Epic Kite family returning biannually to soak up all that Greece has to offer.
However, if you are an Epic kite owner, join the group for free a personal guide is included!
If you're a rider looking to travel to Greece, there are a few words of advice to be shared. Firstly be sure to plan your trip around the windy season, and make sure to take some time to immerse yourself in historical sites such as the Acropolis, Korinthos, Poseidon's Temple, the new Athens museum and the Olympic stadium in Athens to name a few.
* TEST ALL THE EPIC PRODUCTS AND AVOID THE BAGGAGE CHARGE ALTOGETHER AT ONE OR HIS CENTRES"
When you're ready for the kite adventure of your life, you can board the ferry from the Port of Piraeus or Rofino, but be sure to rent a car first. Car rentals on the islands are considerably more expensive You can also fly from Athens to the islands, but there are restrictions on kite gear, and renting a car will give you more freedom to explore various spots
While the Greek food is amazing, most restaurants don't accept credit cards, so be sure to have cash on hand, and beware of additional items on your bill that weren't ordered. If you don't have room for your kite equipment, why not drop Dimitri a line and test oil the Epic products and avoid the baggage charge altogether at one of his centers.
Greece and the many islands are looded with amoring riding spots, but don't expect anyone to offer up the secret slash "There are lots of beautiful, secret and secluded spots... If you're on Epic customer I'd be happy to share that information, or oven take you there with me' offors Dimitri
With the proximity to town, you can enjoy a short ride to do some site seeing or just push your limits on the water before relaxing in one of the many bars and restaurants offer your session.
QUITE ATTRACTIVE TO EXPERIENCED KITE SURFERS WITH A PASSION FOR WAVES.
A spot not to be missed on Mykonos is Ftelio beach, it's a 30-minute drive from the town of Mykonos You'll be rewarded with big waves and strong winds, which makes it less ideal for new riders, but quite attractive to experienced kitesurfers looking for something other than flat water. It's a large beach with very little around it making it a great day trip spot, there is a nice restaurant right on the beach if you need to refuel.
While in Mykonos, make sure to check the very small island of Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and only 30 minutes away by ferry. It has historical significance and is uninhabited Dimitri says "Kiting there is breathtaking but you have to be very careful because of the tourists going in and out on boats visiting this very smell rock island
When you are kiting there you can look down and see an ancient submerged city under you. Getting there requires a private boot if you wont to kite and Paros Adventure can provide this to you for a fee.
After an exciting day of riding and hosting demos, the group retires back to their home for some R and R and a check of emails and other work tasks before dinner. Greece is covered in hot spots and vibrant nightlife is everywhere. Dimitri says, 'Usually we go out for dinner around 10 pm and then return around 1 or 4 am depending on what's happening in town If it's going to be a really windy morning I make sure to get back earlier though, so I can be the first one on the water".
To the west is Naxos, a neighboring island to Paros and equally as beautiful. 'Naxos is a very nice place and you can actually kite to Paros from there in 22 minutes I've done it.' Dimitri says. You can expect choppy kickers and some gusty conditions making it ideal for some great boosting sessions, but you have to work at it given the variable conditions.
Another great spot is the island of Rhodes, which is in the eastern Aegean Sea and is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in forms of both land area and population. There are a couple of options, you can take a 15-hour ferry ride or take a short 2-hour trip by piano. Dimitri says 'Personally I would recommend the ferry boat because of the gear you will be carrying plus you can sleep on the boot all night and arrive around 9 am the next day fresh and ready to ride
JUST PUSH YOUR LIMITS ON THE WATER BEFORE RELAXING ON ONE OR THE MANY BARS
For comfort, be sure to rent a cabin if you have a party of four or more. Prosonisi is positioned on the southern tip and is one of the most famous
windsurfing and kitesurfing centers in Europe as strong winds always blow on one of its two beaches The western side of the point is the predominant side for kiting while the eastern side is more calm and popular with families and beachgoers
Prosonisi is an ideal spot with aquamarine colored waters and good waves On this leg of the trip, Jeroen Tump, Epic's graphic designer joined us to listen to rider feedback and to discuss the look and feel of future kits and design needs. Dimitri says 'Jeorcn loved Greece, he didn't want to return home!'
Korfos beach on the island of Mykonos usually enjoys steady 20-30 knot onshore winds and is also popular spot There is a great kite dub and school, Kite Mykonos, on the beach that can provide location details, lessons, and any other assistance
Poros is located in the central Aegean Sea and is part of the Cyclades island group It lies just west of Naxos and is where the team spends a good deal of time. It's the backdrop to several photo shoots, including a famous cliff-jumping scene from a recent ad Dimitri says, 'Greece offers so many different locations, conditions, and scenery, that capturing stunning photos is cozy".
The day starts with an early 7:30 am session lead by steady strong winds The morning is the best time for some serenity before the crowds move in; everyone is usually still asleep from the late night portion Afterwords, it's off to lunch with his wife and business partner Helen, before resuming demos in the early afternoon
THE KITES DO ALL THE TALKING FOR ME
'Before letting people demo the kites, I usually go out and put on a show so people can notice the kites and that gets everyone excited to come out and try them. This is when everything starts. While I'm on lunch I leave the kites with people to try and when I return I'm always excited to hear what they have to say. The kites do all the talking for me, and the feedback has been really impressive.
What I love the most about this job and process is the interaction with the riders I thrive on the comments and the look on their faces after trying a kite or board"
It's a time when kites are put to the test, photo shoots creativity shot, and endless kite demos are had These trips generate fond family memories with young Camaron Maramenides, 'My favorite places to ride in Greece are on the island of Paros ond a spot called Prosonisi which is on the island of Rhodes In Prosonisi I can drive to the beach myself!'
The trip begins with a flight into Athens, and as you descend into a sea of alivw graves and blue sky you'll understand why Greece truly is the land of the Gods It provides world class kiting with strong, consistent winds, warm water and legendary scenery from May until late September Opportunities abound to immerse yourself in the culture and history of ancient Greece before hitting the kitesurfing hotspots around Athens, such as Marathon, Louisa ond Korinthos
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF ANCIENT GREECE BEFORE HITTING THE KITESURFING HOTSPOTS.
The Epic clan island hops around the Aegean Sea for fomily ond sociol visits hitting the Islands of Rhodos, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini ond Paros where Dimitri has a house.
'When I go to Greece, I make sure to be there in late July to late August due to the 'Meltemi wind', which is a jet-effect increase of wind caused by channeling between the islands and mountain valleys". The Meltemi's are at their strongest in the afternoon and often die down at night Sometimes Meltemi winds lost for up to 10 days without a break and produce 14-30 knot winds depending on location and time of day.
