Surf made in Greece, 78-hours on the Peloponnese coastline with a Southwind blowing
5 days chasing of waves in the Peloponnese. This is Surfing, the coexistence of art, luck and boldness in a sport that reminds us that life is wonderful.
“This is Surfing, the coexistence of art, luck and boldness in a sport that reminds us that life is wonderful”
The new article from "Chasing the Greek Adventure", presented on Redbull's website, edited by Yiannis Kotileas and WayOut Adventures
In the middle of the week, as has been established, begins the research and worry about the weekend weather. You see, the weather is the one thing that determines the game. All of our games, ski and snowboarding, mountain biking, windsurfing, sailing, climbing.
The south and southwest winds are the ones that bring the great waves of the Mediterranean and travel to the Greek coast where they let up. There, if we are lucky, we will meet up with them and the Surfing game will begin.
The south and southwest winds that bring the great waves of the Mediterranean © Apostolos Toubas.
Albeit a new activity for the Greek community, it has managed, in just a few decades, to gain significant ground among outdoor activities by counting hundreds of dedicated fans filling the winter and summer spots.
March 2018, with its main feature being the powerful south winds blowing almost every week, was devoted to Surfing. It is no coincidence that two major events in the sport were being carried out at this time. It is also no coincidence that in both, Nicolas Plytas won the first place.
In the 1st HSSA National Surf Tour 2018 which took place on Sunday, March 25th, in Paleochora, Chania, and the 2nd Mediterranean Surf Contest held on Saturday March 17th in Parga.
It’s Wednesday, March 21st, as I look at the forecasts and I find that a powerful weather system is approaching, when my telephone rings. It is, who else; Vassilis (aka Fasolias), a Surfing enthusiast and one of the first to launch it in the 90's. After hundreds of kilometers of driving and endless hours of research, he knows where to go and when in order to get the best waves.
“Off we go to the Peloponnese, "he says," It’s on from Thursday to Sunday. It’s going to be epic!"
Thus, begun another journey. Another wave chase on the southern shores of the Peloponnese.
Thursday 22/3 – Day One
We hit the new National Road to Kalamata at the crack of dawn and at 08:00 we reach the beach of Kardamili. The swell is small but without any wind and within two hours we get what we wanted. Small glassy waves and a few hours in the water that will serve as a warm-up for the afternoon session.
Around 12:00 we get in the car again, westward towards Koroni. Much to our surprise we will come across a shoulder-tall perfect right at the Rossos breakwater. For a while it will make us forget that we are in Greece, surfing until darkness sets for good.
Friday 23/3 – Day Two
After a relaxed rouse from sleep (which is unusual when you follow the fasolias tour van), we take our time with a quick visit to the castle of Koroni and by midday we hit the water again. In a very favorite spot this time, at the beach of Zagka. The south-east swell has already reached a light west breeze creating the perfect off-shore conditions for us to surf till late.
Saturday 24/3 – Day Three
Arriving early in the morning on the west side of the Peloponnese, Kalo Nero, we see what we expected. World Class Conditions! The same 30-40 faces we usually see are there but there is space for everyone. An exciting three-hour journey will follow, compensating for the miles we've spent to come here. Getting out of the water, a smile was stuck on our faces, still not being able to believe what we have just experienced.
Time for some fish and rest…
Sunday 25/3 – Day Four
Hail to the seas of Greece that manage to fulfill the wish of a small group of "madmen" who love bad weather and chase the waves. Lagouvardos is the destination for the day. When the bad weather has let up and the magnitude of the waves drop in the other places, there you will find a beach break suitable for drop in training and a few quick turns. We arrived right on time enjoying a final but powerful two-hours (11:00 - 13:00) and ending a unique four-day event in the best way.
It is not an acrobatic mood, nor self-promotion tendencies that we are chasing the waves for. Surfing is our getaway and the occasion for a new journey every time. A short or a longer one. It is a reminder that small joys are born in the storm and that when the effort is intense, the reward is valuable. A sweet moment that defines us and creates the conditions and motivation to make the effort.
This is Surfing for us. The coexistence of art, luck and boldness in a sport that reminds us that life is wonderful
P.S. On Sunday night, after our return, the phone rang again. It was Vasilis, once more. "There will be waves again tomorrow in Kalo Nero"
Εhhh.. So we went back!!
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