Over the last decade, Sea kayaking in Greece has been on the fast track of development. An increasing amount of people are getting involved and wish to get acquainted and explore the diverse and unique coastline of our country. In this first International Symposium, we attempt to bring Greek paddlers together in order to interact with paddlers and experts from Greece and abroad, with the ultimate goal of raising awareness within the community.
Why
The Symposium
Where
Naxos, in the center of Cyclades
In the middle of the Aegean sea, in the heart of the Mediterranean, lies Naxos and the Small Cyclades. The largest of the Cycladic islands with vast history extending to prehistoric times. A unique combination of natural beauty, surrounded by the whitecaps of the Aegean sea and tradition that remains unaltered throughout the centuries.
When
Mid November
The Symposium will take place in November. Starting on the 11th, the three main days are the 12th, 13th and 14th, plus four additional days from the 15th to the 18th, giving the participants the chance to take part in British Canoeing courses, navigation courses and trainings. From the 15th to the 18th participants can also take part in an expedition in the Small Cyclades complex which will be guided by our expert guides who are willing to share their knowledge in action.
GREEK SEA KAYAK SYMPOSIUM
Be part of the first edition!
Welcome
Welcome to the beautiful Island of Naxos! If you are reading these lines, you probably love sea kayaking like we do! For the first time ever, we are trying to bring the Greek paddling community together, with paddlers and instructors from abroad, in an event that we wish to have annually. Our intention is to create the foundations that will help all of us enjoy and get the most out of Sea Kayaking. With this Symposium we aim to bring together like-minded people, to share experiences and improve our knowledge of all technical aspects of Sea Kayaking.
The 2019 event, will be the first International Symposium in Greece.
Hope we all meet in the water!
Manolis Loudaros
Sea Kayak Guide
Supported by Activeland Company
FIVE ISLANDS. ONE DESTINATION.
NAXOS & SMALL CYCLADES
Naxos is a world to experience. The largest of the Cycladic Islands, this white-washed diamond-shaped isle of the Aegean is the best destination for the curious traveller. The Naxian landscape of fertile land, mountains, and surrounding seas make it a destination filled with a plethora of places to see and activities to enjoy! Satisfying all types of visitors, from the more traditional and relaxed to the contemporary and more adventurous.
Naxos, on its own, is a destination that could take weeks to explore, while the smaller isles –Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Donoussa— offer a more local holiday experience.
HOW TO GET TO NAXOS
By air
Getting to Naxos by air:
If you are flying into Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, you can catch a flight directly to Naxos with Aegean Airlines-Olympic Air (www.aegeanair.com) or Skyexpress (www.skyexpress.com).
In the peak season (May to October) there are additional flights. Keep in mind, that it is a good idea to book in advance as space is limited.
The travel time to Naxos by airplane is about an hour.
By boat
Connection to Naxos from Athens by boat: Another option from Athens — a route that most Greeks prefer due to the space availability and timetable frequency — is to travel to Naxos and the isles of the Small Cyclades by ferry or high-speed catamaran. The trip by boat is all part of the island experience. Most of the reservations may be booked directly online, or through your travel agent/service.
Travel time to Naxos from the port of Pireaus by ferry ranges from 5 and a half to 6 hours, depending on the timetable and from Pireaus via high speed catamaran from 3 and a half to 4 hours depending on the company/timetable.
Bus service to the port of Piraeus is available from Athens airport. The transport time from the airport to the port of Piraeus is about an hour and 45 minutes. In addition, access to the port of Piraeus from Athens International Airport is available by taking the Attiko Metro to Monastiraki station (blue line) and then making the connection to the ISAP train line (green line) to Piraeus. (http://www.stasy.gr/index.php?id=33&no_cache=1&L=1)
The ferry and catamaran companies that provide boat service to Naxos are:
All year: Blue Star Ferries – www.bluestarferries.gr (peak season: 2 timetables per day, everyday and in the off-season: 2 timetables per day except Saturday, from the port of Pireaus).
Peak season: Hellenic Seaways – www.hellenicseaways.gr / Sea Jets – www.seajets.gr / Cyclades Fast Ferries — www.fastferries.com.gr
From Mykonos to Naxos and from Santorini to Naxos: The international airports closest to Naxos are the airports at the nearby islands Mykonos and Santorini. If you are flying into these airports, connection to Naxos is then by sea. Frequent service by ferry and catamaran is available from both Santorini and Mykonos. In the off-season ferry service is available only from Santorini.
Access from Crete to Naxos: Another popular destination, Crete, also has boat service to Naxos in the peak season.
Our team of experts
Paul Hurrell
Sea Kayak Coach
Paul is one of the UK’s top coaches and has been involved with British Canoeing for many years. He holds high level coaching qualifications in Sea, White water and Surf kayaking. He has run training courses all over the world and still loves coaching and leading on the Dorset coast where he has worked in paddlesport for the last 25 years. His enthusiasm and love of kayaking shines through every session as does his energy for meeting new people and sharing adventure experiences on the sea.
Pavlos Georgilas
Sea Kayak Coach
In the past I was a water-polo player in one of Greece's best teams. Since 1996, kayak (both sea and white water) is my passion. I am a member of the legendary TEAMadara, a group of white water kayakers with rich activity in the greek and not only, rivers. I am sea kayak instructor certified by the BCU (British Canoe Union). My outdoor activities education and qualifications include: BCU 5 Star Sea Kayak, Level 3 UKCC Coach with Advanced Water Endorsement (a set of qualifications owned by a few top coaches in the world), Professional Lifeguard, REC (Rescue Emergency Care) Level 2, numerous white water courses in Greece and the Alps, Tour Leader for Explore company, PADI Advanced Diver, sailing license, motor boat license. I've also served for 21 months in a rescue boat in the military navy, which enhanced my seamanship.
Alexandros Panagakos
Sea Kayak Coach
I was born and raised in Athens by a Belgian mother and Greek father who worked in the sailing industry. This initial contact with the sea and nature led me to study natural sciences and gain a MSc in Animal Ecology in Sweden. Nowdays I split my years between the sea and mountains where I work as a sea kayak and backcountry ski (split board) guide. I am a British Canoeing Advanced Sea kayak leader, sea kayak coach and sea kayak award provider. In 2015 I started Sea Kayak Paros and try since to share to my guests the beauty of kayaking and its connection with nature. With my partner we have 2 young children but small adventures can always fit in the schedule like that time in 2017 where with 3 good friends we crossed the Aegean Sea, a most memorable and fun kayaking experience. Looking forward to participate in the Symposium!
George Gazetas
Sea Kayak Coach
My name is George Gazetas, a passionate sea kayak coach and guide from Greece. A father to one funny little lad, that constantly moves with his family between Attica, Kefalonia and Arta (west Greece). My journey in paddlesports started with my love for guiding in WW Rafting on
rivers of west Greece. Over the last 10 years I have focused my interests around sea kayak coaching and guiding. Owner and founder of odysea.gr , Head Coach and Guide of Sea Kayaking Kefalonia as well as an active British Canoeing Sea Kayak Coach, Leader and Personal Performance Awards provider since 2013. My continuous involvement with the above has given me the opportunity of exposure to a truly great wealth of experience and inspiration, which I am always delighted to share! Great to be part of Naxos Sea Kayak Symposium!
rivers of west Greece. Over the last 10 years I have focused my interests around sea kayak coaching and guiding. Owner and founder of odysea.gr , Head Coach and Guide of Sea Kayaking Kefalonia as well as an active British Canoeing Sea Kayak Coach, Leader and Personal Performance Awards provider since 2013. My continuous involvement with the above has given me the opportunity of exposure to a truly great wealth of experience and inspiration, which I am always delighted to share! Great to be part of Naxos Sea Kayak Symposium!
Giorgos Kontargiris
Sea Kayak Coach
My love and commitment for Sea Kayaking and the outdoor activities starts almost 15 years ago and has become my profession eventually. At the moment I hold the highest guiding qualification from British Canoeing as an Advanced Water Sea Kayak Leader. I am also a Sea Kayak Coach and Instructor and a qualified IRF White Water River Guide. I have worked for many years as a Sea Kayaking and White water Rafting Guide and my favorite moments are when I lead groups on Sea Kayaking expeditions all around Greece and when I coach people and help them improve their skills and become better kayakers!
Adriana Eyzaguirre
Sea Kayak Coach
I discovered sea kayaking rather later in life when I signed up for a paddling expedition in the southern Patagonian fjords. That was a life changing experience and I have never looked back. I am now a BC qualified Sea Leader and coach. I set up and run my own kayaking company where we aim to build special and unique experiences for paddlers of all levels and interests, bring benefits to the local communities we work with and help with environmental issues wherever possible. My personal passion is expeditioning in Patagonia, Greenland and the Greek islands and both collaborating and learning from local people. In future I hope to discover many other beautiful destinations. I love Greenland rolling and the joy it brings when it makes us so at one and at ease with the sea and our kayak.
PROGRAMME
Registration day 11th November
Main Symposium 12th-14th November
Courses Week 15th-18th November
BC Certificates
From the 15th to the 18th of November and immediately after the end of the Symposium, for those who wish to broaden their horizons and acquire specialized knowledge according to their level and abilities, we offer the opportunity of some certifications.
Below you will find a list of what is offered:
- Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning
- BC Sea Kayak Award
- BC Coastal Sea Kayak Award
- BC Advance Sea Kayak Award
- First Aid for Sea Kayakers
All Certifications are given by British Canoeing through our Instructors/Coaches who are certified to the highest standards.
Paddling Week
The Symposium has a duration of three days, from the 15th to the 18th of November 2022.
These days will be a mix of paddling workshops during day time, presentations and relaxed evenings with local tastes.
After the Symposium, everyone will have the opportunity to choose and take part in some of the courses / certifications that will follow or to take part in a four-day trip at the Small Cyclades, guided by our experienced instructors.
Expedition
The expedition is a four-day kayak trip, starting from Naxos and exploring the unique beauty of the Small Cyclades complex. Those wishing to participate must be able to paddle in 4bft and moderate waves.
For those participating in the expedition to the Small Cyclades please arrange to bring the appropriate clothing, as well as camping equipment. Since it is an off season period on the islands that will be visited – Koufonissi, Kato Koufonisi, Schinoussa and Iraklia, and because of their particular beauty, camping is recommended.
REGISTRATION FORM IS OPEN
REGISTRATION
COSTS
| Symposium Participant – 3 days (2 meals) | 230€ |
| Participant Companion | 60€ |
| Kayak rental per day | 35€ |
| Ferry Tickets Discount 50% with Blue Star Ferries |
| Accommodation | |
| Room with 2 beds and breakfast | 50€ |
| Room with 3 beds and breakfast | 60€ |
| Room with 4 beds and breakfast | 75€ |
| Breakfast only | 8€ |
| Courses | |
| BC Sea Kayak Award | 220€ |
| BC Coastal Sea Kayak Award | 220€ |
| BC Advance Sea Kayak Award | 220€ |
| Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning | 100€ |
| First Aid for Kayakers | 120€ |
| Expedition | |
| Expedition to Small Cyclades | 200€ |
ACCOMMODATION
We provide beautiful accommodation right on the beach of Saint George where the Symposium takes place.
The above accommodation prices include a special discount for Symposium Participants and include breakfast.
The team of Ippokampos Beachfront Hotel plans, organizes & implements events that suite your needs by taking care of even the smallest of details.
You can find all the information you need by visiting our partner’s website.
www.ippokampos-naxos.com
KAYAK RENTAL
A variety of different types of Sea Kayaks will be available at the Symposium for rental.
The price for kayak rental is 35€ per day, including all paddling equipment (PFD, spraydeck, paddle, helmet, pump, towline).
The Symposium will be a great chance for all kayakers to paddle and test different types of kayaks.
In case a participant wants to use his own kayak or equipment, please inform the Organization upon registration.
Naxos Sea Kayak Symposium organizers can arrange kayak transportation from the port of Piraeus and back, upon request with an extra cost of 30€.
CANCELLATION
Valid participation in the Naxos Sea Kayak Symposium requires having completed the Registration Form with all details needed before the registration closing date which is October the 31st 2022.
In the event a person who has registered is unable to participate, the Naxos Sea Kayak Symposium organizers will refund the registration fee deducting any bank charges that may apply, providing that the registered person informs the Naxos Sea Kayak Symposium organizers at least 30 days before the Symposium starting date.
USEFUL INFORMATION
General info
The Symposium is a gathering for all the kayakers to socialize, exchange experiences and learn through group action. During evenings, we will attend presentations about motivating achievements and theoretical workshops with interesting tips on how to improve your technique.
Companions
The Symposium is open for companions so in case you want to join us with a friend there is a cost of 60 euros for non kayakers for the three days (November 12th – 14th). They will be able to attend all evening programs and enjoy two group meals. Naxos is a wonderful place for vacation and outdoor activities for all. We can provide any useful information to explore the island.
Breakfast
We have arranged accommodation for all with breakfast included. Should you feel like choosing a different accommodation for your staying, you can still join us for breakfast at Ippocampos Hotel with an extra cost of 8 euros giving us the chance to gather at the same place and on time for the morning briefing.
FERRY TICKETS DISCOUNT
Our transportation sponsor and great supporter of the first Sea Kayak Symposium in Greece, the company Blue Star Ferries, offers a 50% discount for all participants and escorts as well as any vehicles for the dates from 6 to 25 of November 2022.
To book Blue Star Ferries tickets you may contact 3 days before the departure. Your name will be on their list for a discount.
• Port office in Naxos, ZAS TRAVEL – Tel. +30.2285.0.23331 – Email. info@zastravel.com
• Port office in Piraeus, GELASAKIS SHIPPING & TRAVEL – Tel. +30.210.422.2440
Attention: Once your tickets are booked, there will be no change!
Discount will not apply for booking and issuing tickets on the day of departure.
-In November there are two itineraries every day from Piraeus to Naxos: 7.25 in the morning and at 17.30 in the evening (except Saturday that there is no evening itinerary)!
-There are also two itineraries from Naxos to Piraeus, at 9.30 in the morning and at 18.00 in the evening.
REGISTRATION FORM
Contact us
Address: Naxos, Greece
E-mail: info@nsks.gr
Call us
Manolis Loudaros: +30 698 070 1092
Communication Manager
