KAYAK TRAINING AT THE FOOT OF PELION

Four-Day Sea Kayaking Training Based on the British Canoe Association Standards in Pelion, May 8-11, 2025

Welcome to Pelion – the land of gods, the home of centaurs, and one of the most enchanting corners of Greece!

Pelion is not just a place – it is a legend, an inspiration, and raw beauty combined into one. Here, where the Aegean Sea gently kisses the rocky shores, and the lush mountain forests descend into crystal-clear coves, kayaking is not just a sport – it is a way to merge with nature and feel the rhythm of the waves.

According to myths, the Olympian gods descended here to rest from their immortal duties, while the centaurs galloped through the ancient forests and hidden beaches. Today, we will paddle through these waters, explore the secrets of this ancient coastline, and refine our skills according to the highest international standards.

This training will not only enhance your technical skills but also develop your ability to make informed decisions regarding navigation, safety, and paddling in real marine conditions.

We work individually with each participant – whether you are a beginner or advanced!

10:00 PM (May 7, 2025) – Meeting at Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia. The excitement is in the air – we are heading to Pelion!

~8:00 AM (May 8, 2025) – Arrival in Pelion. Our base camp in Horefto Camping is located right on the shore, where the sea meets the mountains.

8:30 AM – Breakfast with a view of the Aegean Sea.

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Theoretical preparation (on land)

• Meteorology and how weather affects the sea

• Currents, tides, and topography of the area

• Trip planning – maps, compasses, and safe zones

• Equipment – how to choose the right one for sea kayaking

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch at the campsite.

1:30 PM – 4:30 PM – First practical water lesson

• Fundamentals of kayak control – balance and paddling

• Course control – maintaining a straight line and maneuvering

• Group communication and water safety

5:00 PM – Practical session in real conditions

• Short coastal trip, applying the fundamental techniques

• Orientation in open water

• Maneuvering and adapting to waves

6:00 PM – Dinner and sharing impressions from the day.

8:00 AM (May 9, 2025) – Breakfast.

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Water training and navigation

• How to read the sea – recognizing currents and waves

• Overcoming side winds and course correction

• Group dynamics – moving as a team

• Basic techniques to avoid capsizing

• Self-rescue and assisted rescue

12:30 PM – Lunch on Alatas Island. Exploring the medieval monastery.

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Long sea crossing and skill application

• Practicing adaptation to different sea conditions

• Maneuvering around coastal obstacles

6:00 PM – Return to the campsite, free evening.

8:00 AM (May 10, 2025) – Breakfast, preparing for a real challenge!

9:00 AM – Transfer to Paltsi Port, where we start our expedition along the western coast.

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Advanced technique improvement

• Maneuvering between rocks and narrow spaces

• Navigation in open waters – using natural landmarks

• Response to extreme conditions – waves, currents, wind

12:30 PM – Rest at Melani and Potistika beaches.

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Applying skills in real conditions

• Navigation training – planning a route based on conditions

• Incident simulation – response and team coordination

5:00 PM – Dinner in the village of Agalasti.

8:00 AM (May 11, 2025) – Final breakfast in paradise.

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Final skill assessment

• Individual evaluation – personal feedback

• Last crossing focusing on efficiency and technique

• Discussion on future development and next steps in kayaking

12:00 PM – Lunch and farewell to the sea.

2:00 PM – Packing up and departure to Sofia.

4:00 PM – Stop for gyros – because every Greek adventure must end deliciously!

~11:00 PM – Arrival in Sofia.