Phrases: Olli Anderson
Pics: Florian Ragossnig
Greece’s notorious Meltemi wind is a continuing attraction throughout summer season months when it actually ramps up. With clockwork consistency it blows throughout the nice and cozy waters of the Aegean Sea, buffeting the numerous islands and making them an attractive prospect for a lot of a windsurfer trying to get away for a spot of salty escapism. Kefalos, on the island of Kos, is a protracted established location however probably missed by many within the UK. But it provides nice circumstances for all windsurfers, no matter your degree. Teacher Olli Anderson runs us by means of what to anticipate must you determine to hit up the resort.
The low down
From professional freestylers to rookies, households, teams and single travellers on the lookout for the proper enjoyable, or motion packed vacation Kefalos Windsurfing is the place to be! Located on the southern tip of Kos within the small conventional harbour aspect village of Kefalos boasts glistening turquoise water, shiny blue sky and powerful, dependable thermal winds. It’s a brief 4 and a half hour flight from all main UK airports by way of Jet2, EasyJet, British Airways and Thompson, to call a couple of.
Circumstances and when to go
Kefalos depends on robust northerly thermal winds blowing down the Aegean, known as the Meltemi. As a result of geographical construction of the southern tip of the island, the wind is funneled by means of towering hills behind the village giving robust, constant and dependable winds from the top of Might proper by means of to the top of September. Because the wind is a thermal it builds in power all through the day, beginning gentle within the morning earlier than hitting full energy round lunchtime. It’ll then final into late night. This makes it an incredible household vacation spot, as the sunshine morning winds are perfect for rookies, earlier than the afternoon winds activate suiting extra skilled windsurfers. For these bettering the wonderful security boat cowl makes it a pleasant spot that fits these trying to crack waterstarts, gybes and past.
Typically one of the best month for breeze is July, with final 12 months’s (2016) wind stats displaying 100% (pressure 4 or above.) Through the off season, reminiscent of early Might and late October, robust south winds can present onshore bump and leap periods – good for those who fancy some air time. The south west coast of the island boasts one of the best wave spot; Agios Theologas. Cross shore breeze and huge rolling waves break onto a sand bar offering some glorious ‘actual world’ wave crusing. It may not have the ability and glassiness of say Ho’okipa, but it surely’s no much less fulfilling. In case you get likelihood to test it out then I can’t suggest it sufficient.
Native space
Kefalos is a standard Greek village with extraordinarily pleasant locals and a mellow/laid again vibe. Down within the harbour are a number of bars and eating places to utilize. Sydney’s Bar and Grill for top-notch meals, Dolphin Rock Cafe for drinks and 70’s music or Riverside Cafe for scrumptious sandwiches – these are simply a few my faves!
Many Greek eating places are situated across the bay promoting the freshest fish – caught on the identical day – do-it-yourself Tzatziki and the best Souvlaki Greece has to supply (in my view). These institutions are simply accessible for wheelchairs, and the latest opening of Kos Mobility Rent means there’s no want to hold them across the airport both.
Excursions are all the time arriving and leaving the harbour below the skilled palms of Captain Yannis. These journeys are available many types. Jaunts to the neighboring volcanic island of Nisyros, fishing journeys with an astonishing/charming views whereas Kefalos Windsurfing provides a BBQ boat journey each Tuesday across the headland to a secret seashore – the star gazing is superb because of the seashore being untouched by any gentle air pollution from Kefalos. Moreover, common buses and lots of automotive rent locations permit quick access to different elements of the island reminiscent of Kos city. Now the capital of Kos, situated on the north east of the island, it provides retail retailers, quite a lot of eating places and extra diving journeys, boats to Bodrum, Turkey and Gyros than you may think about.
The centre
Kefalos Windsurfing and Crusing Centre supplies the best high quality instruction from each RYA and VDWS licensed instructors. And with such a spread of languages spoken by employees – from English to Italian, Greek to German – there are not any limitations. Equipment rental is likely one of the least expensive in Greece with every week’s tarif of ordinary boards and sails in peak season costing solely €245. Prime gear from North and Sailloft rigged on 75% carbon masts, with 60 boards to select from containing a mix of F2, Fanatic and Patrick, means there’s package for all circumstances.
The centre additionally provides a V.I.P vary for the pace freaks on the market; Sailloft Final’s rigged on carbon booms and 100% masts paired with Patrick’s slalom and pace vary, F2’s and Fanatic Falcons, and a spread of fin sizes to select from. Then there’s twin hulled catamarans and RS Pico’s that are nice for getting children onto the water.
SUP can also be well-liked on gentle wind mornings. Whereas Tuesday and Thursday sees Lynn from Lynn Yann Yoga bringing her extremely educated abilities for anyone eager to attempt Yoga with a distinction. All the time very talked-about with the women, but it surely’s additionally seen dads getting concerned, who’re simply as spectacular. Even the employees are eager, as supervisor Florian Ragossnig has proven fantastically.
Different actions embrace fishing, snorkelling and rock leaping – just for the courageous! The centre’s store is absolutely stocked with Kefalos Windsurfing tee’s, rashvest’s and Mystic board shorts in addition to different necessities.
The place to remain
Many motels are situated alongside the bay. Royal Bay is a shocking 4 star lodge situated straight subsequent to the centre and provides stunning views throughout the water, a restaurant, swimming pool and play space for the youngsters. There are additionally many self-catering flats up within the village itself, and several other supermarkets situated in Kefalos together with Oasis and Jim’s – each of which provide all the things from contemporary fruit and veg to day by day cooked pastries and even sun shades and baggage baggage in case you’ve got any airport disasters.
To summarize, Kefalos is a singular location, with fixed robust winds, turquoise blue water and is complemented by an astonishing panorama and beautiful locals. Come see what it’s all about for your self!
For any enquiries please e mail the centre supervisor, Florian Ragossnig at: [email protected] or alternatively try the web site at www.kefaloswindsurfing.com for unique provides and reserving costs.