would you like to race in Greece next year?

We are testing the waters for interest in a major surfski race in Greece next year or 2013. Our club is in the greater Athens area, and we are thinking of early to mid August, wind and waves being the normal for that season. We have direct beach acess, and the event will probably span 2-3 days. Prizes will be related to participation, live coverage via mobile webcams on support vessels, many safety boats, all arrangements will be made to facilitate competitors. Our club has hosted international races in the past, such as world sailing cups and PanEuropean races with hundreds of competitors. Surfski rental on site may also be provided at very reasonable rates for training and competition. Jonathan Constantine, Club Secretary. www.naovv.gr

We'd be able to get a group together from London/UK, nice easy, cheap flight from here.

we have several surfskis here at the club, mostly ZedTechs from Portugal, Dominators, and Griffins for use by club members. let's keep in touch and try to get as many entries as possible. We are thinking of several combinations of events, such as 10K paddle - 2000 meter run - 5K paddle one day, then another day a 25K downwind run with 1 meter waves, we are still in the process of evaluating the courses, we would like to cater both for the pro's and the amateurs with courses for both.

any seakayak will also be allowed to compete as long as it can be rolled, and all surfski types as well as outriggers will be welcome.

Sounds interesting, being only 7 - 8 hours drive away from Bulgaria, so thumbs up. One question of topic - do you paddle at Vari Varkiza in the winter? I was thinking of going down as south as Athens around Xmas to do some paddling once everything in BG is covered in Ice.

in Greece winter arrives after January 15th as a rule. Though Xmas may be overcast it is very rare to have very bad weather or snowfall in our parts. Paddling is still great, especially between Xmas and New Year. You can always check out the weather realtime in our bay at our local weather station at : www.meteovarkiza.gr/

Rumor has it that a major race has been planned for Greece on the weekend of 14-15 October, we await official confirmation

it is official, and we are hoping to meet the purse money criterion for a class A race !!
PS it is the AEGEAN race (a "e" was chopped away from the race name by musterious forces on the internet)