Greece is a country with a 13.676 km coastline— the largest in the Mediterranean, 20% of the country's total territory is islands,
6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Greek Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited.
The Greek coastline offers a diverse landscape: beaches stretching over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches, sand-dunes, pebble beaches, wetlands and deltas, caves formed by seawater and dark-coloured sand in volcanic areas. The biggest island of Greece is Crete.
Being close to Africa, there is a dry tropical climate in Greece and high temperatures during the summer season (April to October).
The average in summer is 25°C with the highest during the months June, July, August; reaching up to 30°C. High humidity in the afternoons, rainfall period is October to March and temperature falls to an average 15°C during the day and less at nighttime.
Stand up paddling is primarily conducted in open water coastal locations. There are minimal places on inland waterways. Greece is well known for surfing in wind swell conditions.
The average water temperature during summer period is 25°C (April to October) and average 17°C during winter season (November to March).
Due to these warm temperatures, minimal clothing is needed for paddling in summer, but in winter, a wetsuit is highly recommended.
There are not many official SUP Schools located in Greece, it is mostly small foundation groups and watersport stations offering rental equipment. On the other hand, the official SUP Schools that are available offer SUP courses for all levels, equipment rental of all types, beach facilities, bars/cafes, equipment storage, equipment repairs, SUP tours, and tourist information for a safe SUP experience.
Buoyancy Aids
All people need to wear buoyancy aids for all watersports, including SUP.
Individuals with no swimming skills + kids under 14 years of age, are not allowed to paddle out in all water environments, even if they use a buoyancy aid.
It is a rule for all activity centers and SUP schools to require you to wear buoyancy aids, safety leashes, all rental equipment must be insured and all the terms and conditions must be clearly stated on the rental license, when used for rental purposes.
The Hellenic Port Authority Rules (B'444/1999 #20)
Night Paddling
Not allowed if:
- Severe or adverse weather conditions prevail (5beauforts) or Hellenic Port Authority weather warnings and during the hours prior to sunrise and after sunset
- Distances travelled exceed 500m from the shoreline HOWEVER, the SUP Standards recommend that you stay no more than 250m
- More than 1 individual on board (it is only for personal use)
- Board is paired with sails
- All operators/paddlers must show the proper care and exercise caution to avoid any disturbances or commotion to swimmers
and wildlife in the area.
https://safewatersports.com/nomothesia-ellada-3/item/116-sup-en
