What is Hydrospeed?

The number of river-sports lovers grows day by day. It is getting more and more common to see boats, rafts, kayaks, hot dogs and other types of floating vessels to flow down rivers.
The constant quest for adventure and fun in the river, in any new and peculiar way, has led to the development of hydrospeed, also known as riverboarding.
History

The history of this sport started in 1970 when 3 French technicians constructing bridges (!) had the crazy idea to swim down a rushing river with the aid of a float. For this risky act, they were called "swimmers of impossible". In 1978, the first official hydrospeed board was made, by a French company. Since then the sport developed and gained popularity, with organization of races, and the establishment of regulations.
In Greece, hydrospeed took quite a while to be introduced, and it first appeared in combination with rafting and hot dog.

What is needed?

A riverboard, swim fins, a good wetsuit and a crazy mood. Being in the water for long times, just like fish, one can feel the strength of the river, pushed by the waves, constantly in touch with the momentum of the water.

With adrenaline at its maximum, participants swim down the river, head first. Of course, there is a leader, who they follow and obey. First there is a briefing, where the currents and the dangerous spots are pointed out. Then the participants enter the water and the fun begins. This sport is offered mainly to persons with previous experience in rafting, which are looking for a relevant pastime that would pump up their adrenaline even more. It can be practiced from March until June, when the descents are very pleasant, as usually there is plenty of water to avoid problems with rocks.