Getting to know extreme sports
The geomorphology of Greece is suited to a wide range of outdoor activities which we call “extreme sports”.
In recent years the pace of life in the city has led more and more people to look for something intense and exciting. These sports certainly achieve this in the best possible way, without meaning that we put our lives at risk.
In recent years, in our country too, a number of schools have been organised, with experienced instructors and suitable equipment, so that everyone can carry out these activities according to their abilities and physical condition.
So it is very easy for anyone to take part in one of these activities, after contacting the reliable agencies certified by HATTA (Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies), where beginners are given the right instructions and the appropriate equipment, so that their first contact with these sports is pleasant and they feel the adrenaline from the first moment, without insecurity.
As for the more experienced, they can go even further, feeling their own limits, improving their techniques, and always safely approaching nature and seeing places that they could not reach in any other way.
By choosing one of the following “extreme sports” such as rafting, ski mountaineering, hot dog, hydrospeed, kayak, mountaineering, climbing, canyoning, river trekking, parapente, mountain biking, horse riding, you live the adventure, but they are also a source of fun.
The word canyoning is English and means «crossing a gorge». It describes a complex activity that combines hiking, climbing, rock descent, river crossing and swimming. Where waterfalls are encountered, it also includes jumps from a height into the water. According to the dictionary, «a canyon is a narrow, deep and steep ravine formed between two mountains or hills by the continuous erosion of the ground by the waters of torrential streams».
In Greece, canyoning is a relatively new activity which, however, is developing fast, winning many fanatical followers.
Requirements for canyoning
› It is always done in small groups led by experienced guides and after proper planning.
› Participants must be in good physical condition according to the degree of difficulty, know some basic abseiling techniques and be able to swim.
How is a canyon crossed
› It starts at the entrance of the canyon, which is usually also the highest point.
› The exit is at the lowest point of the canyon, following the flow of the river.
› Many times we need to walk in the river, even swim. There are of course obstacles, such as small waterfalls, which we descend with the help of mountaineering equipment and ropes.
How long does it last
This depends on:
› The length of the canyon
› Its characteristics and difficulties
› The weather conditions
› The number of people (more people, more time)
Season: April to October
What is Caving?
An important innovation for the most demanding. In a cave everything is different. You have to descend before you climb, you have to crawl deep into the earth to see heavenly beauty. Live the ultimate experience of descending into the depths of the earth under the guidance of experienced speleologists and with the right equipment.
Caving requires knowledge of rope ascending techniques.
Become, for a while, the only heroes of Jules Verne's “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. Natural caves of unique beauty, inaccessible to most people, reveal their well-hidden mysteries to you.
Rock Climbing
If you find yourself at Meteora and, while admiring the rocks, you see some figures climbing slowly but steadily towards the top, don't be alarmed and don't think they are «crazy». They are simply people who love to climb against the law of gravity.
We are talking about the sport of climbing, a fascinating sport that has recently become widespread, because it offers intense thrills, can be done almost anywhere and does not require particularly expensive equipment or training.
What is it?
In rock climbing, the climber scales the «face» of the rock using knowledge, experience and physical strength. The climber is supported by using the relief of the surface, that is, the points (recesses, protrusions, cracks, etc.) on which he or she can hold on and step. Concentration, coordination, flexibility, good physical condition, patience, a clear mind but also daring and imagination are required, which are developed through exercise and practice.
Rock climbing brings the climber into contact with nature, exercises and strengthens body and mind, improves physical condition and mental strength, and gives intense moments and great satisfaction when the climber conquers the summit and achieves the goal he or she set. It is, however, a demanding sport because it requires constant effort. The ascent can last more than an hour at a time, or much longer.
How is it done?
Climbing is done by two climbers who are tied to each other with a rope (usually 60-80 m long). While one climbs, the other, staying at a fixed point, takes care of his or her safety and protects the climber in case of a fall by holding and braking the rope. During the climb the roles are swapped.
The equipment is used exclusively for the safety of the climber and not for climbing straight to the top.
Top-rope technique
There are various techniques in rock climbing. For example, in top-rope climbing, the rope passes through an «anchor» fixed at the top of the rock. One end of the rope is tied to the harness of the climber, while the other ends with his or her partner, who stays on the ground at the base of the rock, controlling the ascent. The person waiting at the base of the rock is called a belayer. Their job is to watch the climber, always holding the rope in hand and taking it in so that there is not much «slack». In case of a fall, the belayer brakes the rope with the help of a belay device.
What is Hydrospeed?
River lovers keep growing in number: almost every day you see rafting boats, hot dog kayaks and every other kind of craft going down the river.
The constant search for adventure and maximum enjoyment in any unusual way in the river created hydrospeed.
History
The history of the sport begins in 1970, when 3 French technicians who were building bridges (!) had the crazy idea of swimming down a raging river with the help of a float. For this feat they were nicknamed the ‘swimmers of the impossible’. In 1978 the first hydrospeed float was officially manufactured by a French company, and the sport developed with competitions and specific regulations.
In Greece, hydrospeed took quite a long time to arrive, first appearing in combination with rafting and hot dog.
The essentials?
A float, fins, a good wetsuit and plenty of craziness. Permanently in the water, like a fish, we feel the full power of the river, the waves push us along, and we are in direct contact with the force of the water.
With adrenaline at its maximum we go down the river, head first. Of course there is a leader, whom we must follow and listen to faithfully. There is a briefing, and after the currents and the dangerous spots that need care have been pointed out to us, we enter the water and the fun begins. This sport is aimed at those who have previous experience in rafting and are looking for even more adrenaline. It starts in March and until June the descents are very pleasant because there is enough water and no problem with the rocks.
Mountain Bike (mountain biking)
What is Mountain Biking?
The mountain bike is a bicycle specially designed and built for riding away from city streets, on rough terrain and steep slopes. These conditions require a sturdy construction, special tyres (knobby), very strong brakes and shock absorbers, and a special gear system with many (18 to 27) speeds, which make cycling easier on uneven ground and uphill. The mountain bike started in America about twenty years ago and has recently gained huge recognition and won loyal fans. It is particularly popular in Greece, since the weather conditions are ideal. Since 1996 the mountain bike has been an Olympic sport.
Is special training needed?
The basic requirement is, of course, knowing how to ride a bicycle. However, in the case of mountain biking additional training is needed, because the terrain is demanding and there is a risk of injury. The training covers the use of the gears and negotiating steep spots (descents, stony ground, water, fallen trunks, etc.). There are organisations and schools that undertake to teach you the basics, and afterwards, gradually, with practice, you will perfect your technique.
Where and when is it done?
You can go mountain biking almost anywhere in nature. All over Greece you can find special trails and enjoy cycling in the countryside. Such routes in the area of the capital can be found on Parnitha, in Varybombi, on Penteli and in Dionysos. You will get more information about mountain bike routes from the local cycling clubs. Mountain biking is done all year round, but mainly in autumn and spring. In summer, because of the high temperatures, it is advisable only in the morning and afternoon hours.
Construction features
› Frame (chassis). The frame of a mountain bike is made from many kinds of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two main ones are specially treated steel (alloy) and aluminium. The former is very durable, easy to repair and the cheapest. Its disadvantage is that it is heavier than other materials. Aluminium is lighter, stiffer than steel and a little more expensive. Then we move on to more specialised materials, such as carbon fibre and even titanium alloys. Of course these materials have advantages, but they cost much more and are not relevant to someone starting out in the sport.
› Tyres. A mountain bike stands out first of all by its large knobby tyres. They come in many types and many combinations, depending on the terrain on which one wishes to ride. Tyre pressure also plays a decisive role. It is a big and complicated subject that may seem confusing to the beginner, but with training and practice he or she will learn to make the right choices.
› Wheels (rims). On a good mountain bike the wheels are made of aluminium to reduce weight.
› Gears. Essential for every mountain bike, it consists of the chain, the sprocket systems on the front and rear wheel and the shifter that changes the gears
What is Parapente (Paragliding)?
As a sport, parapente has existed since the mid-’80s. It is, however, developing rapidly all over the world thanks to how easy it is to learn, its low cost, its safety and the satisfaction it offers. Greece in particular is ideal for this sport, as its climate and terrain favour it.
The slope parachute, otherwise known as Parapente from its French compound name (para- from parachute and pente = slope), fulfils an age-old human desire: free flight. It gives anyone the opportunity to fly like a bird and to experience enchanting thrills. As its Greek name also reveals, it is a “special” parachute, with which one can take off from a slope regardless of its height (when weather conditions allow, of course) and it requires no kind of engine.
Take-off is made from the ground, with the pilot running down a slope and lifting off from it. The flight is made with the help of gravity, the air and the person controlling it. Since it is not a powered aircraft, from the moment of take-off onwards the parapente naturally loses height because of gravity. However, because of its shape and construction (like an aircraft wing), it creates lift and travels forward while at the same time losing height. The sink rate (that is, how many metres of height it loses per minute) varies depending on the category, the construction, the weather conditions and the experience of the pilot. It is built to exploit the wind and the air currents with the aim of staying in the air as long as possible. In this way a flight can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on conditions and mood. A parapente weighs from 10 to 15 kilos, is easily packed up in a few minutes by one person, and fits into a bag that is carried on the back.
How does parapente differ from a regular parachute?
The latter is usually used when jumping from an aeroplane (we say “usually” because it can also be used in the extreme sport of Base Jumping) and is purely a rescue device. It is made to withstand the sudden opening in the air and the ensuing jolt. Its shape today is rectangular and it has limited steerability.
The parapente, on the other hand, is a parachute that lifts off the ground already inflated. The pilot has the ability to abort the take-off without any consequence, if he or she wishes. It is built in such a way (aircraft wing shape) that it travels forward while losing height. It has much greater manoeuvrability, and its pilot can steer it with absolute precision to the spot he or she wants. It is larger in size and volume, with thinner lines (suspension lines).
What are the different categories of parapente?
Depending on performance, paragliders are divided into training, touring and competition models. The higher the category, the more knowledge and experience are required. Beginners should not try wings that exceed their abilities.
What is Rafting?
Rafting takes its name from the English word raft. In Greek terminology, rafting is mountain navigation, that is, descending a river in an inflatable boat. The flow of the river determines the course and the degree of difficulty. The experienced guide on the boat directs the crew and gives the appropriate commands so that they paddle accordingly, in order to avoid the natural obstacles encountered during the descent. The capacity of the boats is four to twelve people depending on their size, which is determined by the difficulty of the river and the amount of its water.
Rafting is a team sport that gives you the chance to reach places of unique beauty which you cannot approach in any other way, which is why in recent years the number of participants has been growing rapidly. Like all adventure sports, rafting carries a certain degree of risk and therefore some safety rules.
Before the descent a briefing is always held, which is essential before we start the descent. The difficulty grades of rivers, together with the guide's commands, range from I w.w. to VI w.w. This scale is determined by the volume of water, the slope of the terrain and the obstacles (rocks) found in the river.
Trekking (hiking)
What is Trekking?
Hiking is divided into simple and mountain hiking. In the first category, the minimum distance covered is 5 km (about one to two hours) and it takes place on terrain with very little slope (without large elevation differences) and with light equipment.
In the second category, a distance of 15-20 km and 5-8 hours of walking are the norm. The equipment is specialised and, especially in winter, it must be the appropriate one. Mountain hiking can be done on any mountain.
Characteristics
Its basic characteristics are the elevation difference of the route, which can reach 500-600 m, and the fact that the walk usually takes place at altitudes above 500 m.
E4 & E6 Trails
Greece was late in building a complete motorway network, beyond the main roads that crossed the country. Until then, communication took place mainly along the trails, which the older inhabitants of mountain villages still call «dimosia» (the public, main road), because for them it was the most important road access.
Although some of the old trails and the stone-built cobbled paths, true works of art, have become asphalt roads, most of them slip away between the roads and continue to exist and to run through mountains, thickets and gorges.
Thus, in recent years, with various funding from a range of bodies (municipalities, mountaineering clubs, private individuals, etc.), large sections of them all over Greece have been maintained, revived and waymarked, creating a broad network with a total length of about 3,500 km. Their main part consists of the extensions of the European Long-Distance Paths E4, E6 and category O (3,000 km), while in addition to these another 500 km of smaller trails of comparable interest have been developed.
In the 1980s two of the European Long-Distance Paths were extended to Greece: the E4 and the E6. The E6, starting from the Arctic Circle in Finland and heading south to the Adriatic coast, crosses Greece from the shores of the Ionian Sea and along the northern border areas, to end in Thrace. In addition to these, another 500 km of smaller trails of comparable interest have been developed.
*E4 Trail (-GR)
It starts in the Pyrenees and reaches Greece via the former Yugoslavia. The Greek section of the E4 crosses northern and central Greece and the Peloponnese, ends at Gytheio and continues on the island of Crete. It thus offers hikers and mountaineers the chance to experience the full variety of the Greek landscape and the richness of Greek nature. The highest point of the whole route is the Skolio peak of Mount Olympus (2,911 m). The ideal period for walking the E4 in Greece is from 15 May to early October. The climate is Mediterranean, with severe drought in summer and a significant temperature difference between day and night. Snow can be encountered along the route from November to June.
*E6 Trail
Its Greek section has two branches. The first starts in the Prespa area and, via Kastoria, Ioannina and Dodoni, reaches the town of Igoumenitsa. The second branch starts in the area of Florina, crosses the mountainous areas of western, central and eastern Macedonia (along the borders of Greece with FYROM and Bulgaria) and reaches the city of Alexandroupoli, in the region of Thrace.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering is the most difficult form of hiking. The usual goal of mountaineering is to conquer a peak. In mountaineering, distance does not play an essential role. More important is that about 300 metres of elevation difference are covered per hour, which means that climbing 1,000 metres takes about 4 hours including breaks. A typical mountain ascent lasts 7-10 hours including the return.
