Windsurf sessions in Greece : ION CLUB (Windsurf) Karpathos

best wind conditions for windsurfing on the Greek paradise island

On a trip to Karpathos over the summer months, you can expect strong winds and, as a windsurfer, to be using the smallest gear you own or have ever sailed. However, if there is some time you may have to spend without wind, or your bones are in need of a change, you can go hiking on the island, swim to caves in turquoise clear water, or stroll through the town of Pigadia. The pleasantly warm climate of the Greek islands, the beautiful beaches and the good cuisine of the Tavernas contribute additionally to the fact that you return from the vacation completely rejuvenated.

What you should know about the wind conditions on Karpathos

In front of the two centers at ION CLUB Karpathos, which are only about 800 meters apart, you can find the best conditions for windsurfing from May to September. There are very few days when the wind does not blow during operating hours of the ION CLUB from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. In the months of May and September, moderate conditions are to be expected, while the summer months of July and August see a particularly high wind rate every year.

A Venturi effect originates from the mountains located in the interior region of the island, which is only about 11 kilometers wide. The wind stream Meltemi, which is created by this effect, blows across the spot sideways from the left. Yet the slightly offshore wind is not very dangerous even for beginners and intermediates, because both Gun Bay and Chicken Bay are shaped like horseshoes and thus offer a large, protected area. In Chicken Bay, which is especially suitable for families, the wind blows about one beaufort less on average, which guarantees additional riding fun. The predominantly flat water also offers a superb surfing area for freestylers, who will probably have the most fun with the Fanatic Skate windsurf board in 92 liters and a Duotone Super Hero 4.7m2 sail, which are available for rent at the center.

Kitesurfing is not allowed at the spot, which provides additional safety and ensures that the sailing area on Karpathos is not too crowded.

Your surf infrastructure on site

The good reputation runs ahead of the ION CLUB – so does it on the beautiful island of Karpathos. At the center you will find everything a surfer’s heart desires. The latest windsurfing equipment from Fanatic and Duotone awaits you in the rental as well as in the advanced training. If you forgot something at home, the surf store offers you the possibility to buy some casual boardshorts, sunglasses or accessories.

On the second floor of the main center at ION CLUB you will find the Anemos Restaurant, which has a fantastic view over the surf spot. Of course, here you can find delicious food and enjoy the opportunity of ending the day on the water with a cool drink. All this in only about 50 meters from the shore line. In front of the station there are two large sun decks, where you can take a short nap to recharge your batteries between sessions.

Chicken Bay has many shady spots, sun loungers and a picturesque sandy beach, offering perfect swimming conditions in the shallow water area. Take a break at the chill-out beach bar when your arms get tired from windsurfing.

Each member of the ION CLUB team follows their passion for water sports on Karpathos every day. Of course you can approach the team with your questions about the spot, courses, rentals, or even with valuable tips for your everyday vacation program. Thanks to their excellent local knowledge and the enthusiasm for the Greek sunny island, you will always be well advised.

The best way to get to Karpathos

Your journey to ION CLUB Karpathos could hardly be easier. The water sports center is located right next to the airport to the island. You can book direct charter flights from various airports in Europe. Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and the Czech Republic all have direct connections to Karpathos. Once you arrive in the southern Aegean Sea, you are at the surf spot within five minutes by car. Transfers can of course be organized for you by ION CLUB to make your journey with heavy luggage as comfortable as possible.

Karpathos is located between the islands of Rhodes and Crete. Hence, the journey is also possible from there. After a five-hour ferry ride you will reach surf paradise from the surrounding islands. Of course you can also get to the island in your own campervan from Athens.

What makes Karpathos and the ION CLUB so unique?

At ION CLUB Karpathos every visitor is considered part of the windsurfing family. Whether local or vacation guest, the love for water sports unites and makes this place so unique.

During training and as a private surfer at the spot, you can rely on two rescue boats to keep an eye on the situation on site and to move out in case of the slightest doubt. This ensures excellent safety at the spot. In addition, a free Safety GPS is available at the center.

Part of the excellent quality in teaching windsurfing is guaranteed by the use of newest, high tech equipment. For example, in private lessons you will be equipped with radio helmets, which means that you are connected with your instructor directly and can follow all tips right away.

Should you wish to move from one spot to another during your stay, the ION CLUB will gladly take care of the transportation of your equipment. In the meantime you can walk to the other spot. Only 800 meters separate Chicken Bay from Gun Bay.

What makes Karpathos such an attractive place to live for the locals?

Katpathos is no longer an insider’s tip among long-time windsurfers because of its wind record, but the island has been saved from mass tourism. This makes the atmosphere on Karpathos especially welcoming and unique. Also the beautiful surroundings are almost untouched and offer every visitor the possibility to enjoy other sports or to unwind in nature. Many water sports instructors, who originally came to Karpathos for only one season in the sun, fell in love with the island right away and eventually made it their home.

Activities to choose from in the area include windsurfing, biking, climbing, hiking or even scuba diving. At ION CLUB Karpathos, different Scott mountain bikes are available for rent, allowing you to ride along the locals’ favorite trails. Around every corner you will encounter the friendly Greek way of life.

The perfect day spent on site

… starts with a relaxed breakfast in the warmth of the sun. At ION CLUB you can then check the conditions for the day. Since the wind is always blowing here, you can easily enjoy another cappucino at Anemos and first watch the spot from above. Experienced windsurfers probably have the most fun when they start late in the morning, around 10:30 a.m., for a surf session in Gun Bay and finally make a few jumps over the wind waves in Devil’s Bay. From the beach, friends and fellow travelers can take photos of your windsurfing session to enjoy afterwards.

After an extended lunch break on the sundeck you decide whether you want to return out to sea with even smaller equipment and stronger winds, or whether you want to climb up Kali Limni, for example, with its 1215 meters of altitude. The highest mountain of Karpathos rewards you with a magnificent view over the island. Beautiful sunsets can also be seen from here.

To round off the day, enjoy a barbecue with live music, friends and like-minded people.

Discover Momondo website for more ideas of what you can discover around.