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Western Crete expedition - 8 days paddling, 7 nights wild camping Dominated by the Lefka Ori (the white mountains), the western part of Crete is the most spectacular and inaccessible part of the island. Highlights include crossing the “horns” of Crete; Elafonisi beach and inlet; the picturesque villages of Paleohora, Sougio, Loutro and Sfakion; and the Samaria gorge and national park. - Some sea kayaking experience required. You must have enough stamina to paddle up to 30km per day and be confident paddling in strong wind and waves.
- Total distance = 160km, 20km/day
- Dates October 17-24
- Price 680 euro (self catering)
Places Remaining - 6 Included in price - All kayaking equipment for 8-day expedition.
- ACA certified sea kayak guide
- Expedition plan and logistics.
- Laminated maps
- Return transport to Hania
Not included in price - Camping equipment, food and food preparation
- Occasional night in hotel, campground and restaurant meals (optional)
Expedition plan The aim of the expedition is to circumnavigate western Crete, form Hania on the north coast to Sfakion on the south coast, via the Rodopos and Gramvousa peninsulas. The total distance is about 160km. This equates to about 20km/day in 8 days, however bad weather days will make it necessary to increase the daily mileage. Required paddling experience This expedition is for competent paddlers who would like to enjoy the experience of an extended sea trip, including an open crossing of 15km. Experience of specialist sea kayaks is essential. To join us you should be: - Fit enough to paddle up to 30km/day on the expedition
- Have effective support strokes and be able to cope with moderate seas
- Have some experience of rough water
- Able to control the boat down wind and across the wind
Logistics We will meet in Hania , at 10am on Saturday October 17th. After we meet we will decide a plan of action. Plan A is to offload the boats into the Harbour, stock up on supplies and begin paddling. If strong northerly winds make this plan unfeasible then we will travel by car to an alternative location. Plan B would be to start at Sfakion, and attempt the expedition in reverse. Plan C, if strong northerly winds are likely to persist, could be to start at Falisarna on the west coast and continue south, thereby missing the Rodopos and Gramvousa peninsulas. The expedition will end on the Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning the 18th we will return to Hania by mid-day. Your arrival and departure dates to/from Hania The advertised dates include 8 full paddling days. We will meet at the Western end of the Hania Harbour, at the Hand Monument behind the Naval Museum at 10am on Saturday October 17. We will return to Hania, by car on the morning of the 25th. You can book your departure anytime after mid-day on Sunday the 25th. It is recommend that you spend a day or more in Hania, either before or after the expedition, as it is quite a nice place! Camping Camping will be wild, on or near beaches. Most are remote and there will be no facilities, not even water. Tents are recommended as there is a possibility of rain and there will be a heavy due most nights. Most nights we will have a campfire. There is the possibility we we spend the final night (Saturday 24th) in a hotel, allow 25 euro pp. Food The expedition is (self catering) You must buy and prepare your own meals. You are welcome to bring some food from home if you wish, however I suggest we buy most of the food, and especially water, after we meet in Hania and have decided on a plan. If we need to relocate to an alternative location, then the less we have to carry the better. We will buy 2-3 days worth of supplies at a time as we will be able to restock. Meals in seaside towns or beachside Tavernas are a possibility. Stoves and fuel Mentholated spirits, white gas (Kerosene) and camping gaz fuel are readily available. Coleman type screw on gas canisters, are not. I use a Primus with a mentholated spirit burner. What to wear For paddling, shorts and a shirt will be sufficient on most days. A cagoule (waterproof jacket may be required if it’s windy or overcast. Cold weather paddling gear, (wetsuits, etc) are not required.
Maps Laminated A4 maps at various scales will be provided. What to bring on a self catering sea kayak expedition: Sea kayaks can take loads of gear, however, the more you have, the more difficult and time-consuming it is to pack and unpack. The key is to keep everything to a minimum. Everything should be packed in dry-bags. Many smaller dry-bags are preferable to a few larger ones. 20 litres (20cm diameter) should be the maximum size. I suggest 2-3, 20 litre dry-bags and 5-7 smaller ones of various sizes. Kayaking gear - I supply: - Rainbow Lazer single expedition kayak, (plastic, dual bulkheads/hatches with/without rudder)
- Paddle – Harmony northwest passage ( if you have your own your welcome to bring it)
- Spray-deck (PVC or Neoprene)
- Buoyancy-aid (Sea vest by Atlanta)
- laminated A4 maps in various scales
- Kayak repair equipment
- First Responder WFR first aid kit
- Safety gear - flares, tow lines, spare paddles, spare spraydeck
- Communication equipment: 2 cell phones, VHF radio
Personal Items - You bring Paddling gear: - Quick dry shirt (a long sleeve lycra shirt - a "rashy" or rash vest - is ideal)
- Waterproof paddling jacket (Cagoule)
- quick dry or neoprene shorts
- Swimming costume
- Sport sandals or river shoes
- Hat, sunglasses with retaining strap, sunscreen
Dry clothes: - Pair of trainers or walking shoes
- 2 T-shirts or similar
- 2 shorts
- 1 pair trousers
- 1 fleece
- warm hat
- Underwear and sox
Camping gear - Sleeping bag
- Karrimat or thermarest
- Lightweight tent
- head torch
- Mug, plate and cutlery
- Stove, pots, pans
- Dry-bags (2 x 20litre and 5-7 smaller ones)
Other - Toiletries
- Pak-towel or similar
- Wet-tissues for personal hygiene
- Insect repellant, sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Book, mp3 player
- Cell phone
- Camera
Food - Sample menus (all food can be bought in Hania prior to departure and in shops along the way). - Breakfast - Muesli with powdered milk; porridge with dried fruit or honey; bread, butter and marmalade; tea or coffee; orange juice; yogurt
- Lunch - Bread or cracker biscuits with tuna or sardines, ham or salami, cheese, onion, cucumber, feta, marmalade etc; fruit.
- Evening Meal - Pasta with sauce, rice with stir fry vegs or dahl, BBQ, baked potatoes
- Snacks - Fruit (good selection available), muesli, sesame or coconut bars, chocolate, biscuits
To book: Interested persons should apply by e-mail, with a brief summary of thier kayaking experience. A deposit of 25% is required to secure a place. |