Kitepix Magazine No.6 April - June 2015 | Page 108

permanent structures can’t be built on
the land surrounding the camp, so the
area remains undeveloped and natural. A
short walk from the surf camp is a lagoon
where the Pink Flamingos like to hang
out, not fazed by presence of the other
birds like Ruddy Shelduck and Lesser
Kestrels.
No wind, no problem
Both Islands have no shortage of no-wind
activities. We have cycled around Limnos
and Tiree, although you can guess which
one was hotter work! A quick hike up Ben
Hynish on Tiree can followed by a cliff
jump in the rocky inlets below; where the

water is warm enough not to need your
NP surf wetsuit. When the wind is not
on, both destinations have good surf and
you can take SUPs to explore the bays;
although one SUP board each is a good
idea! My family thought it would be fun
to share boards, so we headed off from
Keros bay paddling confidently downwind,
two on one and three on another board.
All was well on the way, but we had to
swallow our pride on the return, upwind
journey and ended up sitting down like
rowing boats. Limnos is littered with
archaeological sites; a cycle ride from
the camp to Ifestia Amphitheatre and
some ancient caves may be sore-bottom
inducing but is definitely rewarding. The

abandoned hotel, complete with crazy
resident goat is also worth a visit, the
complex of villas makes up a ghost town
where hide and seek is taken to the next
level.
So, although 2435 miles apart, these
two islands are share an extraordinary
raw, windy and wild appeal. There is no
possibility of Island Fever as both islands
have excellent kiting spots with a range
of conditions to choose from. They echo
each other in their easy, slower pace of
life and in both places we encountered
good people; communities of kiters
who genuinely loved their home spots.
The friendly, non-judgemental and

encouraging characters we encountered
were refreshing.
Thank you team Crathorne and Cabrinha,
NP surf and Muther of All Things for your
continuous support.
By Polly Crathorne
Athlete page: facebook.com/
pollycrathornekitesurf
Instagram: @pollycrathorne
Website: pollycrathorne.com
Images by Cally Crathorne
Video from Limnos: https://vimeo.
com/104009773