Protaras sports tourism business offers adventurous alternative to lounging on the beach

During the intense August heat, there are only two places to be. Either indoors cooling off under the AC or at the beach swimming and lounging. Here to make your beach days more adventurous is a sea kayaking activity along the Protaras coastline offered throughout August. On this Friday 13, 14 and 15, a three-hour-long kayak experience awaits.

Each day, two sessions will take place. One in the morning for early risers starting at 7.30am and one in the afternoon at 5.30pm. On both occasions, participants will meet with the outdoor activities and sports tourism office, Salonica View, at the Chapel of Saint Andreas in Protaras 15 minutes before the kayaking adventure begins. There, kayaks and all of the necessary equipment will be provided such as life jackets, kayaks and paddles. Once ready, a short lesson will be held before participants and instructors paddle out to sea.

Led by Andreas Tsaggaris, a lifeguard and the founder of Salonica View, and his team of qualified instructors, the events are suitable for all levels with no prior kayaking experience.

“It’s meant to be a fun, leisure activity,” he told Cyprus Mail, “not a competitive event, so we welcome all.”

Having been planning frequent outdoor activities throughout the summer in both Cyprus and Greece, Salonica View’s events have picked up quite an audience and since their events are small-scale with just 10 participants, they tend to be fully booked.

“The clear waters and the sea life make the perfect setting for a sea kayak experience,” writes the event description on Salonica View’s website.

“The coastline we will cross is unique, the steep cliffs created by the sea and the saltiness over the centuries make our adventure more mysterious and fascinating. The route starts from the church and we will reach the area of Konnos and back again. During the route where we will have time to relax and dive on the beach.”

A few places remain for this weekend’s sessions yet plenty more will follow from Salonica View. Groups of four or more can also organise private kayak sessions but if you are up for something truly special a full moon kayaking experience is also coming up towards the end of August.

On Friday 20, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22, during the grand August full moon, Andreas and his team are organising a unique evening kayak event under the moonlight. Starting at 7.30pm again from the Chapel of Saint Andreas, participants and instructors will paddle across the water for an up-close and personal view of the full moon. As a popular event, these sessions are expected to get fully booked quickly so don’t forget to reserve a spot soon and take your swimwear, a towel and an appetite for adventure.

Sea Kayaking

3-hour-long kayaking adventure along the Protaras coastline. Organised by Salonica Views. August 13, 14, 15 and throughout the month. Meeting point: Chapel of Saint Andreas. 7.30am and 5.30pm. €35. www.salonicaview.com Tel: 22-070906

Full Moon Kayaking

Kayak event under the August full moon. Organised by Salonica Views. August 20, 21 and 22. Meeting point: Chapel of Saint Andreas. 7.30pm. €35. www.salonicaview.com Tel: 22-070906