A la carte climbing courses and sessions in Kalymnos
From April to October, you can learn and improve your outdoor climbing skills on some of the world's most beautiful sport routes.
WHAT KIND OF CLIMBER ARE YOU?
Beginner Climber
A person who has never climbed indoors or outdoors
Intermediate Climber
Climber comfortable at level 5b/c (5.9) to 6a/b (5.10b), or indoor climber who has never climbed outdoors and climber wishing to improve their climbing skills.
Advanced Climber
Climber comfortable at level 6b (5.10c) to 7a/b (5.12) who wants to push himself and achieves something new.
ALL ABOUT SESSIONS & COURSES
When to come in Kalymnos for climbing?
My season starts at the beginning of April and ends at the end of October. Select in the booking form below:
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the type of session
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the number of participants
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the number of sessions
The form will immediately give you a price. If you want 4 sessions or more, you have the option to add a rest day. I strongly advise you to do this, but do the best you can with your schedule.
I invite you to check my availability on this calendar.
What type of session do you want?
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private session, it will be just you and me for the session. It can be a couple or a group of friends. With 4 or more sessions it's possible to do Deep Water Solo and multi-pitch if you want. My teaching
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family session, this means that you climb with your child(ren) and I lead the session(s) for ther whole family. I will show you techniques to be belayed by your child(ren).
Where do we meet?
We will meet in Sofrano* (or in front of it) for a coffee (or something else) and together we will choose a sector that suits you to have an excellent time climbing. You will benefit from my knowledge of the most beautiful routes on the island.
*Sofrano is a café at the end of Masouri. It is located just below the Poets sector, which you can reach on foot. If you are staying in Masouri, you will need a maximum of 10 minutes to reach the café.
How long is the session?
I offer you 4 to 4.5 hours of rock climbing which is usually enough for a good session (4 to 6 routes with an average height of 25 metres).
When do you climb?
Firstly, we will never climb in the sun! Sessions can take place in the morning or in the afternoon. The orientation of the cliffs on Kalymnos is such that, 70% of the cliffs are in the shade in the morning, until around 13:00. 30% are in the shade in the afternoon and start to be in the shade around 14:00.
So to have about 4 hours sessions, we have to start at 8:00 in the morning and we will start at 14:30 in the afternoon.
How do we get to the climbing sectors?
We will take my van to go to the sector from Sofrano. It will take between 5 to 15 minutes. The approach from the car park will take between 5 and 20 minutes on average.
What equipment do I provide?
I will provide all climbing equipment:
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harness*
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helmet*
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belay device
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quick-draws
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rope
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belay glasses
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assisted-braking resistor (for weight differential between climbers)
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chalk bag
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climbing shoes*
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bag
*It is better to use your OWN, it is adjusted to your size.
What equipment should you take?
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approach shoes or at least closed shoes. No flip-flops! It's mainly a question of safety when belaying, the ground is not homogeneous and you need to be perfectly agile and alert to belay your partner properly. We will have to walk on steep paths to make it safer, more convenient and more comfortable.
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You will have to carry some of the equipment (rope, quickdraw...), so if you bring a bag, make sure it is at least 40 litres.
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If you have your climbing shoes, harness and helmet, take them with you. Your equipment will fit you better than mine.
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A cap or hat. We won't be climbing in the sun, but we will have to walk in the sun to get to and from the cliff.
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water and food if you need
What you will learn with me ?
Whatever your level, from intermediate to expert climber, there is always something to learn, improve and develop. There are many things (all aspects below are related) that I can help you with:
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Anything to do with belaying. I put a lot of emphasis on safety, you will see or see again during your session(s) everything you need to know to climb safely. This aspect is obviously important for your physical integrity, but it's also an essential aspect of the mental process of climbing: if you are confident with your equipment, with your belayer who knows how to belay correctly (giving the rope accurately, catching it softly, paying attention to you, encouraging you...), you will climb without squeezing the holds and you will have more mental space to concentrate on your climbing.
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developing your technique on the rock (mainly foot technique)
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the fundamentals concerning the mental aspect which is a vast subject:
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preparation for effort
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management of self-handicapping strategies
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training for the fall
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breathing (connecting with the present moment)
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rest management
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acceptance
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concentration
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fighting spirit
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living your emotions
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communication (encouraging, being encouraged, learning from others...)
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etc.
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climbing culture
My extensive knowledge of the climbing areas of the island allows me to take you to the most beautiful routes adapted to your level.
I prefer private sessions or small groups (3 or 4 people, usually no more) of a homogeneous level, which allows me to be fully with you. This guarantees both the quality of your coaching, as I will be fully present and available, and flexibility, as you will be able to climb on any cliff, regardless of how busy it is. It is also more climbing in a given time, without group inertia.
What is included in the price?
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My supervision (I speak fluent in Engish)
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Insurance for the climbing activity, I'm fully insured in professional liability (contract signed by MMA)
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Transport to the cliff from Masouri
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All climbing equipment
How to book the course?
Please complete in the booking form below to register your interest. I will send you an email summarising your booking. With your reply, the booking will be added to my schedule (and which will then appear on the online agenda). You will be asked to pay a deposit of €800 to confirm your participation. This will be refunded if you cancel at least one week before the start of the course.
EXAMPLE OF A 7-DAY COURSE*
*6 sessions and 1 rest day
DAY 0: ARRIVAL
Arrive on Kalymnos, the port of Pothia, and make your way to your chosen accommodation (see «How to get to Kalymnos» under Useful info). I highly recommend staying in Masouri or Myrties as these areas are closest to the cliffs and most convenient for your stay (shops, restaurants etc.).
DAYS 1 AND 2: CLIMBING
4-5 hours of climbing usually in the morning. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing at the beach, exploring the surrounding villages, enjoying Greek cuisine in the evening etc.
DAY 3: DEEP WATER SOLO
We go to Vathy and climb over the sea, it's Deep Water Solo… unforgettable! Unless you are Alex Honnold, you will probably end up in the sea, so be prepared to swim!
DAY 4: REST DAY
As with any physical activity, it's important to manage your rest. This would be a good day to hire a scooter or car and explore the island. I'll give you tips on the best places to visit. You could discover some secluded beaches to relax.
DAY 5 TO 7: CLIMBING
Get back into the swing of things with 4 to 5 hours of climbing. Progress at your own pace on the island’s many routes! One day will be dedicated to climbing on Telendos, the iconic island off the coast of Kalymnos.
DEPARTURE
This is the end of your course, you're free to leave whenever you like. You must organise your own transfer.