7th Annual Corinth Canal SUP Crossing

On 15th October 2017, the ships and vessel traffic in the Corinth Canal in Greece was halted for 283 SUP paddlers who lined up at the start line before the sinking bridge of Posidonia for the 7th Annual Corinth Canal SUP Crossing.

 

This year's race was a global event with the record-breaking numbers and participants coming from every corner of the world. Many from Greece and from countries like Cyprus, UK, Slovenia, Austria, Germany and Russia.

 

The Corinth Canal is the biggest canal in Europe.It's crystal-clear blue waters flow along its' 6.453m length and between its huge 80m high walls. It's the perfect track for any kind of paddler. The race is the  only time you can cross the canal with a SUP!

 

The starting line at Posidonia is on the western side of the canal, beside the remains of ancient Diolkos. The image of the paddlers waiting just before the sinking bridge was magnificent.

 

When the starter horn blew the scene then turned into a battlefield. The huge number of paddles hitting the water turned it from calm to boiling and a wave of paddlers flooded the entrance to the canal.

 

The extraordinary event was made up of small children with their parents, women and men of all ages, experienced athletes but also beginners and amateurs with only one thing in common - to have a great time! It was obvious on everyone’s smiling faces.

 

At Isthmia, the eastern side of the canal was the finish line. Amazingly, every single paddler managed to finish the race,

 

The race has become one of the biggest watersports events in Greece. “The world's straightest SUP race” as it is known, has triggered the interest of the world-wide SUP community and sending out the message that Greece has the potential to host big SUP events, highlighting the culture and history of the country.

 

Big winners of the race were Nikos Syrigos and Konstantina Kontarini in the men's and women's categories.

 

Congratulations to all the winners in each category and to everyone who participated in this historic event.

 

 

 

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