Surf in Crete
School Summary
About Us
Learn how to stand up paddle and have SUP lessons and tours at Surf in Crete, an ASI accredited SUP school, on the beautiful island of Crete in Greece.
Based at Arina Beach, Kokkini Hani, it has one of the most safe, sandy beaches in Heraklion.
Meet the Team
Surf in Crete is owned and operated by Marios Trigonis. He first started paddling in 2010, spending his days exploring Crete. He loved the freedom of paddling boarding and being able to paddle in the flat water, the beach and in the waves. Since then he has also travelled the world paddling in countries such as Philippines, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
Marios is an ASI Level 1 (Enclosed flat Water), Level 2 Exposed Coast Waters and Level 3 SUP surfing instructor. He also holds the higher level ASI SUP Technical Coach qualification. In addition, Marios is an IKO L3 Kitesurfing instructor, holds lifeguard and first aid qualifications and is a rescue swimmer on search and rescue boat " Europi " for the Helenic Rescue Team.
Marios started the SUP School as a career change. He previously worked in food and beverage in Big Hotel chains, was the owner of a restaurant and bar in Heraklion city centre and owner of a chain of clothes stores. He decided to make the ocean his new office as he loved being near the sea. He also saw a need to provide high quality water sports activities with a focus on safety.
He is assisted in the SUP school by experienced ASI SUP instructors who are also knowledgeable about the local area and ideal paddling locations in Crete.
Surf in Crete are an ASI SUP Instructor Training centre and Marios is authorised to train others to be SUP Instructors.
The school is also a 2020 Travel & Hospitality award winner for "Excellence Branding in Crete", being the first ever watersports centre to receive this award.
Service Overview
Surf in Crete offers group and private lessons, SUP Wise learn to SUP certificate courses, SUP tours, team building and rentals for kids, adults, parties, hens and stag parties, school groups, and corporates.
They also offer a range of SUP and surf tours to many different parts of Crete, from the beach to the inland lakes and rivers.
Other water sports activities offered by Surf in Crete include surf, bodyboard, kitesurf, windsurf.
- School teaching programmes intermediate to advanced level.
- Train programmes for athletes
- Windsurf tours and camps
- Welcome to Safe Watersports kids camps
- Sup pilates / beach pilates
- Sup yoga / beach yoga
- Team building beach activities
- Equipment rentals
School Features
Surf in Crete Arina Beach has great facilities, including:
Showers / toilets / free parking area / online shop services / storage services / sunbeds and umbrellas / food & beverage services / public transfers on spot / beach volley and beach soccer ground / BBQ / music station.
Location Features
Surf in Crete are located in Arina Beach, Kokkini Hani, one of the most safest, sandy beaches in Heraklion. There is crystal clear water with nice clean sand.
They are only 10 minutes away from City Center, and 5 minutes away from Heraklion Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis ".
SUP tours and SUP Surfing is held at various locations around the Island of Crete. There are specially chosen inland waterways and rivers and beautiful beaches.
No matter what the weather conditions are, Surf in Crete can find the ideal location for you so you can experience SUP and other watersports, see nature, historic sites and become immersed in the culture of Cretan lifestyle, that will make you feel like a local.
Tourist Attractions
Crete is a popular tourist destination with a variety of tourist attractions.
Historical places include:
Heraklion Harbour " Koules Castle "
Knossos Palace
Faistos Palace
Many Historical Museums and Churches
Mountain Activities and Mountain Attractions :
Psiloritis Mountain
Samaria Gorge
Mountain walks and mountain bikes rides
Jeep Safari
Mountain villages with traditional foods and the local people will make you feel so welcome
Sea Sailing and Boat Tours to many different smaller islands around Crete:
Dia Island
Spinalonga Island
Accommodation
Surf in Crete can provide accommodation packages at a range of accommodation apartments throughout Crete.
- Light Filled apartments and studios at: Arina Beach, Kokkini Hani, Heraklion, Crete
- Chelona Apartments at: Amoudara Beach, Gazi, Heraklion, Crete
Please contact the school for any further information and accommodation details.