Activities at Atsitsa Bay, Greece

Kayaking & Windsurfing with Mark Gunston

Sat 18 - Fri 31 May 2024

Week One: Windsurfing for Beginners, Kayaking Siesta Drop-in Classes

Beginners: This windsurfing course is aimed at complete beginners and covers the basic skills required to learn this exciting sport. The majority of the time is spent on the water. Windsurfing will help improve your coordination, flexibility and strength. The course will challenge you but the emphasis is on enjoyment. You will be encouraged to take intelligent risks and develop an awareness of your environment.

During most of the summer you will only need to wear swimwear, though we recommend that you bring your own wet shoes. At the beginning and end of the season it may be necessary to wear a shortie wetsuit, which will be provided. It is not necessary to be a strong swimmer or athletic to learn windsurfing. However, a basic level of mobility and some confidence in the water is required. Students may continue onto the Improvers class in the 2nd half of the session of a 2 week session.

Improvers: This is a series of drop in classes suitable for those with previous experience. An ability to sail away from the beach, turn around and sail back is the only minimum requirement. It is also open to those who took part in the Learn to Windsurf course during the first half of a 2 week session. Each class will take the form of a short clinic followed by on water practice. Continued coaching and feedback will be available or you can just practice without instruction.

Week Two: Kayaking course, Windsurf Improvers Siesta Drop-in Classes

Mark will be offering a basic canoeing experience using sit on canoes.

Courses will involve: 

• Safety Introductions
• Teaching of Basic Skills
• Consolidation of Skills

The latter will then enable short, coastal trips to be undertaken to such places as Horseshoe Bay, Island canoeing and a trip to Cooknara, (coffee and cake for those in need!). All canoeing will be weather dependant.

This is another stunning way to experience the beauty and 'aquatic' nature of the Greek Odyssey that is Atsitsa, enjoying the Aegean Sea and sun whilst journeying on simple, sit on canoes. Yet another way for adults and children to build unforgettable memories, under the supervision of experienced instructors, who have your safety and enjoyment, as paramount in their care.

About Mark Gunston

Mark has been teaching watersports for over 40 years and is a qualified RYA Windsurfing Trainer. He managed a watersports centre in Cornwall for 6 years and during the late 1980s worked at a Windsurfing Club on the Sea of Galilee. He has taught at a variety of centres in England, Greece, Sardinia and San Francisco and is one of the UK’s most experienced Windsurfing teachers.

In 1998 he established and managed a Fitness Centre in New Delhi. Mark qualified as an internationally licensed Ski Instructor in 2001 and has worked in Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Vermont as a Ski Instructor, Ski Guide and Resort Manager. He is also a certified  Life Coach. Mark has been teaching in Atsitsa since 1996 and, realising a lifetime's ambition, completed a degree in Film Production and Screenwriting at the University of Chichester in 2017. 

Mark relocated to Scotland in 2020 and now owns and manages a kayak and paddle-board centre during the summer in Kilchattan Bay on the Isle of Bute. He also hosts a show during the winter on Bute Island Radio, playing film soundrack music.

What people say about Mark and his courses:

Kayaking was fun but challenging

Kayaking with Mark is a joy and so confidence building

Mark – safe, clear, confidence building

Mark’s kayaking was lovely.

Excellent as always, feel safe and well organised. Learned lots.

Mark was a familiar constant for me that made Atsitsa feel like home.​