Windsurfing has conquered the seas. A true delight in hot summer afternoons and sunny mornings, and at the same time, a sport which combines rhythm, color, competition, the elements of nature, the summer mood and passion, and makes the adrenaline flow. Those who do not own their own gear, can easily just rent it in any organized beach in the area of Ixia. Windsurfing lessons are given at the water sports schools by specialized trainers. In the latest years the sport is experiencing a considerable development, evidenced by the wining of Greek surfer Nikos Kaklamanakis (gold medal), in the men’s Mistral Class, at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and at the 2004 Athens Olympics (silver metal).
Water-skiing is one of the sports which flourish in the Rhodes seas. Anyone who wants to, and is 16 and older, may learn how to water-ski and be a ”water acrobat” and anyone who has not yet become acquainted with water skiing, will find, upon arriving, the most suitable place to begin. Adults may take lessons in private water-skiing schools operating in the Ixia area. The necessary equipment is available in facilities operating also as private schools, in the most organized beach of Ixia. Apart from water skiing, ”hydrodynamic sliding” can also be achieved with the help of various apparatus, with which the human body can slide on the surface of the water with ever increasing speed, with the most direct contact possible, without any training and with zero danger, provided of course that the necessary precautions are taken. Thus we have water games like water-sleigh, water-ring and other, which are practiced near the beach, offering great intensity and speed under the sun.
Under the sea surface, into the deep blue, exists a wonderful unknown world, one of enchanting beauty. The few that visit it, experience the sensation of being accepted into a silent paradise, filled with infinite forms and colors and myriads of sea species. The Rhodian seas are known as the cleanest of the Mediterranean. Thus, diving into the “big blue” of Rhodes, represents a unique experience for those who attempt it, provided they have prior training, while special precautions are taken. Scuba (Scuba=Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving using the proper equipment is allowed in all sea areas, where there is no specific prohibition for the protection of archaeological resources. Any discovery of an ancient object in the course of scuba diving, must be immediately reported to the nearest Port Authority. It is prohibited to bring to the surface or to move objects of archaeological or other significance, located in the deep. Underwater photography or cinematography is done with the permission of the local Port Authorities, granted after the concurrence of the competent Underwater Archaeological Findings Inspection dept. of the Ministry for Culture.
Speedboats and motorboats
For those who enjoy speed-boating, there is a great number of light crafts available, such as motorboats, speedboats, boats for water skiing, dinghies, aqua-scooters and sea-buggies, acrylic crafts etc. Most of these are available for rent in organized beach facilities in all coastal areas of the island. Small motorboats and speedboats can be rented for day trips. Moreover, short day trips are organized using dinghies, and their passengers are given the chance to discover remote beaches and hidden paths in various places of the island. Ski-jets and aqua-scooters can be found at most organized beaches, thus enabling you to participate in competitions or simply enjoy exciting rides.
The facilities, of the Nautical Club of Rhodes were founded in 1947 and are located in the city of Rhodes, the island’s northernmost point. The facilities include: 25-meter pool, 8 lanes, specifications FINA, equipment for speed and backstroke, training boards, kegs, pool timer, locker rooms for men and women with both in and outdoor showers and a Cafeteria.
The private school “Rhodes College” has an indoor heated swimming pool of international standards, measuring 25m x 16m, 6 lanes.
The private school “Rodion Pedia School” has an indoor heated swimming pool of international standards, measuring 25m x 10m, 4 lanes.
To use the swimming facilities at the Nautical Club of Rhodes which include: Open 25 meter pool, 8 lanes, specifications FINA, equipment for speed and backstroke, coaching boards, barrels, pool timer, locker rooms for men and women with in and outdoor showers and a Cafeteria.
It is also possible to swim in the sea area around the Nautical Club as it is extremely safe, with mild currents and water temperature 22oC.
The golf facility is located in Afandou, on the east coast. It is 19 kilometers from Rhodes town and 15 km from “Diagoras” Airport.
The stadium was designed by the golf designer Charantin Donald, has 18 holes, PAR 74, 6,210 kilometers length (Championships tees), 6 PAR 5, 4 PAR 3 and includes: Practice facilities with putting green and chipping area, green all year round, clubs, cars and caddies and balls for rent. The climate conditions: sunny, mild climate with temperatures 10o-15o C in winter and in summer 32o C.
Canoeing- kayaking can be enjoyed at the marine area of Rhodes Town and at Lake Apollakia in the Municipal Region of South Rhodes. The length reaches 1,750 meters and 200 meters width. The Nautical Club of Rhodes has vessels of various types for training. There is provision for configuration of the installation on Gadoura dam, which has a length of 5 km and 3 km wide.
The main facilities of the Nautical Club of Rhodes include: Locker rooms, showers, WC, gym, storage, and ramp for entering the water, venues for meetings with telephone and internet access and a 25 meter pool of 8 lanes, with locker rooms and showers and a cafeteria.
In Rhodes there are several major football teams of which the most distinguished is “Diagoras”. The stadium “Diagoras”, located in Rhodes town, 1 kilometer from the center, is an organized football pitch, built in 1930 by the Italian authorities, named «Arena del Sole». The facility has: Natural grass Stadium, 2 locker rooms, showers, WC, Press room, offices and an Internet connection, Warehouses, coaching equipment, 3500 podium seats and lighting for night games.
On the south side of the Stadium there is a natural grass pitch with lighting for night training, 75m x 45m with. Natural grass Stadiums can also be found at the Municipal Region of Kallithea, the Municipal Region of Ialysos (Oikonomideio Ialysos), the Municipal Region of Petaloudes (Maritsa, Paradeisi), the Municipal Region of Afandou, the Municipal Region of Archangelos and the Municipal Region of Ataviros (Embonas).
Artificial turf Stadiums can be found at the Ilioupolis area, the Sports Center “Kallipateira” the City of Rhodes, in the villages Koskinou Psinthos, Kalithies, the Municipal Region of Afandou and the Municipal Region of Butterflies (Kremasti).
The indoor hall Venetoklio, in the city of Rhodes, is a well organized basketball facility, which has: Wooden flooring 32m x 20m, Training equipment, Locker rooms, WC, showers, Podium seats 1300, a platform for journalists and a kiosk.
The wooden floor indoor court of Diagoras, is located in the city of Rhodes. Indoor basketball courts are also located at the Municipal Region of Ialysos and the Municipal Region of Petaloudes (Kremasti). Those as well have wooden floors, training equipment and training rooms.
Volleyball and Beach Volleyball
At the sport center Kallipateira, courts of international standard, built in 2007, contain modern training equipment, showers, storage, tents, locker rooms and 300 podium seats. Courts also can be found at the villages Kremasti and Kiotari.
The riding club “Cadmus” has its own facilities in Asgourou total area of 12 acres. Includes:
• Track dimensions 60mx80m and can accommodate events for the Grand Prix show jumping events and Dressage.
• Field 20mx40m.
• Smaller field 300sqm for courses with Pony.
• Covered area 900 square meters where there are 35 BOX according to specifications, Saddle cabinets, bathrooms, WC, shower, storage for hay and feed and bedding for the horses.
• Building for recreation, dining, rest rooms for visitors and athletes and accommodation facilities.
The Rhodian Tennis Club has since 1948 great success in Rhodes. The main facility is at the Sports Center Kallipatira. It features:
• 5 courts floor of Green Set Tennis Life Cushion System.
• 3 ceramics courts with lighting for night games.• Locker rooms, WC, Restaurant.
Elli, in the center of Rhodes there are two tennis courts with laminate floors available for workouts.
Courts exists also in Soroni, in Ialysos and in Kremasti