WHO ARE WE?
STEFANOS AVERKIOU
founder
Stefanos Averkiou has been around water all of his life. Born near the sea, his love for the water and the fulfilment it entails has always guided and affected his choices. Competing from an early age in and out of the water he developed the persistence and stamina to pursue his goals no matter the level of difficulty.
His love and attraction to the sea environment have led him to learn and practice several watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and wakeboarding. In addition, he has been an instructor for several years and participated in a number of events both as a competitor and later on as a judge. Stand up paddle was added to the list as a means of rehabilitation after an injury. What seemed at the beginning a low intensity physio-workout, quickly became a daily quest. As the sport revealed its potential, the more devoted he became.
Yoga entered his life when his wife attended some prenatal courses during her pregnancy and they both continued with partner courses after little Melina was born. Since then yoga has complemented every other activity. Paddleboardyoga was founded as soon as Stefanos and his family settled in Chania, Crete. The unique environment, the ideal conditions and the warmth of the people were a true inspiration.
Alongside with his love for sports and water, he travelled extensively in both north and south hemisphere in search for the best conditions. These long journeys have only led him back to his roots, the beyond comparison beautiful island of Crete.
Stefanos holds a bachelor degree in Computer Science and an MBA in Project Management. He has more than 17 years of experience in the IT sector and has worked for several large corporations.
Sup
Instructors
KAROLOS RAAT
sup instructor
Karolos was born in Athens in 1993 where he also spent his childhood. He occupied himself with sports and schetching from an early age. Swimming, karate and soccer are only few of the sports he devoted himself to.
In 2011 he began studying at the School of Architecture of Technical University of Crete in Chania. This was the first time he visited the island of Crete. The amazing sites of the island, the great people and his love for architecture made him love and spend as much time as he could exploring the place with his friends and collegues.
Through school and sports, he learned that teamwork and cooperation with enthusiastic people is the key to achieve your goals and within the world of SUP, he has found such a group of people to have fun with, enjoy sports and discover new places and hidden beaches all around Crete. Get inspired by this story and encourage your friends to explore the sea world through paddle boarding.
DIMITRIS MPOUZAS
sup instructor
Dimitris took Stand Up Paddling right on from day one! Being a keen waterman, he accepts any challenge the water has to offer. Dimitris considers – and rightfully – SUP as one of the best cross training activities. Be prepared to be pushed to your limits and enjoy it at the same time! Training hard will become your second nature with Dimitris your guide.
KOSTAS TRIANTIS
sup instructor
Kostas will guide you to all the beautiful locations of West Crete with his unique way. Every tour with him is a mixture of adventure, exploration and exquisite taste. Knowing all the right places to enjoy local food his presence will guarantee that your tour will be complimented with the best food the island has to offer. When he is not trying new tastes, you will find him paddling along the coastline exploring the hidden bays and coves of West Crete, Chania.
Paddle
Board
Yoga
Instructors
NEFELI STAMOULI
paddle board yoga instructor
Nepheli was born in Athens in 1986. She occupied herself with dance and music from an early age. She studied classical and modern dance in the Hellenic National School of Dance and graduated in 2006 with the diploma of dancer-choreographer and dance teacher. She cooperated with the group of the "State School of Dance" dancing in Greece and abroad.
Meanwhile she teaches classical and modern dance and attends various kinds of dance as Flamenco, Hip-Hop, American Jazz and courses of vocal music as well.
In 2009 she comes for the first time into contact with Yoga. She practices in Hatha Yoga and in 2012 she attends the educational seminar "Teacher Training Hatha Yoga 200" (RYT) in the school GHYTA Yoga School having Mr. Michalis Filinis as a teacher.
Since then she teaches yoga in schools and studios to children and adults and gives personal training to adults. She also attends seminars on Yoga for pregnant women, Yoga for children, lyengar Yoga, Partner Yoga and Acro Yoga.
On 2014 Nefeli had an offer to become part of our innovative business focusing on Stand Up Paddling and Yoga in Chania. Being an adventurous and creative nature herself she accepted the challenge and never regretted ever since!
PaddleboardYoga has opened new dimensions to her yoga practice and combined it with her love for the sea. Join her lessons and you will discover the magical meditative dimension of SUP yoga.