Crazy Island Center (Gökceada, Turkey)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

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LOCATION AND SURF CONDITIONS

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We are located at Gokceada island, Aegean Sea, Turkey.
The wind  is North-East. This is the same well known Meltemi which works in all the islands in the Aegean. The wind in Gokceada is accelerated by thermal and venturi effects. During the summer there is constant wind 22 – 25 knots in the morning, which slowly falls to 6-12 knots in the late afternoon. Fronts come with strong winds around 28-35 knots or stronger.

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CAMP CHARACTER

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We  were in the field of advertising while in 2006 learned to kite and windsurf and found out that over the ring road of the city where each small person seems big is the undiscovered new world. Once stood on the shore with the wind and the salt spray in your face you feel the scale changes. We felt addicted to this sports and inspired by the sense of freedom, thus how we changed our lives and opened a small kite and windsurf center in Gokceada. During this 12 years on this perhaps windiest island in the Aegean we’ve teach hundreds of people to kite, windsurf, improve and discover the addictive power of sea and wind.

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

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ACCOMMODATION TYPES

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Accommodation in Gokceada
Since last year we offer our own accommodation on the beach – 8 nice bungalows each with air-conditioning, private bathroom and a balcony. All bungalows are nested in a beautiful garden. We have a restaurant, private parking, kite/windsurf station and beach bar and wi-fi in the whole area. Breakfast is included. Being surfers ourselves we tried to develop the best surfing accommodation in Goceada. It is on the spot and in the price of your room is included kite/windsurf equipment storage at our station right in front. The restaurant offers European and Turkish home made cuisine – great variate of salads and appetizers, different meals with meat, as well as vegetarian meals, grill, fish, pasta and good choice of deserts.

20 April – 31 May; 1 October – 30 October
double bungalow – 30 EUR
triple bungalow – 50 EUR
01 June – 30 June; 16 September – 30 September
double bungalow – 40 EUR
triple bungalow – 60 EUR
01 July – 15 September
double bungalow – 55 EUR
triple bungalow – 75 EUR

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CATERING

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You can book the breakfast within the packages and moreover the camp has a restaurant.

 

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

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SURF COURSE DETAILS

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KITESURF COURSES

COMPLETE KITE COURSE
– 9 hours – Includes meteorological brief, ground control – rigging, line management, flying techniques, safety water – body drags, water starts with board, basic riding and self-rescue.

KITE COURSE GROUP OF 2 / 9h	300EUR
INDIVIDUAL KITE COURSE 9 h	400EUR

SINGLE LESSONS
Group of 2

from 48EUR

Private Lessons

from 60EUR

The price includes the necessary equipment.

Supervision / day    20 €   

The Intermediate kite lessons will strengthen basic knowledge and skills – with long courses down and upwind, transitions, carving turns and jumps.

The advanced lessons you should be able to ride down- and upwind, performing small jumps. During the lessons depend on your level you will start learning to land some basic tricks or practice more complex movements.

During all levels you will learn useful information related to equipment, safety and ethics in the water and on the beach.

WINDSURF COURSES

BEGINNERS WINDSURF COURSE 
– 6 hours – the course gives guidance from start to free sailing, steering and performing slow turns in light wind. Within this course you will have 4 windsurf lessons with instructor and 2 hours self practice under the supervision of your instructor. In the beginning you will start with big 230 liters board and small easy to handle sail. Later you will start using smaller 180 liter windsurf board and bigger sail. During this intensive windsurf course you will become independent on the water and light winds and you will be able to rent equipment on your own.

COURSE GROUP OF 2 – 6 HOURS	125 €
PRIVATE COURSE – 6 HOURS	195 €

WINDSURF LESSONS

Group of two
BEGINNERS from 30EUR
ADVANCED from 40EUR

* The price includes all necessary equipment.

Private
BEGINNERS from 40EUR
ADVANCED from 47EUR

*After each lesson an additional 1 hour practice is induced.
**The price includes all necessary equipment.

INTERMEDIATE WINDSURF LESSONS – 47 EUR
– Using the harness
– Beach start
– Planing
– Into the straps
– Water Start
ADVANCED WINDSURF LESSONS – 47 EUR
– Duck jibe/Slam jibe/Back Wind Jibe/Speed Fast Tack
– 360 carving/360 upwind
– Body-drag
– Vulcano/Spock/Flaka/Grubby
ADVANCED WAVE LESSONS – 47 EUR
– Wave riding
– Forward loop/Back Loop/Table Top

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SURF MATERIALS

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Kiteboard
Kite and Board:
from 30EUR

Kite and Bar:
from 25EUR

Board:
from 15EUR

Windsurf
Beginners Equipment:
from 15EUR

Advanced:
from 20EUR

*Choosing the option of 10 hours rental package you can use it whenever you decide.

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OTHER ACTIVITIES

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-Ski Lessons
-Snowboard Lessons
-Snowkite
-Freeride Ski Snowboard

- SUP (Standup Paddle Board ). This is the newest water sport which appeared just less than 10 years ago and for no time become famous all over the world. It very easy to learn and practice at all ages, in all conditions. Here at Crazy Island in Gokceada you can ride SUP on flat water or small waves.

You will be amazed how fast – in not more than one hour you will learn how to ride SUP on flat water. You can cruise with friends watching the hidden beauty of the underwater world. Never the less SUP is easy to practice and you feel no real effort this sport trains your whole body.  In 1 hour with the SUP you will  exercise your calfs, your back, your core, abs, shoulders and arms. To learn riding waves with the SUP will take a little more time and persistence, but once you catch the first wave and feel the acceleration it will become hard to pull you out of the water. Waves are real fun! Cruising you can burn about 300 calories per hour, touring  you can burn about 500 – 600 calories per hour, on waves – 800 – 1000 calories per hour, racing 850 – 1200 calories per hour.

Lessons – 25 EUR/hour
Rentals – 10 EUR. /hpour

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

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 SURF CONDITIONS

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Seasonal conditions
WIND CONDITIONS FOR KITE AND WINDSURF
There are 2 main spots in Gokceada island – with mirror flat water (off shore wind) and spot with waves up to 1.5-2 meters (on shore, side on shore).

Active season in Gokceada – from May to October. From June to mid September wet suit is not necessary. In the beginning of May and in October long 3/4/5mm wet suit is recommended as the water is chilly, after mid May and the second half of September shorty or 1-2 mm wet suit is OK.
Flat water Aydincik beach (offshore) – it is mirror flat water spot, which offers perfect conditions for advancing in freestyle and race every morning, and for beginners in the afternoon when the wind falls. The sea bed is sandy and safe. Crazy Island is located on this beach. The center is equipped with 2 resque boats for assistance.
Wave spot/Kite beach (on shore) – great jumping conditions for wave riders at all levels. Big bay with sandy bed, safe for the riders and the gear. The wave spot is 2 km far from the center, we arrange transfer to the wave spot for the riders and the equipment.
Secret sports (side shore) – the island is big and undiscovered. There are other great places except the main spots, the secret spots are side shore spots with waves up to 2 m. If you are looking for new adventure and want to stay out of the crowd we can arrange trip upon request, the spots are reachable in half hour from Crazy Island center at Aydincik beach.
Downwind – it is a great experience and fun – the downwind distance is about 15 km and the final stop is at the wave spot, the starting point is 1/2 hour drive from our center, trips could be arranged upon request.
Where we are Crazy Island kite & windsurf is at Aydincik beach (the flat water spot). The center is a part of a beach complex with wooden villas, restaurant, coffee-bar and garden, with wi-fi access everywhere.

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 SURROUNDINGS / REGION

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More about Gokceada – it is the largest island in Turkey, part of Canakkale province. The island is with area of 279 square kilometers, located across the Dardanelles. Gokceada island is a part of Cittaslow towns international network. Cittaslow towns aim to be great places to live, work and visit. The main source of income is agriculture, tourism and fishing. 
Places to see in Gokceada – a round trip will help you to discover the diversity and hidden beauty of the island. You can explore the small bays, chill in the shadow of 700 years old trees, watch the sea and visit different small villages. Our favorite villages in Gokceada are the following:
Zeytinli köy – small village with narrow stone streets, old Greek houses, and several small but famous cafés.
Bademli köy – another small village located to the northeast part of the island on high hill with stone stone houses and spectacular view to the sea and Samothrace island.
Dereköy – is a large old Greek village it used to be the largest village in Turkey, but many people left it back then. It is located on the laps of two different hills. The surrounding area is incredibly beautiful and peaceful.
Tepeköy – is located in the north of the island near an existing volcano which is the highest point of Gokceada island.
Kaleköy is on the north-eastern coast of the island across Samothrace island. You can easily reach it heading straight north from the center of Gokceada. Kaleköy has a small port for fishing boats and yachts, open marketplace for souvenirs, fish restaurants cafés and clubs near the port alley. There is a hill with ancient remains of a castle and spectacular view to Samothrace.
Gokceada center – eclectic town with different small shops, restaurants, barber shops,  and open Sunday marketplace. Gokceada is 6 km far from the port to the mainland (Kuzuliman) and 12 km from Aydincik beach.

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 JOURNEY

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Ways to get to the camp

Getting to Gokceada island is easy. You can get here by car and or by plane. The island is located in the Aegean sea across the Dardanelles. Gokceada is only 17 miles (31 km) from the mainland and takes about one and a half hour to get on the island with ferry from Kabatepe port. During the summer the ferries are at each 2 hours.

By car – you can get to Gokceada traveling through Greece or Bulgaria.
trough Greece Gokceada is 170 km far from the Greek/Turkish border. The distance from Ipsala (the town at the border) to Kabatepe port is about 140 km. The road is very good most on motorway, takes less than 2 hours.
trough Bulgaria – the distance to Gokceada from Bulgarian/Turkish border near Edirne is 250 km, the road is mostly on motorways, takes about 2 – 3 hours.  If you are going to travel with leasing or company car get your authorization translated in Turkish or English. 
Speed limit – 130 km on motorways, 110 km on speed ways, 90 km on the normal road, 50 km in the towns.

Ferryboat schedule

GÖKÇEADA-KABATEPE	KABATEPE -GÖKÇEADA
05:00 (*)	05:00 (*)
07:00	07:00
09:00	09:00
11:00	11:00
13:00	13:00
15:00	15:00
17:00	17:00
19:00	19:00
21:00	21:00
23:00 (**)	23:00 (**)

* only on Friday
** only on Sunday

The cost for car is about 7 EUR for car / 10 EUR for minibus and includes all passengers.

By plane to Istanbul – you can easily find cheep flight to Istanbul – where you have several options:
to book a transfer to Gokceada with us – 120 EUR / per car, takes 3 – 4 hours to the ferry
to rent a car from Istanbul airport– we would also recommend this – the distance from Istanbul to Gokceada is about 340 km, mostly on highway. Istanbul airport is on the European part of Istanbul, close to the the high way.

Finding Crazy Island once you get in Gokceada. You will depart at Kuzulimani port, follow the main road for 4 km to get to Gokceda town. In the town continue to the same main road (Ataturk Blvd), trough the very center of the town to the exit of the town. There is a T-crossroad at the exit, turn left to Aydincik, the beach with flat water. Follow this road for 8 km, where you will see small village Eselek right after the village there is a crossroad – turn right, and after 2 km on the first T-crossroad turn left and you are at Aydincik beach. You will find us easy. By the road is Sarduniya complex – blue-green wooden chalets. Near the beach is Crazy Island Center. See you on the water.

PACKAGES & PRICES

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WINDSURF VACATION IN GOKCEADA - from 230€ per Week / Person

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The package includes accommodation with breakfast and unlimited weekly windsurf equipment rental/private course, or course in a group of 2. You are going to stay in wooden lodge nested in a nice garden right by the beach. There are restaurant, cafe, beach and beach bar. Each room has private bathroom, air-conditioning and a balcony, all rooms are with garden view.

till 15 July

6 nights, breakfast, equipment rental (unlimited)	270 EUR
6 nights, breakfast, windsurf course 6 h group of 2	230 EUR

16 July – 15 September

6 nights, breakfast, equipment rental (unlimited)	385 EUR
6 nights, breakfast, windsurf course 6 h group of 2	300 EUR

16 September -30 October

6 nights, breakfast, equipment rental (unlimited)	330 EUR
6 nights, breakfast, windsurf course 6 h group of 2	250 EUR

The beginners course included in the package gives guidance from start to free sailing, steering and performing slow turns in light wind. ?he lessons are held in English, Bulgarian and Turkish.

The price is based on double occupancy in room.
The price includes all necessary equipment
We perform the courses with high quality brand new Naish equipment. We work with experienced instructors. Lessons are held in English, Bulgarian and Turkish.

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KITESURF VACATION IN GOKCEADA - from 305€ per Week / Person

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This package includes:
accommodation in wooden chalets nested in beautiful garden right by the beach. There are restaurant, cafe, beach with sun beds and umbrellas and wi-fi access. The package includes accommodation with breakfast and beginners kite course.

till 15 July

6 nights, breakfast, kite rent 7 days	405 EUR
6 nights, breakfast, kite course 9 h group of 2	305 EUR

16 July – 15 September

6 nights, breakfast, kite course 9 h private	580 EUR
6 nights, breakfast, kite course 9 h group of 2	480 EUR

16 September – 30 October

6 nights, breakfast, kite course 9 h private	530 EUR
6 nights, breakfast, kite course 9 h group of 2	430 EUR

The price is based on double occupancy in room.
The price includes all necessary equipment
We perform the courses with high quality brand new Naish equipment. We work with experienced instructors. Lessons are held in English, Bulgarian and Turkish.

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Retreat for Women - from 850€ per Week / Person

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If you want retreat escape to completely renew yourself, to leave your “to do list” behind and reveal your true you join our ALL WOMEN SURF RETREAT at Gokceada island. This is your week by the emerald water of the Aegean sea to relax and revive. We’ve created effective program balanced between sports and relaxation – windsurf, kitesurf, SUP yoga and light home-made fresh food.

Retreat duration 7 days/6 nights
– pilates (beginner)
– windsurf, kitesurf, SUP  (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
– relaxation
– SUP yoga – (beginner)
– accommodation in wooden chalets with private bathroom and terrace, surrounded by nature right by the beach
– fresh and healthy local grown food

Price – 850 EUR

In summer 2020 we will work in accordance with the requirements of the Health Ministry of the Republic of Turkey and with responsibility to ensure the maximum protection of your health and the health of our staff.

If you want retreat escape to completely renew yourself, to leave your “to do list” behind and reveal your true you join our ALL WOMEN SURF RETREAT at Gokceada island. This is your week by the emerald water of the Aegean sea to relax and revive. We’ve created effective program balanced between sports and relaxation – windsurf, kitesurf, SUP yoga and light home-made fresh food.
Retreat duration 7 days/6 nights
– pilates (beginner)
– windsurf, kitesurf, SUP  (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
– relaxation
– SUP yoga – (beginner)
– accommodation in wooden chalets with private bathroom and terrace, surrounded by nature right by the beach
– fresh and healthy local grown food
Price – 850 EUR 

* The price is based on a double occupancy, for single occupancy + 100 EUR
** Transfer from Istanbul airport 140 EUR per car (up to 3 people)