March 30, 2021
We are exicited to announce another addition to the 2021 tour calendar. The Surf and Kite Theologos crew around Tobias Gottfried will bring the EFPT back to Greece from the 8th through to the 12th of September 2021. The prize-money will be € 15.000,- and therefor a mixed event for pro men and pro women.
Tobias Gottfried, CEO of Surf and Kite Theologos and head of the organisation team, invited us into ‚his office‘:
‚The kitesurfing- and windsurfingspot Theologos is located directly at the beach of the TUI Best Family Hotel Alex Beach, only five kilometers South of Rhodos airport, in the West of the island and is open from April through to November. The center is equipped with the most recent gear of POINT-7 sails and PATRIK boards. The island is favored by the ‚Meltemi‘, the predominant wind in the Agean Sea throughout the summer months. Coming from a Northerly direction, it funnels through between the Turkish mainland and the island of Rhodes, to hit the shores with 20 plus knots. With small chops close the beach and bigger swell waves further out, riders like Yentel Caers (JP/Neilpryde), Jacopo Testa (POINT-7) and Adi Beholz, have been using the spot as their training location in previous years.’
EFPT: Why is it so attractive for freestyle?
Tobias: Theologos is not your typical freestyle spot, but it is really popular amongst some of the top European riders, due to its variable conditions.
Yentel Caers, reigning European Champion states:
‚Theologos is a great village with water sport vibes. Every day in the afternoon you have 4,8 to 5,2 wind and with small ramps on the outside for bigger moves. Worth to mention is also the local food!‘
EFPT: What makes Theologos stand out compared to other spots on the island?
Tobias: Theologos is ‚the spot‘ on the island, because even though we have a great infrastructure, we never lost the original Greek charm of the village. People love to come here because of the combination of accommodation located directly at the spot, numerous restaurants close by and the community surfer lifestyle we preach and practice. Our clients really love the easy going and friendly atmosphere, our motivated staff, the quality of our equipment and the great location of the spot.
EFPT: Surf and Kite Theologos will open its new center this spring. Can you tell us some details about it?
Tobias: Our windsurfcenter has been completely renovated in spring 2021. Matching the style of the hotel and the kitecenter, the new windsurfingcenter is beautifully built with a lot of wood, directly located at the beach and offers more space for riggs, boards and private equipment. You may now also find sweet water showes, toilets, chill out areas, WIFI, a beach bar, sunbeds and also lots of shade directly at the center.
EFPT: When did you come up with the plan to run an EFPT event and who are the main people / sponsors behind it?
Tobias: Actually this has been my wish for a longer time now. This year, we feel confident we can manage the financial and organizational tasks and are looking forward to September! We rely on the Municipality of Rhodes to sponsor the event, which will bring this watersport into a new light on the island.
EFPT: You will run a pro men and womens division, which will make it one of the ‚complete‘ freestyle events of the season. Do you have some local girls and rookies freestyling in Rhodos?
Tobias: We hope that with the support of the EFPT, we will be able to get some windsurf locals from other Greek islands and the mainland to come to Theologos. With a suitable offer, we believe it will be a chance for many local riders to get their first event experience and to compete train together with the pros.
EFPT: What do you expect from the EFPT event in Theologos?
Tobias: It is amazing to get the the opportunity to run a tourstop of the EFPT on Rhodes and be able to represent and promote the windsurfing sport. Furthermore, we love the idea of contributing to support the development of windsurfers in all age groups through staging this event. On top of that it is always entertaining to watch competition: it’s fun to see the participants on the water during the heats, during their daily training routines and to see the passion behind every freestyle trick. It is inspirational!
EFPT: Who do you wish to see there?
Tobias: I personally hope to see Taty Frans (POINT 7) here!
EFPT: What can the riders expect from your event?
Tobias: A great event with an extensive side program, good food and a familiary atmopshere.