February - March 2004
Athens, Greece
Olympic Whitewater Slalom Stadium
Greetings from the Olympic Whitewater Course in Athens, Greece. We are among the 120 athletes from approximately 25 nations invited to train on this river’s inaugural practice sessions. After two days of training, athletes are wearing big smiles – the best indication that this course has hit the mark for power, speed, difficulty and fun.
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Entering the facility for the first time felt more like walking into a whitewater stadium 20 years into the future. The stadium is situated close to the Mediterranean with fantastic views of Athens and the surrounding mountains. The water is pumped into a starting pool, flows over a suspended bridge, around a tight spiral in front of tall amphitheatre-style seating, and finishes by flowing back underneath itself. It looks like the Space Mountain of Olympic venues, and stands in stark contrast to the relatively humdrum appearance of the softball and field hockey stadiums next door. The Disneyland feature most appreciated by the athletes is the conveyer belt that carries you back to the top without ever leaving your boat. |
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Perhaps the biggest adjustment is getting used to the saltwater. This is the first course ever to run true seawater (there are few courses in the world that are tidal, and use brackish water). The effect is surreal: ocean spray and foam, stingy eyes, and a muted hiss sound instead of the deep roar of normal whitewater. The weirdest thing is the ‘soft’ feeling of the water, which comes from the near universal layer of light foam. The sea foam tends to accumulate into the bigger eddies and you can end up with a ‘beard’ on your boat in no time. The saltwater has also contributed to the names of the rapids: “Great White” and “Baby White,” homage to the shark; and “Margaritaville” because of the lime green color and salty aftertaste. |
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Away from the course, Greece has become one of our favorite destinations. Throughout our travels around the country (Patras, Navpaktos, Delphi, Thiva) and here in Athens, people are very friendly, the landscape breathtaking, and food fabulous. |
Greece is ready to host an impressive show. Stay tuned for the next episode!
Thanks for your support.
-Joe and Matt