UKC

Never been, but looking for an August destination that keeps the family happy; climbing/swimming for 13 year old son and myself, horizontal sun-worship for my wife. We've done the deep water solo thing to Majorca countless times, Corsica too (highly recommended), Sardinia also. We thought about Thailand but flights are too dear.

So is there any shade in Kalymnos and are there any easy routes for a youngster? Oh, and beaches for the boss.

Thanks.

In reply to mark catcher:
nope for Kalymnos, far too hot and no sand (good snorkelling though)

Ever thought of Croatia? climbing, including easy routes for youngster and watersports galore, also quite cheap and very friendly

In reply to mark catcher:

It will be hot in August in Kalymnos and almost certainly too hot to climb in the sun but most of the popular crags face west or north-west so are shady in the mornings. The new guide lists the orientation of all the cliffs and there are several new sectors that face north or north-east so are shady for much of the day. There are certainly enough beaches for swimming from though not as extensive as on Mallorca or Sardinia. Lots of easily accesible routes for youngsters on lots of different crags. I wouldn't dismiss it if August is your only chance.

Dave

In reply to mark catcher:

Hot, but interesting that Piola developed his sector - the classic Spartacus sector - in August and also did quite a bit of climbing. Just have to get up at 5:00am.

In reply to mark catcher: Thanks for the above. We had discussed Croatia but I'm unsure of the exact DWS locations (Hvar island maybe?) - Leo's Depth Charge dvd seems to be yacht access only. So any more info gladly received.

Thanks Dave, she's a teacher so we won't write it off. Plus it could be a reccy for my trips later....

In reply to mark catcher: I have done most of my climbing there in August for the same reasons you state. Wife loves the sun etc.

As long as you get up early you get a good few hours at most crags before the sun hits. Once it does though its of for a swim as climbing in it is just hard work.

Give it a go there is a good spread of grades across most of the sectors and the fishing, Swimming and diving are all ok.

if you like your diving there is a great wreck thats worth a visit.

In reply to mark catcher: We went in September which I'm sure was cooler but still top-end 20s territory. Simply shift your sleep patterns so you're on the crag at sunrise and pack it in for the day as soon as the sun comes around and you'll have a great time. We got into a happy routine of leaving for the crags at around 6:30am and returning to the pool via. the ice cream shop at anywhere between 2 and 6 depending on the orientation of the crag. Climbing conditions were excellent in the shade, particularly when there was a bit of a breeze. I'd recommend liquid chalk highly for keeping your hands dry.

Also, the reason why Piola developed Spartacus in August is probably because it has just about the best aspect of any crag on the main Massouri cliffs, shade till 6pm when we were there! Absolutely cracking climbs there too.

In reply to mark catcher: "...looking for an August destination that keeps the family happy; climbing/swimming for 13 year old son and myself, horizontal sun-worship for my wife.... Sardinia also.... "

Sardinia is much bigger than the other places you mention and there are lots of newer areas good for summer. To quote my friend Chris (http://www.pietradiluna.com/blog/images/feedback/4cc/cgore.html ) "For me it has always been important to find a family friendly climbing area for holidays, Judith (my wife) does not climb but she enjoys the beaches and the sunshine and when we had a young family all these things were important. We have been to Mallorca many times and that is very similar to Sardegna with the scenery and the fantastic climbing but it has too many tourists (not just climbing tourists) and can get quite crowded in the climbing areas. I have not been to Kalymnos but from what I hear, although it is a climbing wonderland, it can be a little crowded in the climbing season. I have some friends that have been there ‘off’ season and they say it’s much better then. Sardegna can be quite crowded around the Cala Gonone area but there are so many areas to go to, so you can choose if you want to be with others or not, I was also surprised how good the climbing is in the summer as there are areas above 1000m and in the shade."

There are many more crags for summer here (I live here) than most Brits are aware of. New guide coming out in late spring.

ciao Peter

In reply to mark catcher: Peter, thanks for your reply - you live on a beautiful island, but I'm afraid you misunderstood. We've been to Sardinia quite a few times before and are looking for somewhere new. Many thanks though, Mark.

In reply to mark catcher: we were thinking of going for a week or so this summer, (having been 3 times before, but in late october / november) , but decided against it because we thought it would be too hot for our 1 and 3 year old. late august i bumped into an old mate at shepards cafe who had just got back from 2 weeks on kalymnos. he climbed every day, while his wife sun bathed,he said there were lots of german, dutch , french , climbers but few, if any, brits. he s a pasty northerner who in the 20 + years i ve known him has never , despite cragging / mountaineering all over the world , sported a tan. he just avoided the sun and timed his visits to each crag accordingly. i wish we d gone.

In reply to mark catcher:
Hey, I've been to Kalymnos last summer during late June-early July for 2 weeks and we had a fantastic time, so I don't why why August would be an issue. Most people say it,s too hot in the summer time because they have never been there at that time of year. No problem for climbing in the morning, many of the main crags are in the shade then. We were at the crags at 8-8:30 and came back to the peach/pool at around 2pm.
There is also a breeze usually, which makes it even better... you just don't climb in the sun when it hits the wall from 12h30-14h depending on which crag you are at. Also, it's off season for climbers, so you get to climb what you want.
I don't see why Kalymnos would not b a perfect august destination.