From Livadia to the rocks of Kalymnos: The life of the island's top climber

In 2010, he turned his love for climbing into a profession in Kalymnos.

Loukas Dourdourekas was born and raised in Livadia, Viotia. From a young age, he was particularly creative and liked adventure. In the mid-2000s, he travelled to Kalymnos for the first time.

“I came here as a visitor to climb. I heard that the island has many interesting routes, and as climbing was something I always loved, I decided to come and see the area," he tells us when we met him in Pothia, Kalymnos, at the beginning of the summer.

The decision to stay on the island

"In 2005, I did my first climbing route here, and from the first moment, I understood that this island has a lot to say to me." Loukas decided to stay on the island for a summer season. "I left here in November 2005, but returning to Livadia, I couldn't wait to come back."

In March of the following year, he returned to the island again and has since become a permanent resident, meeting Alexandra, with whom he is now married.

"Every day that passed, I loved this place more and more. The people, the landscapes, the aura it emits. In 2005, I did my first climbing route here," he said.

From hobby to profession

As the years pass, we reach 2010, when he decided to turn his love of climbing into a profession. Attending and completing the respective course, he became a climbing coach. Today, it is his main occupation.

"Visitors' interest in climbing is huge. They come to the island, and in fact, in months that we would theoretically classify as the off-season. This results in the island buzzing with life and significantly helping the businesses of the island," Loukas explained.

A Day on the Rock

As we chat, he suggested we go to a climbing field. We are also joined by Stathis Klimis, an educator by profession who does not waste a moment of his free time not dedicating it to some activity, either on the trails or climbing.

We arrive at the field, where, with all the necessary equipment, and follow the route named "Sea Breeze." The view of the sea is special, and the breeze is wonderful. Loukas gets ready while Stathis helps him where needed.

The climb

The climb begins. Around us are dozens of tourists who have travelled from various parts of the world to be here on these unique rocks of Kalymnos.

Loukas climbs calmly and comfortably as if walking straight while our photographer, Kostis, takes pictures. He asks him to stay a while until he picks up the drone for a few more shots.

He seems to be enjoying it. After all, we all enjoy it, each in our own way. Even at this point, having this unique view in front of you is something special.

The Carpentry: The Other Side of Luke

Leaving the scene, Stathis tells us that Loukas is a carpenter and climbing coach. We stop at the carpentry shop. Everything is neat and organised.

"No mistakes are allowed in climbing. A mistake can cost you dearly. Everything should be neat and organised. This is exactly what I have brought to this job. That's the only way I can work and create a good result," explains Loukas.

He guided us around the place and showed us some of his works. We leave him and promise to meet again soon.

Dimitri Stathopoulos is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.

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