In 2010, Loukas Ntourntourékas turned his passion for climbing into a profession on Kalymnos By food journalist Dimitris Stathopoulos.
In 2010, Loukas Ntourntourékas turned his passion for climbing into a profession on Kalymnos.
Loukas Ntourntourékas was born and raised in Livadeia, Boeotia. From a young age, he was exceptionally creative and drawn to action. In the mid-2000s, he traveled to Kalymnos for the first time. "I came here as a visitor with the goal of climbing. I had heard that the island has many interesting routes, and since climbing was something I always loved, I decided to come and explore this area," he tells us when we met him in Pothia, Kalymnos in early summer.
"In 2005, I did my first climbing route here, and from the first moment I understood that this island had a lot to tell me." Loukas decided to stay on the island for a season. "I left here in November 2005, but returning to Livadeia, I couldn't wait to come back." So in March of the following year, he returned to the island and has been a permanent resident ever since, meeting Alexandra, whom he is now married to. "With each passing day, I loved this place more and more. The people, the landscapes, the aura it exudes."
As the years passed, we reach 2010, when he decided to turn his love for climbing into a profession. After attending and completing the relevant school, he became a climbing instructor. Today, it's his main occupation. "Visitors' interest in climbing is enormous. They come to the island, often during months we'd theoretically categorize as off-season, and choose to follow some climbing routes. This results in the island buzzing with life and significantly helps the island's businesses."
As we talk, he suggests we go to a climbing field. With us is Stathis Klimis, a teacher by profession, who never misses a moment of his free time to dedicate it to some activity, either on trails or climbing. We arrive at the field where, with all the necessary equipment, they'll follow the route called "Sea Breeze." The view toward the sea is exceptional, and the breeze is truly wonderful. Loukas prepares while Stathis helps where needed.
The ascent begins. Around us are dozens of tourists who have traveled from various parts of the world to be here, on these unique rocks of Kalymnos. Loukas climbs with calm and ease, as if walking on flat ground, while Kostis, our photographer, takes photos. He asks him to stay put until he flies the drone for a few more shots. He seems to be enjoying it. We're all enjoying it, each in our own way. Even just being in this spot, with this unique view before you, is something special.
Leaving the site, Stathis tells us that Loukas, besides being a climbing instructor, is also a carpenter. We make a stop at the carpentry shop. Everything is neat and organized. "In climbing, mistakes aren't allowed. One mistake can cost you dearly. Everything must be tidy and organized. I've brought exactly that to this work. Only this way can I work and achieve a good result," Loukas explains.
He gives us a tour of the space and shows us some of his work. We leave him and promise we'll talk again soon.
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