The Winds of Garda Lake
Bus&Bike
Lake Garda Marathon 
| Kitesurf |
|
|
|
L ake Garda has always been famous for being one of the windiest places in Europe. This characteristic has favoured the development and practice of sailing and of other activities requiring wind as an essential element. The Garda surroundings provide ideal conditions for kitesurfing; on the other hand, due to the conformation of the territory and to the scarcity of suitable areas, the existing regulations limit its practice only to certain zones. The purpose of this guide is to point out all the sites of the lake that have been especially equipped and controlled by regulations in order to practice kitesurfing safely. Since we are dealing with limited areas, only one kite at a time can be launched; the kite is to fly low on the lake surface so as to avoid the turbulence caused by nearby roads, trees and hills.
 Campione del Garda - The “Area Kite” at Campione del Garda is the most famous spot for kitesurfing, thanks to its favourable location which allows launches both in the morning and in the afternoon, using the strength of the two winds. Specific rules must be obeyed to surf over the coastal strip and the water in order to avoid situations that might prove dangerous to surfers or to third parties. The geographical conditions of this spot may involve some difficulties both in taking off and in landing. Brenzone - Since this area does not offer a specific shore for kite launching, there are well equipped centres that, with a boat, take you to the middle of the Lake where you can practice kite surfing safely. These centres offer courses at all levels, rental service, lift and recovery. Both winds blow in this area, therefore kitesurfing is guaranteed all day long.
 Malcesine - Kitesurfing is allowed in two main spots of this area, depending on the winds. Campagnola is located at three km North of Malcesine and allows the practice of kite surf only when the wind blows from the North. In normal sunny conditions, when the wind blows from the South, the shore is crowded with people for most of the day, so kitesurfing is not allowed. There is enough space for more kitesurfers to set up their equipment and to take off simultaneously. Navene is at five km North of Malcesine and is located near the “Nani Aqua Centre”. This area, where the wind blows from the South, is run by the Kitesurfing Club Association of Malcesine. One must subscribe to the Club, and some rules of behaviour must be observed, in order to avoid dangerous situations in the launching area. Torbole - A world-wide famous site for windsurfing, kitesurfing is prohibited in Torbole as well as in all of Trentino Alto Adige, due to a huge concentration of windsurfers (and other craftholders) in such a limited area. Only exception: at the “Conca D’Oro” shore one can practice kite surfing after 6.30 PM from April to October, if owning a certificate released by a specialized kitesurf school. Sirmione - Brema, in Sirmione, is one of the very few shores where kitesurfing can be practiced in the Southern part of the Garda Lake. Located between Desenzano and Peschiera, this shore is quite spread out, easily accessible, with a 300 m wide shoal, and it is serviced by a specialized centre. The only drawback is that the presence of the wind is not always guaranteed.
|