Perfect windsurfing - morning and afternoon

Lake Garda, Italy - "Probably the best all-round windsurfing venue in the world" ©Carlsberg

In our windsurf fleet we have a selection of the latest models from the manufacturer Starboard which are all well-suited for use on Lake Garda; these boards are taken from the Go, Futura, Kode and Isonic ranges.

Sails are from the Severne Loft in sizes from 4.5 msq to 8.5 msq from the Gator, Blade,Turbo,Mojo and Overdrive ranges.

We always welcome 'drop-in' clients when we can accommodate them but give 'Europa' clients priority on all booking equipment and teaching times.

Equipment

New equipment from Starboard and Severne for 2012 includes the new Futura and Isonic boards as well as the Kombat in sizes suitable for use in the prevailing conditions on Lake Garda. Our sails range from 2.2m kids’ sails to 10.0m camber induced blasting sails.

For those bringing their own equipment sails between 5.0m and 8-9.0m are best with boards between 96 – 140 litres according to weight and ability of rider. Please note that the water is fresh, clean and thin so add 10lts on the board you would normally use at a salt water location.

Wetsuits, boots, and harnesses

We keep a full range of Gul long wetsuits, shorty wetsuits, rash vests and boots, which are cleaned and dried after each use. We also provide gloves and harnesses, if required.

Summer air temperatures in this part of Italy vary between 24°c and 32°c with the breeze to keep it cool. Shorts, a rash vest and buoyancy aid are all that is required for sailing and windsurfing with the water temperature between 19°c and 24°c. In the early mornings a shortie is useful until the sun is fully up.

Air temperatures in spring and autumn vary between 16°c and 25°c with the wind often more pronounced in this period. A ‘combi’  wetsuit is required in the mornings with a shortie being adequate for the rest of the day.

Wind and conditions

Renowned for its two thermal winds, l'Ora and il Peler, Lake Garda offers conditions to suit every level of windsurfer. Unlike most other thermal locations, where the wind turns up on sunny summer afternoons, these winds blow throughout the year. The morning wind, ‘Peler’, arrives from the North and starts at first light, blowing anything from Beaufort 4-6. This wind dies away at around 10am as the air temperature rises and is ideal for intermediate and expert windsurfers who are competent water-starters. After about 11am, the southerly breeze, ‘Ora’, starts up and by midday is ideal for beginners. The ‘Ora’ continues to build in strength into the afternoon reaching its peak of 3-4 Beaufort by about 2pm. This afternoon wind, with relatively flat water, provides perfect conditions to learn and practise such manoeuvres as carve gybing, water-starting, 360s and other freestyle tricks and moves as well as good old fashioned flat water blasting.

Safety

We have a safety boat on the water at all times with qualified boat drivers. This is particularly important for those sailing in morning winds who can be up to 2 miles away from the Centre and in the afternoon for those whose technique and water-starting skills are not fully developed. Safety cover is provided free to all clients including those bringing their own equipment. We would ask our clients to abide by our decisions and to refrain from sailing when the red flag is flying. In all cases, the prime objective is for our clients to have maximum fun in safety.

7am specials

'Europa' clients who want to go windsurfing in the 7am strong northerly wind can book for this the night before but because of the importance of safety cover for early morning sailing it is a service offered exclusively to our Europa Holiday clients. For all other windsurfing, our normal hours are 09.00am to 6.00pm