Windsurf and Moth on Lake Garda: a paradise for enthusiasts

Lake Garda is one of the most popular destinations for windsurfers, thanks to its weather conditions and breathtaking scenery. In this article we tell you everything you need to know about how to enjoy doing windsurf on lake Garda.

The lake’s winds

Lake Garda is famous for its regular and intense winds, which blow in different directions depending on the time of day and season. The main ones are:

• The Pelèr, which blows from north to south in the early morning, with a strength of up to 25 knots. It is the ideal wind for experienced surfers and those who love high waves.
• The Ora, which blows from south to north in the afternoon, with a strength of between 10 and 20 knots. It is the perfect wind for beginners and those looking for a quieter, more relaxing surfing experience.
• The Balinot, which blows from north to south in bad weather, with a strength that can exceed 30 knots. It is a very rare and unpredictable wind that creates extreme conditions for the most daring surfers.

Windsurf on Lake Garda: Lake spots

Lake Garda offers numerous windsurfing spots, suitable for all levels and needs. Among the most famous are:

• Torbole, on the Trentino shore, is considered a windsurfer’s paradise, thanks to its position exposed to the winds and its large beach with schools, rentals and services. Here you can find the best conditions for the Pelèr and the Ora, and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
• Riva del Garda, also on the Trentino shore, is another popular spot for surfers, especially for its harbour where various schools and rentals can be found. Here you can surf with the Ora in the afternoon, or with the Pelèr in the morning if you start from the Sabbioni beach.
• Malcesine, on the Veronese shore, is an ideal spot for beginners and those seeking quieter sailing. Here you can take the cable car to Monte Baldo, from where you can admire the view of the lake from above. Here you can surf with the Ora in the afternoon, starting from the Val di Sogno beach or the Campagnola beach.
• Tignale, on the Brescia shore, is a less crowded but equally beautiful spot, where you can surf with the Pelèr in the morning or with the Ora in the afternoon. Here you can start from the Porto Tignale beach or the Campione beach.

How to organise your holiday

There are several options for windsurfing on Lake Garda, depending on your budget and preferences. You can choose between:

• Lessons: if you want to learn or improve your windsurfing technique, you can book lessons at one of the many schools on the lake. Prices vary depending on the duration and level of the activity, but on average you spend between 60 and 120 euros for a 2 or 3-hour lesson.
• Rental: If you already have some experience and want to surf independently, you can rent a board and sail at one of the many surf centres on the lake. The prices depend on the type and quality of the equipment, but on average you spend between 20 and 40 euros for an hour’s rental.
• Organised holiday: if you want to enjoy a windsurfing holiday, with no worries and the chance to meet other enthusiasts, you can choose holiday packages organised by specialised agencies. These packages include accommodation, transport, lessons, hire and additional activities. Prices vary depending on the duration and the services included, but on average you spend between 300 and 600 euros for a week.
• Lake Garda has plenty of facilities ready to provide the best spas and wellness centres, should you need to relax or regenerate your strength at the end of the day.

The moth: windsurfing that flies

If you are looking for an extra challenge in the world of windsurfing, you could try the moth, a board equipped with a foil that allows it to rise above the water and reach incredible speeds. The moth is a very technical and demanding sport that requires balance, coordination and responsiveness. To practice it, ideal wind and water conditions are needed, which can be found in certain spots on Lake Garda.

Among the best spots for moth are:

• Malcesine, where you can find the Fraglia Vela Malcesine, a club that organises moth courses, rentals and regattas. Here you can sail the Pelèr in the morning or the Ora in the afternoon, starting from the harbour or the adjacent beach.
• Torbole, where you can find Radikal.it, a shop specialising in windsurfing, sup, kite and surfing. Here you can rent moth material and get advice from experienced staff. Here you can surf with the Pelèr in the morning or the Ora in the afternoon, starting from the beach at Torbole or the beach at Lido Blu.
• Campione, where you will find the Urban Center, a sports centre offering courses and rentals of windsurfing, sup, kite and surf. Here you can try moths in an area protected from wind and waves, ideal for beginners. Here you can sail the Pelèr in the morning or the Ora in the afternoon, starting from Campione beach.

Moth is a fascinating and fun sport that will make you experience unique sensations. If you want to try flying on Lake Garda, do not miss the opportunity to try your hand at this discipline!

Lake Garda is not only a moth spot, but also a venue for important international events dedicated to this class. Among the most recent and prestigious, we can mention:

• The 2021 Moth World Championship was organised by Fraglia Vela Malcesine from 2 to 7 September, with the participation of over 150 athletes from 24 nations and 4 continents. The title was won by Australian Tom Slingsby, who confirmed his dominance after his 2019 success in Australia.
• The Italian Moth Championship 2021, organised by Circolo Vela Torbole from 18 to 20 June, with the participation of over 70 athletes from all over Italy and some foreign guests. The title was won by Italian Francesco Bruni, helmsman of Luna Rossa and Moth World Champion in 2017.
• The Moth National Championship 2022 was organised by the Univela Champion from 17 to 19 June, with the participation of numerous Italian and foreign athletes. The title is yet to be awarded, but an enthralling challenge between the best moth specialists is expected.

These events demonstrate the great interest and passion that Lake Garda arouses among moth practitioners, who find ideal conditions here to express their potential to the full.

Conclusions

Windsurfing on Lake Garda is a unique and unforgettable experience that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the adrenaline rush of the sport. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you are sure to find the right spot and conditions for you. All you have to do is book your holiday and get ready to ride the waves!!!