PADDLER
“ If you get a strong Ora wind, you’ re in for a treat; world-class windsurfers are always hanging around the lake, and they’ ll be throwing some loops.”
PADDLER
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surround the lake, and as these warm and cool over the day, they draw in or release winds to and from the lake. The greater the temperature differential between the lake and the mountains, the stronger the wind. Sometimes in the afternoon, you can see the wind line rippling up the lake; when it’ s like this and the wind hits Torbole, I’ ve seen sun loungers go flying! If you get a strong Ora wind, you’ re in for a treat; world-class windsurfers are always hanging around the lake, and they’ ll be throwing some loops.
I’ ve always dreamed of sharing this lakeside playground with close friends, and earlier this year we all agreed that a road trip to the Lake Rocks festival was on the cards, and Lake Garda offered the perfect stop-off. Pre-race prep consisted of lakeside eateries and cantina trips( where you can buy local wines by the litre using a‘ petrol’ pump).
“ If you get a strong Ora wind, you’ re in for a treat; world-class windsurfers are always hanging around the lake, and they’ ll be throwing some loops.”
A MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Mid-trip, I had to attend a scientific meeting on zoonoses – diseases that jump from wildlife to humans – in the high mountains of Pale di San Martino, where the National Parks were hosting us. These amazing limestone peaks surround Lake Garda and serve as a great reminder that any SUP trip can be transformed into a mountain adventure( hiking, biking, via ferrata) in a heartbeat. Coming back to the lake, the big goal is a complete circumnavigation of Garda, taking advantage of that reliable wind. Time it right, and it’ s an epic downwinder.