It’s the moment that so many kite surfers have been waiting for all year long: The season opening at Lake Garda! For me, it was clear that this year my training for the Pringles Kitesurf World Cup had to start right here.

Lake Garda is located in the midst of a majestic mountain scenery with one of the highest wind likelihoods of Central Europe. Perfect to celebrate a successful start in the year 2016.

For me, from the large area of Munich, the lake is within easy reach, as you can get there in about 4.5 h by car. Just as Munich is known as the northernmost city in Italy, Lake Garda is one of the most southerly lakes in Germany. And the Italians themselves describe Lake Garda as part of Germany.

However, it is a bit warmer on Lake Garda, especially during the transitional periods in spring and autumn, than on many lakes in the area of Southern Germany – dry suits are not needed here. There are also numerous spots on all the shores of the lake that are perfect for a lot of action and good that offer great conditions for contest preparation.

In the east Navene, in the west Limone and in the north Torbole – the latter being the dominion of windsurfers. This year, I was very close to Campione, where the InspiredBySports house is located, but at the same time, I wasn’t in the middle of the kite-turmoil. With the rental car and my equipment in the trunk I was able to reach the local harbor quite comfortably and then go on the water from the boat.

As a matter of fact, it is possible to take a boat from all sides of Lake Garda, which makes it much easier for beginners. For the more advanced I recommend the start from the tunnel in Navene, whereby a small fee of about 10 euros for the club membership is incurred. Whichever entry you choose, in the water it’s just fun to try new tricks in front of a picturesque backdrop!

The Italians are not only friendly to the classical German tourists, but as well to kitesurfers. In the favorite holiday country of the Germans, there’s always much sympathy on both sides. The location and the local community is definitely worth a visit, also for those who prefer to follow the kitesport from the coast. The joint sundowner with the locals after an action-packed day on the water is a real good experience and brings the kite community together once again a bit more together.

Lake Garda is particularly suited as a season opener to enjoy a “Dolce Vita-Feeling” holiday at the beginning of the season and to get a perfect start to the preparations for the Pringles Kitesurf World Cup at the end of August / beginning of September 2016 on Fehmarn . Good preparation means for me, besides the kiting, not having to worry about many other things that could affect my focus on the water. This year at Lake Garda, I had exactly this advantage – spots as far as the eye can see, comfortable and uncomplicated arrival with my rental car from Budget. And I may not forget the Italian lifestyle at this point, of course. Like that, spontaneous changes of the route are not a problem.

The steep cliffs, which allow perfect conditions for sunny sessions with a good wind, make the spot in Campione absolutely recommendable. You can go out to the lake by boat, and from there you can find a good place to get onto the water. Even if the wind is not there on point, you can also just spend some time on the boat sunbathing.

The different spots offer many different facets and in addition a lifestyle which is typically kitesurfing!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE