What to do · Lake Garda
First windsurf lesson in Torbole
Information
- From
- €85 person, 2-hour lesson
- Duration
- 2 h
- Season
- April to November
- Who it's for
- For beginners; you must be able to swim
What it is
The north of Lake Garda attracts windsurfers for a simple reason: the wind blows almost daily and arrives at fixed times. In the morning the Pelèr blows from the north, gentle and steady, dying down towards midday; in the afternoon the Ora comes in from the south, stronger. The Torbole schools use the morning for beginners, with flat water and light wind, and leave the afternoon to those who already plane.
A trial lesson is the way to find out whether you like it: two hours in which you learn to get on the board, to raise the sail and to make your first tacks.
The lesson at Vasco Renna
Vasco Renna Windsurfingcenter is in the Pavese park, beside Torbole beach. Its first level, course T or “first trial”, mixes theory on land and practice on the water so that you make your first turns. Group courses leave every day at 9:00, for all levels, and the lesson lasts two hours; if there are only two students, an hour and a half.
The lesson costs €85, and repeat lessons work out cheaper: two lessons, €159; three, €229; five, €369. On top of that there is insurance of €6 per lesson. It includes the board with sail, a wetsuit, a life jacket, the support of an instructor and shore staff, changing rooms, toilets and lockers. For children up to seven there are private one-hour lessons for a first time, for €85. Lessons are given in Italian, German and English. The school is open from April to November.
What to bring and how to get there
Swimsuit, towel, sun cream, a cap that fits and wetsuit shoes if you have them. Torbole is about ten minutes by car from Riva and about 10 km from the Rovereto Sud – Lago di Garda Nord exit of the A22 motorway; if you are staying in Torbole, you walk along the promenade.
Tips
- Book the day before In summer the 9:00 places fill up; complete the level questionnaire on its website.
- Repeat the next day With two or three lessons in a row, progress is much more noticeable than with a single one.
- In the afternoon, watch Sit on the promenade when the Ora comes in: the lake fills with sails and kites.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a windsurf lesson in Torbole cost?
At Vasco Renna, €85 for the two-hour group lesson, plus €6 insurance.
What time are the lessons?
Every day at 9:00, with the gentle morning wind.
Do I need experience?
No. The first level is for those who have never stood on a board. You do need to be able to swim.
Are there lessons for children?
Yes: private one-hour lessons for children up to seven on their first time. The website gives no minimum age for group courses.
With teenagers
Who runs it
- Vasco Renna WindsurfingcenterGroup windsurf course, 2 h trial class Visit their website
