Finally, the warm season has arrived, and we’re sure you can’t wait to dive into the water to escape the summer heat and focus entirely on yourself. Whether you’re going on holiday or staying in the city, don’t worry: there are plenty of places to try a water sport, many easily accessible from urban areas. Besides having fun, you’ll also cool off and stay fit while practising a highly popular type of tourism today: active tourism!
There are numerous disciplines and variations, but we’d like to introduce you to the most popular activities in Italy, giving you an easy way to dive into the world of water sports. Let’s take a closer look.
The Canoe was the first vessel built by our ancestors, who recognised its potential for navigating rivers and lakes after observing logs floating downstream. The Kayak differs from the canoe as it’s fully enclosed and uses a double-bladed paddle. These disciplines can be practised recreationally or competitively, in so-called "flatwater", marathon, "whitewater", or "canoe polo" categories. The choice is yours—come and explore rivers and national reservoirs aboard these thrilling vessels!
Rafting allows a crew of 4-8 people to tackle a breathtaking river descent amid splashes and laughter aboard a raft—an unsinkable, self-bailing inflatable. This sport suits everyone, offering fun and safety in equal measure. Hydrospeed takes you down the river from a different perspective: navigating rapids while lying on a buoyant board, steering with your movements. Canyoning (or Torrentismo) involves descending gorges carved by watercourses. You’ll traverse the stream on foot, with routes split into two categories: wet or dry. In all cases, progression is downstream (never reverse), using abseils and, where possible, jumps, dives, and natural slides. Come and experience these adrenaline-pumping adventures!
Surfing lets you glide along the wave’s face, standing on a board while performing manoeuvres tailored to the wave’s speed and shape. Kitesurfing uses a specialised board and a kite (or wing), controlled via a bar connected by lines. Windsurfing harnesses wind power with a mast attached to the board and a sail.
Water Skiing blends snow skiing and surfing. The athlete is towed by a speedboat via a nylon rope. Wakeboarding follows the same principle but replaces skis with a board resembling a snowboard.
Still reading? Why not search for the water sport that’s piqued your interest—it’s likely just a short trip from home! Discover new ways to live life! These aren’t just sports; they’re philosophies that let you experience fresh perspectives!
