A fantastic lake for windsurfing and SUP
Whether stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, wingfoiling or swimming, Lake Caldaro is a paradise for water sports. Its pleasantly warm water, reliable winds and impressive setting between vineyards and mountains create ideal conditions for spending time on the lake.
As a host at SEELEITEN, Dominic has known Lake Caldaro since childhood. Whenever time allows, he still heads out onto the water – preferably on a SUP board. His personal tips reveal some of the best ways to experience the lake from its most beautiful side.
Stand-up paddleboarding – where relaxation meets movement
Few sports have grown as rapidly on Lake Caldaro in recent years as stand-up paddleboarding. Its popularity shows no sign of fading, and SUP has become an established part of life on the lake. Dominic understands why:
“I love gliding across the lake in the morning, when the water is still completely calm. You are surrounded by nature, moving at an enjoyable pace, and often barely notice how intensely your whole body is working. For me, it is incredibly meditative – almost like yoga on the water.”
While the arms, legs and core are constantly working to maintain balance, everyday life quickly fades into the background. Lake Caldaro is also particularly well suited to beginners. Unlike the sea, there are usually very few waves, allowing many guests to stand confidently on the board during their very first attempt.
SUP boards are available free of charge to SEELEITEN guests at both the Lake House and the Lake Park.
The best tips for a first SUP outing
Anyone stepping onto a SUP board for the first time should ideally set out early in the morning, when the lake is usually at its calmest. Dominic recommends starting on your knees:
“The best way is to kneel in the centre of the board and take a moment to get a feel for the balance. Then slowly stand up, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and your movements calm and controlled.”
An ideal first route leads at a relaxed pace towards the opposite shore. Crossing the lake takes around 20 minutes. Once there, it is easy to stop for a short break before paddling back at leisure.
Anyone planning to stay out for longer can pack drinks or a small snack in a waterproof dry bag. Another advantage is the large number of jetties around the lake, which offer plenty of opportunities to come ashore and take a break.
Dominic’s favourite spot on the lake
According to Dominic, there is one place on Lake Caldaro that should not be missed:
“My absolute favourite spot is the biotope at the southern end of the lake. The landscape changes gradually as you approach it. The water takes on different shades, fish can be seen beneath the board and, with a little luck, there may be waterbirds nearby too. It becomes wonderfully peaceful there.”
His advice for every outing is to paddle south first. Travelling with the wind is far more enjoyable than having to work against it. From there, the route can continue at a leisurely pace along the bathing areas or even all the way around the lake.
Windsurfing, wingfoiling and kitesurfing
Lake Caldaro has been one of Italy’s best-known windsurfing spots for decades. Water sports enthusiasts from Italy and abroad have trained here since the 1970s, and many successful windsurfers gained their first experience on the lake. Thanks to its reliable wind conditions, Lake Caldaro offers excellent opportunities for windsurfing.
Boards and sails can be hired locally, and lessons are available for both beginners and more experienced windsurfers.
Wingfoiling is also becoming increasingly popular. The combination of a handheld wing and foil board can now regularly be seen on the lake. One practical advantage is that riders can set off directly from the jetty.
Kitesurfing is theoretically possible on Lake Caldaro too. As there is no suitable launch area on the shore, kitesurfers are first taken out onto the lake by pedal boat.
Those who prefer a gentler pace can use one of the Lake House pedal boats free of charge and explore the lake at leisure.
Swimming in Lake Caldaro
Despite the growing popularity of newer water sports, swimming remains one of the best-loved activities on Lake Caldaro. Many swimmers follow the line of buoys or make their way from one jetty to the next. Those comfortable with a longer distance can even cross the entire lake, which is approximately 800 metres wide.
“As with every activity on the water, safety always comes first. It is important to assess your own abilities realistically. Ideally, no one should swim alone, or they should at least remain within calling distance of another person.”
An active way to experience the lake
Lake Caldaro offers countless ways to enjoy the water – whether gliding peacefully across it on a SUP board, windsurfing at a faster pace or simply going for a swim. Seeing the surrounding landscape from the water offers an entirely new and memorable perspective. As Dominic puts it:
“The lake is different every day. That is exactly what continues to fascinate me. Anyone who takes the time to head out onto the water discovers Lake Caldaro from a perspective that can never truly be experienced from the shore.”
More information on water sports and active ways to experience Lake Caldaro is available here.
