16 <strong>#ticinomoments</strong> Want to experience something new? Choose a holiday centred around water and plunge into the enchanting atmosphere of Lake Maggiore, where you can discover the new frontier in water sports: foil surfing. ONE FIN, INFINITE EMOTIONS The adventure begins at the Bagno Pubblico in Tenero, at Beach Bar WakeInn to be precise. I have an appointment at the bar at 4.00 p.m. with the two Surf Tribe instructors, Fabio and Mattia. My friends and I receive a warm welcome. After listening to the rules and safety information, it’s time to get the equipment and decide which of the many water sports we want to do: wakeboarding, wakesurfing, waterskiing or foil surfing? I’d like to try them all, but I choose foil surfing because I’ve heard it allows you to perform some very intense moves on the waves. Fabio approves my choice, assuring me that it will definitely be an unforgettable experience. For those who’ve never heard of it, foil surfing uses a long, hydrodynamic fin with wings secured under the board. The best thing is that it mitigates the effects of the wind on the surface of the water, reducing friction and making it possible to rise up and tilt more rapidly. This makes wakesurfing with a foil an exciting experience, with no need for big waves to have fun. BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES Wearing my swimming gear and life jacket, I take off my flip-flops and… board the boat with my friends. And what a boat! Mattia explains that thanks to the “power wedge” system, the waves generated by its passage are perfect for both beginners and more expert “riders”. We make ourselves comfortable and are out on the water in a few minutes. In the meantime I admire the surrounding landscape: the Bolle di Magadino and the nature reserve; the Maggia Delta where the waters are a crystal blue; the colourful houses along the shoreline and the peaks all around, reflected in Lake Maggiore. What heaven! PURE ADRENALIN The time has come to dive in. We’ll each have a 15-minute surfing session. It might not seem very long, but hydrofoiling can tire you out very fast. You need a degree of concentration to tame the thrust of the waves. position and allow myself to be pulled along as I hold tight to the rope. As soon as I feel I’ve got my balance, I let go. “Wow! It’s amazing. It’s like flying on water!” I’m surfing on the crest of the waves generated by the wake of the boat. The wind on my skin and water splashing my face: what a sense of freedom! My adrenalin is through the roof, while my friends on the boat cheer and shout out: “Go! Go! You’re doing great!” PART OF A TRIBE Time flies when you’re having fun. I hand over the board to my travel companions, feeling tired and satisfied as I take my place in the boat. I let the sun dry my skin and enjoy the pleasant breeze blowing gently at the end of the day. Now it’s my turn to cheer on my friends. Mutual support and sharing advice on riding the waves is an integral part of water sports. Fabio says that there is a real community, or better still, a tribe of surfers in Ticino. Not many people are involved in this sport around here yet, but they really want to show that Lake Maggiore offers truly exceptional conditions for it. After this experience, I can confirm without hesitation, and with a pinch of pride, that I already feel part of this tribe. FUN WITH FRIENDS All that sun, water and wind have drained my energy and I’m looking forward to getting back to the friendly Beach Bar. The boat returns to the Bagno Pubblico, which has filled up with people in the meantime. Lounge music is playing, the grill is lit and the tables are lined with all sorts of colourful, refreshing drinks. I look out from the bar over a small sandy beach, two palm trees and a wonderful sunset that spills across Lake Maggiore. The day feels like a short but extremely intense holiday. Protip Surf Tribe’s Axis A22 boat can accommodate up to 10 people. Adults and children, beginners and experts are all welcome. Fortunately the lake is calm. I leap into the water and wait for the boat to start moving, my feet already on the board. One, two, three and… hop! I jump on the board, adjust my body TO THE VIDEO
17 5 REASONS WHY IT’S WORTH IT The adrenalin produced by surfing the waves. A perfect activity to try on your own or in company. The stunning landscape around Lake Maggiore. Hydrofoiling feels like flying on water. The magical sunset from the Beach Bar. Concentrating hard to remain on the crest of the wave.
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