At a glance
- Pelèr
- From the north, from the night until about midday
- Ora
- From the south, from midday until sunset
- Ora season
- Strongest in high summer
- Kitesurf
- Only in set zones and at set times
- Clubs
- Fraglia Vela Riva, Circolo Vela Torbole
- Youth regatta
- Lake Garda Meeting Optimist (Easter)
Northern Lake Garda is squeezed between the mountains like a fjord. The sun warming the plain to the south and the cool Alpine air to the north create thermal winds that are regular and predictable. For anyone on a boat or a board, that means you can plan a session almost every day.
Pelèr and Ora: the two winds
| Wind | Direction | When | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelèr | From the north | Usually starts around 2–3 am and drops around midday | Up to 13 m/s |
| Ora | From the south | From about midday until sunset | Over 10 m/s; strongest in high summer, very light in winter |
In practice: early morning if you are after the Pelèr, afternoon for the Ora. In between there is often a calm spell around midday.
Kitesurf: the rules
In the Trentino part of the lake, kitesurfing is allowed with restrictions:
- at least 200 m from the shore and from scheduled ferries;
- launching and landing only with authorised services;
- no kiting during regattas, and a maximum wind of 16 m/s;
- from 1 March to 9 October only from dawn to 10:30 and from 16:30 to sunset, in designated zones;
- from 10 October to 28 February from dawn to sunset.
The rules can change: always check the official Garda Dolomiti page and ask your school or launch service.
Clubs and schools
- Fraglia Vela Riva (Viale Maroni 2, Riva): a historic club that organises regattas and courses, including Optimist courses for young people.
- Circolo Vela Torbole: the reference point in Torbole for regattas and activities.
- Between Riva and Torbole there are several sailing, windsurf and kite schools that also rent out equipment.
Regattas to watch
The Lake Garda Meeting Optimist, organised by Fraglia Vela Riva around Easter, brings hundreds of young sailors from all over the world to Riva: in 2026 it took place from 1 to 5 April. The 2027 dates have not yet been published. During the regattas the lake off Riva fills with sails: quite a sight, even from the shore.
Setting off from Riva's old town
From the old town, the harbour and the Fraglia are a few minutes' walk away, and Torbole is an easy bike ride along the lake. After a session on the water, the terrace of the Urban with Terrace is perfect for drying off in the sun.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Lake Garda winds in Riva?
Two regular winds: the Pelèr, from the north, which usually starts during the night and drops around midday, and the Ora, from the south, which blows from about midday until sunset, strongest in high summer and very light in winter.
Can you kitesurf in Riva del Garda?
Yes, but with restrictions in the Trentino part of the lake: at least 200 m from the shore and from ferries, only with authorised launch services, no kiting during regattas and only at set times. From 1 March to 9 October the hours are reduced; check the official Garda Dolomiti page.
Where can I take a sailing course in Riva del Garda?
Fraglia Vela Riva runs, among other things, Optimist courses for young people; in Torbole there is the Circolo Vela Torbole, and there are several sailing and windsurf schools between Riva and Torbole.
Riva or Torbole for windsurfing?
Torbole is the historic reference point for windsurfing and sailing; Riva has more services and the old town. The two are close together and linked by a cycle path along the lake.
