The engine howls briefly, the tyres squeal. 100 metres at full throttle on the riverside road. Sharp braking. Into the parking space that has just become free and take a deep breath. Envious looks from the competition. Now it's time to pay another 10 at the parking meter and then it's finally time to hit the water. Anyone who has ever been to Lake Garda on a windy weekend will recognise scenes like this. Of course, there are good reasons to do this again and again: Reliable winds, dolce vita and the unrivalled Alpine panorama make the "Lago" one of the most beautiful and popular windsurfing spots in Europe.
But because the Alps don't stop after Torbole and Lake Garda is not the sole holder of the rights to the mountain and valley winds, it's worth taking a look beyond Monte Baldo. If you dare (and look with a magnifying glass on the map), you will discover something like Lake Garda's little brother, Lago di Cavazzo, halfway between Villach and Udine: the lake, which is only 2.5 kilometres long and a maximum of 800 metres wide, has so far only been known to insiders. Here you wake up with a view of the water, surf the north wind in the early morning and then switch to relaxation mode. Good food, charming surroundings - it's a great place to relax and unwind - and not just when looking for a parking space, but also when ordering the bill at the restaurant.
Spot reporter Wolfgang Strasser has been there several times - certainly not for the last time - and has brought back all the information.
Journey: The small Lago di Cavazzo is located in northern Italy, at the foot of the Carnic Alps, around 80 kilometres south of Villach. Coming from Munich, you can reach the lake in just under four hours via the A8 and A10 motorways. Depending on the size of your vehicle, you will have to pay a toll of around 20 to 30 euros.
Living & Camping:The area around Lago di Cavazzo is very popular with hikers, so you can find plenty of accommodation on the usual internet platforms. The Hotel Trilago on the southern shore of the lake is currently being completely renovated and is expected to reopen its doors in 2019. The best place to stay is at the Lago 3 Comuni campsite, which is located directly on the lake. Contact: www.lago3comuni.com/de/camping . Kayaks and mountain bikes are also available for hire here. Another alternative is the Val del Lago campsite ( www.valdellago.it ) in the immediate neighbourhood.
Wind, weather & neoprene recommendations: The wind system of Lago di Cavazzo is basically identical to that of Lake Garda. On clear nights, the air masses over the Alps cool down more than in the Alpine foothills, causing a cool mountain wind to blow from the north in the early hours of the morning. This is channelled and strengthened between the slopes at Lake Cavazzo, blowing regularly from 5:00 to around 10:00 a.m. at 12 to 20 knots - so early risers have an advantage here too. The mountain wind can occur all year round, but the best times for it are spring and autumn. After thunderstorms at night, the mountain wind can also become really strong at Lake Cavazzo, blowing at over 20 knots and lasting longer. There are no official wind statistics, but at www.cheventofa.com/cavazzo.aspx the consistency of the spot can be surmised, however, and the gliding wind frequency is likely to be well over 50 per cent. The afternoon thermals from the south are usually weak at Lake Cavazzo and generally remain at five to ten knots. This makes the lake particularly suitable for intermediates and freeriders - and of course for anyone who wants to pursue other hobbies after a morning windsurfing session. As the lake is fed by several tributaries, the water temperatures are often fresh, similar to Lake Garda, so a long wetsuit can't hurt in spring and autumn.
Under http://nautilago.com there are two webcams that show the view of the lake.
Surfstation: There is no surf station on site, own equipment is recommended.
Alternative programme: Whether as a stopover when travelling through to the sea or as a final holiday destination, Lago di Cavazzo offers other alternatives besides windsurfing. Numerous hiking trails, for example to the Tagliamento, one of the last wild rivers in the Alps, will make the hearts of nature lovers beat faster. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can also enjoy tandem paragliding flights, for example at www.vololiberofriuli.it . The World War II fortress on Monte Festa is also worth a visit and if you fancy sun and sand, the Adriatic coast is only an hour's drive away.
Downsides:The temperatures in spring are sometimes shady, so late risers won't get their money's worth here.
SPOT 1: Lake Cavazzo
At just under one kilometre wide, Lake Cavazzo is very manageable. The best launch site is at the south-western end of the lake, close to the Lago 3 Comuni campsite, where you can park and rig up by the water. There are a few metres of standing area in the area of the small tributary, with the wind blowing diagonally from the left. The water is smooth and because the lake is at its maximum width here, you can take around 800 metres of long strokes, hone your manoeuvres or freestyle. Even though everything here is much smaller and more tranquil than at the Lake Garda hotspot, a small fan community has established itself here too, and you are never alone on the water. Wind forces of between four and five Beaufort (12-15 knots) are the rule, but it can get much windier after a thunderstorm at night. No matter how strong it whistles, the water remains smooth, with a few chops for jumping. In the afternoon, a light thermal from the south often fans across the lake. Beginners, intermediates and foil fans are in good hands here.
