Every year I spend some time in Europe, mostly in Italy.

I have a fair amount of experience near Rome where conditions are not ideal, but it gives me a chance to test some light wind gear and brush up on my low wind skills.

If you are planning a trip to Italy over summer I would consider the following guidelines:

• Find out where the kite zones are. It is highly restricted and beaches are always crowded.
• Take the largest kite you have. Wind is often light and mostly onshore.
• Be careful in the water. A lot of beginners are unaware of navigation rules.
• Talk with the local kiters, they are mostly friendly and they will tell you what the requirements are in the area (Schools are a good start).
• Be careful of beach users, some have developed pretty radical animosity towards kiters (probably because of some traumatic past experience with kiters)
• Be aware of beginners in the water there are plenty.
• Water quality is not always great, again Locals should know the ropes.

Being old school, I guess I always put safety first.

Here are some shots taken near Rome.

Ced