Rowing on Lake Mezzola in Valchiavenna

Rowing is an ancient discipline whose origins date back to Roman times. Over the centuries, it evolved into one of the most noble and fascinating sports. From the Venetian regattas of the 14th century, regulated by Doge Giovanni Soranzo, to the first official competitions on the River Thames in 1715, rowing has built a long tradition shaped by water, competition and heritage. The Leander Club, founded in 1818 between Oxford and Cambridge, is another testament to its enduring sporting legacy.

In Valchiavenna, this tradition comes to life on Lake Mezzola, where the Canottieri Retica rowing club has been active since 2008, bringing together athletes and enthusiasts. During the summer season, the association welcomes anyone interested in trying the sport, offering introductory courses, guided outings and advanced training programmes for more experienced rowers.

A single glance from the shore is enough to understand the appeal of rowing: boats glide across the still water with almost unreal elegance, while the movement of the oars creates a steady and hypnotic rhythm. The silence of the lake, interrupted only by the sound of water, creates an atmosphere that feels suspended in time and deeply evocative.

Here, among reflections and mountains, rowing is not simply a sport. It is an experience that combines effort and beauty, concentration and freedom. Those wishing to discover this world only need to contact the association and allow themselves to be guided into this unique harmony on the water.