When you think of calm canals, and pretty places to paddle - most people think of Venice as a cool place to go stand up paddling. 

But we don't get to experience it in the first person very often thanks to the strict rules and regulations they have about who can paddle around the canals. But every year, there's something called a Vogalonga, which is a huge race with over 7000 entrants in all kinds of paddle craft. For one weekend, Venice opens the canals to all kinds of paddle craft (including inflatable SUP's) and thanks to Greg Kerr from Freemantle, WA - we can check it all out from the lounge room.

Here's what he had to say about the trip: 
"In Venice for the Vogalonga. Did a warm up paddle on the 14' x 26" Astro Race, surprisingly quick for an inflatable and obviously stable. The canal of Venice are beautiful and the city opens them up for all paddle craft for the weekend of the Vogalonga - a 30km paddle around the island of Venice, for any craft that can be paddled."

Apparently the start of the race was ok, but the turnpoints were just insane. Imagine getting to the first marker with 4000 of your closest mates! Not fun considering the waters in Venice, but an incredible experience none-the-less. 

Check out the video and if you want to go for a paddle around the canals in Venice, better start planning for next years event! And pack an inflatable sup, because there WILL be carnage. 

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